Blake Medical Center

Top Tips for Caring for Your Aging Parents

It’s tough for most of us to come out and admit that we need help with basic day-to-day activities, particularly when the people we need assistance from are our own adult children. Likewise, it's just as hard on “the kids” when the tables turn and they find themselves taking care of Mom and Dad.

Mental Health America reports that 44% of Americans between the ages of 45 and 55 have both living parents and children under the age of 21. Taking care of your own family—and yourself—along with your elderly parents can definitely take its toll, particularly if your mother or father is suffering from dementia or denies the need for support.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when taking care of your aging parents, but the following tips can help reduce your own stress as you deal with the situation:

• Take care of yourself. First and foremost, don’t neglect yourself just because you are concerned about your parents. Try your best to eat right, exercise as much as possible, and get enough sleep. If you become ill, you won’t be able to offer much assistance!
• Know your parents’ medications. It’s very easy for elderly people to forget to take their medications. Keep a chart listing which medications your parents take at what times of day. Make note of the dosage and what the pills or liquids look like. Accidentally missing or intentionally skipping medications can be incredibly harmful to your parents’ health—get a divided pill tray to help them (and you!) remember to take medications.
• Keep track of allergies and medical conditions.  Make note of any allergies your parents may have, as well as medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Keeping a list of any surgeries they have had over the years is also a good idea, particularly if they have had a device such as a pacemaker or prosthetic hip implanted.
• Always keep a list of your parents’ doctors. If you aren’t 100% sure of your parents’ medical history, keep track of their doctors’ names and numbers. This will come in handy in case of an emergency, particularly if you are their main caregiver / support system.
• Ask for help.  Caring for your elderly parents can be incredibly stressful, especially if you still have children at home. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! If you don’t have siblings or other relatives who can give you a break every now and then, check with the Eldercare Locator, a public service provided by the U.S. Administration on Aging. It is a nationwide directory assistance program that helps older people and their caregivers locate local support and resources.

Need to find a general physician or specialist for your aging parents? Blake Medical Center is proud to offer the free telephone physician referral service Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-359-3552. Our nurses and referral specialists can help you find a doctor, make an appointment, and even provide helpful answers to many health-related questions.

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How Too Much Technology Can Affect Your Health

In this day and age, toddlers know how to play computer games and anyone without a smart phone is considered behind the times. Yes, the advantages of technology are abundant—the Internet has literally changed the world! Who needs to go to school or hit the mall when we can take college classes and shop for birthday presents from the comfort of our own homes? We can even pay our bills, watch movies and download music, and have video conference calls right on our computers.

Despite its multiple benefits, though, the old saying “too much of a good thing” can be true when it comes to technology. The overuse of computers, televisions, smart phones, and video games can inadvertently lead to a variety of health problems.

Higher Risk for Health Problems

Let’s Move!—the comprehensive initiative launched by First Lady Michelle Obama that is dedicated to ending the childhood obesity crisis in America—claims that 8- to 18-year-olds spend an average of 7.5 hours per day using televisions, computers, video games, and cell phones.

Earlier this year, the Stanford School of Medicine reported that researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health found that just two hours of daily television was linked to a 20 percent greater risk for diabetes and a 15 percent higher chance of developing cardiovascular disease.

Sleep Problems and Anxiety 

We’ve all heard about fatal car accidents in which the driver was sending text messages behind the wheel, but excessive texting and social media usage can lead to other problems. According to the non-profit publication TeensHealth, text messages and emails can interrupt sleep, leading to drowsiness and less-than-stellar performance the next day.

The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that excessive social media activity can be a breeding ground for risky behaviors, cyberbullying, and even depression—it’s easy to feel inadequate when other people’s lives appear “picture perfect” online. These technology-related problems are not reserved for young people. They can affect adults as well.

Eye Strain, Headaches and Blurred Vision

Computers are common in nearly all professions. Although it is not completely clear whether or not computers are the only culprit, the American Optometric Association has found that many people who use a computer at work experience extensive eye-related discomfort and visual problems.

