Home » Archives for Kimberly Johnson
Author

Kimberly Johnson

mm

Simple Exercises for Sciatica Relief
Exercise & Fitness

Simple Exercises for Sciatica Relief

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

If you do any sort of exercise, you know that stretching offers invaluable help for your aching muscles. Stretching can let the tension release, can help your muscles warm up, and allow your body to cool down, too. Plus, stretching before and after an exercise session can be a good way to work out any kinks that may be bothering you. Simple Exercises for Sciatica Relief
But stretching isn’t just about exercise relief. Stretching may also be great for other types of pain, including that caused by the sciatic nerve.

Sciatica is a term that describes leg pain that travels from the lower back, through the buttock, and down the leg. Living with sciatica can mean constant discomfort and pain. A sneeze, cough, laugh or the slightest bend in the wrong direction can aggravate the pain—which feels like a mild tingling, weakness, aching, or burning.
The sciatic nerve is a very large nerve that originates in about the buttock area; when irritated, sciatic pain, also called sciatica, can run down the leg and all the way into the foot, causing burning, irritation, numbness, and more. Although other therapies exist, stretching is a good way to relieve some sciatic pain. This graphic explains the exercises that help. Simple Exercises for S
There are a number of ways people end up with sciatica—from herniated discs to arthritis, spasms, and injuries—and there is more than one-way to treat it. Epidurals, nerve root blocks, spinal cord stimulation, and radio frequency ablation (RFA) are just a few ways to help manage the pain and discomfort. Stretches offer a less invasive option that can be done just about anywhere. Read on to learn more about sciatica plus stretches that can help relieve the pain. Simple Exercises for Sciatica Relief
ciatica Relief

Simple Exercises for Sciatica Relief

 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Fall Prevention Tips

3 Rolling Walkers You Need to Cover Every Situation

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

At Senior.com we are often asked, “Which rollator (rolling walker) is the best one to buy?” That’s a complicated question because one rollator will not solve all mobility issues. Just like young parents usually own multiple strollers for their kids for different circumstances, we would like to suggest you own these 3 products to prevent falls and give you the freedom you deserve.

4-Wheel Rollator with a Seat for Getting Out

If you want to freely move in the community, a 4-wheel rollator with a seat is the best choice. You could select a standard rollator that will do the job or a premium rollator for more comfort.

Nova Star 8″ Wheels

Standard 4-Wheel Option: NOVA Star with 8” Wheels

The Nova Star Series are great lightweight rollators with a nice smooth ride. They are available in both 6″ Wheels & 8″ Wheels, but we recommend the larger wheels to maneuver curbs and uneven walkways easier. These rollators have a large range of height adjustability and features the new lightweight 14-lb frame. (Bariatric is 19.5 lbs.) We like the way it folds easily with a push button and has locking hand brakes. They come in a variety of colors. This is a terrific value for getting around with a convenient seat so you can rest anytime, anywhere

 

Premium 4-Wheel Option: Triumph Mobility Escape Rollator

Triumph Mobility Premium

If you are looking for a little more style and comfort, the Triumph Mobility Escape Rollator is a classic European design. The Escape is available in 3 seat heights to fit almost any user and has a compact folding system that is easy to fold with a simple lift of the release handle. This design makes it easier to lift into the trunk of a car but, as an added benefit, it also stands when folded for easy storage when not in use.

Escape features a large padded seat for added comfort, pressure reducing anatomical handgrips to maintain your hand strength and the easiest to apply hand brakes available on any walker. In addition, Escape offers a depth adjustable large padded backrest, spring loaded levers for easy handle height adjustment and innovative Gentle Touch braking system with no cables to catch on objects or get in your way.

Mighty Mack Bariatric

500 lbs. Bariatric 4-Wheel Option: Mighty Mack

The strongest and mightiest of all rollators is the Mighty Mack! It has a 500-pound weight capacity and a standard seat height for average to tall users. The Mighty Mack comes with 8″ rugged wheels, an extra wide seat with a built-in seat pad, locking hand brakes, a front wire basket, and a removable back. The sleek frame is so easy to fold.

3-Wheel Rollator for Indoors and Small Spaces

The biggest complaint about a 4-wheel rollator is that it is not easy to maneuver in small spaces. So, if you are using a rollator to get from your bed to the bathroom, a 3-wheel option is absolutely the best choice. We always recommend using a 3-wheel walker inside your home to get around furniture, thick carpet, narrow doorways or hallways etc. If you don’t have a rollator that is easy to maneuver, you will opt not to use it. Just one fall can be a huge set-back to your health, independence and finances. I can’t tell you how often we hear that Mom or Dad fell in the bathroom because they weren’t using their rollator because it was too difficult in the small space. It was sitting OUTSIDE the bathroom. Resolve this safety hazard with a 3- wheel rollator.

