Health and Wellness Tips
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Healthy, independent living
Staying well is an important part of maintaining your independent living arrangements. These simple tips can help to keep you safe and healthy while living on your own.
Please note, this is general information -- all cases are unique. Always consult your healthcare professional regarding your health issues.
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Getting out of bed safely
To get up safely: - Move to the edge of the bed and roll onto your side. Push yourself up with your hand. At the same time, swing your legs over the side of the bed. - Sit on the edge of the bed for at least 30 seconds before standing up. - With both feet firmly on the floor, put your hands beside you on the bed and slowly push yourself up. |
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Ensure your outside environment is safe
You might be able to take care of these changes yourself, or you can use the CHATS Home Adaptation and Maintenance Program (HAMP). Our specialists can implement these changes for you - and more! - Have loose boards on proches or damaged stairs repaired. - Have rough edges, holes, or large cracks in sidewalks or driveways repaired. - Have hazards that could trip you, such as hoses or vines, removed. - Use high-wattage light bulbs (100 or greater) near outside doors and stairs. - Get handrails added to outside stairs. Have them extend beyond the bottom step. - Get help in winter weather with ice or snow removal. HAMP is available to seniors in Bradford West Gwillimbury, New Tecumseth, East Gwillimbury and Georgina. |
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Safety devices help prevent falls
Adding a few simple safety devices to your home can help prevent falls. - Add handrails to both sides of stairs. - Buy a raised toilet seat. - Add grab bars near the toilet and in the shower. - Get grabbers to help you reach things and avoid climbing. |
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A lift chair can be helpful!
Do you suffer from any of the following conditions and find it becoming more difficult when sitting or standing? •arthritis •diabetes •COPD •post-surgery limitations •back/knee/hip disorders •general body weakness •back pain Have you considered a lift chair to provide support and independence in your home? Benefits of a lift chair and available features: •Improve your ability to stand from a seated position with just the press of a button •Recline/relax and enjoy your favorite TV show •Heat and massage is available(check with your doctor or therapist if this feature is suitable for you) •Zero gravity to improve relaxation, muscle tension and circulation •Enjoy the sleep position when having difficulty sleeping |
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Benefits of Stairlifts
Stairlifts are a great option for seniors with mobility challenges. When mobility is reduced, climbing up and down stairs may be difficult. An inaccessible home may: - increase the risk of injury - necessitate a change in residence - limit your activities - affect quality of life When your life is barrier-free, you'll be able to stay in your home longer because: - falls are prevented - you have access to all areas of your home - activities become more manageable |
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How to Prepare for a Fall
By planning ahead for a fall, you will know how to get help if one occurs. - Have someone check on you daily, even if just by phone. Consider the CHATS Telephone Reassurance program (and it's FREE!) - Keep a list of emergency numbers near the phone. - Always have a way to call for help. Keep a cell phone with you at all times, and consider the CHATS Philips Lifeline Medical Alert Service. - Make changes in your living space to reduce your risk of falls. For instance, consider home medical equipment, such as grab bars, handrails, nightlights, raised toilet seat, bath seat or shower chair, and much more. |
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Chronic Obstructive Pumonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is an umbrella term used to describe chronic lung diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Symptoms include: -shortness of breath -wheezing -chest tightness -chronic cough -cold that last weeks instead of days -recurring respiratory infections Speak to your health care professional to find out more. |
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Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging. The most common symptom is cloudy, blurred or distorted vision. To help protect your vision, wear sunglasses and a hat with a brim to block ultraviolet sunlight. Good nutrition can also help reduce the risk of age-related cataracts. Speak to your health care professional to find out more. |
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Osteoporosis
Did you know that at least 80% of fractures in people aged 60-plus are related to osteoporosis? And hip fractures due to osteoporosis consume more hospital beds than stroke, diabetes or heart attack? Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens the structure of your bones, making them fragile, thin and prorous and more likely to break or fracture. It is diagnosed through a bone mineral density test. Seniors are encouraged to eat a well-balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D and maintain some form of daily physical exercise. Speak to your health care professional to find out more. |
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Just Wash Your Hands!
