MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'elderly'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:52:11 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159669&cid=t_102965_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F24%2F30-day-mortality-associated-with-primary-cytoreductive-surgery-in-elderly-advanced-ovarian-cancer-patients-much-higher-than-previously-reported%2F Researchers affiliated with the University of Washington have determined that the 30-day mortality rate associated with primary cytoreductive surgery in elderly patients with advanced ovarian cancer is much higher than previously reported. Researchers affiliated with the University of Washington have determined that the 30-day mortality rate associated with primary cytoreductive surgery in elderly patients with [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159669 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:28:52 +0100 5159669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5130750&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fshould-surgery-be-considered-for-a-persistently-hoarse-voice%2F2011.08.14 I was informed about this interesting concept on ABC news… With many aging baby boomers tapping into cosmetic surgery in order to look younger, some are taking it a step further to “sound” younger as well with a “voice lift”. For some, it’s not right to look 10-20 years younger after a facelift but still sound like 70 years old. A hoarse voice with aging is not unusual, but a surgical “voice-lift” is not necessarily the first step that should be taken. First things first… (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Fauquier ENT Blog* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5130750 Sun, 14 Aug 2011 18:00:00 +0100 5130750 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5103343&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fa-diet-enriched-with-olive-oil-is-associated-with-a-lower-stroke-risk-in-one-age-group%2F2011.08.05 More on the Mediterranean diet shows that olive oil is the key component associated with less stroke risk in seniors, a French study found. The Mediterranean diet has already been linked to better cardiovascular effects, so researchers poured it on to assess its link to stroke. A study of people 65 and older in the French cities of Bordeaux, Dijon and Montpellier divided 7,625 residents into three categories of olive oil consumption: no use, moderate use for cooking or dressing, or intensive use for both cooking and dressing. Researchers used plasma oleic acid as an indirect biological marker of oleic acid intake from olive oil. (They acknowledged that it could also stem from use of butter and goose or duck fat.) Results appeared in the Aug. 2 issue of Neurology. In the study, (more…... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5103343 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 18:00:00 +0100 5103343 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968909&cid=t_102965_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FVPghfLkLLqc%2F Good morning, everyone. Another working week is about to draw to a close and already, we are daydreaming about weekend plans. Our modest agenda includes catching up on some reading, tending to the official Pharmalot grounds and spending time with our short people. And you? Now that summer is here, perhaps a drive to the beach is in order. Or curling up with a good e-book. Of course, one can always take that proverbial walk in the park. Whatever you fancy, have a great time and see you soon… Patent Overhaul Bill Clears US Senate (Reuters) America’s Vanishing Science Jobs (The New York Post) EMA Delays Decision On Actos To July (Reuters) FDA Inspects New Ranbaxy Plant In India (The Economic Times) Commonly Used Drugs Raise Risk Of Death In The Elderly (Reuters) Pfizer To Keep 350... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968909 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:56:33 +0100 4968909 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934108&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FLVNfBuzfyRE%2F By Randal O'TooleAccording to Transportation for America — which is largely a shill for the transit industry — the nation is about to face a new crisis: a shortage of mobility “options” for retiring baby boomers. According to a report published by the group on June 14, “By 2015, more than 15.5 million Americans 65 and older will live in communities where public transportation service is poor or non-existent.” The appropriate answer to that, of course, is “So what?” Most seniors don’t ride transit. Census data show that more than 12.5 percent of all Americans are over 65, yet data from the American Public Transportation Association show that only 6.7 percent of transit trips are taken by senior citizens. The average American rides transit less... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934108 Wed, 15 Jun 2011 17:36:42 +0100 4934108 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893542&cid=t_102965_107_f&fid=36672&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencebase.com%2Fscience-blog%2Flatest-spectroscopy-and-crystallography.html Electric microbes – X-ray diffraction has been used to reveal the structure of proteins attached to the surface of the microbe Shewanella oneidensis, a species found in deep-sea anaerobic habitats. These proteins can transfer electrons making this micro-organism potentially rather interesting as an electricity-generating system. The research could allow researchers to tether bacteria directly to electrodes creating efficient microbial fuel cells or bio-batteries powered by human or animal waste. Such an advance could also hasten the development of system based on microbial agents that can clean up oil spills or provide a new approach to remediating radioactive waste. Uranium and Raman – Scientists at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research in Tamil Nadu have carried out th... Sciencebase Science Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893542 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 09:32:50 +0100 4893542 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4883922&cid=t_102965_158_f&fid=38949&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FAgingWithGraceCareconnection%2F%7E3%2FAmPyqJHOQKw%2Flow-property-values-still-plague.html A new report from Smart Money shows that after almost five years of falling home pries, many retirees must consider what to do with their homes should prices continue to collapse. Many who are approaching retirement have been counting on their home equity as a way to finance their golden years, but the real estate downturn has made it more difficult. In the past, Americans hoped to age in place and viewed the equity in their home as the break-in-case-of-emergency asset, the one asset they would use to pay for long-term care or nursing homes. Today, however, aging in place isn’t the option it once was, especially given the possibility that the equity in one’s home might be falling in value, while the cost of keeping a home real estate taxes, property insurance premiums and utilities ... Aging with Grace CareConnection blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4883922 Tue, 31 May 2011 13:37:00 +0100 4883922 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4828891&cid=t_102965_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FtCB0TGVPk04%2F The LITFL Review is your regular and reliable source for the highest highlights, sneakiest sneak peaks and loudest shout-outs from the webbed world of emergency medicine and critical care (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4828891 Mon, 16 May 2011 04:30:32 +0100 4828891 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4794953&cid=t_102965_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fgreed-grief-and-the-choices-of-a-lifetime%2F As most of you already know, my daughter, Beth and I have just returned from a working trip to the high desert region of California. My sweet mother-in-law passed away last May and due to other family matters it has taken us a year to make it down there to clean out her home. The weather is also a factor because I cannot tolerate heat or sun. When we left home it was drizzling here in beautiful, green yet soggy Oregon. The contrast to the high desert is startling. Yucca trees, a few evergreens and lots of brown greeted us. It was also 90 degrees. I got out the sunscreen but still have many fever blisters. You all know I have trouble sitting, and had to go to the hotel and just lie down after the trip. We had drawn row 12 on our small commuter plane and got stuck right in front of the emerg... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4794953 Fri, 06 May 2011 20:36:00 +0100 4794953 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4775432&cid=t_102965_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F02%2Fmental-health-needs-of-older-americans%2F As the baby boomers age here in the U.S., they are going to swell the ranks of seniors. And senior care — especially mental health care — is one of the most ignored in America. We act as though seniors don’t matter much, and few health care and mental health care professionals go into specializations, such as geriatric psychology, that can help senior citizens. Perhaps that will change, with more attention and focus provided on this group of people. Because as we age, we often face many of the same difficulties as we did earlier in life. Except these difficulties are often amplified, because of the loss of social support — our friends — and isolation — most often from our own family. The New York Times profiles Marc E. Agronin, M.D., a geriatric psychiat... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4775432 Mon, 02 May 2011 13:50:19 +0100 4775432 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4734103&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fare-paul-ryans-medicare-budget-cuts-going-to-harm-the-elderly%2F2011.04.20 For some time now, numerous loved ones and dear friends have been advising and occasionally urging DrRich that, perhaps, it has become a bit inappropriate, and even unseemly, for him to continue in his longtime position as President and sole member of Future Old Farts of America (FOFA). For a not unsubstantial interval DrRich ignored this advice, feigning incipient deafness. But finally, after some focused study of that which these days returns his gaze in the mirror, and reluctantly concluding that maybe his loved ones have a point (and not wishing to seem Cranky), DrRich has reluctantly decided to resign from (and therefore disband) FOFA. DrRich is pleased to announce that he has accepted a new position as President and sole member of Glorious Old Farts of America (GOFA). And it is in th... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4734103 Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:00:32 +0100 4734103 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4704231&cid=t_102965_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fsleep-apnea-and-sleepiness-raises-older.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4704231 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 16:01:00 +0100 4704231 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4696636&cid=t_102965_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emergencyweb.net%2Flibrary%2Fmp3.php%3Ff%3Deits_ep038_disaster_help.mp3 The LITFL Review is your regular and reliable source for the highest highlights, sneakiest sneak peaks and loudest shout-outs from the webbed world of emergency medicine and critical care (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4696636 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 08:16:03 +0100 4696636 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684321&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fshould-elderly-men-be-screened-for-prostate-cancer%2F2011.04.06 A study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that “that men in their seventies had prostate cancer screening nearly twice as often as men in their early fifties, who are more likely to benefit from prostate cancer detection and treatment.” An American Society for Clinical Oncology news release includes this quote: “Our findings show a high rate of elderly and sometimes ill men being inappropriately screened for prostate cancer. We’re concerned these screenings may prompt cancer treatment among elderly men who ultimately have a very low likelihood of benefitting the patient and paradoxically can cause more harm than good,” said senior author Scott Eggener, MD, assistant professor of surgery at the University of Chicago. “We were also surprised to fin... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684321 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:00:27 +0100 4684321 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4639766&cid=t_102965_46_f&fid=38787&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmsf.ca%2Fblogs%2Fphotos%2F2011%2F03%2F28%2Fliberia-2%2F Froley village, Nimba County – March 2011 Martine, 72 years old, arrived in Frolay with her daughter one month ago. As she is too old to walk fast and for long, she spent three days on the road to reach border crossing point of Butuo. Her daughter who was with her only kid went faster and came back to look after her mother. When people from close villages crossed their home village of Souapleu on their way to the border, Martine and her daughter decided to follow them. Here in Liberia, they stay in the house of a Liberian relative. As the situation continues to deteriorate in Ivory Coast, tens of thousands Ivorian have fled their country and sought refuge in Liberia. The vast majority are staying with host families, scattered in more than 70 villages throughout the County. This situ... MSF Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4639766 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 10:18:28 +0100 4639766 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631568&cid=t_102965_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fattitude-is-everything-in-a-life-of-chronic-pain%2F I frequently run into individuals — as I did in my past as an RN — who thought they were the only ones who were suffering. What is this whole living with pain business, some morbid contest to see who’s suffered the most? It’s far too easy to slide down into that hole of depression and self-pity and think you’re the most unfortunate, the most tortured, and the most miserable of them all. If that’s your approach you’ll get a prize for certain; all you have to do is win. Your prize is a life of darkness engulfed in pain and suffering. Your attitude will stink. Your friends and family will eventually resent you and remember, it can get awfully dark down in that hole. I have many goals and hopes for this blog, but the big one is to avoid the whole contest idea. I know as ... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4631568 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 20:32:34 +0100 4631568 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4605826&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fa-surprising-discovery-and-the-value-of-the-physical-exam%2F2011.03.17 I’ve remarked in the past how rarely I ever learn anything useful from physical exam. It’s one of those irritating things about medicine — we spent all that time in school learning arcane details of the exam, esoteric maneuvers like pulsus paradoxus, comparing pulses, Rovsing’s sign and the like. But in the modern era, it seems like about half the diagnoses are made by history and the other half are made by ancillary testing. Some people interpreted my comments to mean I don’t do an exam, or endorse a half-assed exam, which I do not. I always do an exam, as indicated by the presenting condition. I just don’t often learn much from it. But I always do it. The other day, for example, I saw this elderly lady who was sent in for altered mental status. There w... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4605826 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4605826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4592398&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhow-your-medication-list-makes-you-the-perfect-pharma-target%2F2011.03.14 Give me your medication list and I’ll tell you your health problems. It happens every day in emergency rooms across the country as confused elderly patients present for an acute problem unable to describe their past medical history, but equipped with a list of medications in their wallet: Metformin = Type-2 diabetes Synthroid = Hypothyroidism Lipitor + Altace + Lasix + Slo-K = Ischemic cardiomyopathy Lexapro = A little anxious or depressed Viagra = Well, you know… I bet I’d be right better than 90 percent of the time. Now, imagine you’re a pharmaceutical company wanting to target people with those chronic diseases. Where might you find them? No problem. Just pay the insurers to provide you patients’ drug lists. No names need be exchanged in keeping with HIPA... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4592398 Mon, 14 Mar 2011 19:00:00 +0100 4592398 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4549947&cid=t_102965_165_f&fid=37962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fotnotes.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fwho-gets-to-go-home-3-short-case.html One of my biggest responsibilities from a hospital standpoint is providing discharge recommendations. Hospital stays are notoriously short and it is a priority of the case management staff and doctors to determine discharge location, for which they recruit OTs and PTs to assist. But determining discharge readiness and placement is more of an art than a science, no flow chart can be easily developed to guide a novice through the process. So here are 3 case examples of similar patients and situations, whom I saw on the same day, and my rationale for their discharge locations. All three of the individuals were over 80 years old, with moderate dementia. They were all admitted with altered mental status caused by pneumonia and concurrent urinary tract infections. They were all living with famil... Occupational Therapy Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4549947 Fri, 04 Mar 2011 23:58:00 +0100 4549947 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4544967&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthecommunications.files.