If you have concerns about your own health—whether technology-related or not—Blake Medical Center’s Physician Search can help you locate a physician in your area. You can also contact  Consult-A-Nurse®, our free healthcare referral service, at 1-888-359-3552 to schedule a doctor’s appointment or receive answers to your health-related questions.

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Tags: Blake Medical Center, blurred vision, Bradenton Hospitals, cardiovascular risk, diabetes risk, eye strain, headaches, obesity risk, sleep problems, technology, technology risks

Joint Pain and How to Get Relief

Joint pain. The words alone are enough to make some people cringe, and understandably so! Joint pain can be caused by a variety of injuries and conditions, but one thing’s for sure—it can be very difficult to deal with.

In the simplest terms, a joint is the place where two bones come together. Some, such as joints in the skull, do not move, but most others do. Joints that move can become sore when they are inflamed, infected, or injured.

Joints that are commonly affected by pain include:

• arthritis 
• bursitis
• gout 
• hepatitis
• influenza
• tendonitis
• sprains / strains
• Rheumatic fever or other infections caused by the Streptococcus bacteria

Joint Pain Relief
Although your doctor will determine your best treatment options, the following things may help relieve your pain:

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Tags: arthritis, Blake Medical Center, Bradenton Hospitals, Joint Care Center, joint pain, treating joint pain

Top Tips for Caregivers

Caregivers provide help to another person in need. The people receiving care are typically living with a condition that limits their ability to perform basic daily tasks on their own. It’s not uncommon for people with Alzheimer’s disease, a brain injury, a disability or cancer to rely on the assistance of caregivers. Other people have a caregiver while they recover from a non-life-threatening condition that keeps them immobile, such as a broken leg or joint replacement surgery.

Professional caregivers exist, but the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Women’s Health reports that more than 44 million Americans provide unpaid care to an elderly or disabled adult. If you or someone you know is a caregiver, then you probably understand the stresses associated with the task.

Helpful Advice for Caregivers

Frustration, guilt, anxiety and even total exhaustion are all normal feelings among many caregivers. The following tips for caregivers will come in handy and help you realize you’re not alone:

1. Learn about the illness. The more you know about your loved one’s condition, the more effective you will be as a caregiver. Don’t be afraid to ask questions during doctors’ appointments.
2. Be realistic. One person can’t do everything, and caregivers aren’t miracle workers. Understand and accept your loved one’s health situation. It’s also okay to accept help when it’s offered—a friend or neighbor may be able to run quick errands for you, saving you precious time.
3. Acknowledge your emotions. Occasionally getting frustrated or feeling angry at the situation you’re in does not make you a bad person. As long as you do not put your loved one in danger, it’s okay to acknowledge your emotions.
4. Take breaks. Taking a quick coffee break or walk around the block while another friend or relative visits with your loved one can help clear your head.
5. Talk to others. Joining a support group for caregivers can help you realize that other people understand what you are going through. Sharing a conversation and some laughter with a close friend can help, too.
6. Take care of yourself. It’s easy to neglect yourself when you’re worried about someone else. Make sure that you get enough sleep and eat regularly.

While taking care of your loved one is undoubtedly one of your most important jobs, at Blake Medical Center our job is helping you stay healthy. Make sure you keep up-to-date on all your regular checkups and screenings. If you need a physician referral, you can always dial Consult-A-Nurse® toll-free at 1-888-359-3352.

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How to Turn New Year’s Resolutions into Lifelong Habits

Some people experience the post-holiday season blues each January, but others approach the New Year as a chance to start fresh and renew themselves. Many people make the pledge to get in shape once and for all, eat healthier meals, quit smoking, put more money into savings, or just become an all-around better person.

We all have good intentions when we declare our New Year’s resolutions, but Psychology Today reports that one psychology professor and his colleagues have identified what is known as the “false hope syndrome,” which means that people often set resolutions that are not realistic. Needless to say, these goals typically go unmet.