3-Wheel Nova Traveler

Traveler 3 Wheel Nova Rollator

The Traveler 3 Wheel Walker is perfect for maneuvering indoors around furniture and in tight places like a bathroom. It features NOVA’s easy to use locking hand brakes, a tray, basket, pouch and 8” rugged wheels, and is foldable for easy transport and storage. When relying on a cane in the home, falls can easily occur when a foot catches or balance is off. We like how the traveler 3-wheel rollator has a tray for food or drinks and a basket for other belongings. This frees hands to steady your balance so you can move freely in your home.

 

Why Do You Need Both a 3-Wheel and a 4-Wheel Rollator?

One reason we recommend owning both the 4-wheel and the 3-wheel, is the 4-wheel has a seat so you can sit down anywhere when tired. Often you are not near a chair and your 4-wheel rollator gives you that security. In addition, a 4-wheel rollator is maximum comfort for going outside, shopping, or to an event. The 3-wheel rollator would be left at home for indoor use in those tight spaces.

Lastly, We Recommend the EZ Fold and Go Rollator

EZ Fold and Go Rollator

Just like young parents appreciate the umbrella stroller for quick trips, the EZ Fold and Go Rollator is the perfect solution when a caregiver is taking someone to the doctors. It’s only 8 lbs and folds compact.

The unique, patented design allows the EZ Fold-N-Go Walker to fold up to a 7-inch diameter with the touch of a finger, just like an umbrella stroller. It’s perfect for traveling, going to the store, eating at a restaurant, or just maneuvering those tight spaces around the house.

Gone are the days when you have to find space for the bulky walker or rollator in the trunk of the car. Now you can keep it next to you in the front seat!

These are some of our favorite products to recommend. However, you can shop Senior.com for hundreds of mobility solutions from all the top brands. If you are a veteran or active in the military, we offer a 5% lifetime discount! Senior.com always offers FREE SHIPPING on 99% of our listed products within the continental United States.

Remember, Age Well. Shop Smart.

 

 

 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
The Greatest Fears in Grief
Caregiving

Addressing Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-In Caregiver

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

How to Talk About Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-in Caregiver and What to Look Out For

When you’re a live-in caregiver, your No. 1 priority should be the health, safety and well-being of the person you’re caring for. Given the rising tide of prescription drug and alcohol abuse among today’s seniors, that entails knowing the signs of drug and alcohol abuse—and being able to talk about a potential problem with drugs or alcohol when you have suspicions. Addressing Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-In Caregiver

Substance Abuse and the Elderly

Substance abuse by elderly Americans—particularly of alcohol and prescription drugs—is “an invisible epidemic,” a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration warned in 1998.
By a recent estimate, more than half of older adults (ages 65 and older) drink alcohol, and of these seniors, roughly one in five drinks to excess at unsafe levels, according to a CBS News report in 2015.

Prescription drug abuse, too, is cause for concern, as evidenced by the fact that a vast majority (87 percent) of older Americans take at least one prescription drug on a regular basis, according to a 2005 report by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Among elderly people who seek medical attention, the rate of prescription drug abuse is reportedly between 13 and 15 percent. (The actual rate of drug abuse is likely much higher, given that many instances of abuse go unreported.)

Signs of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse – What to Look for

The signs of alcoholism and/or drug abuse in older Americans can be harder to miss—hence the term “invisible epidemic.” For example, a reliable sign of a substance use disorder (SUD) is having problems at work, but many older Americans are retired and no longer working. They may therefore not manifest this more obvious warning sign of a drug or alcohol problem. Sometimes, too, the symptoms of a SUD can masquerade as merely the natural symptoms of aging.

Live-in caregivers, by virtue of dwelling in close proximity to their elderly clients, are uniquely positioned to catch the signs of a potential SUD, however. In this sense, they are first responders on the frontlines of catching a substance abuse problem before it’s too late. Below are signs to look for if drugs or alcohol may be a source of concern: Addressing Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-In Caregiver

