Tag Archives: personal care

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.

Bedsores

Leave a reply

Bedsores are the areas of ischemia and necrosis of tissues resulting from prolonged compression, shear or friction of the tissues between the human skeleton and the surface of bed.

It is well known that human body tissues function obtaining the necessary nutrients from blood. Blood vessels, which penetrate all human tissues and are like soft elastic tubes, deliver blood to all the organs and tissues of the human body. The smallest ones, the capillaries, are especially important for normal metabolism in tissues. The movement of fluid through such tubes is easy to be slowed down or completely stopped by compressing them. Any sitting or bed-bound person has some of his soft tissue and blood vessels compressed, which results in a lack of blood flow to the tissues. If this condition lasts for more than 2 hours, then a nutritional disorder (ischemia), and later the death (necrosis) of soft tissues comes. Bedsores (or as they are also called – decubitus ulcers, pressure sores or pressure ulcers) are developing. Therefore it is necessary to remember that prolonged immobility is not safe!

The second reason, due to which bedsores may develop, is, for example, when the bed sheet is pulled out from the patient. At this time there is a significant displacement of the surface layers of soft tissues relative to deeply placed layers, which results in rupture of small blood vessels, and disturbance of blood supply to these tissues. Similarly, bedsores can form in weak, bed-bound patients, who, without support in the legs, start slowly slide down in a chair or in a bed from a sitting or half-sitting position, which is barely noticeable to the eye but very sensible to soft tissues.

Bedsores risk factors:

- bad nutrition and lack of drinking;
- overweight and exhaustion;
- smoking;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- diabetes;
- incontinence;
- injuries and diseases of the brain and spinal cord;
- sweating at an elevated temperature;
- dirty skin;
- crumbs and small items in the bed;
- folds, stitches, buttons on underwear;
- allergic reaction to skin-care products.

Places where bedsores appear more often

Potential areas of bedsores formation may be all the places over the bony prominences on the body, which are compressed when lying or sitting. The subcutaneous fat at these places is the least expressed, and the pressure of bony prominences is expressed more strongly. If the patient is lying on his back these places are the sacrum, heels, ischial tuberosity, elbows, shoulder blades, back of the head. When lying on sidelong – on the side of the hip (the area of major trochanter), on the sides of the ankles and knees. If the patient is lying on his stomach – the pubic area and cheekbones.

Bedsores stages

In the development of bedsores several stages can be distinctly specified. The longer lasts the pressure on the skin area, the harder is the tissue damage.

Stage I. Clearly limited red area of intact skin, the redness does not disappear after relieving the pressure. Patients with darker skin, which does not allow to determine the change in its coloring, may perform the diagnostic of the skin area under pressure by the increase in temperature, the emergence of induration or edema. Redness disappears in a few hours or days after the cease of pressure depending on the degree of circulatory disorders.

Stage II. Partial damage of epidermis up to dermis. It is characterized by surface ulcer, which can manifest itself clinically in the form of scratch, blister, or shallow crater.

Stage III. Damage of all skin layers (epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue), which can reach the fascia lying under the skin, without affecting it. Clinically such bedsore manifests itself as a deep open ulcer exposing underlying tissues or without it.

Stage IV. Sores throughout the entire thickness of skin with extensive tissue necrosis and damage to muscles, tendons and bones. Often there is tissue damage and the formation of infected pockets.

Prevention principles

Treatment and prevention of bedsores are inextricably associated with a whole set of measures aimed at the care for sick person. Material costs for the prevention of bedsores are always lower than their treatment.

The preventive measures are required for patients who use a wheelchair, are confined to bed, patients suffering from partial immobility (of separate body parts), urinary and/or fecal incontinence, exhausted patients, patients with obesity, suffering from diabetes, or suffering from effects of a stroke.

Major prevention principles:

• reduction of pressure, friction or shear;
• periodical change of position;
• special mattresses, aids and appliances helping to reduce compression areas;
• good nutrition and personal hygiene;
• reduction of skin irritants;
• skin care – keep the skin clean;
• reduction of skin moisture;
• regular and proper urination and defecation.

But even with the best care, only bedsores of the first and second stage may be treated without any operative intervention. Bedsores of stages three and four usually need a surgery followed up by a prolonged recovery period with possible complications. That’s why a regular inspection of the body of immobile patients with the early detection of bedsores is so important.

Senior Dental Health

Leave a reply

Aging affects functioning of the whole body, but often, people are just not aware or are not prepared for some health issues. In today’s article we will introduce the readers to the most common age-related oral diseases.