Set Realistic New Year’s Resolutions

“I’m going to start walking ten miles a day!” might sound like a good idea on January 1, but it’s not very realistic if you’ve been a couch potato your entire life. Setting unrealistic goals is an easy way to set yourself up for failure. Instead, focus on smaller resolutions that are do-able. Start out by walking half a mile per day, and increase the distance each time it seems too easy for you. Eventually you might really be able to walk (or even run!) ten miles, and you’ll want to go farther each day.

Forgive Yourself

Always remember: if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. It’s more than a motivational quote—it’s something you should consider when working on your New Year’s resolutions. If you’re watching your weight but slip and eat a few cookies, don’t beat yourself up—realize that you’re human and get back on track! The same advice is true if you are trying to quit smoking. Few people succeed the first time they try. Forgiving yourself and starting fresh is key when you're trying to turn your resolutions into lifelong habits.

Are you wondering how you should improve your health in 2012? Blake Medical Center can help! Visit our online Health Information Library or call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-359-3552. Our nurses and referral specialists can help you find a new doctor, make an appointment, register for events, and more.

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10 Ways to Keep Your Mind Sharp

If you occasionally forget where you placed your keys or glasses, don’t fret. We all forget things from time to time, and most people experience some normal forgetfulness as they age. If your inability to remember short-term is becoming a problem, or if you feel you’re in a “fog”, see your doctor. There are many conditions, some reversible with treatment, which include short-term memory loss as a symptom. Occasional forgetfulness does not necessarily mean the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

There are many risk factors associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Some of them—such as family history and your genes—are out of your control, but the following tips can come in handy if you want to keep your mind sharp:

1.     Move your body. Even if you don’t hit the gym, the National Institutes of Health reports that a recent study in the Archives of Internal Medicine has shown that simply moving more—taking the stairs, doing household chores—may lessen your chances of developing memory problems.

2.     Get your antioxidants. Foods that are rich in antioxidants have been found to prevent cholesterol from lining your arteries and slowing blood flow to the brain. You can easily get your antioxidants by snacking on berries, grapes, carrots, tomatoes, and dark leafy green veggies!

3.     Quit smoking. Smoking has multiple health risks, but you may not know that the habit can increase your risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease due to tobacco’s toxic effects on blood vessels.

4.     Watch your blood pressure. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke told the Associated Press that controlling high blood pressure is one of the best ways to prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s.

5.     Know when to say when. Excess alcohol not only causes brain fog the morning after you overdo it, but it can lead to memory problems later in life. Every time you overdo your alcohol consumption, some brain cells are lost!

6.     Get your vitamin B-12. A recent study funded by the U.S. National Institute on Aging found that too little vitamin B-12 may be associated with smaller brain size and age-related thinking skills problems.

7.     Do puzzles. Number puzzles like Sudoku, old-fashioned crosswords, or a game of Scrabble can help you improve your problem-solving skills. Exercising those mental muscles can help keep your brain in tip-top shape.

8.     Tone your torso. A bigger waistline does more than alter your once-slim physique. Excess belly fat leads to plaque buildup in the arteries, which reduces blood flow to the brain—increasing your chances of dementia.

9.     Enjoy healthy fats. Not all fats are bad for you. Studies have found that olive oil can help control blood pressure and help reduce the risk of memory problems later in life.

10.   Take up a new hobby. You’re never too old to learn! Sign up for a free class or try a new hobby. Learning new skills will help keep your mind moving.

For detailed information on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia or any other medical condition, be sure to visit the Blake Medical Center online Health Library. You can also contact our free Consult-A-Nurse® healthcare referral service at 1-888-359-3552.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s and other conditions that cause dementia or memory loss, attend a free seminar sponsored by Blake Medical Center: “Is it Alzheimer’s or is it NPH” on Friday, January 27, 2012. Call 1-888-359-3552 for more information or to register.

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Don’t Let the Holidays Stress You Out!

Don’t Let the Holidays Stress You Out!