  • Drinking alone and often
  • Ritualized drinking (for example, needing a drink at a certain hour of the day and becoming frustrated, irritable or belligerent when that’s not possible)
  • Drinking in spite of label warnings on prescription drugs or the misuse of prescription drugs
  • Slurred speech, the smell of liquor on one’s breath and/or signs of intoxication
  • Changes in mood (seeming down, anxious or depressed or more prone to sudden outbursts)
  • Memory problems
  • Unexplained burns, bruises, falls or other injuries
  • Other worsening health problems—or, chronic health complaints that seem to have no physical cause
  • A loss of interest in hobbies that once brought pleasure
  • A history of alcohol abuse or a recent life-changing event such as the loss of a spouse or retirement (coupled with one or more of the above signs)

Tips for Talking About Drug or Alcohol Abuse

If you suspect drug or alcohol abuse is at play based on the above signs, talking about your concerns may be the next step (depending on the circumstances). When you broach your concerns regarding drug or alcohol abuse, the following guidelines may help:

  • Talk with the person when they are not drinking or under the influence. If the person is intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or another drug, he or she will be less likely to hear you or more prone to defensiveness.
  • Emphasize your love and concern. Someone with an addiction problem is more likely to listen to your concerns when on the receiving end of a loving attempt to connect. This is not the time for barking orders or flushing pills or liquor down the toilet or sink dispenser. Instead, stay positive, by noting the qualities you admire in the person, the memories you’re grateful for, and the positive core values he or she has modeled for you (such as the love of family or the importance of faith). These core values can also be a way to reinforce the positive motivation(s) someone with a potential SUD might have for getting treatment. For example, if you know family is important to him or her, spending quality time with grandchildren may be a good incentive to enter drug or alcohol treatment.
  • Be gentle but direct about your concerns. In a great number of instances, just because a client is elderly does not mean he or she is not able to understand you, or needs to be babied or sheltered from the truth. Matter-of-factly and as non-judgmentally and non-confrontationally as possible, mention the behaviors you’re noticing that are causing you concern and why.
  • Avoid the terms “drug addict” and “alcoholic.” Because these terms can be stigmatizing, they can perpetuate people’s sense of shame and/or denial, thereby pushing them further away from receiving help. Addressing Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-In Caregiver

 

By Linda Williams
Linda Williams is the Executive Director of Beach House Center for Recovery. She is also a seasoned clinician with specialization in addiction and trauma.
For additional information please visit The National Council on Seniors Drug & Alcohol Rehab: https://rehabnet.com/

Addressing Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-In Caregiver

Addressing Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-In Caregiver Addressing Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-In Caregiver Addressing Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-In Caregiver Addressing Drug or Alcohol Abuse as a Live-In Caregiver

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Healthy Living

How a New Tool from Neuroscience Can Improve Memory in Aging Adults

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

By the year 2035, the 2018 U.S. Census Bureau has estimated that adults over the age of 65 will outnumber children under the age of 18. The trend, often referred to as “the graying of America,” has multiple mental healthcare implications. Foremost among them: meeting the care needs of a population that, at 65 years and older, inevitably suffers from much higher rates of memory loss and dementia.

Age is the #1 predictor of memory problems, after all, so as Americans live longer, their growing seniority makes them more prone to changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia (among still other mental health issues). For example, we know that mild cognitive impairment (MCI) occurs in 15 to 20 percent of Americans over the age of 65 (according to a widely cited statistic); and, that nearly 40 percent of people who have had MCI for five years or more will develop dementia (according to studies cited by the Alzheimer’s Association).

Early Intervention for Age-Related Memory Issues – What It Is and Why It’s Key

These statistics drive home how important it is to intervene quickly and as early as possible in response to signs of potential memory loss in you or a loved one. With early intervention, we can help slow down the progression of MCI or early dementia.

In addition to a consultation with a neurologist, early intervention should involve getting a detailed evaluation by a clinical psychologist who specializes in neuropsychology and is therefore qualified to diagnose you or your older loved one.

As a clinical psychologist specializing in neuropsychology, I am often asked to evaluate older patients with memory issues. Roughly half of these patients tend to come from a medical setting: a doctor may have referred them to me after a telling CT, MRI scan or other diagnostic intervention; in other cases, a patient’s loved one brings them to me, usually out of concern over certain behaviors that could suggest memory loss.

How a Neuropsychological Evaluation Assesses Different Memory-Related Skills

In every case, I administer certain tasks that help me assess the patient’s working memory. Working memory is the ability to retain new information and manipulate it. The ability to memorize a new phone number on the spot so that you can then dial the number is a perfect example of working memory.

By observing how patients complete certain activities, I am also able to evaluate patients’ verbal retention (a skill typically associated with the brain’s left hemisphere) and their non-verbal perceptual retention (a job assigned to the brain’s right hemisphere).