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F02%2Ffalls.jpg We hear about stories like this all time: An elderly person falls and breaks something — a hip, a wrist, or an arm. Soon what once was a healthy, independent senior begins an inexorable downhill slide. Such is the case of my 89-year-old mother who recently fell and broke her wrist. Turns out that 30 percent of people age 65 and older fall each year. Predictably, seniors with the following risk factors are more prone to falls: Using sedatives Cognitive impairment Problems walking Urinary tract infection Eye problems Balance issues Similarly, when a person does fall, a cascading series of predictable clinical events occurs. It even has a name: “Post-fall syndrome.” This syndrome is characterized by things like fear of falling again, increased immobility, loss of muscle and contr... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4544967 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 22:00:05 +0100 4544967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4540544&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=35747&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthaffairs.org%2Fblog%2F2011%2F02%2F17%2Ffoundation-blogs-round-up-health-reform-disparities-global-health-obesity-and-more%2F%3Fcat%3Dgrantwatch As my work week draws to a close, I have put together a quick listing of some foundation-related posts that I think you might want to check out. If your foundation has a blog about health care and it is not listed on GrantWatch Blog’s Blogroll, let me know about it! Disparities in Health: “Poll [...] (Source: Health Affairs Blog) Health Affairs Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4540544 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:56:06 +0100 4540544 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4322506&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdeath-why-are-we-so-afraid-of-it%2F2011.01.07 My cousin’s mother-in-law is in her late 90s. She had horrible osteoporosis and can barely move. She has little cognitive function left. She requires nearly 24-hour care and no one would even attempt to say she has any quality of life left. She told her son years ago that she was “ready to go,” and had had enough. And yet when I asked my cousin’s husband if his mother had any do-not-resuscitate orders, or had ever completed an advanced director  outlining her wishes of what kind of end-of-life care she wanted, he said no. His sister, he said, just wasn’t ready for that yet. So what, I asked, will you do when/if your mother gets pneumonia? Will you treat it with antibiotics? Will you put her on a respirator? If she is no longer able to eat, will you feed her t... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4322506 Fri, 07 Jan 2011 22:00:00 +0100 4322506 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4219744&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmedicares-deficit-effect-on-the-economy%2F2010.12.01 Medicare poses a deficit problem, note some very influential analysts. A former Congressional Budget Office head and a former Medicare chief chime in on the scope of the program’s impact on the economy, and the difficulties of trying to scale it back. Yet, a presidential commission is considering just that among other measures. The 18-member, bipartisan commission released its report weeks ago and was scheduled to have voted today on a shocking scope of deficit-trimming measures that included changes to military spending, Social Security and Medicare, among other areas. But they deferred the vote until Friday to try to garner more votes from members who are also currently elected officials. The panel needs 14 votes and substantive approval from its roster of Congress members to gain ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4219744 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4219744 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4159357&cid=t_102965_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fget-to-know-the-new-you-in-a-life-of-chronic-pain%2F I’m a different person now than the one I used to be. The effect of disease and daily pain has a tendency to bring about change. I know that dreaded word, change. It seems to be all around us as life progresses. “Going through the change” is a phrase we hear uttered so often about women and menopause. For the guys we say, “Oh, he’s going through a mid-life crisis.” For many of us, male and female, change is thrown at us from many arenas of life. “The change” can mean the loss of health, a job, a loved one, or a calamity that has taken away a beloved home. Change can also mean growth, blossoming, and renewal. It can be shown in learning something we previously didn’t know, sharing some knowledge with a friend, or getting to know someone old or new to us whom we did not rea... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4159357 Thu, 11 Nov 2010 20:03:01 +0100 4159357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4142749&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdo-the-elderly-benefit-from-the-fury-of-american-medicine%2F2010.11.07 I don’t consider myself a right-wing healthcare fear monger, but if I were this study would be worthy of amplification. As reported concisely in the New York Times, from the journal Demography (not previously known to me), population researchers reported that even though elderly Americans have more medical problems than their peers in Britain, older Americans live longer once they make it to 70. Why would this be? Is it because Americans who reach 70 are “heartier” than Britons, as Columbia University PhD (but now on leave and working at HHS) Sherry Giled says. Or is better survival of the American elderly one of the benefits of the “fury of American medicine?” (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Dr John M* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4142749 Sun, 07 Nov 2010 16:00:00 +0100 4142749 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4125010&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fprogressive-healthcare-rationing-what-will-it-look-like%2F2010.11.01 In prior posts, DrRich introduced his readers to Ezekiel Emanuel, M.D., Ph.D., brother of Rahm, eminent medical ethicist, and one of the White House’s chief advisers on healthcare policy. Dr. Emanuel was one of the authors of that recent paper in the Annals of Internal Medicine which admonished American physicians that resistance is futile. He has also famously called upon American physicians to abandon the obsolete medical ethics expressed in the Hippocratic Oath. The reason the ideas (and pronouncements) of Dr. Emanuel are important is that he presumably will be a major “decider” in determining who will serve on the GOD panels, and how those panels will operate to advance his (and Mr. Obama’s) program of healthcare reform. So, before we leave Dr. Emanuel to his important duties, ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4125010 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 12:00:10 +0100 4125010 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4077625&cid=t_102965_165_f&fid=37962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fotnotes.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fstruggling-as-ot-for-my-family.html Any medical professional can tell you the hardest patients are the ones you're related to. Once you express interest in a degree, the health questions start coming in from all sides. I remember using my special tests book to r/o fracture after my brother punched a wall, digging through an orthopedic text to find the painful ROM arc of my mom's shoulder over the phone, and trying to diagnose a no-longer-present-but-still-bothersome-that-it-had-ever-appeared nodule for my dad- incredulous that this didn't involve a trip to the doctor. But there are limits to what anyone can do, especially from far away.My dad had a heart attack after I finished my final OT fieldwork. I had several weeks that I was able to spend at home while he recovered. I don't recall doing much during that time except for... Occupational Therapy Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4077625 Sun, 17 Oct 2010 01:06:00 +0100 4077625 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3998990&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fshould-old-age-be-a-cause-of-death%2F2010.09.24 The Washington Post asks whether “old age” should be reconsidered as a legitimate cause of death for the elderly. Because more people are dying at very advanced ages with multiple system failure, it’s often harder for physicians to pinpoint the specific underlying cause, but using “old age” as a catch-all term could make mortality data less meaningful, the article said. An upcoming revision of the International Classification of