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Heat Stroke – How to Behave during Hot Season

In summer, and sometimes in mid-seasons, people (especially senior people and children) run into increased danger due to high air temperatures and high humidity. This is especially dangerous when “heat waves” occur (a few particularly hot days in a row) and when the thermal load (a mixture of high temperature and relatively high humidity, or a very high temperature, even if the humidity level stays low) is significantly increased. Definition of the “heat wave” throughout different countries is the following: air temperature above 90°F for three consecutive days or more. A high thermal load will occur at a temperature of 86 °F in case if relative humidity exceeds 70%, or in a case of a higher temperature, even if humidity is lower.

Staying in the heat can lead to negative consequences of varying difficulty. The most dangerous consequences can be heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke happens if a person’s body cannot cool itself in hot weather: sweating is ineffective and body temperature quickly jumps, reaching sometimes 105.8°F and more within 15 minutes (!). Heat exhaustion is not as dangerous as the heat stroke, and is a consequence of staying in the heat during several days if a person does not drink enough water or other fluids.

High temperature is especially dangerous for elderly people. The danger increases even more if an elderly person suffers from excess weight, chronic diseases, takes certain medications, as well as in case of acute illnesses or dehydration being present at a person.

Recommendations as for preventing the adverse effects of sun exposure

The best way to protect yourself against the adverse effects of sun exposure is to prevent these effects. It is advisable to monitor weather forecasts and get prepared according to them. It is also necessary to pay attention not only to the air temperature, but also to the thermal load – a combination of air temperature and humidity.

• During the hours when the heat reaches its peak, it is strongly recommended to stay where the air conditioner works. If your home does not have AC, it is advisable to spend several hours in some public areas where the air conditioner works, and as little time as possible in the heat;
• In hot weather, a good practice is to draw the blinds or close the drapes to reduce the penetration of sunlight, but it is essential to ventilate the room. Closed blinds can reduce the penetration of heat into the apartment by about 80%;
• A cool shower (or bath) will help to cool the body;
• It is strongly recommended to wear light and only comfortable clothing;
• Try not to go out into the heat. A good option is to leave the house only in early morning and during the evening hours;
• During the hot weather rest is advisable. Do as little physical work and sports in hot weather as possible. In case you still need to do this, during exercise or work, needing with physical activity, drink 2-4 glasses of cold water and other soft drinks/liquids in a quantity which exceeds the recommended.

Please consult a doctor in such situations:

- If a person suffers from various cardiovascular diseases, some chronic illnesses, overweight, mental disorders, as well as in case of acute illnesses or dehydration;
- If a person takes medications acting on central nervous system (brain), such as sedatives, hypnotics, drugs for Parkinson’s disease, and medications for certain mental disorders. These drugs can increase significantly sensitivity to heat, which in its turn increases the risk of suffering from heat stroke.

The most dangerous consequences of staying in the heat are heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

Heat stroke

Usually, when the temperature rises, the body cools itself by sweating, and does not allow body temperature to rise. However, in hot weather and with high humidity, sweat does not evaporate quickly, and the body is not capable of cooling itself. In this case, a heat stroke can occur – the most dangerous consequence of the heat exposure on the body.

Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to cool itself in hot weather: sweating is ineffective and body temperature quickly jumps, reaching sometimes 105.8°F and more within 15 minutes. This can cause severe consequences for the nervous system and can be manifested by a darkening of consciousness, confusion of consciousness or convulsions, as well as a violation of the work of other vital organs. If a person suffered from heat stroke is not immediately provided with assistance, this can lead to death or permanent disability.

The risk of suffering from heat stroke is increased in the elderly, in infants and children from birth to 4 years old, in people suffering from cardiovascular diseases, in people suffering from excess weight, in people suffering from chronic diseases, in people taking certain drugs, as well as in case of acute illness or in case of lack of fluid in the body (dehydration).

Symptoms of heat stroke

The following symptoms are typical for a heat stroke:
- the first signs are: general weakness, a feeling of stuffiness and a strong thirst;
- high body temperature;
- tachycardia;
- pulse exceeds 130 beats per minute;
- blood pressure drops sharply (further, with normalization of body temperature, blood pressure is restored);
- loss of consciousness;
- some people experience diarrhea and vomiting.

In the absence of timely help, a person’s condition worsens and develops more serious symptoms:

- delirium and confusion;
- disorientation;
- convulsions;
- hallucinations;
- cyanosis;
- gastrointestinal bleeding;
- a syndrome of hepatic insufficiency, accompanied by jaundice, encephalopathy and hypoglycemia;
- acute renal damage, accompanied by oliguria (decrease in the amount of urine) by changing the color of urine.