Another thing I’m looking for in my evaluations are signs of functional impairment in these two clinical categories: basic activities of daily living (BADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). BADLs refer to activities like eating and brushing teeth. IADLs refer to activities like managing medications, writing checks or making doctor appointments (things that require a higher level of cognitive function and independence).

The Need for Better Treatments for Memory Loss and Early Stage Dementia

Early intervention and assessment, as critical as they are, are only one part of the answer to a graying America’s higher rates of memory impairment and dementia. The other part of the answer involves more and better treatments for these conditions— treatments that are effective, cause less side effects and can be introduced before a diagnosis of dementia, as preventative medicine at the first signs of MCI, for example.

Current treatments are limited. They involve cognitive-enhancing medications, which show mixed results, and behavioral prescriptions, such as getting more regular social interaction and exercise. More treatments are thus critically needed to meet the rising memory care needs of this growing older demographic.

How Neurostimulation Improves Working Memory in Older Adults

That’s why recent findings into “neurostimulation,” a non-invasive technique that applies magnetic or electrical currents to regions of the brain, are promising. Last month, a study in Neuroimage found that working memory in older adults improved “significantly” when a particular type of neurostimulation—”anodal transcranial direct current stimulation” (tDCS)—was applied to their prefrontal cortex while they performed certain cognitive tasks for rewards.

This finding reinforces the conclusions of earlier studies, such as research cited in April 2019 by the New England Journal of Medicine. There, on a computer-based task, older, non-demented adults exhibited worse working memory than younger adults. Strikingly, after only 25 minutes of targeted, high-definition transcranial alternating-current stimulation (HD-tACS), the older adults’ brains showed normalization patterns similar to those of younger adults, suggesting that even one short session of neurostimulation can substantially improve a senior’s working memory (at least in the short term).

Such findings beg for more research into neurostimulation as a potential treatment for early dementia and other memory issues. A 2015 Harvard Medical School report commented on studies evaluating the effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or tDCS on memory and learning: “Overall, the results indicate that the techniques are most likely to improve mental function when used in conjunction with other types of training, such as learning new systems for remembering names,” the report read, adding that “A few small studies in people with mild Alzheimer’s disease suggest that TMS could be combined with cognitive exercises to improve function.”

This all should be good news for any senior, not just those with memory loss— and for those who love them.

By Dr. Antonio Rotondo

Dr. Antonio Rotondo is a licensed clinical psychologist, specializing in neuropsychology. He treats patients with addiction and other mental disorders at FHE Health, a Florida-based behavioral healthcare provider. Learn more about Neurorehabilitative Services at FHE Health.

 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Food & Recipes

Does Eating Organic Make a Difference?

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

If you’ve ever wondered if organic food really is better for you, there’s a large new study with another answer. Researchers published their findings in the Journal of the American Medical Association in December 2018.

The researchers followed 68,946 French adults for an average of 5 years each. They wanted to know if the adults who ate organic food most often had less risk of cancer than those who ate it least often. By the end of the study, here’s what they found:

The people who ate organic food most often had a 25% less risk of getting cancer than those who ate it least often. Plus, the most frequent organic eaters had 73% less risk of contracting non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. And a 21% lower risk of postmenopausal breast cancer.

Now, this may not be surprising to you. After all, less pesticides are better than more pesticides for your health, right? And this isn’t the first study to prove some health benefits of organic food.

But here are the strengths and weaknesses of this particular study, so you can make an informed decision for yourself:

The Strengths

  • The study included such a large number of people that the results were far more reliable than the average study.
  • The study arrived at the same conclusions as other rigorous, respected organic studies.
  • While the study involved self-reported food intake (which is prone to human error), the main question was simple… was the food organic or not!
  • Compared to most studies, very few volunteers actually dropped out of the study before it ended.

The Weaknesses

  • The volunteers reported their own food intake. And with 68,946 volunteers, inaccuracies are a given. This is the case with any self-reporting study
  • The researchers didn’t measure pesticide levels in the urine or blood, which are good indicators of pesticide exposure.
  • The 5-year average following each volunteer isn’t long enough to confirm cancer risk in every case.
  • About 75% of the volunteers were women in their 40s. And while the findings are still applicable to older women and men, it’s important to note this over-represented demographic.

 

In addition, this was an observational study, so it can’t determine causation. Observational studies like this observe groups of people and draw associations between certain behaviors and outcomes. But it’s a mistake to assume the behavior caused the observed outcome.

In this case, eating organic was associated with lower cancer risk, but many folks who eat organic also tend to make other health-conscious decisions that impact cancer risk. They may exercise more, take fewer medications, follow health blogs, etc. So, it may be the exercise or fewer medications reducing cancer risk, rather than the organic foods. Make sense?

