Author: tekkii

Summer and warm weather are here, and that means plenty of time spent outdoors or at the pool, lake or beach. However, excessive sun exposure, especially from UV radiation, can lead to detrimental health effects in the future.

What is ultraviolet (UV) radiation? Ultraviolet radiation is emitted by the sun. There are three types of UV radiation – UVA, UVB and UVC – that differ in wavelength. All of UVC and most of UVB are absorbed by the ozone layer before they reach the earth. However, UVA is harmful to humans since it is not absorbed by the ozone layer about the earth, reaching beyond the top layer of human skin.

A little bit of sun exposure is needed regularly to ensure that the body can produce enough Vitamin D. But too much time spent in the sun over a long period can lead to sun burns, skin cancers or melanomas, cataracts or macular degeneration, premature skin aging and immune system problems.

Statistics reveal a cause for concern:

· In 2009, more than 1 million people in the United States were diagnosed with skin cancer, making it the most common of all cancers. More people were diagnosed with skin cancer in 2009 than with breast, prostate, lunch and colon cancer combined. About 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.

· One American dies of melanoma almost every hour.

· In the U.S., medical costs to treat skin cancer are estimated at almost $2 billion annually.

The following are action steps for sun protection:

· Do not burn

· Avoid sun tanning and tanning beds.

· Generously apply sunscreen. Apply one ounce to cover all exposed skin 20 minutes before going outside. Sunscreen should have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 and provide protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and untraviolet B (UVB) rays. Reapply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.

· Wear protective clothing. Wearing a long sleeved shirt, pants, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses can help limit your exposure to damaging UV rays.

· Seek shade. When possible, seek shade and breaks from the sun and remember that the sun’s UV rays are most harmful between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

· Use extra caution when near water, snow and sand. All of these can reflect the damaging rays of the sun which can increase your chances of a sun burn.

· Check the UV Index. The UV index provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities in ways that prevent sun exposure. The UV Index is issued daily by the National Weather Service and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The index ranges from a 1-11 scale with 1 being low and anything over 6 being high and cause for extra precaution. Visit www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html

· Get Vitamin D Safely. Get Vitamin D safely through a diet that includes vitamin supplements and foods fortified with Vitamin D. Limit your sun exposure.

· If you have fair skin and light hair (blond or red), you are at higher risk for skin cancer. Experts recommend that you see a dermatologist once a year for a skin check.

By using common sense and limiting sun exposure, you can reduce your and your loved ones chances of developing skin cancer and other complications from too much sun exposure. Early detection of skin cancer can save your life. A new or changing mole should be promptly evaluated by a dermatologist.

Sources: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), American Cancer Society

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. According to the American Heart Association, one out of every four deaths is attributed to heart disease.

What is heart disease and how can we prevent it? Heart disease encompasses several types of heart conditions. The most common type in the United States is coronary heart disease (also referred to as coronary artery disease), which occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries. Plaque is made up of cholesterol deposits which can accumulate in the arteries. When this happens, the arteries can narrow over time.

Plaque buildup can cause angina, the most common symptom of coronary artery disease. This condition causes chest pain or discomfort due to the heart muscle not getting enough blood. Over time, coronary artery disease can weaken the heart muscle. This may lead to heart failure, a serious condition where the heart can’t pump blood the way it should. An irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, can also develop. Sometimes, the first sign of coronary heart disease is a heart attack which happens when plaque totally blocks an artery carrying blood to the heart. It can also happen if a plaque deposit breaks off and clots a coronary artery.

Prevention is the best way to ward off heart disease. Fortunately, many of the risk factors for heart disease can be prevented or controlled. What should you do?

• Talk to your health care professional. Share your health history, get blood pressure and cholesterol checked, and ask if taking an aspirin each day is right for you.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise regularly.
• Regularly monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol. High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of heart disease and stroke. One in 3 adults in the United States has high blood pressure, and half of these individuals do not have their condition under control. High cholesterol affects 1 in 3 Americans as well and two thirds of these individuals do not have the condition under control. Half of adults with high cholesterol don’t get treatment.
• Prevent diabetes.
• Quit smoking.
• Limit alcohol use.
• Take your medications.

A good way to remember how to prevent heart disease can be as easy as knowing your ABC’S:

· A – Appropriate Aspirin Therapy for those who need it.

· B – Blood Pressure Control.

· C- Cholesterol Management.

· S- Smoking Cessation.

For more information on ways to prevent heart disease, consult the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.

Sources: American Heart Association, AARP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health.

Winter is upon us and here in the Midwest it is the time of year to encounter winter storms and cold frigid weather. The conditions can be hazardous, but if you plan ahead, you can stay safe and healthy.

Older adults are at higher risk for hypothermia as they tend to produce less body heat than younger people. It is important to know the warning signs of hypothermia:

• Lots of shivering
• Cold skin that is pale or ashy
• Feeling very tired
• Confused and sleepy
• Feeling weak
• Problems walking
• Slowed breathing or heart rate

Call 911 if you or someone else has hypothermia.

It is important for older adults to STAY INDOORS when it’s very cold outside and especially so if it’s windy. If you must go outdoors, wear layers. Wearing two or more layers of thinner or loose-fitting clothing is warmer than a single layer of thick clothing. Also wear a hat, gloves or mittens, coat, boots, and a scarf to cover your mouth and nose and protect your lungs from the cold air.

Keep abreast of weather conditions by watching the weather forecast daily or utilizing a weather radio. If bad weather is predicted, plan ahead and make a trip to the grocery store to stock up on food and other items in the event that you will be snowed in. Ask friends, neighbors or family members to pick up groceries for you or run errands if you are unable to get out.

It is easy to slip and fall in the winter. Have your steps and walkways clear to your home. Older adults should utilize caution while shoveling snow. Ask your healthcare provider if it is safe for you to shovel snow or do other hard work in the cold. If you are unable to do it, hire someone to shovel for you. Do not walk on icy or snowy sidewalks. Wear boots with non-skid soles. If you use a cane, replace the rubber tip before it is worn smooth. Medical supply stores also have an ice pick-like attachment that fits onto the end of the cane which can be helpful to avoid slipping while walking.

Adults 65 and older are involved in more car accidents per mile than those in nearly all other age groups. Because winter driving can be more hazardous you should:

• Have your car winterized before bad weather hits. This means having the antifreeze, and windshield wipers checked and changed if necessary.
• Take a cell phone with you when driving in bad weather.
• Do not drive on icy roads, overpasses or bridges. If possible, look for another route.
• Stock your car with basic emergency supplies, such as:

• A first aid kit
• Blankets
• Extra warm clothes
• Booster cables
• A windshield scraper
• Rock salt or a bag of sand or cat litter (to pour on ice or snow in case your wheels get stuck)
• A container of water and canned or dried foods and a can opener
• A flashlight

Indoor safety is also important. Be careful when using space heaters — follow the manufacturer’s instructions and don’t leave them unattended. Do not place a space heater within 3 feet of anything that may catch on fire, such as drapes, furniture, bedding, and never cover the space heater. Use caution and ensure that the cord of an electric space heater is not a tripping hazard but do not run it under carpets or rugs. Avoid using extension cords to plug in the space heater.

By following these safety tips, older adults can minimize their risk of injury. Use caution during cold weather and inclement conditions. It’s always better to be safe than to take a chance if conditions are questionable. Older adults should use extra care and ask friends, neighbors or family members for assistance during bad weather instead of venturing out into the elements.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, AARP, Health in Aging website

October is National Physical Therapy Month and Kansas City Home Care, Inc. recognizes the importance that physical therapy plays in the lives of older adults. The proportion of older Americans (age 65 and older) will likely reach 20.6 percent in 2050, compared with 8.3 percent in 1950. As America ages, the need for physical therapy will become increasingly important.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), physical therapy can restore or increase strength, range of motion, flexibility, coordination, and endurance –as well as reduce pain. Another important role is to retrain the patient to do everyday tasks.

Physical therapists receive specialized training in physics, human anatomy and kinesiology (human movement) and are trained in managing all four of the body’s major systems – musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular / pulmonary, and integumentary (skin). They utilize their training and knowledge of human anatomy to restore and maximize mobility.

Physical therapists can work with you on your exact condition and develop an effective and personalized plan of care. The benefits of physical therapy are many and here are areas in which they can improve your mobility:

· Reduce the Risk of Injury

Everyday activities can result in an injury due to abnormal movement, stress on joints and stain on muscles. Because physical therapists are experts in knowing how the body works, they can design personalized plans to reduce the risk of injury in everyday activities or sports.

· Improve Balance and Prevent Falls

Falls are among the most prevalent and dangerous injury affecting the elderly. According to the National Aging Council, about one in three seniors above age 65, and nearly one in two seniors over the age of 80, will fall at least once a year, many times with disastrous consequences. Physical therapists can help seniors prevent falls by designing an individualized program of exercises and activities with an emphasis on strength, flexibility, and proper gait.

· Recover from Stroke

According to the American Heart Association, stroke is the number three cause of death in the U.S., and the leading cause of serious long-term disability. Rehabilitation from stroke begins as soon as the stroke survivor is stable, and the physical therapist will develop a customized plan incorporating activities to improve movement, facilitate independence, and help with overall quality of life.

· Live with Diabetes

Statistics from the American Diabetes Association show that diabetes affects approximately 24 million adults and children in the United States. Physical therapists can work with diabetics to design a program that controls glucose and fights complications of the disease such as loss of movement. Aerobic exercise combined with strength training is recommended for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. People with diabetes have reduced muscle mass and, as a result, mobility. Adding resistance training to a diabetes treatment program, leads to improved lean tissue which could aid in overall mobility, resting metabolic rate, protein reserve and overall exercise tolerance.

Kansas City Home Care is pleased to recognize October as National Physical Therapy Month. While we don’t have physical therapists on staff, our caregivers are able to help our clients fulfill the exercise regimes and personalized therapy plans recommended by their physical therapists.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control (CDC), National Aging Council, American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association and American Physical Therapy Association.