A heat stroke requires the provision of emergent medical care. Timely assistance will prevent the development of irreversible processes in the body of the patient and reduce the risk of death.

What to do in cases of suspected heat stroke?

If there is a suspicion of heat stroke, it is necessary to take quickly all possible measures to lower the body temperature of the person. If possible, the patient should be transferred to an air-conditioned room, wrapped in a wet sheet, in general all possible steps should be taken to cool the affected person. It is quite effective to wipe the affected person with ice or alcohol.

To normalize the activity of the hypothalamus, an ice pack should be applied to the scalp.

The main task of the first aid is to lower the patient’s temperature below 102.2 °F. When providing first aid, continuous rectal body temperature control is recommended.

And of course the affected person should be quickly delivered to the hospital.

Studies have shown that when there is no assistance to the heat affected person within an hour, irreversible processes begin in the body that affect the central nervous system, leading to disability of the patient, or to a lethal outcome.

GETTING READY FOR AUTUMN

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HEALTH OF ELDERLY PEOPLE IN AUTUMN

Autumn has already come, and the cold is just around the corner, which in our climate occupies quite a long part of the year. The so-called “golden autumn” passes quickly, and the rest of the time is dominated by mud, cold and slush. The sharp drop in temperature and frequent changes in barometric pressure may themselves cause serious deterioration of health, especially this appeals to elderly people with chronic diseases.

First of all, these factors affect the condition of elderly people with diseases of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, disorders of musculoskeletal system and psycho-emotional disorders. The sharp fall of temperature causes a spasm of blood vessels, which can lead to a hypertensive crisis or angina attack. Atmospheric pressure drop causes hypoxia – low oxygen content in the body. This in its turn leads to a lack of it in the heart muscle and brain. People can feel heartaches and headaches, and in people who are prone to emotional instability, their psychological condition is deteriorating, and sometimes they face a real depression.

Elderly people who have diseases of the musculoskeletal system (osteoarthrosis, rheumatism), there are aching pain in the affected joints in places of old fractures or wounds, and even absolutely healthy people during this period often feel uncomfortable.

The cold leads to a reduction of immune system capacities: dramatically increases the number of acute respiratory diseases, chronic illnesses are aggravated.

Following our recommendations below will add some bright colors to your autumn:

• If during this period of the year you experience the exacerbation of chronic disease, you should consult your doctor and try to follow all his prescriptions and recommendations. Do not self-medicate.

• If your health and mood are heavily dependent on the weather, take care of yourself. Dress warmly in cold.

• Include in your diet herbal teas, which may include some brier, eat more vegetables and fruits, add some vitamin complexes with microelements.

• If the state of your health allows this, move more regardless of the weather – it enhances the metabolic processes in the body and normalizes blood circulation.

• Wear low-heeled shoes with non-slip soles. Remember that the fall is the main cause of serious injuries and death among the elderly.

• If you have a reduced visual acuity, try not to leave the house in the dark period of the day, to avoid injury.

• And most importantly – create for yourself and your family a good mood, it is a universal remedy against different diseases. Friendly and smooth attitude towards others, optimism and humor – all this contributes to a long and healthy life.

It is well known that negative emotions: resentment, fear, sadness, anger, grief, envy, hatred – are risk factors, approaching old age and shortening life, and vice versa, positive emotions – delight, joy – cause extraordinary rise of vital forces of an organism. Laughter is a sign of joy, cheerful mood and mental health. It favorably affects the lungs and regulates the metabolism.

Practice care and attention towards each other. Try especially after retirement, to organize the rhythm of life. Alternate feasible work with a reasonably organized rest.

• Much attention should be paid to sleep. Sleep is a vital human need. The duration of sleep should be such that after waking up a person should note good spirits and a burst of energy. A healthy and sound sleep requires a right regime of life: go to bed at the same time, dine without overeating not later than 2-3 hours before bedtime. Take a thirty minutes walk before the bedtime and do not watch too emotional television broadcasts, neither take tonic beverages such as strong tea or coffee before the bedtime.

Autumn of life is called the elderly age, and it is a very difficult season. But this time of life has its joy and delight. A person in this age moves into a new quality, he or she becomes a grandparent. And life begins to play with new colors, new, previously unknown feelings and joys, new worries and concerns, life takes on new meaning.

Pet Therapy – a Wonderful Cure for Loneliness

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The help to elderly people cannot be accomplished without ensuring, first of all, a harmony in the soul of an elderly person. Pet can carry out the most important assistance to the elderly – to make them not so lonely, provide them with an extra incentive to existence, and give them their warmth and joy. Pets bring harmony and order into the emotional state of their masters.

