Image provided by Drugwatch.com via ShutterStock

Today’s blog comes from Drugwatch.com, a group dedicated to informing seniors and other age groups about dangerous prescription drugs and medical devices. 

Seniors make up a large portion of the more than 2 million Americans who take blood thinners as a defense against strokes. Around 800,000 strokes occur every year, with the potential of causing brain damage and debilitating side effects.  Blood thinners reduce the risk of stroke by preventing clots from forming in the veins or arteries. While taking blood thinners, it is important to follow medical guidelines and know possible complications.

Guidelines for Taking Blood Thinners

To prevent health complications, follow these safety tips when taking blood thinners:

    • Keep an updated list of medications, including the name of the blood thinner your doctor prescribes.

 

    • Make sure doctors other than your primary care physician are aware of your blood thinner prescription to avoid bleeding situations that may occur from dental work or surgeries.

 

    • Many doctors recommend limiting alcohol consumption while taking blood thinners.

 

    • Get blood tests, as directed.

 

    • Take extra care not to cut or injure yourself from scissor accidents or falls, as blood thinners cause increased bleeding.

 

Bleeding Risks

Because these medications prevent the body from its natural ability to heal from cuts by clotting, injuries that cause bleeding are especially dangerous and may require the assistance of medical professionals. Some blood thinners, unfortunately, do not yet have antidotes to treat bleeding accidents.

The effects of warfarin (Coumadin), a blood thinner that has been popular for many years, can be reversed by treatment with vitamin K. Because of warfarin’s unique chemical makeup, users of the medication must also monitor their diet to manage foods that have vitamin K and may inhibit the medication from working initially.

Pradaxa (dabigitran) was approved in 2010, but at this point no antidote exists. Since Pradaxa’s release, there have been records of more than 500 disabling or deadly bleeding incidents that occurred while people were using the drug. These events combined with other adverse events from the drug led to 542 deaths in 2011, according to QuarterWatch, a nonprofit group focused on medical safety.

Pradaxa Bleeding and Heart Attacks

QuarterWatch gathered information from physicians, the FDA’s adverse event reporting database, manufacturers and other sources, finding documentation of 3,791 serious adverse events from Pradaxa in 2011. In addition to uncontrollable bleeding cases, other risks from Pradaxa include heart problems.

The Journal of the American College of Cardiology published a study in March 2012 that found that patients taking Pradaxa were five times more like to have heart attacks that those taking warfarin. A study done by the Cleveland Clinic also found a link between Pradaxa and heart problems. According to this study, published in the Archives of National Medicine, in comparison to Warfarin, Pradaxa caused a 33 percent increased risk of heart attack or severe symptoms of heart disease.

A new blood thinner called Eliquis (apixaban) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2012. There are plans to complete trials on a drug that may work as a bleeding antidote for Eliquis.

Knowledge of the risk involved with certain blood thinner medications may help you to properly manage your health and prevent both strokes and bleeding accidents.

Alanna Ritchie writes about dangerous prescription drugs and medical devices for Drugwatch.com.

Physicians Choice Private Duty currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of the available care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. All Encompass services are directed by registered nurses or social workers with no long-term contracts. Contact us today for help with your senior care needs.

“Physicians Choice Private Duty solves the problems families face in finding home health care providers they can trust. Providers who will focus on strategies that keep parents in their homes. To learn more about our health care services, visit http://www.encompass-home-health-care.com.”

Video: Alzheimer's patients giving thanks

Video: Alzheimer’s patients giving thanks

Video: Alzheimer's patients giving thanksOftentimes, family caregivers get overwhelmed with their duties. Those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s may have an especially difficult time watching their beloved spouse, parent or friend deal with the effect of onset dementia and early Alzheimer’s. What starts as initial frustration and lack of patience eventually gives way to understanding and, most importantly, love for your typical caregiver. Even so, it’s worth knowing that those receiving care do indeed appreciate all the help, as upset as they may be in dealing with a chronic condition that deteriorates their cognitive faculties over time.

A heartfelt video from the Alzheimer’s Association features many real life sufferers of Alzheimer’s and dementia giving thanks to those who make their lives more manageable by helping with daily tasks, such as taking meds on time, making sure they don’t wander off and get lost, offering rides, preparing meals and simply providing companionship.

Watch the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzWte4rf174

Alzheimer’s stats (via alz.org)

  • In 2012, it’s estimated that 5.4 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s.
  • Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.
  • It’s the only cause of death in the U.S. that cannot be cured or slowed.
  • An estimated 1 in 7 people with Alzheimer’s live alone.
  • There are more than 15 million caregivers in the U.S. who provided more than 17 billion hours of care in 2011.
  • Since 2000, deaths from Alzheimer’s have increased by 66% while deaths from most other major diseases have dropped.
  • Alzheimer’s costs the nation $200 billion annually.
  • These numbers are only projected to rise.

Physicians Choice Private Duty currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of the available care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. All Physicians Choice Private Duty services are directed by registered nurses or social workers with no long-term contracts. Contact us today for help with your senior care needs.

“Physicians Choice Private Duty solves the problems families face in finding home health care providers they can trust. Providers who will focus on strategies that keep parents in their homes. To learn more about our health care services, visit https://private-duty.pchhc.com/services/

How to stay healthy as a caregiver

How to stay healthy as a caregiver

How to stay healthy as a caregiverBeing the the primary caregiver for someone suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is, without a doubt, a demanding job. There’re the time constraints brought on by balancing work, family and caregiving — not to mention the physical and emotional strains that come in tow. That’s why it’s important to take care of yourself. If you do, you and the loved one you’re caring for will both be happier.