Xerostomia (dry mouth)
Reduction of salivation can be caused by a range of factors, including the receipt of certain medications, Sjogren’s syndrome or radiation therapy of tumors in the head and neck area. Saliva provides a natural protection of the mouth, washing away food debris and preventing the uncontrolled growth of pathogenic bacteria. In case of insufficient secretion of saliva greatly increases the risk of caries and periodontal disease, which, in their turn, entail other problems of dental health.

Darkening of the teeth
It happens due to the thinning of the enamel (the underlying layer of dentin, which has a darker color, becomes visible through the thin enamel), and prolonged use of food and drinks leading to changes in enamel color. Very often it is possible to return the whiteness by simple teeth whitening procedure, whereas in some cases more complex procedures of cosmetic dentistry may be required.

Tooth root caries
As a result of aging and deterioration of oral health care, the recession (lowering) of the gums is frequently observed. The result is the exposure of the tooth root, which is much less protected and more vulnerable to the development of caries.

Periodontal disease
This disease is typical not only for elderly people, it occurs in people of all ages. However, taking into consideration the long progression of the disease, its severe forms are more specific to elderly people. The longer period the disease remains undetected, the greater amount of oral tissues get involved in the pathological process. Although periodontal disease is caused by dental plaque, there are other factors increasing the risk or severity of the disease. They include food debris between the teeth, smoking, occlusion pathologies, poorly made dental prostheses, malnutrition and systemic diseases (such diseases like anemia, diabetes). Although the periodontal disease occurs because of disorders in the whole body, its development may be prevented. At early stages the symptoms of the disease can be completely eliminated. The treatment at the later stages may require surgical intervention. If you notice any of these symptoms: redness, swelling and bleeding gums, mobility of teeth, bad taste and bad breath, there is an urgent need to consult your dentist.

Which factors complicate the gum diseases?
- Poor diet
- Insufficient oral hygiene
- Chronic diseases such as some heart diseases, diabetes and cancer.
- External factors such as stress and smoking
- Some medications that can affect the condition of the gums

It is important to note that the prevention of gingivitis and periodontal disease can help keep your teeth until old age.

Teeth loss
It happens due to many reasons, including the following: as a result of periodontal disease, injury, or tooth decay which was left untreated. The lost tooth should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent misalignment of teeth, which can cause malocclusion and lead to dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Stomatitis caused by wearing dentures
The reason for inflammation of the soft tissues under the dentures can become bad-fitting dentures, insufficient oral hygiene or yeast-like fungi Candida albicans.

How to prevent dental problems in the elderly
First and foremost is a thorough oral hygiene throughout the whole life. Proper oral hygiene lies in brushing teeth, at least two times a day during two minutes, every day flossing and using antibacterial mouthwashes.
With age, even usual oral hygiene may for many people become quite a challenge, due to developing arthritis or loss of strength and manual dexterity. Fortunately, now many products that can help in this situation began to appear on the market. In addition, it is important not to miss any scheduled visit to your dentist to carry out preventive examinations and some professional oral hygiene.

Take care about your teeth and stay healthy!

Alzheimer’s Disease, Stay Away!

Leave a reply

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.

Nutritional Warning Signs

1 Reply

Taking care of an aging parent or your loved ones requires great attention, not only personal, but attention to the things they do, to the stuff they prefer, or to the things they forget…

With age, certain things that seem usual to us can become really difficult for them: personal care, driving, shopping, cooking and eating. Malnutrition has become a serious problem among seniors that cause a variety of health problems.

It is very significant to look for the signs of malnutrition, so you can help you loved ones before serious problems can happen. In many cases malnutrition is a result of difficulties with cooking process, shopping or a matter of forgetfulness.

If you’ve noticed the warning signs, you need to consult a doctor and make a special correction plan for food intake.

Below is the list of signs that will indicate the problem of poor nutrition.

1. Weight Loss

Weight loss is the biggest and the most obvious sign. If you notice that your aging parent or loved one has lost weight, it’s time to check with a doctor, especially if you are not sure, what is the main reason for the weight loss.

2. Empty refrigerator of a great number of spoiled products

It is very important during your visits to your loved ones, to check the content of the fridge and the pantry. If you notice that there are not so many products left or there are spoiled items, this might indicate that they do not shop or eat properly. Ask your parent or loved ones about their mobility, about the desire to cook and eat, about their memory.

3. Depression and social isolation

Very often the roots of the problem do not lie on the surface; most often they are hidden inside the person. Malnutrition can be caused by depression and social isolation. The person does not feel needed and important things become insignificant to them.

4. Fatigue

Fatigue is also one of the main signs of improper nutrition. When seniors do not get enough food, their bodies stop functioning normally, these seniors will have dental problems, can bruise easily, etc.

At Day View Adult Family Home we understand and try to meet the needs of seniors. If you have questions about our adult family home or about the topic we’ve discussed, please free to contact us. We are here to help you and your loved ones!