Bottom line, this study doesn’t prove organic foods reduce cancer risk! But it does suggest consuming organically grown foods lowers your risk of cancer.

Personally, I always attempt to eat as “clean” as possible, which means limiting pesticides. So, the more I can eat organic, the better.

Now, I know it’s not always easy to find organic food— nor is it affordable for many of us either.

But if you’re interested in finding out more about organic foods— and which foods contain the most and least pesticides— you’ll want to check out the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists.

These lists will tell you which fruits and veggies to choose and to avoid (unless they’re organic!).

By Dean Neuls

Dean Neuls is the Co-Founder and CEO of AlgaeCal. He is a natural health author and student of bone health science who is passionate about helping people & bettering lives.

 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Time to take pills
Health Tips

Tips To Avoid Self-Medication In Old People

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

According to research concluded, it was found that 68.6% of the elderly had at least are involved with self-medication. The term self-medication is described as human behavior in which individuals treat health problems and severe illness without consulting or taking advice from doctors or healthcare professionals.

A person takes non-prescribed medicines or services which are often term as over the counter (OTC) without consulting or visiting a doctor. It also refers to the people who take dietary supplements for fast results without a prescription.

Self-medication can be extremely harmful as we only look for the on-time recovery, but the effects can be too harsh in the long run. Obviously, the relief isn’t permanent, and it only heals for the time being; taking medicines, drugs, and aging supplements from pharmacists will have damaging effects on your health.

Some people are also looking for cost-effective methods, but the savings worth nothing as you are putting yourself on the stake, and later you will have to spend more.

As far as older people are concerned, they already are on the verge of death, they are weak, and their body isn’t able to fight the harmful effects that these medicines could cause, and by taking the medications which are not prescribed by the doctor will make them more vulnerable.

One thing has been observed that older people doing self-medication are mostly relying on old prescriptions, taking friends’ advice, or the most found, using the internet for instant remedies and cures. Yes, you can research and make alterations in your life accordingly, but doctors and health care professionals are meant for this job.

You must have heard or read this that the work suits in the hands of the one skilled to do it. It is crystal clear that if someone else does it, he’s sure to make a mess.

Why Is Self-Medication Prevalent In Older People?

Self-medication means that you are ignoring the consultation of doctors and getting things done in traditional ways with suggestions and pieces of advice, reading blogs, and taking older prescriptions, which are likely not to work anymore.

Self-medication is a habit, a habit that can have appalling consequences sooner or later. Older people are more immune to viruses, and that is why they have a high altitude of getting a fever, cold, cough, body aches, etc.

Instead of going to the doctor or health care professional and getting the right prescribed medicines, older people are more likely to rely upon self-medication and take medications that relieve them from the pain for the time being.

A minor issue that could be quickly resolved earlier with doctor’s assistance will lead to something that will become terrible in the long run and challenging to diagnose or treat.

The reasons as to why older people are more prevalent are that they mostly get the attitude of carelessness and laziness. They try to save money by taking cheap and injurious measures instead of subsequent medication.

Tips To Avoid Self-Medication In Older People

There are several tips and ways to stop and avoid self-medication. Remember that determination leads to productivity and desired results, and the first step always lies in your hands.

Here are the seven most useful and functional tips to avoid self-medication. Have a look!

1. Listening To The Perspective Of Care Takers

There are around 423,200 home service agencies in the United States, with 1,976,692 employees working with different SOPs. So, the perspective of caretakers matters the most. They provide health care assistance to most of the older people in different states.

Caretakers also urge that self-medication is harmful and should be wholly suppressed. Their beliefs are not any different than ours. The home health care providers follow strict rules and principles for medication and counsel older people to unfollow this practice.

2. Know The Relationship Between Addiction & Self-Medication

Older people are found to be more addicted to certain things because of the practices that have been carried for a long time. Self-medication has become an addiction to tens of thousands of aged people around the world. Effective strategies are needed to prevent addiction by avoiding self-medication and bad habits.

3. Saying ‘No’ To Non-Prescribed Medicines

Nowadays, more people are inclined towards the internet. Checking for remedies and buying medicines, just like gadgets, is common in people of old age.

But the fact is real that thousands of online pharmacies and self-medication articles are unauthentic and fake, and taking medicines from them can put you in a position where you have to spend hundreds of dollars later for getting back to normal, which will still be uncertain.

Non-Prescribed medicines could be of great danger to your health because it might be out-of-date, expired, diluted, or fake. These cautions are not a matter of concern for the sellers, as they are just trying to sell the most number of products by putting fancy descriptions and fake reviews. All they are trying to do is just manipulating and mocking the buyers.