The Alzheimer’s Association offers some tips on staying healthy as a caregiver:

See a doctor

Check in regularly with your doctor. A physician can help you with any problems you might be having related to exhaustion, stress, sleeping problems and other changes in behaviors. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to declines in physical and mental health.

Alz.org recommends getting a seasonal flu shot if you’re caring for someone in late-stage Alzheimer’s, as the vaccination protects both you and your loved one.

Stay physically active

Make sure you find the time to exercise regularly. It will help relieve stress, prevent disease and, in general, make you feel good.

  • Find friends and family to offer caregiving help so you can get out and move. Even short amounts of time — 30 minutes of physical activity a day, five days a week — helps immensely.
  • Don’t be afraid to exercise at home. Get a stationary bike or yoga mat and do your exercises while your loved one is napping.

Develop healthy eating habits

Change your diet so you eat regular, heart-healthy meals rich in healthy fats, whole grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables. Alz.org recommends trying a Mediterranean diet.

Manage your stress

Stress affects your body and emotions negatively in several ways. Make sure to actively manage your stress and find ways to relax when necessary. Many caregivers tend to feel guilty for their loved one’s condition, but Alz.org notes that you should give yourself credit where it’s due, grieve the losses and focus on the positives.

Don’t ever hesitate to ask for help. Whether it’s a friend or family member, support group and professional care provider focused on elderly care, there’s always someone to talk to.

Physicians Choice Private Duty currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of the available care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. All Physicians Choice Private Duty services are directed by registered nurses or social workers with no long-term contracts. Contact us today for help with your senior care needs.

“Physicians Choice Private Duty solves the problems families face in finding home health care providers they can trust. Providers who will focus on strategies that keep parents in their homes. To learn more about our health care services, visit https://private-duty.pchhc.com/services/.”

Physicians Choice Private Duty hosts first #srcarechat today at 3 p.m. EST!

Physicians Choice Private Duty is proud to announce we’ll be hosting our very first Twitter chat today at 3 p.m. EST. We’ve named it Senior Care Chat using the hashtag #srcarechat. Whether you’re a caregiving family member or professional, we invite you to join in on today’s conversation, which will focus on the best ways to offer care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s.

Here are today’s questions:

1. As a caregiver, what are the most important steps to take when dealing with a progressive disease like Alzheimer’s?

2. What sort of living environment best suits someone with Alzheimer’s?

3. When should family consider moving a loved one with Alzheimer’s into a nursing facility?

4. What setbacks should be anticipated when moving a loved one to a hospital or nursing home?

5. What are some ways to make sure someone with Alzheimer’s takes their medication as prescribed?

6. How do you explain to a young person that a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s?

7. What are some ways to prevent caregiver burnout?

8. What resources are available for families with loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer’s?

Feedback is always welcome, please let us know what you think in the comments or on Twitter.

On a side note, we’ve found that Twitter chats are a great place for caregivers and healthcare professionals from across the world to gather and discuss the issues currently facing the world of elderly care. With so many people sharing their insights and personal experiences, Twitter chats can be a great resource to draw from, helping us all to make the services we provide better and better.

Physicians Choice Private Duty currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of the available care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system.All Physicians Choice Private Duty services are directed by registered nurses or social workers with no long-term contracts. Contact us today for help with your senior care needs.

“Physicians Choice Private Duty solves the problems families face in finding home health care providers they can trust. Providers who will focus on strategies that keep parents in their homes. To learn more about our health care services, visit https://private-duty.pchhc.com/services/.

Is napping important for the elderly?

Is napping important for the elderly?

Is napping important for the elderly?For decades now, researchers have been studying how napping affects overall health. While some studies link napping to certain health problems, new findings bring positive news, suggesting regular napping is associated with a sharper mind. This is especially encouraging to the elderly population, as surveys show that more than half of people over 75 nap at least twice a week, according to the AARP.

Some of the benefits associated with napping include:

  • Enhanced visual learning
  • Improved memory
  • Better problem solving

Still, to take advantage of the benefits, it’s important to know how long, how often and during what time of day someone should nap. A person’s age is also a factor since seniors naturally require less sleep than, say, someone in their 30s.

“I think most of us agree it’s wise to avoid taking a nap too close to bedtime, which may make it harder to fall asleep at night,” Timothy A. Roehrs, a sleep researcher at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, told the AARP. He goes on to say that, in general, the best time to take a nap is between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., a period when it’s easier to sleep as the body’s 24-hour circadian rhythm is normally in a lull.

Napping red flags

Even though many studies show health benefits associated with napping, there are other studies that link napping with health problems. For one, older people who nap tend to have more health problems than non-nappers, according to Michael V. Vitiello, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington. Many of these people who nap regularly have other sleep-related problems, such as depression, sleep apnea and nocturia. If this is the case, a common treatment for someone with chronic insomnia is to restrict sleep, i.e. less time spent in bed will lead to an improved quality of sleep.

Still, Vitiello tells the AARP that napping is perfectly OK for most people. “Experiment with different length naps. If you feel more refreshed, great. If not, maybe napping isn’t for you.”

Physicians Choice Private Duty currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of the available care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. All Physicians Choice Private Duty services are directed by registered nurses or social workers with no long-term contracts. Contact us today for help with your senior care needs.

“Physicians Choice Private Duty solves the problems families face in finding home health care providers they can trust. Providers who will focus on strategies that keep parents in their homes. To learn more about our health care services, visit https://private-duty.pchhc.com/services/