Often seniors take multiple medications daily that in some cases have been prescribed by a couple of different doctors for different conditions. In addition they may also be taking over-the-counter (OTC) medications. All of this can lead to problems with drug interactions and side effects that range from mild to severe including death.
In a recent report by the US News & World Report, it cites statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that suggest each year there are four visits to the ER per 1,000 adults attributed to adverse drug effects. First published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, statistics find that almost 60 percent of Americans take at “least one prescription drug, and nearly 20 percent are taking more than five prescriptions medicines.” The study also looked at OTC medications and warns that there is a huge potential for “side effects, drug-drug interactions and negative outcomes.” It also states that for the elderly, the possibility of dangerous drug interactions is even greater. One of the most important things that a patient or family member can do to reduce the likelihood of this happening is to communicate with all of your health care providers about the prescription and OTC medications that you take. It is a good idea, especially if you take more than one medications, to write down the names of the drugs and the amount you take each day and carry it in your wallet. You can also take a picture of the list of medications with your cell phone so you always have it handy. Another tip is to fill your prescriptions at the same drug store and to build a relationship with the pharmacist as he or she can help to spot potential problems involving drug interactions. Annually review the need for each medication with your health care provider and discuss how long you will need to take the drug. Lastly be sure to check each new prescription container for accuracy as pharmacies sometimes do make mistakes. MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us to schedule a tour. Source:health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/the-dangers-of-medication-mix-ups-at-home
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While it is true that we are all living longer, there are some steps you can take to help make those years healthier than ever. The National Institute of Health recommends that seniors incorporate the following habits into their daily lives: eat a balanced diet; keep your mind and body active; do not smoke; get regular checkups; and practice safety habits to avoid accidents and prevent falls.
The Family Doctor website also offers some commonsense advice on how even small changes in your lifestyle can improve your health even if you are already a senior. Their primary recommendation is to add physical activity to your daily life and eat food that is enriched with fiber. By increasing your daily physical activity, it will help improve the strength of your bones and muscles. In addition we know that stronger muscles can help to prevent falls, and in the event you do experience a fall, those stronger bones are less apt to break. Another benefit to daily physical activity is that your brain also benefits. The article cites studies that indicate people who regularly exercise are better able to make decisions. Furthermore, even if you have never exercised on a regular basis, the experts say the benefits outweigh the risk of an exercise-related injury. By daily exercising, you can help improve many chronic health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Seniors new to exercising should consult their health care provider before they begin. Once they are given the go ahead, they need to start slowly. Walking is one of the easiest exercises to do and experts recommend breaking up 30 minutes of daily activity into two or three increments. Consider walking for 15 minutes twice a day or do 10 minutes 3 times a day. Strength training also offers seniors benefits but again the suggestion is to begin slowly. Start with 1 or 5-pound weights and do a few exercises at a time. Resistance bands are also easy to use and can help to strengthen upper arms and leg muscles. Lastly the article suggests increasing the fiber in your diet; it can improve your health in a number of ways. Fiber gets your colon working better and reduces the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. In addition it may help to lower cholesterol levels. Our post is for information purposes only and not a substitute for seeking medical advice from your health care provider. MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Boulder represents the best in senior living with a distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and invite you to schedule a visit to experience one of the area’s finest senior living communities. Sources:nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthyaging.html, familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/seniors/staying-healthy/good-health-habits-at-age-60-and-beyond.html A recent study from the University of Chicago Medical Center reports that 40% of heat-related fatalities in the U.S. were in people over age 65. The Mayo Clinic explains that there are several reasons why older adults are more susceptible to dehydration including “their ability to conserve water is reduced, thirst sensation is less acute, and seniors do not respond to fluctuations in temperature as well as when they were younger.”
The National Institute on Aging also cites other factors why the elderly do not fare well in extreme heat conditions such as heart and blood vessels problems and less effective sweat glands. In addition heart, lung, or kidney disease can weaken individuals and often cause fevers. Medications such as sedatives, tranquilizers and other heart and blood pressure medicines can inhibit the body’s ability to cool by sweating or act as a diuretic. At around the age of 50, our body’s kidneys do not conserve fluid as well as they once did, and by age 70, the problem generally worsens. Also many seniors experience a decrease in appetite and can forgot to drink and eat for long periods of time. Chronic conditions including dementia and diabetes can also interfere with getting enough fluids as well as being overweight or underweight. The weather remains warm in September in many areas of the country and it is still important for seniors to be aware of overheating and to stay hydrated. The symptoms of heat exhaustion include: paleness, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, tiredness, headache, and rapid, shallow breathing. If you suspect heat exhaustion, call 911 immediately and move the person to a cool place. While you wait for medical assistance, have them lie down, remove any heavy or tight-fitting clothing and apply cold water or compresses directly to the skin. Offer water or juice if they are able to drink. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us to schedule a tour. Sources: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/basics/risk-factors/con-20030056 aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/elderly-heat-stroke nia.nih.gov/health/publication/hyperthermia Older drivers can still be good, safe drivers, but there are some things to consider both for your safety and the safety of others. The Mayo Clinic recommends that seniors stay as active as possible in their day-to-day life which helps to maintain overall strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Drivers need to be able to turn and look over their shoulder and move their head with ease. They must be able to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and legs need to be strong enough to apply pressure to the gas pedal or brake.
A senior’s peripheral vision can decrease with age or from certain medications and other eye problems may cause drivers to have trouble seeing in the dark or experience blurred vision. Hearing problems can interfere with detecting sounds of sirens from emergency vehicles or approaching cars. Be vigilant about scheduling vision and hearing tests regularly as part of your wellness care and follow your doctor’s advice as to how often they should be done. Many problems can be corrected if caught early enough. Remember that certain medications can cause drowsiness so make sure you know the side effects of your prescription drugs and do not drive if you are feeling sleepy. It may be a good idea to limit trips in the car to daylight hours and when the weather is good. Keep in mind that a person’s reaction time slows with age as do their motor skills. You may need to re-evaluate your driving every so few months, especially if you find yourself having incidences of accidents that almost happen. The MedicineNet website has some safe driving tips for seniors: Planning before you leave home:
MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in the Phoenix area, contact us to schedule a tour. |
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