Any pet, whatever it may be – large or small, and even a fish in the aquarium, as if connects to human energy, adjusting it to a positive mood. Each animal species has certain unique features; that is why their positive impact on a person has its shades and nuances, but the result of this interaction has always the most beneficial impact on an elderly person.

Sometimes there are such situations in life, when pets are the only friends for the elderly and lonely people. They fill their lives with meaning and care. Help to relieve mental and physical pain and suffering. Pets give their owners life energy.

Elderly people understand that the main and the best part of their lives is left behind. Their emotional tone is decreasing, and the physical condition is worsening. And this in its turn may lead to such a mental state, as depression. To avoid this, we need positive emotions, and in this our four-legged friends can help.

Animals have a natural ability to maintain a person’s emotional state. And remove the feeling of loneliness when you are not needed. This feeling appears because the majority of elderly people live alone, away from their children and grandchildren. And they need anything to fill in the lack of attention and communication. Animals will love devotedly their master and will constantly be near. And most importantly is that the elderly and lonely people will acquire a vital need to be wanted and needed by someone.

Pet-therapy or animal therapy

The origins of psychological illnesses treatment with the help of animals go back to the end of the 18th century, when the Yorkshire mental hospital began to use dogs for the treatment of patients. Even then, the clinic doctors have noted that animals had a positive impact on patients. In the course of therapy the reduction of aggression and frequency of episodes was noted in patients.

Today Canistherapy (dog therapy) and Felinotherapy (cat therapy) is widely used to improve the condition of children with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and other pathologies. The specialists observed the improvement of coordination, decrease of spasticity and significantly improved memory in children.

Communication with your pet has also a beneficial effect on the activity of a human brain, which helps to prevent or reduce many psychological disorders. Thus, in particular, during Alzheimer disease – communication with cats eliminates anxiety, which is so pronounced in this disease. A sense of great responsibility in relation to a pet, and taking care of the beloved one stimulates an elderly person to be active, which in its turn stimulates the desire to be healthy and to live.

How pets help to cope with depression and stress

With the approach of autumn, many people gain such kind of psychological disorder as “autumn spleen”. Causeless melancholy, gloom and other subdepressive states begin to exhaust us with the arrival of the first frosts. Often even quite healthy people can be difficult to force themself to get out of bed in the morning and do not frown during the day. If you are familiar with such states, physicians strongly advise to adopt a pet.
Pets live according to their own schedule, in which the emphasis of life corresponds to the daily cycle. Thus, a dog or a cat is sure to wake you up early and require a morning walk or feed. And it will be a good enough reason for you not lie in bed until noon.
Morning walking the dog helps to strengthen immunity, is good for the heart and helps to lose weight. If you feel a bit lethargic and inactive, a dog will teach you to be more cheerful, open and determined.

Equally effective cure for the blues Is communication with the cats. Did you notice that the Internet is full of videos with funny shots of the cat tricks and pranks? These animals are very curious, and having got a kitten in your home will be an endless source of funny events and situations. In addition, cats are curing the vain anxiety and excessive fatigue by the warmth of their body and the characteristic “purr”.

But not only dogs and cats are “home psychotherapists”. Other pets, such as aquarium fish, birds, rabbits, hamsters and even insects, are also doing an excellent job in fighting with stress and despondency.

Psychological observations allow the following conclusions: pets help people to cope with the problems they face, with stress, loneliness. They significantly improve the bad mood and give a great emotional support. And it does not matter who lives at a person’s home: a cat or a dog, a bird or a simple fish – any animal has a positive effect on the physical and psychological well-being of an elderly person. Daily contact with a pet reduces the risk of various diseases, as well as inspires the human soul with optimism and reliability.

Pets give their owners a hundred percent, selfless love and attention, no matter who is their master: a young boy or a very old man. Pets turn into the very best friends with whom you can talk and share feelings. Communication and interaction with the animal increases the level of serotonin in the brain, which increases the sense of well-being of the owner.

Take care of yourself and your pets, and stay healthy!

Is it important to look after your skin?

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Life is life, and aging is a part of it. Our loved ones become older and not only their health changes, but also their appearance and skin in particular. The skin looses its fullness and becomes thin.

It’s not a secret that skin plays an important role in protecting our bodies from the environment. Healthy skin is very important for people of all ages, but seniors need to pay special attention.

We have prepared the list of tips that will help your loved ones to come with skin problems.

