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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Preventing falls from chairs, stools and ladders
Safety Tips: •Never climb on a chair — use a safe step stool •Store everyday items within easy reach •Ask for assistance Characteristics of a safe step stool or ladder: •Steps are deep enough to fit the length of your feet •The surface of each step is non-skid •Each step edge is marked with a contrasting colour •There are side rails which extend above the last step and around to the front •The base is wider than the top to prevent tipping •The legs are sturdy and fitted with rubber tips When using a step stool or ladder: •Place it firmly on an even surface •Climb facing the steps •Never stand on the top step •Only reach for items that are directly in front of you •Do not lean forward or stretch |
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Caring for Your Eyes & Avoiding Falls
As you get older, your risk increases for developing age-related eye diseases and conditions that can lead to vision loss or blindness. Visit an eye care professional every one to two years, or more often if you notice your sight is changing, blurred or cloudy. Poor vision can affect balance and increase your risk of falling. Many changes to vision happen so slowly that you may not notice you have a problem. Some medical conditions, for example diabetes and high blood pressure, may contribute to vision changes. See your family doctor regularly. Try this simple eye check: •Does it take longer to read street signs when driving? •Is it difcult to see furniture in a room with poor light? •Do your eyes take longer to adjust to light changes, especially in the dark? •Protect your vision; seek help early for any vision changes. See your doctor if you experience: •Any loss of vision •Greater sensitivity to glare •Blurred or less detailed vision •Watering of the eyes •Blind spots, halos around lights •Difculty judging distance and depth •Flashes of light |
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How to get up from chairs, sofas or beds
Determine the correct height: • Begin by sitting down on the piece of furniture • Measure the distance from the floor to the top of the seat • The distance from the floor to the top of the seat should be the same as the distance from the floor to the top of our kneecap when standing Make adjustments to correct the height: • Add firm foam pads to the seat of a chair or sofa • Use sturdy bed blocks/raisers under the legs of a bed or sofa • Install a raised toilet seat or grab bar These items can be purchased at a medical supply dealer |
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Norovirus
Norovirus (formerly known as Norwalk-like viruses) infection is a gastrointestinal illness that occurs at irregular intervals or in outbreaks. Although the illness can occur at any time, it most commonly occurs in the period from October to April. Norovirus is also called viral gastroenteritis, winter vomiting disease and the stomach flu, although it is not caused by the influenza virus. Norovirus is spread by exposure to infected individuals or contaminated food and water. The virus is passed in stool and vomit. Outbreaks have been linked to eating raw shellfish, especially oysters and clams, although any food can become contaminated if handled by an ill person. Ill persons should not prepare or handle food of others, even for their family. Although the virus is easily spread, serious illness is rare. Symptoms of Norovirus infection may be more severe for older persons, young children and those with underlying medical conditions who are more vulnerable to dehydration because of vomiting and diarrhea. The most common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps or diarrhea. Fever is usually low grade or absent. Infected individuals usually recover in 2 to 3 days without any serious or long-term health effects. No specific treatment is available, but individuals should get plenty of rest and need to replace lost fluids by drinking liquids. Individuals who are severely dehydrated should seek medical attention. Antibiotics, used for bacterial infections, will not be effective against this viral infection. |
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Emphysema
Emphysema is a chronic (long-term) lung disease that can get worse over time. It's usually caused by smoking. Having emphysema means some of the air sacs in your lungs are damaged, making it hard to breathe. Emphysema can be caused by one or a combination of these things: •Cigarette smoking •Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency •Air pollution, including second-hand smoke Signs and symptoms of emphysema •Shortness of breath •Minimal coughing with no sputum •Barrel-shaped chest •Wheezing •Feeling tired (fatigue) •Losing weight without trying People might think that feeling short of breath is a normal sign of aging — but it's not. If you have these signs and symptoms, see your doctor. Ask for spirometry, a simple test that measures how much air you move out of your lungs. There is no cure for emphysema, but it is possible to slow down the disease and make it easier to live with the symptoms. Here are some treatments for emphysema: •Quitting smoking and staying away from smoky places •Taking medications, which may include pills, puffers and supplemental oxygen. •Joining a pulmonary rehabilitation class, a specialized exercise program. |
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Avoiding falls from environmental causes
Falls are often attributed to environmental causes – such as inadequate lighting, glare, obstacles such as foot rests, open drawers, or water on the floor. Ensure your home is well-lit, and at night, leave the bathroom light on, or use a night-light. Ensure your home is free of shadows, and free from clutter. |
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What is Asthma?
Asthma is defined as “chronic inflammatory disease of the airway” that causes shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, coughing and wheezing. Asthma has no set pattern. Its symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. It varies from person to person, may flare up at any time or disappear for long periods. It can also vary from one episode to the next. The cause of asthma is not known and currently there is no cure. However, there are many things you can do to live symptom-free, the trick is learning how to control it. Triggers often bring on asthma attacks. A trigger is anything or condition that causes inflammation in the airways, which then leads to asthma symptoms. These can include: •Dust mites •Animals •Moulds •Pollens •Viral Infections •Certain Air Pollutants •Smoke •Exercise •Cold Air •Chemical fumes and other strong-smelling substances like perfumes •Certain food additives like sulfites •Intense emotions These triggers can be controlled by avoiding your asthma triggers, taking your medication, receiving education from your healthcare team and following an asthma action plan. |
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Everything you need to know about CRE
What are CRE? Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are bacteria that are resistant to most antibiotics. CRE come from the Enterobacteriaceae family of bacteria, which live in our environment in soil and water and can make us sick if the get into our bodies. Most of these bacteria can be treated with antibiotics, however, due to overuse, many Enterobacteriaceae have become resistant to most available antibiotics. Carbapenem antibiotics were introduced to treat these antibiotic resistant bacteria, but within the last 10 years bacteria from the Enterobacteriaceae family have become resistant to these as well. These are called Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae or CRE. How are CRE Spread? CRE can be spread when a caregiver touches an infected patient, either with their hands or medical equipment, and then touches another patient in the same manner. How to Prevent CRE CRE can be dangerous because they are found in hospitals and can cause an infection in people who are already very sick. Although CRE are treatable, they can be difficult to treat because we have few antibiotics available to treat them. Hospitals are taking a variety of precautions to prevent CRE, these include: •Personnel washing their hands before and after touching a patient •Personnel wearing gloves and a gown when performing patient care activities that might result in exposure to blood or body fluids •If a person is infected with CRE they are usually placed in a private room with restricted visitors and their care provider must wear gloves and a gown upon entry of the room In order to prevent CRE in yourself or a family member you should follow hospital instructions for hand washing and infection control and ensure that your nurse and other care providers wash their hand and wear gloves and gown when necessary. If you have any questions, talk to your physician or nurse. If you think you have CRE, talk to your health care provider. |
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Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small wingless insects that tend to come out and bite at night. While some people may have no reactions to these bites, for others they can turn into itchy welts that usually go away by themselves. Bed bug infestations can occur to anyone, anywhere, but there are ways to control and prevent them. In order to prevent a bed bug infestation you should: - Vacuum your mattress regularly - Clean up clutter - Seal cracks and crevices with caulking - Inspect used furniture or clothing before buying - Never bring discarded bed frames, mattresses, box springs, upholstered furniture or electronics into your home - Inspect your luggage and contents when you return from a trip You can check for bed bugs by using a flashlight to look for them and their droppings in the seam of your mattress, inside your box spring and along your bed frame. You can use a hot hair dryer or thin knife to force them out of cracks and crevices. If you have bed bugs, the best method to deal with them is to contact your local health department or professional Pest Control operator to confirm the infestation and initiate Integrated Pest Management (IPM). |
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Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and then the bladder. Antiobiotics are the typical treatment. If it spreads to your kidneys, serious consequences can occur. It's important to see your doctor right away if you experience any of the below symptoms: - a strong, persistent urge to urinate - a burning sensation when urinating - passing frequent, small amounts of urine - urine that appears cloudy or seems to have blood in it - strong-smelling urine - pelvic pain in women; rectal pain in men |
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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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