Even though it’s the “the most wonderful time of the year,” the holidays can be stressful. After all, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when faced with get-togethers and parties, family visits, and shopping for gifts in crowded malls—on top of your normal daily activities.

What Is Stress?

In layman’s terms, stress is your body’s reaction to sudden changes. If you ask five different people for their definition of stress, you’re likely to get five different answers. Just as the National Institutes of Health describes, what is stressful for you may not be stressful for someone else.

The holiday season can be stressful due to demands and activities, as well as financial difficulties if you feel like you’re obligated to buy presents. Some people also experience holiday stress because they’re feeling lonely or have mixed emotions about the upcoming New Year. Many people even suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during the holiday season. SAD is a mood disorder that is related to the shorter daylight hours during winter. It’s estimated to affect nearly half a million people between September and April.

Realistically Deal with Holiday Stress

Mental Health America advises that it is possible to cope with stress during the holidays. These 5 tips will help ensure that you don’t let the holidays stress you out:

1. Be realistic. No one is perfect, and neither are the holidays. If you realize this from the beginning and go with the flow, you’ll most likely save yourself from a lot of unnecessary stress.
2. Plan ahead. Mark your calendar for specific activities and write out your shopping lists before you head to the stores.
3. Have a budget and stick to it. Money can’t buy happiness. Buy only what you can afford—you’ll avoid buyer’s remorse come January when your credit card statements arrive in the mail.
4. Avoid excessive drinking. It might seem like a good idea at the time, but having “one too many” alcoholic beverages can amplify feelings of depression and stress thanks to the accompanying headaches, nausea and general regret for your actions.
5. Realize that it’s okay to say no. Your schedule may be overbooked during the holiday season, but there’s no need to attend every single event to which you receive an invitation. Learn to say no without feeling guilty.

Do you have questions about dealing with holiday stress or other issues? Call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-359-3552 for answers to health-related questions or to receive a physician referral. You can also visit the Blake Medical Center Health Library to learn more about Seasonal Affective Disorder.

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Hip Resurfacing vs. Hip Replacement

If you or a loved one suffers from hip pain, you know that some days the flare-ups can be almost unbearable. Not only does hip pain interfere with the ability to perform simple physical tasks like walking, sitting down, and standing up, it can reach the point that you’re unable to care for yourself. If you experience severe hip pain and fall down in your own home, you might be unable to get back up.

Just as hip pain can be caused by a variety of conditions—osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, injuries, fractures, and bone tumors to name a few—your doctor may try different treatment options to help you manage the pain before turning to surgery.

Pain relief medications may be prescribed and exercise may strengthen your muscles around the hip joint while canes or walkers may help relieve some of the stress from damaged hips. Losing weight may help overweight patients relieve their hip pain. However, some patients with severe hip damage are candidates for hip replacement or hip resurfacing 

Hip Replacement: What It Is
Hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the hip to replace the hip joint with a prosthetic that’s made of space-age material. As explained by the National Institutes of Health, some types of prostheses must be cemented to the bone but in other cases, the surrounding bone eventually grows into the prosthesis, acting like the cement. Recovery begins right after surgery with physical therapy, and most patients are recovered within six weeks. Hip replacement is considered a very safe operation, but just like all surgical procedures, complications may arise. Your doctor will explain them in depth before your surgery 

Hip Resurfacing: What It Is
Hip resurfacing is an alternative to hip replacement. It is a procedure in which the hip’s socket is replaced while the femur bone is resurfaced with a hollow cap. It is then cemented to the bone and has a short stem that passes into the femoral neck. According to the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, hip resurfacing is still considered an emerging procedure, which means it is too early to assess the long-term success of hip resurfacing.

Do you suffer from hip pain or other joint discomfort? Blake Medical Center can help! Join us for our next Joint Pain Seminar on Tuesday, December 27. It is scheduled for 5 pm in the Dolphin/Pelican Room. We will explain what causes pain, what lifestyle changes will help, and what treatment is available. 