Protect yourself, your family and others from the flu. We're all in this together - stop germs from spreading! And, get the flu shot! |
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Moving Safely with a Cane or Walker
A walking aid, such as a cane or walker, can help you stay more independent and avoid falls. Remember to keep your walking aid within easy reach when you're in a chair or in bed. Other tips: - Check with your healthcare provider about the right walking aid to use. Ask about a walker with a seat attached. - Check the tips of your cane or walker to make sure they have nonskid covers. - Move slowly from room to room. Don't rush. - Sit down to get dressed. - Use a fanny pack or backpack to keep your hands free. - Get help for jobs that mean climbing, even a stepstool. |
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Moving Objects from Place to Place
Carrying objects can be hard, especially if you use a cane or walker. These tips can make it easier: - Use a rolling cart to carry things like groceries. - Wear clothes with large pockets for carrying small objects. - Divide large loads into smaller loads. That way, you can always keep one hand free for grasping railings. - Don't carry objects that block your view. That's a sure way to trip. |
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Staying active helps prevent falls
Staying active is one of the best things you can do to help prevent falls. Keep in mind that doing too little can be as risky as doing too much. That's because not being active can make you weaker and more likely to fall. But how much can you do safely? Start easy and slowly work up to doing more. Talk to your healthcare provider about safe ways for you to stay active. |
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Review your medications
Medications can cause side effects that could lead to a fall. Common ones are blood pressure, heart or pain medications; medications for sleep; and antidepressants. Also, the way your body reacts to medications can change as you age. Your healthcare provider can help review your medications and make changes if needed. |
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Improving your balance, flexibility and strength helps prevent falls
To help prevent falls, work on improving your balance, flexibility and strength. Helpful exercises include: -Tai chi -Yoga -Seated hamstring stretch -Bicep curls |
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Norwalk Virus
Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. The best precaution is to wash your hands often, and wash them well. |
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Scabies
Scabies is an infection cause by mites that burrow into the skin, causing severe itching. Scabies can usually get treated with a lotion that kills the mites. Call your doctor if the infected person has a fever, red streaks, pain or swelling of the skin; sores get worse or do not heal; new rashes appear or itching continues for more than two weeks after treatment; skin is crusty or scaly. |
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Arthritis pain relief
If you have arthritis, non-drug pain relief treatments can include heat treatment, cold therapy, massage, joint rest and exercise. Analgesics and NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can also help. Speak with your doctor to learn about all your pain relief options. |
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What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma involves an increase in the pressure inside the eye. When the pressure is too high, damage occurs to the optic nerve - which can initially cause blind spots at the outer edge of the field of vision. As damage worsens, tunnel vision or even loss of central vision can occur. If you experience symptoms, see your eye care professional. |
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Stroke - Recognize the five warning signs
Recognize the five warning signs for stroke: 1. Weakness 2. Trouble speaking 3. Vision problems 4. Headache 5. Dizziness |
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Stair safety
For those who have basements in your home, paint the lower step of the stairs with white enamel – much easier to see and prevent falls. |
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Clear the air
An important part of keeping a healthy home is the cleaning of heater/A-C filters. Some filters just need cleaning, some need replacing...on a regular basis. This not only affords better air circulation, but can lower utility bills. |
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Quick hearing checklist
You know you have some hearing loss when: 1.Others complain you have the TV turned too loud, 2.You often ask people to repeat themselves, 3.You cannot hear the doorbell or the telephone ring, 4.You complain that others mumble, or you can hear only parts of the conversation, 5. You are told by family/friends you don't seem to hear well. Talk to your physician; maybe it's time to see an audiologist. |
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Dental health
There is a potential relationship between gum disease and cardiovascular problems. Visit your dentist at least yearly! |
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Managing medications
Keep track of multiple medications by using a plastic case with snap lids for each day. If you take morning and night, buy a white case for morning and blue case for night. Fill with all medications you take daily at beginning of week. Keep these cases visible to you as a reminder to take medications. |
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Walking for exercise
When walking for exercise, keep a normal stride. Over-extending your stride jolts and puts stress on your joints and ligaments. |
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