· Don’t forget to moisturize!

Dry skin is one of the main problems for seniors. Face, hands and feet must be moisturized. There is a great number of products that can help the skin to become smooth and shiny.

· Do not forget to protect your loved ones from the sun!

Even in our Washington State, it is important to protect your skin from the sun. Using special creams will help prevent wrinkles and brown spots. While choosing a cream, look for those that contain SPF components.

· Healthy eating

A healthy diet is one of the main ways for skin improvement. Dermatologists agree that products that we eat affect our health, hormone balance, etc. Do not think that healthy diet is a boring one. Not at all! Healthy diet is one that makes your body healthy and improves your mood.

· Regular visits to the doctor

It is very important to visit your doctor regularly, to have your loved ones skin checked. If you notice any changes, encourage your loved ones to look for professional medical advice.

Alzheimer’s Disease, Stay Away!

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According to Alzheimer’s Association about 5.2 million of Americans suffer from the disease, and it is true that the disease is incurable, but there are concrete ways and steps that should be taken in order to stay healthy.

Neal Barnard, M.D., president of the nonprofit Physicians Committee and an adjunct professor of medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine says that Alzheimer’s disease is not a natural way of aging, but if a person stays active and consumes a lot of plant-based foods, we have the chance to avoid this serious disease.

Seven main steps from the doctor include:

1. A person should minimize the intake of saturated fats and trans fats.

2. Eat plant-based foods.

3. Every day a person should consume 15 micrograms of vitamin E (from food).

4. B12 supplement is a must do.

5. Choose aluminum-free products.

6. Do not choose vitamins containing iron and copper.

7. Exercise your body – at least two hours per week.

Make sure that your aging parents stay active, keep their mind engaged. If you have any questions, prepositions or need help with your aging parents, please, feel free to contact us, we would be glad to provide any kind of help.

Vascular Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease: What’s the difference?

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Very often these both diseases are mistaken for each other, this happens because both vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are the forms of dementia. It is very important for family members to distinguish the difference between them.

· Alzheimer’s disease is more common that vascular dementia. The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is still unknown, and the cause of vascular dementia is a stroke or lack of normal blood supply to the brain. Doctors believe that the risk of vascular dementia can be reduced by preventing a stroke: monitoring cholesterol level, blood pressure help a lot in preventing strokes.

· The symptoms of the forms of dementia are different. The symptoms of vascular dementia are observed on an earlier stage because they are really severe and sudden. Seniors with vascular dementia experience problems with walking and movements earlier than seniors with Alzheimer’s disease.

· The difference is also can be found in the progression of the diseases. Seniors who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease experience slow cognitive decline, but patients with vascular dementia experience sudden changes one day and then have a period when these changes remain the same and then they experience another sudden changes.

· The prognosis for both diseases is also different. People who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease usually live longer because the disease progresses slower than vascular dementia. it is also harder to diagnose the survival time with vascular dementia because the main word for describing this disease is “sudden”. Please, keep in mind that statistics is only statistics and proper treatment and care can help patients to live longer.

· Both of the diseases may be difficult for family members to handle both emotionally and physically. Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia cause unpleasant changes in people and it is very important for every family member to be positive.

Do Vitamin D Supplements Reduce Risk of Falls?

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When people are getting older, falls become very common thing to many of them. What should be done to prevent dangerous falls among elderly age group? Below you will find important research information that will surely be helpful.

The results of the recent studies, which can be found in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, show that elderly people who took Vitamin D supplements daily had 72% fewer falls than those who didn’t take them. Scientists say that the needed and the most effective daily dose is 800 IU.

Other researches show that about half of the adult home and nursing home residents have at least one fall every year. Vitamin D and Vitamin D supplements help to strengthen the musculoskeletal system and save seniors from falling.

It’s should be noted that daily dose of Vitamin D for seniors, which is recommended by government, is 400 IU. If you think about taking bigger dose, we recommend consulting your doctor first.

Scientists agree that the safest way to receive vitamin D is to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine. At an average, people need 25 minutes of the sun shining on the face and hands to synthesize 2000 IU. If your skin is light, 15 minutes are enough for you.

We should also remember that our body synthesizes only the amount of vitamin which is needed, that’s why it is impossible to suffer from vitamin toxicity from the sun.

Top Technologies in Adult Family Homes

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Healthcare and technologies are the industries that are developed quickly, and it’s not a surprise; the part of new technologies in the life of seniors is getting bigger and more impressive. And it doesn’t matter whether your aging parent lives alone or in an adult home, new technologies can become great helpers and improve mobility, safety and independence of your parents.