4. Setting Medical Assistance At A Priority

Setting priorities play a pivotal part in human’s life. Older people are often neglected when it comes to getting medical assistance at a priority. Older people tend to be lazier, and in mere oblivion, the weaknesses also lead to unforeseen circumstances.

A doctor’s work can never be done by anyone else, nor can it be done on your own. Older people are not admitting the reality and instead try to get the situation handled themselves. Setting up medical assistance will prevent unwanted happenings.

Instead of taking matters in your own hands, you should acquire for doctor’s help by getting the appointment, meeting in person, diagnosing the illness, and living a healthier life.

The doctor’s guidance as to what medicine will be a perfect solution for you, its dosage, the amount of it to be taken in, the possible side effects, or any harmful interactions is essential. All of this may be told upon the prescription after proper screenings.

5. Create Awareness

Awareness has always been a more significant element in change and for a better society. Public perception is essential, but it can only be impacted if people realize its importance. Older adults are weak and in an instability mode, so to create awareness and to educate them about it is the duty of those associated with them.

‘The first step towards change is awareness, and the second is acceptance.” – Nathaniel Brandon

The community develops when there are awareness and know-how of things. Self-medication is like a slow poison that acts slowly but gradually affects you. Awareness campaigns should be held to educate people regarding the dreadful impact of self-medication and how it puts you in emerging danger.

Virtual awareness campaigns can also do the part. Advertisements on the internet, television broadcasting, and billboards can create high awareness by highlighting the adverse effects of self-medication.

6. Understand The Role Of Drug Control Authority

There are thousands of online consultants and pharmacies operating without getting proper licensing and are not being monitored for security protocols and checks and balances. Older people being at home use the internet and try to get immediate solutions to their problems and often get in contact with the fake and manipulative sellers online. They aren’t familiar with the safety regulations imposed by these authorities for consumer protection.

Drug Control Authorities should keep a proper eye on as many of the fake sellers as they could. Registrations should be done, adequate issuance of licensing must be done, and monitoring of the products.

People are advised to buy research papers online but not to go online for consultation and medical prescriptions instead of consulting doctors for better and satisfying results.

7. Look For Reliable Pharmacists

Tens of thousands of pharmacies and online consultation services are fooling people. Taking online consultation is not as easy as buying essay help UK online. Pharmacists must be educated on the possible consequences of selling non-prescribed medicines and violating consumer protection regulations.

Even if you are taking an online consultation, make sure they are qualified and have a proper and updated license. Also, make sure that they pay attention to details and show a kind attitude. Lack of attention from your pharmacist increases the possibility of medical errors.

What are the Perils of Self-Medication? Getting It Concluded

Self-medication is dangerous and is not advisable to anyone, especially older adults, because they have a weak immune system. If you consume medicines without having a legit prescription, a lot of problems such as medical complications, over-dosage, and poisoning may occur. I have accumulated all the potential perils that self-medication can cause:

  1. You will be addicted to it.
  2. It will cause long term side effects.
  3. Your body condition may get relapsed.
  4. It can also cause instantaneous on-spot death.
  5. It will damage other healthy organs of your body.

 

Sickness and body-aches happen rarely, and for that, taking your own invented or friend’s prescribed medicine or doing remedy you read about on social media may heal you for the time being. Still, in the longer run, it will not be beneficial. Besides, it will make you more receptive to new diseases and illnesses.

Visiting doctor and implementing on the doctor’s prescription will save you from happening hazardous and keep you healthy and wealthy.

Author Bio

Claudia Jeffrey is currently working as Content Strategist at Crowd Writer, a credible platform to get on-time delivery of essay help UK. She has gained a credible reputation with her outstanding write-ups on the health and well-being of elders. She likes to share her views and opinions through writing.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Guide to Addiction Prevention for Seniors
Conditions & Treatments

Guide to Addiction Prevention for Seniors

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Alcohol and drug addiction is a growing problem for seniors, and it’s extremely dangerous. As we get older, our metabolisms change, and it becomes more difficult to process things. This can lead to higher intoxication levels and health complications. Guide to Addiction Prevention for Seniors
One of the biggest challenges with senior addiction is that its symptoms mimic those of many other conditions associated with aging, such as diabetes, dementia, and vertigo.
There’s also a commonly-held belief that fuels the fires. Many people believe that addiction is a disease for the young; seniors have long since passed the age for addiction. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Guide to Addiction Prevention for Seniors

Reasons for Senior Addiction

Each person is different, but many seniors become addicted for similar reasons. When you’ve reached senior status, loss and grief are inevitable. It can be a very lonely and isolating experience that leads some people to self-medicate.
We all know the aches and pains that seem to come naturally with aging. Whether it’s arthritis or injuries, the pain can be unbearable. When it really becomes too much to bear, many seniors turn to prescription medications. These are a completely legal and acceptable way to handle pain, but it can lead to prescription drug addiction.