Diseases might provide some guidance: “Each revision of the ICD is the right moment to reconsider this question,” the co-head of the ICD’s mortality statistics committee told the Post. (Washington Post) *This blog post was originally published at ACP Internist* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3998990 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 12:00:00 +0100 3998990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3920795&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fold-folks-love-bashing-young-folks%2F photo: Thinkstock Every time your elderly parents or grandparents shake their heads in disapproval at today’s youth, don’t feel badly for them. The old crones actually like it. Apparently, German researchers claim that the old bats enjoy reading negative news about us confounded whippersnappers, because it makes them feel good about themselves. We could’ve figured this one out on our own if we’d just been counting the number of times we’ve heard Nana and Pop tell stories starting with, “In my day, young people never…” via MSNBC Today Post from: BlissTree Old Folks Love Bashing Young Folks (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3920795 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:20:03 +0100 3920795 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3865264&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffeeding-tubes-in-the-elderly-demented%2F2010.08.13 An article in [last] week’s New York Times entitled Feeding Demented Patients with Dignity suggests that hand feeding dementia patients may be a better option than tube feeding them. My God, are we really putting feeding tubes in the elderly demented? When did this happen? During college, I worked as a nurses aide in a nursing home outside Philadelphia. For 20 hours a week (40 hours in the summer) for two years, I cared for patients in all stages of dementia, from the walking confused through to the end stage, stiffened victims confined to wheelchairs or beds. But in all that time, I never, ever saw anyone with a feeding tube. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at The Blog that Ate Manhattan* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3865264 Fri, 13 Aug 2010 20:00:00 +0100 3865264 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3862102&cid=t_102965_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FE76ruBRg4FI%2F Brain fitness programs may help weak elderly walk faster (press release) A study led by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University has found preliminary evidence that brain fitness programs may help frail elderly walk faster, potentially preventing disability and improving quality of life. For walking while talking — which requires considerably more concentration than normal walking — the seniors who took computer training notably improved compared with their initial speeds. By contrast, no improvement in walking speed was observed for the control group. (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3862102 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:53:03 +0100 3862102 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3743736&cid=t_102965_165_f&fid=37962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fotnotes.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fenergy-conservation-for-summer-and.html As I have written before, Energy Conservation is a topic that I really enjoy and love to educate about. It's close to my mind often, since I love for tasks to be efficient and simplified. In this post, I want to discuss energy conservation tips applicable to the summer months and also to vacations. Though technically the first day of summer here was a couple of weeks ago, it's been in the high 80s and 90s for what feels like several months. Energy conservation is especially important in the summer months because for many folks who need to think about conserving energy, life gets harder in the heat. Harder to breathe and easier to fatigue are typical signs of the summer, and especially among those with cardiac and respiratory diseases and also the well elderly (If you are having these sympt... Occupational Therapy Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3743736 Sun, 11 Jul 2010 19:21:00 +0100 3743736 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3740596&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-reason-i-stayed-a-doctor%2F2010.07.09 This week I traveled to a small town outside Chicago to help my mother with her move from an assisted living facility to Alabama so she can live with my sister. I suspect many people, thanks to current economic times, have realized that the savings that were supposed to be there are not and change must happen. Such is the case with my mother. It’s sure to be an emotional time, one which both of us had hoped to avoid. For her, she will be moving from the region of her childhood, her college, her marriage, her first home, her dream home, her caldron of first-grade student graduates and her dearest friends. For me, I will miss our spontaneous visits, morning coffee conversations, trips to the local restaurant in the town of my childhood, her gentle smile, and her helpful advice. But th... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3740596 Fri, 09 Jul 2010 20:00:00 +0100 3740596 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3710558&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-male-menopause-story-journalists-all-over-the-map%2F2010.06.29 An article on the Knight Science Journalism Tracker comments on German media coverage of the “Is there male menopause?” question. An excerpt: One study, but very different types of headlines: “‘Male Menopause’ discovered” and “Men have no Menopause.” Both types of headlines are based on one study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, which analyzed 3219 European males between 40 and 79. Blood samples provided testosterone levels and questionnaires (!) asked about the “general, sexual, physical, and psychological health.” What the scientists found was nothing more and nothing less than a correlation between a low testosterone level and three clinical symptoms (”decreased frequency of morning erection, decreased fr... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3710558 Tue, 29 Jun 2010 21:01:05 +0100 3710558 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3648668&cid=t_102965_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F8XkYr0q_A94%2F Last November, talking with some Japanese colleagues at the World Economic Forum´s Council on the Aging Society, I discovered that it is common there to organize research-driven consortia/ learning labs among for-profit, non-profit and academic organizations interested in the development of “silver industries”, this is, where companies develop product and services specific to the needs of older adults. I just discovered -having been invited to speak there, together with Prof. Shlomo Breznitz- that my native Spain counts with a similar innovative platform. You can see below (in Spanish) the details of my tak in Barcelona on June 22nd, and here you have how the Fundacion Edad y Vida describes itself: The Edad&Vida Foundation is a platform where all the different agents inv... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3648668 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 05:38:46 +0100 3648668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3567857&cid=t_102965_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fmajority-of-assisted-living-residents.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3567857 Sun, 16 May 2010 13:11:00 +0100 3567857 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3556043&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D8548 It’s sad to read the report Hospital wants to ‘evict’ octogenarian Cheah Say Choo, 86, who has been bed-ridden at the hospital for three years and four months, is in a quandary as the hospital is asking her three children to take her home. “She does not want to be a burden to her family and neither does she want to be placed in a nursing home,” said her youngest son Chan Thye Choon, who added that his mother preferred family members to visit her at the hospital. Goodness. 3 years + in hospital? That seems to me like it’s a long overdue discharge. It was not uncommon years ago to have wards chock full of patients who had no where to go as relatives were not keen to look after them, particularly geriatric patients. In our Asian society extended family support is d... Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3556043 Tue, 11 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3556043 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3546846&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwondering-if-mom-is-safe-finethanx-calls-and-checks-for-you%2F2010.05.09 FineThanx is a new automated phone system that automatically calls your sick or elderly family members at home to check on how they’re doing. The system can check in with loved ones once or twice a day, and if no one answers or the person is unwell, the system calls a member of his or her ”care circle.” If everything is fine, the FineThanx system will send you a report by email, so you can continue working or finish those 18 holes of golf, then check in for reassurance on your iPhone or personal computer afterwards. Listen to a sample call here. *This blog post was originally published at Medgadget* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3546846 Sun, 09 May 2010 11:50:20 +0100 3546846 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524110&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwondering-if-mom-is-safe-finethanx-calls-and-checks-for-you%2F2010.05.02 FineThanx is a new automated phone system that automatically calls your sick or elderly family members at home to check on how they’re doing. The system can check in with loved ones once or twice a day, and if no one answers or the person is unwell, the system calls a member of his or her ”care circle.” If everything is fine, the FineThanx system will send you a report by email, so you can continue working or finish those 18 holes of golf, then check in for reassurance on your iPhone or personal computer afterwards. Listen to a sample call here. *This blog post was originally published at Medgadget* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3524110 Sun, 02 May 2010 14:00:20 +0100 3524110 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3522443&cid=t_102965_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fis-100-year-olds-secret-to-longevity.html (Source: Sleep Education) Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3522443 Sat, 01 May 2010 04:01:00 +0100 3522443 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3522689&cid=t_102965_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Felderly-and-medications-at-what-cost.html Recently, my elderly mother moved from the Northeastern to the Southeastern United States in order to live closer to my sister. A widow for several years, she is on what would be classified as a fixed income, and her medical insurance premiums and prescription drug plans eat up a great deal of her monthly budget.When it comes to some of the more pedestrian prescription medications, co-pays can range from just several dollars to perhaps $20 or $30 per month. But heaven forbid that an American elder needs a medication that is not quite so generic in nature, and the monthly payments for such drugs can skyrocket through the roof, wreaking havoc with even the most well-planned budget.We have all heard stories of senior citizens having to decide between groceries and medications, or turning off ... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3522689 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 20:12:00 +0100 3522689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3515653&cid=t_102965_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbriffa.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2F29%2Fcan-sunlight-and-vitamin-d-help-to-preserve-physical-function-and-independence-as-we-age%2F As we age, we are generally more likely to succumb to illnesses such as heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes. On top of this, though, we run the risk of becoming infirm. For some this culminates in disability and loss of independence. What can be done, though, to protect against such physical deterioration? One approach [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3515653 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 09:58:56 +0100 3515653 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3511586&cid=t_102965_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F04%2F28%2Fastrazeneca-settles-case-for-520-million%2F AstraZeneca agreed to a $520 million dollar settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice and a consortium of state Medicaid agencies without admitting any wrongdoing in its marketing of the atypical antipsychotic drug, Seroquel. “AstraZeneca paid kickbacks to doctors as part of an illegal scheme to market drugs for unapproved uses,” Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of health and human services, said at the event in Washington. She said the company promoted drugs for unapproved uses by children, the elderly, veterans and prisoners. Glenn Engelmann, AstraZeneca’s U.S. general counsel, released a statement saying the company denies the allegations but settled the investigation with the payment. The government said the company also paid for ghostwritten journal articles, and marketed the... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3511586 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:25:06 +0100 3511586 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3442681&cid=t_102965_46_f&fid=38787&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmsf.ca%2Fblogs%2Fphotos%2F2010%2F04%2F07%2Fburundi-5%2F Kayanza, Burundi – March 2010 Screening: some women are measuring their temperature at a mobile clinic on the hills of the province of Kayanza. Northern Burundi has been grappling with an increased number of malaria patients since the start of the year. The MSF teams have been cooperating with Burundi authorities to fight the disease’s spread by treating patients and distributing mosquito nets to prevent new infections. (Source: MSF Blogs) MSF Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3442681 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 12:42:04 +0100 3442681 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3280215&cid=t_102965_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbriffa.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F02%2F17%2Fno-good-evidence-flu-vaccination-helps-the-elderly%2F Here in the UK it’s cold, and the cold weather tends to bring with it an upsurge in the rates of viral infections such as the common cold and flu. It has been suggested that one reason such infections surge in the winter is because we’re more likely to be cooped up with other people, [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3280215 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:32:55 +0100 3280215 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3247093&cid=t_102965_165_f&fid=37962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fotnotes.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fjewelry-for-those-with-arthritis.html This is my grandma, showing off the stretchy ring BLING she got for Christmas. She's always had an extensive jewelry collection, but in recent years her arthritis has made it too painful to wear her rings and too difficult to operate some clasps. Read on for some of the options for people who love their jewelry and hate their arthritis.Stretchy rings/bracelets (Potpourri) - these rings have made their way into my grandma's regular rotation. There's matching bracelets for some and they slip on easily. (We got her the pearls and the ones with the single gem in the bottom right, not the crazy ones made of sticks) The ones from Potpourri are fairly inexpensive, I have seen similar ones in specialty stores MUCH more expensive so do some comparison shopping.Magnetic clasp converters (shopping se... Occupational Therapy Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3247093 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:36:00 +0100 3247093 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3239851&cid=t_102965_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbriffa.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F02%2F04%2Fanother-study-links-being-overweight-with-lowest-risk-of-death%2F When it comes to official advice about body weight, the norm is still to base recommendations on the body mass index (weight in kg divided by the square of height in metres). We are traditionally encouraged to conform to a ‘normal’ or ‘healthy’ BMI of 18.5-24.9. It is amazing to me just how rarely (if [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3239851 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:45:05 +0100 3239851 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3220648&cid=t_102965_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fdo-we-ever-get-too-old-or-ill-for-dignity%2F “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” It’s an old quote, and often used but do you think it’s true? Yesterday we received a brief update on Lolly, my husband’s Mom. As many of you know, she is quite elderly and receiving help at home in an effort to allow her to stay in her own comfortable environ with her beloved pets. Her case manager sends us updates from time to time and in each one she refers to Lolly as “Mother” or “Mom.” I confess, this affectation really bothers me. As far as I know Lolly only has one living child and I’m married to him. It reminds me of an incident, many years ago, when my family took my Dad out to dinner for his birthday. We were all stretched out along a large table at our favorite Italian restaurant, classic red and white checked ... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3220648 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 03:13:50 +0100 3220648 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3201927&cid=t_102965_165_f&fid=37962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fotnotes.