Here is the list of the most popular and trendy:

· WI-FI

Our list starts with Wi-Fi because it is very important for seniors to feel comfy wherever they work. It’s much better for them to use their laptop on their favorite and cosy couch and feel safe

· Wearable devices that are used for monitoring, recording and then transmitting health information to physicians.

Such devices are very important because doctors can control the health state of your loved ones, ask for a visit if needed or prescribe medicines.

· Wander protection devices, GPS-based systems.

These gadgets help to protect seniors with Alzheimer disease from wondering, which is related to the disease. These devices save from being disoriented and lost.

· Devices that help to control medication.

Such gadgets work perfectly for those seniors who have problems with memory. These devices help to control the medication process. Special reminders can be set for medication intake and monitoring of the whole process is provided.

· Internet-Based Brain Games

There are technologies that help to maintain and improve cognitive skills of your loved ones. These technologies include brain games that help to stay focused.

· Gadgets for caregivers such as video systems.

Video monitoring systems help to observe remotely and respond quickly. However, these systems are not frequently used because they intrude seniors’ privacy.

· Technologies that keep seniors stay socially included and connected.

We always say that social isolation is a murderer for your loved ones. Physical and emotional health can be improved if your loved ones stay connected with others and with things they like.

Is it Dementia or Depression?

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It’s not a secret that dementia is one of the most misdiagnosed diseases. If you see that your elderly parent begins to forget or has real problems concentrating, may be your loved one suffers from dementia? Or it can be usual depression?

To tell you the truth, it is very easy to diagnose these diseases wrongly. Both have very similar symptoms: sleep problems, loss of appetite, weight loss, difficulties with concentration, loss of interest, people become irritable and have problems remembering things.

As well as there are similarities between diseases, there are differences between them. Depression, for example, causes loss of energy and suicidal thoughts; and dementia can cause problems with organizing things, speech problems and incontinence.

People who suffer from dementia seem very unreachable, but there are several ways that help to unlock their hearts and emotions.

Very often such people make statements that are not correct and your reaction is very important. First of all, it’s better to be silent than start correcting. If you are silent, there is no tension between you and your parent. Your loved one feels secure and not frustrated. If you choose to correct, be ready to cope with anger and grief that were trigged by your correction. It’s much better to say something neutral or change the topic asking a question.

It is also very important to remember about the 5-minute rule. Caregivers and doctors know that people who suffer from dementia have short memory. If your parent refuses doing something, stay calm and wait for a little bit, then return with the same question. Usually their reaction is changed. Very often 5-minute rule helps to keep stress on a low level.

If you have questions or problems with taking care about your parents, Day View Adult Home in Renton will gladly help you. Contact us and our professional team will resolve your problem.

Healthy Food for Seniors

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Healthy eating is important for everybody, but especially for kids and seniors. Every elderly person has different nutritional issues and needs, but there is a list of the products that are considered to be the best healthy food for elderly people. If you like products from our list consult your doctor and talk to him about the possibility of changing the diet.

Products that improve brain functioning and memory:

• Salmon: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are good not only for your brain, but also for your heart.

• Canola oil: Cook using canola oil and increase your daily intake of omega-3.

• Avocado: avocado contains a lot of healthy fatty acids that are good for your memory.

• Eggs: Choline that is found in eggs, is a type of Vitamin B and it is perfect for increasing you memory.

• Almonds: Almonds do not only give you energy, but they also contain choline useful for the brain.

Products for your bone health:

• Fortified milk: Only milk that is fortified with Vitamin D should be used by elderly people.

• Cottage cheese: Doctors say that cottage cheese contains 156 – 318 mg of calcium.

• Kale: Kale doesn’t only contain calcium that is good for your bones, but it is also rich in Vitamin K.

• Collards: Experiments show that just half of a cup of collards contains 20% of your recommended daily value of calcium.

Foods for better digestion:

• Beets: Nutritionists agree that red beets help constipation symptoms.

• Cod liver oil: This oil is rich in Vitamin D and Vitamin A that are good for the digestive tract.

• Prunes: they are rich in fiber, which helps to digest.

• Turnips: Turnips is another source of good dietary fiber.

Foods for the better eyesight:

• Lutein: All foods that contain lutein are good for your eyesight; this is kale, spinach, etc.

• Garlic: Garlic is a great source of sulfur that helps in production of glutathione, antioxidant for your eyes.

• Onions: Onions are also rich in glutathione.

• Fish Oil: Fish oil helps to preserve your precious eyesight. It can be found in flax seed, walnuts, salmon, mackerel, etc.