What You May Not Know about Heart Disease

As the number one killer for both men and women, it is important that we know the facts about heart disease. The American Heart Association’s website contains useful information about heart disease and the many problems related to atherosclerosis, which is the condition that develops when a substance called plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries.  When this buildup narrows the arteries, it more difficult for blood to flow through and increases the chance of a blood clot forming, which can stop blood flow and cause a heart attack or stroke.

A heart attack occurs when the blood flow that goes into the heart becomes blocked by a blood clot.  The treatment an individual receives depends on the severity of the heart attack, but for most, medications and lifestyle changes are prescribed. 

The most common type of stroke is an ischemic stroke and happens when a blood vessel that feeds the brain is blocked (usually from a blood clot).  Uncontrolled hypertension can result in what is known as a hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain burst. 

The AHA states that heart failure, also called congestive heart failure, is one of the most common causes of hospitalization for  adults 65 years and older.  Heart failure occurs when the heart is not pumping blood as well as it should and the body’s blood and oxygen needs are not being met.  Left untreated it can worsen, and individuals with the disease need to be diligent in following doctor’s orders.  Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications and surgery. 

Other types of cardiovascular disease are arrhythmia and heart valve problems.  Arrhythmia is the abnormal rhythm of the heart that causes the heart to beat too slowly, too fast or irregularly.   Stenosis is when the heart valves do not open enough to allow blood to flow through, and regurgitation is what happens when the heart valves do not close properly and allow blood to leak through.  Finally mitral valve prolapse is when the valve leaflets bulge or prolapse back into the upper chamber. 

*Our post is for information purposes only and not a substitute for seeking medical advice.

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the Front Range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will add 2 more locations in 2015.  Our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".  Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home healthcare services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Sources:heart.org/HEARTORG/Caregiver/Resources/WhatisCardiovascularDisease/What-is-Cardiovascular-Disease_UCM_301852_Article.jsp#

Is Frequent Bruising a Cause for Concern?

 

While some people are more prone to bruising and women more so than men, it is true that as we age everyone bruises more easily.  According to the Mayo Clinic, older people’s skin is thinner and has lost some of its fatty layer that works as a cushion to protect blood vessels from injury.   

Contusion, the medical term for a bruise, is typically caused when the small blood vessels near the skin’s surface are broken by the impact of an injury or blow to the area.  This results in blood leaking out of the vessels and creating the black-and-blue mark of a bruise.  A bruise heals as the body reabsorbs the blood. 

There are even certain medications that are known to cause bruising.  The Mayo Clinic website cites aspirin and other anticoagulant medications and anti-platelet agents as things that reduce your blood's ability to clot.  They explain that “bleeding from capillary damage might take longer than usual to stop — which allows enough blood to leak out and cause a bruise.”  In addition they advise that some dietary supplements including fish oil and ginkgo may also increase the risk of bruising because of their blood-thinning effect.

Bruising can sometimes be a sign of serious medical conditions such as abnormally functioning or low levels of platelets as well as problems with the proteins that help to clot blood.  The Mayo Clinic recommends consulting your doctor if large bruises appear on your body for no reason or if you start bruising more after starting a new medication.

One thing you can do to try and prevent bruises is to clear away clutter from your home’s pathways.  Also if you are unsteady on your feet, considering using a cane or walker or install handrails to help you navigate more safely around your home. 

*Our post is for information purposes only and not a substitute for seeking medical advice.

 

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the Front Range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015 and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".   Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Source:mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/easy-bruising/art-20045762

Ensuring Your Loved One Gets the Proper Care

Even if your aging parent has reached the point in their life that they require assistance with everyday tasks, it doesn’t necessarily mean they must move into an assisted living facility or nursing home.  Today, families can find quality, professional in home care that can give their loved one the assistance they need to continue to live comfortably and safely at home. 

Agencies such as Denver’s SYNERGY Homecare provide a full range of services including complete care management.  While our services are non-medical, they are nonetheless just as important to the wellbeing of your family member.  When a family opts for comprehensive care management services, our coordinated approach ensures your loved one is enjoying a healthy, safe and independent lifestyle and following their doctor’s orders. 

Our broad range of services includes providing transportation to doctors’ appointments as well as scheduling and attending the appointments.  If appropriate, we facilitate communication between our client and the doctor and family members. 