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Faimless-thoughts.html Took a bit of an OT break with a vacay to Las Vegas and reading some novels instead of OT stuff pretty much since Thanksgiving. Now I'm back and ready to play! Been working on a few entries off and on, but this is mostly unstructured. My NBCOT was due to be renewed this year, which caused a minor panic attack the other day. Not that I've been slacking on licensure or anything, I've been going to conferences, but there was a wrinkle I didn't anticipate. I graduated in May '07, but didn't test until Aug '07. My original state license did not require first year graduates to submit continuing ed to be recertified. And unlike the first 2 years of my OT schooling, I didn't pick up any CEUs in my final year due to silly things like fieldwork, graduation, getting married, etc. Somewhere in the ba... Occupational Therapy Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3201927 Sun, 24 Jan 2010 03:05:00 +0100 3201927 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3167449&cid=t_102965_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F39bF0JITF2Q%2F The use of atypical antipsychotics to treat elderly patients with dementia appears to have decreased following an advisory issued in 2005 by the FDA concerning the increased risk of death, according to a report in the Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. This was an off-label use, by the way. Researchers analyzed nationally representative data to assess rates of atypical antipsychotic drug use between January 2003 and December 2008. From January 2003 to March 2005, the rate of atypical drug mentions increased 34 percent per year, including a 16 percent increase among patients with dementia. In the year before the FDA advisory, approximately 13.6 million atypical antipsychotic mentions occurred, 0.8 million of which involved patients with dementia (here is the a... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3167449 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:28:48 +0100 3167449 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3156525&cid=t_102965_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2010%2F01%2F09%2Fthe-secrets-to-longevity-or-how-to-live-to-be-100%2F Should you eat organic meat or tofu, should you run marathons? Watch this video how to become older than 100 years of age. Be prepared to be disappointed about how much you can influence this aging thing. Just enjoy yourself. To find the path to long life and health, Dan Buettner and team study the world’s “Blue Zones,” communities whose elders live with vim and vigor to record-setting age. At TEDxTC, he shares the 9 common diet and lifestyle habits that keep them spry past age 100. Related posts:I Hope They Had The Time of Their Live THE FRESH AIR FUND, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has... Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin. (Source: Dr Shock MD PhD) Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3156525 Sat, 09 Jan 2010 07:25:32 +0100 3156525 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3101084&cid=t_102965_165_f&fid=37962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fotnotes.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fadditional-clock-drawings.html Sometimes I think these clock drawings are revealing, sometimes just plain confusing.This one is from a man with dementia. I don't remember much else about the case since it was awhile ago. I do remember leaving him tucked in bed, call bell in hand, last words out of mouth "call the nurse, don't get up on your own" and before I could wash my hands he was already up on his feet on the way to the bathroom. I don't remember what time I asked for, but I have to assume that it was 7:40 and we get the numbers instead of hands.This was my first experience with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, which is becoming my preferred pencil/paper tool. However, it does start off with alternating trailmaking and has a 5 words after 5 minutes recall section, both of which are rather difficult for many peopl... Occupational Therapy Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3101084 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 02:37:00 +0100 3101084 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3097035&cid=t_102965_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FVNsWi8xAT0o%2Felderly-woman-with-dementia-found-after.html Some lessons to be learned about Alzheimer's and wandering.I could put up one or more stories every day about someone who is lost and wandering around. Most often they are elderly and suffering from dementia. I decided to put this one up because I think there are some lessons to be learned. I want to start by congratulating the Frederick, Maryland police force. Great organization and commitment. What an effort. To find the missing elderly woman the Frederick police had to use 50 to 60 police and civilians, and four civilian K-9 search and rescue groups. Wow. Keep in my mind the missing woman was on foot -- not in a car. They finally found her conscious, on a property adjoining her home. She was found huddled up against a piece of plywood near an old shed. Evidently she was walking aro... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3097035 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:54:39 +0100 3097035 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3004113&cid=t_102965_165_f&fid=37962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fotnotes.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fpost-from-alzheimers-reading-room.html The Alzheimer's Reading Room is not my favorite blog, but I do follow it regularly. I was impressed at this recent entry that described the author's change in his caregiving style as he learned about Alzheimer's Disease. The emphasis on the power of DOING is great, and I wish that this would become well-known. The case is similar for adults with Alzheimer's, people with disabilities, children, ANYBODY- "Let me do." (Source: Occupational Therapy Notes) Occupational Therapy Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3004113 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:11:00 +0100 3004113 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2996009&cid=t_102965_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2F3sN4qCHjqnM%2Fwhen-death-comes-without-dignity.html Does anyone want to imagine being 90 years old, alone at night in a nursing home, struggling to get to the bathroom when no one is around to help...... Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room Editor Earlier today I wrote -- Which Drugs Increase the Risk of Falling for the Elderly A few hours later an email with a link to an article popped into my box. The email was from Laurry Harmon (tip of the hat to Laurry). It turns out that the StarTribune.com is running a series on a troubling pattern in nursing homes -- deaths related to falling. The investigative reporter, Glenn Howatt, was startled when he learned that more than 1,000 deaths were related to falls in Minnesota nursing homes over the last six years. Howatt, along with reporter Pam Louwagie and their editor, Kate Parry, spent sever... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2996009 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:51:28 +0100 2996009 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2996010&cid=t_102965_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Funcnews.unc.edu%2Fimages%2Fstories%2Fnews%2Fhealth%2F2008%2Fdrugslist.pdf Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for adults sixty-five and older, and research suggests that those taking four or more medications are at an even greater risk than those who don’t—perhaps two to three times greater. -- Susan Blalock, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy.....Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room Editor I am always worried that my mother might fall and injure herself -- or worse. Research studies indicate that falling is a leading cause of injury deaths for people 65 and older -- see Falls Among Older Adults: An Overview. More than one third of adults 65 and older fall each year in the United States Twenty percent to 30% of people who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries such as bruises, hip fractures, or head traumas. Men are more likel... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2996010 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:37:51 +0100 2996010 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2993854&cid=t_102965_123_f&fid=39037&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.drgreene.