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What to Expect at the ER

If you or a family member becomes sick or injured, you may suddenly find yourself heading to the ER. The experience can be very stressful and confusing. If you know what to expect at the ER, though, you will be better prepared.

If at all possible, bring a list of your current medications and your doctors’ names and phone numbers with you to the ER. You should also bring your health insurance card and a list of medical conditions and surgeries that you have had in the past.

Triage and Registration
When you first arrive at the ER, you will speak to a nurse or paramedic who is specially trained in emergency situations. The triage desk prioritizes patient needs based on the symptoms that are occurring—this is why a person having chest pains is given priority over a person with a sprained ankle.

Soon after, a hospital registration employee will sit with you and ask you questions. The employee will take down personal information, such as your name and address, age, health insurance coverage, and a list of your current physicians.

Diagnosis and Treatment
You will be taken to a room in the ER treatment area. You will probably be asked to change into a hospital gown and be asked to sit in a chair or lie down on a hospital bed. Nurses will assess you and gather more detailed information regarding your health history. A specially trained ER physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner will see you shortly. You may also see other specialists or technicians, depending on the reason that you came to the ER—for example, you may need X-rays, scans, tests, or blood work.

The doctor may make a diagnosis as quickly as possible and may consult with a specialist before deciding upon a treatment. Once your condition is stable and you receive the required immediate treatment, you will either be discharged or admitted to the hospital.

Discharge or Admittance
If you are discharged, or sent home, the doctor or a nurse will provide you with a set of discharge instructions and any necessary prescriptions. You will most likely be advised to see your regular physician or will be provided with the appropriate specialist for follow-up.

If you need further care and must be admitted to the hospital, you will be moved to a regular (non-ER) hospital room as soon as possible so further treatment or testing can begin.

The American College of Emergency Physicians reports that emergency department wait times are on the rise, but Blake Medical Center strives to see patients as quickly as possible. Our helpful online Average ER Wait Time tool is displayed right at the top of our website, and you can learn more about our Emergency Department services or take a virtual tour of the ER here. 

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More Reasons to Kick the Habit

Have you been thinking about quitting smoking? Just about everyone knows that smoking is bad for our health: even smokers. While quitting smoking is easier said than done, many people are able to do it. If you smoke, here are some reasons why you should kick this nasty habit.

Prevent Lung Cancer
Smoking is the cause of almost 90% of lung cancer cases. The longer you have smoked and the more you have smoked, the greater your risk. Quitting at any time can reduce your risk.

See Immediate Health Benefits
Within 1-2 days of quitting, your blood pressure may drop and carbon monoxide levels in your blood may return to a normal rate.

Gain Immediate Financial Benefits
Think of how much money you will save by not having to purchase cigarettes. If you do quit, buy yourself something nice with your cigarette savings as a reward.

Enjoy Long-Term Health Benefits

• 10 years after quitting, your lung cancer risk is reduced by half.
• 15 years after quitting, your heart disease and stroke risk are equal to that of someone who never smoked.

Keep Your Loved Ones Healthy
Exposure to second-hand smoke can also increase a non-smoker’s risk of developing lung cancer.  Non-smokers who live with a smoker have a 20-30% increased chance of getting lung cancer. The risk is also increased for those exposed to second-hand smoke if they work in places such as nightclubs, casinos, and bars. 

Support Is Available
Not only is November Lung Cancer Awareness Month, but November 17 is the Great American Smokeout. This campaign, created by the American Cancer Society 36 years ago, encourages smokers to quit on this specific day. If you’re not ready to quit on the 17th, the American Cancer Society and other smoking cessation experts recommend developing a plan to quit.  

Here are some additional resources for more information on how to quit smoking.

• American Cancer Society’s Guide to Quitting Smoking
• Florida Quitline
• Quit Smoking Now group classes

If you need medical advice, you can always contact Blake Medical Center’s Consult-A-Nurse® line at 1-888-359-3552. The nurses can answer questions for you and refer you to a physician who can help you assess your health.

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