How to Prevent Addiction for Seniors

Addiction can be dangerous and even deadly for seniors, so it’s important not to walk that path. And although many seniors use addiction as a way to deal with loneliness, it will only isolate you further. Here are a few tips for preventing addiction in your senior years.

  1. Keep track of your medications – It’s easy to lose track of the pills you’ve taken, even if your memory is sharp as a tack. One day blends with another, and you can’t remember whether you took your last pill this morning or yesterday morning. It happens. But if you’re taking addictive substances, this can lead you down the path of addiction. Keep your pills in a daily pill dispenser or task someone else to keep track of them for you.
  2. Take painkillers only when you really need them – If you’ve been prescribed a prescription painkiller, use it only when your pain is exceptionally high. If your pain is always exceptionally high, talk to your doctor about other pain relief options. Injections or surgery may be a better option for you.
  3. Drink alcohol sparingly – If you do drink alcohol, try to keep it as a social thing. When you drink alone, it’s easy to drink more than you should. It can also become a habit that leads to alcoholism.
  4. Learn about senior addiction – Read more about senior addiction. You can start with this article from the National Council for Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s important to get help right away. Senior addiction can be very dangerous, and every day that goes by, the problem gets worse. The conversations may not be the most comfortable, but they are extremely necessary. Start talking about addiction to everyone you think needs to hear. Guide to Addiction Prevention for Seniors
Trevor McDonald is a freelance writer and recovering addict & alcoholic who’s been clean and sober for over 5 years. Since his recovery began, he has enjoyed using his talent for words to help spread treatment resources, addiction awareness, and general health knowledge.

Guide to Addiction Prevention for Seniors

Guide to Addiction Prevention for Seniors Guide to Addiction Prevention for Seniors Guide to Addiction Prevention for Seniors Guide to Addiction Prevention for Seniors Guide to Addiction Prevention for Seniors Guide to Addiction Prevention for Seniors Guide to Addiction Prevention for Seniors Guide to Addiction Prevention for Seniors
 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Dating

7 Senior Dating Tips

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

First, It’s Not About Luck 7 Senior Dating Tips
If you’re still throwing darts at online dating profiles, consulting your horoscope, thinking that finding a partner is just a numbers game, or hoping a friend will fix you up, then you’ve already missed the senior dating boat. If you wait for your online dating site inbox to fill up instead of being proactive, if you only answer emails from men or women who fit a narrow type, or you haven’t refreshed your photos or updated your profile in six months, you need to know that the effort required to meet a life partner begins when you sign up and ends only when you’re in love.

No Whining
While online dating for seniors isn’t a contact sport, it sometimes leaves seniors feeling bruised on the inside. Face it, you’re competing with every senior dater in your community, and you need to act accordingly. Complaining there aren’t enough good men, that the available men are abysmal, that women only want to date a wallet, and a zillion other nonsensical judgments will only ensure you quit online dating frustrated and single. You’ll need equal amounts of stamina, determination, and intelligence.

It Works
There aren’t any guarantees in life, and online dating is no exception.

But what I know with certainty is that online dating works so well that couples that meet online have statistically better odds of a successful marriage. I dated online for several years before meeting my partner who I never would have met otherwise, although admittedly it took a slew of coffee dates.

Attitude
Staying positive, choosing potential dates thoughtfully, and taking a break when you’re feeling emotionally fatigued are all worth remembering.

And there’s something else to keep in mind, and that is the person you’re anxious to meet is out there and he or she is just as anxious to meet you. Online dating is all about making your worlds collide, and that can only be accomplished by being proactive, mentally strong, and optimistic.

Shine
Your online profile is more than just a mandatory space you’re obligated to fill in with your story. It’s an opportunity to stand out. If you give online daters more than a few tidbits to decide whether you’re worth dating, your chances of meeting someone special increase exponentially. And if all your photos aren’t smiling shots, have a friend take new ones.

Do Your Homework
Dating websites know that people will join and quit regularly, and while they do put some effort into making the experience enjoyable, the burden is on members to make it successful. Think of a dating website as a library, but filled with people instead of books. You wouldn’t go to a library and ask the librarian to read the books to you, and you shouldn’t expect a dating site to do much beyond offer good choices.