In addition to assisting with daily personal care activities, we also can provide assistance with light housekeeping, meal preparation, errands and grocery shopping.  If clients are encouraged to exercise, we can help them to do it safely and will also provide medication reminders.  Since services include meal preparation and grocery shopping, we can assist in the management of special dietary restrictions and guidelines to help control diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.  

SYNERGY HomeCare extensive services are available 24/7 and all of our caregiver are thoroughly screened and are matched to your individual needs.  Furthermore, each caregiver receives ongoing training, and is committed to providing the highest quality care. 

     

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the Front Range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015 and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".  Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Phones Designed Especially for Seniors

If you are phone shopping for an elderly parent or relative, you may be wondering which one to get.  Before you decide, you may want to consider a number of factors such as whether or not your senior is tech savvy and do they need to watch their budget.  In addition many seniors have problems with hearing and fading eyesight so that may be something else to think about.  Also your selection must take into account if they already locked into a cellphone contract and how often will they use the phone. 

For seniors on a tight budget or someone who only wants a cellphone for an occasional call or for emergency situations, a no contract plan may be the way to go.  A prepaid cellphone does not require a contract and there are not any of the hidden costs or a monthly bill as in a standard phone plan.  

The Huffington Post’s Senior Savvy blog recently published an article detailing some of the latest choices in cellphones designed specifically for seniors including those with hearing loss.  All of the phones they listed are basic phones with big buttons, SOS emergency buttons and easy to navigate menus.  Some of these new phones include features such as enhanced speakers and hearing aid compatibility.     

One of their top choices was the Samsung flip-phone called the GreatCall’s Jitterbug5.  Easy to navigate, it too offers big buttons, simple YES/NO menu buttons and a large, bright colored screen.  The phone contains their one touch dedicated 5Star button to immediately connect the user to a 5Star Medical Alert Agent who will in turn contact the appropriate help in an unsafe situation. 

Another Senior Savvy’s recommendation is the less expensive Doro PhoneEasy 626.  This easy-to-use phone lets you answer and end calls with a simple flip.  It has large, raised buttons with speed-dial functionality, text messaging and an accessible emergency call button.  It has excellent sound and audio quality and offers hearing-aid compatibility.  A user can listen to conversations from the earpiece or through the speakerphone.

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most respected names in home care in Colorado serving the Front Range since 2006. Currently we have 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015, and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".  Our mission is to make sure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Sources:huffingtonpost.com/jim-t-miller/simplified-cellphones-for_b_7682798.html

The Importance of Grandparents

Studies indicate that not only is it beneficial for children when their grandparents are involved in their lives but it is good for grandparents as well.  Dr. Karl Pillemer of Cornell University suggests that the relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren is “second in emotional importance only to the relationship between parent and child.”  He reports that, “9 out of 10 adult grandchildren feel their grandparents influenced their values and behaviors,” and that, “grandparents transmit to their grandchildren the values and norms of social order.”  Furthermore, the renowned anthropologist, Margaret Mead states that, “Connections between the generations are essential for the mental health and stability of a nation.”

In another study from Sara M. Moorman, an assistant professor in the Department of Sociology and the Institute on Aging at Boston College, she found that “grandparents and grandchildren have real, measurable effects on each other's psychological well-being long into grandchildren's adulthood.”  She adds that fewer symptoms of depression are associated for either generations when a close emotional relationship exists between grandchildren and their grandparents. 

Being a grandparent means you have the freedom to unconditionally love your grandchild without the stress and worry that parents experience in the day-to-day raising of the child.  Grandparents can just enjoy the child and accept them for who they are.  Also with so many children now being raised in two-career or single parent households, grandparents can help to relieve some of the stress parents are faced with.   

Another benefit of grandparents is that they bring a different perspective to a child’s life based on their own life experiences.  Grandparents’ interactions with their grandchildren are influenced by factors such as culture, ethnicity, gender, race, family traditions, and personal history.  Researchers have even identified various styles of grandparenting that include: family historian/living ancestor, the nurturer, the mentor, the role model, the playmate, the wizard, and the hero.  However regardless of the type of grandparent you are, we know it is as good for your wellbeing as it is for your grandchild. 

SYNERGY HomeCare is one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the Front Range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015 and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".   Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Source: cceoneida.com/about-us/news/10-reasons-grandparents-matter-more-than-ever/

eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-08/asa-sgg080613.php, a-better-child.org/page/888950