The first week of December is National Handwashing Awareness Week! Why is this week so important? The goal of National Handwashing Awareness Week is to decrease the spread of the flu and other infectious diseases by bringing awareness to the importance of good hand hygiene. Scientists have known for more than 100 years that handwashing […]
See MoreHolidays like Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Years are celebrated and happy times for many people, however, if you are older and alone, they can be filled with longing and loneliness. Holidays are often a time when depression sets in due to challenges such as: Traveling solo Change in routine Missed medications Unhealthy eating Time […]
See MoreIn 1999, Senator Harry Reid, who lost his father to suicide, introduced a resolution to the United States Senate which led to the forming of the International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. Also known as Survivor Day, the day was designated by the United States Congress as a day on which those affected by suicide […]
See MoreDuring National Family Caregivers Month, recognition is given to family caregivers who face many challenges when a family member needs full time care. “Caregiving can be a 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week job,” states the Caregiver Action Network, which spearheads National Family Caregivers Month. “Providing care around the clock can crowd out other important areas of life.” Challenges […]
See MoreDid you know that summer heart attacks are often due to hot temperatures? Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, happen when a body is not able to properly cool itself. While the body normally cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat, this might not be enough. Should this happen, our body temperature rises […]
See MoreContinue living – Dr. Suzanne Lesage emphasizes that an Alzheimer’s diagnosis doesn’t mean the person’s life is over. She stresses that there can be significant quality of life, even later in the disease’s progression. She notes that she has helped devise travel plans for families where a loved one has advanced Alzheimer’s. “Even if they […]
See MoreIndependence Day is being celebrated soon and the older our country is getting, so too is its generation of baby boomers. Do you know any? Maybe you are one, or maybe you are a younger adult who, like an older adult, highly values your independence! No matter what age, there are four things we can […]
See MoreDid you know, in the U.S. alone, it is estimated more than half a million reports of abuse against elderly Americans reach authorities every year, and millions more cases go unreported? The National Council on Aging reports approximately 1 in 10 Americans aged 60+ have experienced some form of elder abuse. One study estimated that […]
See MoreAnother wonderful person just became a stroke victim. It always takes me by surprise when this happens. Did you know that up to 80% of strokes can be prevented? Strokes can happen to anyone regardless of age, and it can happen at any time. A stroke is a brain attack. What happens is that an […]
See MoreSummer is in full force which means warm weather and sunshine is the norm for most of us living in America. For those of us caring for older adults or people with medical conditions or disabilities, it’s important to consider protection from harmful UV rays for those we care for, as well as ourselves. The […]
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