Federal Healthcare...

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC. Visit our website at www.homehelpers.cc/lkn58445 , or call us at 704.909.7958 

 The Federal Healthcare Bill continues to confuse and confound.  A big debate in Washington now is whether or not the bill will impact employer provided coverage negatively.  Several surveys indicate that it will have that very affect.  However, there's debate as to how accurate the surveys really are.  Whatever the outcome, it's clear that the path is not clear for the Healthcare Bill, and it probably creates lots of questions and problems in it's current state.  It behooves everyone to understand the activities surrounding this topic, as it will ultimately affect you.  Therefore, we will attempt to provide some 'digestible' information on the topic on a regular basis.  The Wall Street Journal has posted a good article on the current controversy on their web site, which can be found here.

  Take a moment, read the article, and stay informed!

The importance of touch

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC. Visit our website at www.homehelpers.cc/lkn58445 , or call us at 704.909.7958  

 If you look around today, you'll notice that our society is enamored with gadgets, productivity, and beauty, but personal contact is missing.  Research shows that lack of personal touch to anyone receiving care can be distressing.  Touch is the most developed sense when an infant is born, and continues to play a fundamental role in communication development throughout life.

  Those diagnosed with mental illness or those who are elderly are shown to be touched the least. Human beings have an increased need for nurturing and touch as they age. The elderly who do not have family nearby often rely on healthcare professional to nurture them.

  Clinical research with the elderly discovered the following benefits of touch...

• It helped to promote sleep
• Enhanced feelings of well being
• Decreased blood pressure 

 In addition to the above, increased touch in the form of gentle massage reduces emotional strain associated with separation or anxiety.  In the end, providing touch makes the patient feels cared about, the relationship grows and both lives are changed forever. 

Alzheimer's Disease - CNN video clips

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC. Visit our website at www.homehelpers.cc/lkn58445 , or call us at 704.909.7958  

 

If you missed Larry King's CNN report on Alzheimer's last month, there is a nice compilation of video clips on their website.  Several notable individuals provided personal accounts of how Alzheimer's has affected their lives and families.  It's very informative, and worth watching.  Click on this link to be redirected to the page.

Summer's Back - Protect Yourself!!

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC. Visit our website at www.homehelpers.cc/lkn58445 , or call us at 704.909.7958 

   Summer has returned, and judging from the number of sunburned people walking around, it's a good time for a reminder about Skin Health for ALL ages!  Moderate exposure to the sun can be beneficial as it contributes to the production of Vitamin D. However, constant exposure and sunburn can lead to skin cancer.  For those of us that keep forgetting, here are some tips that will help protect you from the damage of the sun's rays:

• Cover up!  Lightweight long sleeve shirts with UV protection ratings can be just as cool as their short sleeve counterparts.  Don't believe it?  Try one.
• Hats.  For the ladies, hats can be the crowning fashion accessory.  For sun protection, look for  a hat with a 2-3 in brim that goes all the way around.
• Shade.  Being outdoors doesn't mean we HAVE to stand in the sun.  Trees are laden with foliage this time of year.  Enjoy their cool shade!
• Sunscreen.  Use a sunscreen with at least an SPF rating of 15 or higher.  If you don't like the feeling of one particular type, try others.  Gels, creams, oils, sprays, etc.  Find one you like.

 Finally, irregularly shaped moles can spell trouble. Check your whole body each month and see a doctor if you find one, or have a history of skin cancer in your family.

 Now get out there and enjoy the summer, but take care of your skin!

Home Helpers, Making Life Easier for Over A Decade.

Sleeping problems?

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC.  
Visit our website at www.homehelpers.cc/lkn58445 , or call us at 704.909.7958

  Sleeping problems for seniors is a common complaint.  More often than not, it's the result of a lifestyle change.  Reduced energy output as a result of retirement with an increased opportunity to take naps, either as a result of boredom or just plain exhaustion, may contribute to reduced quality of night-time sleep.  What to do?

 A comfortable and noise free environment is a must.   Frequently, the addition of regular exercise, combined with a healthy diet and reducing caffeine intake may be all that is needed to resolve the problem. 

  Sleeping problems should be thoroughly investigated before any medications are prescribed.  Unfortunately this is not always how the problem is managed.  Often prescriptions are written for drugs to aid is sleeping.  Provided that there is no evidence of disease of the central nervous system such as dementia, Parkinson's disease, or chronic pain, then sleeping problems in the elderly are best managed conservatively.