Expand Your Horizons
I went on dozens of coffee dates before I met my partner because I simply wasn’t dating smart. I finally stopped picking the same woman with different names and started choosing women based on their profiles more than their photos. I met my partner shortly after. Expand your horizons by looking at men and women who don’t fit your narrow typecast fantasy. You might meet your special someone whose profile you repeatedly skipped over for all the wrong reasons.
Follow Ken Solin on Twitter: www.twitter.com/KenSolin

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Top 10 Board Games for Active Retirees
Healthy Living

Top 10 Board Games for Active Retirees

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Playing a board game is the perfect way to spend some time with the retirees. The variety of games allows for quality one on one time, as well as group fun with grandkids. Moreover, games are known to improve the health of the brain, which can prove to be a great tool in regard to the memory and logical thinking of seniors. And most importantly, this keeps seniors engaged, which reduces the dangers of senior isolation. Top 10 Board Games for Active Retirees

Here are the top 10 board games every retiree can enjoy:

1. Bingo Top 10 Board Games for Active Retirees

Of course, Bingo takes the first place in this list! Bingo is the most popular game among seniors for a reason – it is very entertaining and gives the satisfaction of being the lucky winner!

2. Connect Four

The second in our list is a type of a tic-tac-toe game – a vertical one. It is fun for people of all ages and comes at a very affordable price.

3. Yahtzee

Yahtzee and Yamb are similar dice games that sharpen the brain of the players. Players use score cards and fill them according to official rules, choosing and calculating the numbers on the dice they throw.

4. Chess

Chess is a game played by two people only, but it is one of the favorite among seniors. Even if their children and grandchildren do not want to play this game, seniors can often spend an entire day thinking chess through. It is an ancient game played by millions across the globe, and it requires strategic thinking combined with logic.

5. Stratego

Stratego is a modern game, so not many seniors know how to play it. This board game is Napoleon-themed and requires two opposing players. These players use strategies to beat each other on a 10×10 board. Each of the players will command individual officers and soldiers by moving 40 pieces from their ‘army’.
The goal of Strategois to capture the flag of the opponent, or as many units required to prevent them from making further moves.

6. Monopoly

Everyone knows and loves Monopoly! This game represents a domination of a market by a single entity or in this case, a player. It can be played by several opponents and is an excellent way to pass the time. It can be rather lengthy, so you might want to take breaks and continue it another day. It is an interesting and very challenging game, but a frustratingly long one.

7. Risk

Risk is a game created by the same people who created Monopoly. It is a much more strategic game created for two to six players. Its standard version is a board game that depicts the map of Earth. This map has six continents and 42 territories in total.
The players use dice to control their armies and take over the territories from others. Here is where it gets similar to Monopoly – everyone aims to take over as many territories as possible, but also to finish a mission given to them at the very beginning.

8. Scrabble

Scrabble can entertain up to four people who place tiles to score points. Each of the tiles has a letter and is places onto a board. The objective is to build words by putting letters together, accumulate the most points by creating these words, and out-score every other player in the game. It is an excellent game to improve the memory and vocabulary of the players.

9. Battleship

Basically, Battleship is a guessing game that can entertain two players. Each of the players secretly and by wish arranges ships of different sizes. When the game starts, they attempt to guess and sink the other person’s ship by choosing a set number where the ships might be located. The person who sinks all ships of the other player is the winner.

10. Dominion

Two to four people can play Dominion. This game should be played rapidly because players aim to gain the unclaimed land around them as soon as possible. They upgrade castles, hire minions and defend themselves against other players. It is a game played with ten-card deck and ten special action cards.
Board games are an excellent way to connect with and keep seniors happy. These games exercise the brain of everyone who plays them and provides an opportunity for fun in the process!
By Chris Richardson
Chris Richardson is an editor at a essaygeeks.co.uk. He is also a professional content writing expert in such topics as career growth, self-improvement, blogging, and technology innovations. Feel free to connect with him on Google+.

Top 10 Board Games for Active Retirees

Top 10 Board Games for Active Retirees Top 10 Board Games for Active Retirees Top 10 Board Games for Active Retirees Top 10 Board Games for Active Retirees Top 10 Board Games for Active Retirees Top 10 Board Games for Active Retirees Top 10 Board Games for Active Retirees Top 10 Board Games for Active Retirees Top 10 Board Games for Active Retirees Top 10 Board Games for Active Retirees Top 10 Board Games for Active Retirees Top 10 Board Games for Active Retirees

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts