Stay Safe in the Summer Heat
For most of us, summer often brings excessive heat, which can lead to heat-related problems caused by hyperthermia, an abnormally high body temperature. Older adults and people with chronic medical conditions are particularly susceptible to hyperthermia and are at high risk for heat-related deaths. The National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health, has some tips to help older people avoid the hazards of hot weather.
Hyperthermia is caused by a failure of the heat-regulating mechanisms of the body to deal with the heat coming from the environment. Heat fatigue (sudden dizziness after prolonged exposure to the heat), heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are all forms of hyperthermia. These conditions can pose special health risks for older adults, and can increase with the combination of outside temperature, general health, and individual lifestyle.
Here are the following factors that may increase hyperthermia risk: read more…
Setting Up ICE (In-Case-of-Emergency) Information On Your Phone
Did you know that your cell phone could help save your life in an emergency? Say you’re hurt in a car accident or after a fall, for instance, and you slip out of consciousness. You’re rushed to the hospital, where medical teams treat your injuries. There’s no one there to share your medical information or tell people who to contact.
So now what? That’s where having ICE — or in-case-of-emergency — information on your phone comes in.
8 Tips To Lower The Risk Of Heart Attack Or Stroke
Sometimes just small tweaks to your lifestyle can be a huge help. Try this step-by-step approach:
- Exercise a Little Each Day
Aim for 30 minutes of exercise that gets your heart pumping at least 5 days a week. Brisk walking or swimming are some good examples of great exercises that are also gentle on your body! On the other 2 days, do strength training, such as lifting weights. read more…
What Is Dementia?
As caregivers, we often use intuition to help us decide what to do. No one has ever given us lessons on how to relate to someone with memory loss. read more…
Caring for Aging Parents at Home
If you have an elderly parent, chances are you have spent more than one sleepless night worrying about their future. When faced with the daunting task of elder-caregiving, many don’t know where to begin sorting through all the options available. But in fact, the answer may as simple as letting Mom & Dad stay put—helping them age comfortably, and gracefully, at home. Home care is not always the best solution for every eldercare situation, particularly if the home environment is unsafe or if your parent requires a very intensive medical needs. However, for millions of American families home care is a sure bet. read more…
Fall Prevention: Small Tips to Prevent Falls
Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. Fall prevention may not seem like a lively topic, but it’s important. We at Alma Health understand that as you get older, physical changes and health conditions — and sometimes the medications used to treat those conditions — make falls more likely. Still, fear of falling doesn’t need to rule your life. Instead, consider six simple fall-prevention strategies. read more…
Home Healthcare: A Growing Need in Our Nation
Home Health Care has become a growing need in our nation as the need to preserve the lives of individuals in their own surroundings becomes paramount. President Obama has signed the Older Americans Reauthorization Act (OAA) into law, reestablishing funding levels for many services that enable millions of older adults to remain in their homes through retirement. read more…
When is Home Health Care Necessary?
Home health care encompasses a wide range of services for illness and injury. It’s a service that has been increasing in popularity as the US population continues to age, though it’s not just for the elderly! In-home health care can be a convenient, and sometimes cheaper, option for many. read more…
The Best Service Coordination Services in PA
Living a happy, fulfilled life in the comfort of your own home is our number one priority at Alma Health. There is only so much a family can take on and that is where our elite team at Alma Health comes in! We provide our clients with the highest level of service coordination available in order to keep your family members living independently in the comfort of their own home. We work with you and your loved one directly to identify, locate and coordinate the best programs and resources you both need to live a fulfilled life. read more…