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F11%2F14%2Fwhen-should-you-go-to-the-doctor-or-emergency-room-for-the-flu%2F 540 children in the US have died so far this year from known or suspected H1N1 flu. This tragic number is more than six times higher than in an entire typical flu year, and the current flu season may only be getting started. This tragic number is very low, however, compared to the more than [...] (Source: Conversations with Dr Greene) Conversations with Dr Greene blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2993854 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:21:56 +0100 2993854 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2981288&cid=t_102965_133_f&fid=35124&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Faspergerwoman%2F%7E3%2FB8rWLHOS3Qs%2Ftime-to-love-learn-about-love-and-life.html First of all let me tell you everyting is doing fine. Being used to be single, it is quite strange to be involved in a relationship now. He is very caring, sweet, smart, understanding and we have quite some common interests. His life during the last 5 years was quite different than mine, but that is OK. We can learn a lot from one another. And besides that, love is now and to love one person is to life with his present life. I must learn to deal with typical relationship things. In a way he has more experience with this as he has been member of a family with children. We are doing fine and when things do not go that well, we talk it over. I can feel we enter another stage of relationship now. We talk more and more and we are more aware of the outside world now. At least I am, I can not spe... The Art of Being Asperger Woman blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2981288 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:41:00 +0100 2981288 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934928&cid=t_102965_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FU-_kzbAORdw%2Fpneumonia-and-influenza.html This study has helped us identify this vulnerable population, and now further study is needed to confirm the findings and assess the testing and vaccination policies for older patients with dementia," said Naumova. Study data were obtained from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), and covered a span of five years, from 1998 to 2002. Of the 36 million hospitalization records for adults aged 65 and older, more than six million records documented a P&I diagnosis. Of these records showing a P&I diagnosis, over 800,000 (13%) also showed dementia. The demographic and geographic patterns of P&I hospitalizations and their links with hospital accessibility were explored. Pneumonia and influenza admissions, length of stay in a hospital, and mortality rates among elderly... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934928 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:57:55 +0100 2934928 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2904948&cid=t_102965_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2009%2F10%2F19%2Felderly-and-internet-and-computer-skills-an-update%2F Social Capital Divide between the young and the elderly A social capital divide between elderly and younger people on the Internet is best described as a difference in resources that are created in social networks and relationships between people and that have a certain value or benefit for individuals participating in this network/relationships. Social capital can be created with participating in online networks such as Myspace. Age differences in online networking in Myspace exist. Elderly have fewer friends and mostly from age groups outside their own age compared to teenagers. Older people tend to be more careful and selective when choosing their friends on MySpace and only want to add to their friends list people that they know very well. Older people tend to represent themselves in a... Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2904948 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 06:19:06 +0100 2904948 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2872084&cid=t_102965_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fgetting-out-of-rut-social-groups-for.html Smooth the rough edges off the frustrations that accompany the senior years by sharing time with a like minded social group. The mountains often look more like molehills, friendship and fellowship remove isolation, and creative ideas from others can provide inspiration.Arthritis exercise groups, health oriented support groups, fellowship groups, volunteer groups, and other clubs and classes are there for active or frail seniors. In the past few days I shared time with an arthritis exercise group in a pool, a fellowship group, and a computer group. The uplift helps me to see my own problems from a different angle. They don't exert as much pressure on me when I share them with a group of friends. The positive energy builds up and the negative energy goes down. If problems or depression are o... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2872084 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:16:00 +0100 2872084 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2842599&cid=t_102965_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2009%2F09%2F29%2Fbrain-training-for-elderly-better-on-paper-or-computer%2F This study employs a 2 by 2 mixed factorial design (age group: young and old by game form: paper and Nintendo DS) to investigate effects of age and game form on usability, self-assessment, and gameplay experience in a supervised field study. Effectiveness was evaluated in task completion time, efficiency as error rate, together with self-assessment measures (arousal, pleasure, dominance) and game experience (challenge, flow, competence, tension, positive and negative affect). Nacke, L., Nacke, A., & Lindley, C. (2009). Brain Training for Silver Gamers: Effects of Age and Game Form on Effectiveness, Efficiency, Self-Assessment, and Gameplay Experience CyberPsychology & Behavior DOI: 10.1089/cpb.2009.0013 Related posts:Video Games Affect The Brain, Good or Bad? This is from an e... Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2842599 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 06:35:45 +0100 2842599 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2751901&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D7819 Andrew Seidler wrote in: Dear Malaysian Medical Resources, In response to the growing global concern over the H1N1 virus, Big Think, an online interactive think tank featuring video interviews with many of the world’s most distinguished thought-leaders has organized an expert forum on the H1N1 virus. The series includes exclusive insights from many of the world’s leading disease specialists, from Harvard to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, and even a presentation by Michael Worobey, the evolutionary biologist whose groundbreaking research—just published last month—uncovered the genetic origins of this resurgence of H1H1. Below, I’ve included a full description of the video content which yielded many crucial and immediately relevant findings for people in Malaysia a... Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2751901 Sun, 30 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2751901 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2695368&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fronald-biggs-cruel-and-unnatural.html Ronald Biggs has been condemned to spend the rest of his life begging for care from the NHS. Jack Straw, the Justice Minister said:Biggs has shown no remorse for his appalling crime. I see no reason why the British taxpayer should continue to foot the bill for his medical care. He has been discharged from prison with immediate effect and will have care in the community like everyone else in this country.Jack StrawBigg's son, Michael, was outraged. "This is cruel beyond belief. Dad is doubly incontinent, cannot feed himself and is lapsing in and out of consciousness. He returned to this country to get the medical care to which he, as a British citizen, is entitled. Now he has been refused support in the community by a young girl who is not even medically qualified."Local social services, wh... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2695368 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:45:00 +0100 2695368 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2649314&cid=t_102965_165_f&fid=37962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fotnotes.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Flong-term-care-calculator.html Saw this calculator (thanks to the Alzheimer's Reading Room) to figure up long term care expenses for different regions. I can't seem to make it work since I can't select cities, but this may be a function of firefox, hopefully not of the program. Anybody who can work it, let me know if it's a reasonable estimate compared to the real world. (Source: Occupational Therapy Notes) Occupational Therapy Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2649314 Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:09:00 +0100 2649314 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2580449&cid=t_102965_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2Fp3_825DAFfo%2Fis-your-elderly-parent-taken-their.html I learned the hard way that my mother was not taking her hypertension medicine as prescribed. I discovered this many months after she was diagnosed with dementia and probable Alzheimer's.If I had paid attention sooner, would it have made a difference in her diagnosis? I'll never know for certain.This I believe. If I had paid attention, I would have realized sooner that something was wrong. Very Wrong. This would have allowed me to get my mother taking her medication as prescibed and gotten her diagnosed sooner. Here is how I discovered my mother was not taking her prescription medicines as prescribed. I went to the pharmacy and asked for a print out of the previous 12 months. When I looked, I was aghast.If you have an elderly parent here is my advice to you. Don't be lazy, get the printout... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2580449 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:43:41 +0100 2580449 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2576841&cid=t_102965_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2Fp3_825DAFfo%2Fis-your-elderly-parent-taken-their.html I learned the hard way that my mother was not taking her hypertension medicine as prescribed. I discovered this many months after she was diagnosed with dementia and probable Alzheimer's.If I had paid attention sooner, would it have made a difference in her diagnosis? I'll never know for certain.This I believe. If I had paid attention, I would have realized sooner that something was wrong. Very Wrong. This would have allowed me to get my mother taking her medication as prescibed and gotten her diagnosed sooner. Here is how I discovered my mother was not taking her prescription medicines as prescribed. I went to the pharmacy and asked for a print out of the previous 12 months. When I looked, I was aghast.If you have an elderly parent here is my advice to you. Don't be lazy, get the printout... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2576841 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 04:10:54 +0100 2576841 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2550249&cid=t_102965_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F06%2F28%2F4-things-healthy-older-people-have-in-common%2F I’m, right now and right here, sitting on the peak of that so-called hill we always talk about. Things could go swell for another 40 years, at which time I’ll be buried by any remaining friends. Or they could blow up in my face and trim my life back by a few decades. My body is no longer resilient to careless experiments. That’s for sure. At almost 40, I do indeed suffer the consequences of an extra shot of espresso, two nights of interrupted sleep, or a chocolate binge. The forgiveness and flexibility of my youth has officially gone bye-bye. So I’ve begun to ask myself what the energetic 80-year-olds that swim at the Naval Academy with me are doing differently than the lifeless elderly folks at the senior center I occasionally visit. And, yes, I’ll occasiona... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2550249 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 11:26:41 +0100 2550249 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2513397&cid=t_102965_165_f&fid=37962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fotnotes.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Ffew-notes-on-alzheimers-disease.html Been reading some more on Alzheimer's lately. I have HBO's "Alzheimer's Project" on my DVR but haven't gotten around to watching it yet... but here are some other notes of late.I have been reading about the Home Environmental Skill Building Program during my metro trips, which has been interesting. I can't use it very well in the hospital environment, but it would be good in home health as long as you could justify the billing. It has had some good insights for me anyway, namely, the understanding of different priorities between OT and caregiver.If this article about early-onset Alzheimer's doesn't scare the crap out of you, you don't worry like I do... yikes. I have a lot of word finding difficulties, so my paranoia is bumping up now.Stumbled onto The Alzheimer's Reading Room while lookin... Occupational Therapy Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2513397 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 02:02:00 +0100 2513397 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3105034&cid=t_102965_97_f&fid=35606&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheangriestpharmacist.com%2F2009%2F06%2F16%2Fgood-rant-on-self-checkouts%2F This was all thought up and written by Kurtis – I loved it and decided to share it with the world: I know it’s not pharmacy related, but today I waited in line for 10 whole minutes waiting for not 1, not 2, nor 3, but 4 idiots to figure out how to use the self-checkout registers at a grocery store that I work in as a pharmacy tech (soon to be intern). The horrible part is these same idiots come to the pharmacy bothering me about things they know even less about, but are convinced that they are experts on. Thus, I present a new set of rules that I think should take effect immediately to prevent my lunch break from being ruined ever again: New U-Scan Limitations to be Enacted Immediately: 1.) 15 items or less only. I do not know how many times I’ve seen someone bring a whol... The Angriest Pharmacist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3105034 Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:02:09 +0100 3105034 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523693&cid=t_102965_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2F4RaFUgaJb-o%2Fballet-at-my-ageoh-my.html The magic of classical music and dance is ageless and becomes the perfect medium for an exercise program for the elderly. By Sheila LehnerFor more Insight into Alzheimer's DiseaseSubscribe to The Alzheimer's Reading RoomThe bright cheery day room of the nursing home was full of residents who had been brought there to spend their afternoon. Some were sleeping. Many were just staring blankly. A few were pacing. Music was playing but no one was listening.The group’s leader comes into the room and turns off the music. She greets the group warmly first as a whole and then individually smiling and making eye contact with each member of the ‘class’.The ‘teacher’ then announces that some great music is in store for them. The music begins. “Listen! Can everyone hear it?” she asks. “... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523693 Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:23:35 +0100 2523693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442052&cid=t_102965_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fproblems-with-inner-ear-function-quite-common-in-older-adults%2F Most people know that the ear has two functions; namely, hearing and balance. Now new research has shown that the inner ear balance function, called vestibular function, is impaired in fully 35 percent of all U.S. adults over the age of 40. Such dysfunction, which affects 69 million Americans can lead to catastrophic problems, most notably to falls with their attendant issues such as fractures. Vestibular dysfunction increases with age, eventually affecting 85 percent of those over the age of 80. The findings were published in the May 25, 2009 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. The researchers studied nearly seven thousand U.S. adults over the age of 40. Participants completed a questionnaire and also underwent balance testing by something called the “Romberg Test of Standin... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442052 Fri, 29 May 2009 20:52:01 +0100 2442052 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442902&cid=t_102965_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2F81-year-old-youtuber-over-5000-5-star.html Peter Zimmer, an 81 year old widower, of AskGeriatric.com has had over 2 million visitors to his youtube channel.He provides a huge variety of helpful information for senior citizens, as well as telling his life story on videos. Featured in many international magazines, such as Time Magazine, he is an incredible example of someone born during the "Paper Generation" who has joined the "Online Generation." (Source: The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News) The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442902 Sun, 24 May 2009 20:55:00 +0100 2442902 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442903&cid=t_102965_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Ffor-many-seniors-switching-from-getting.html For many seniors switching from getting information from "paper media" to getting it online is a challenge, but it can be an important way to enhance the senior years.Some of the benefits include:* Obtaining information about health and insurance* Enjoying history websites, especially about events they remember* Keeping up with the latest local and world news at a time when "paper newspapers" are declining * Communicating with others by email * Mental stimulation to keep the brain healthyThe video below explains that in the past seniors held the keys to passing along history and wisdom. But now that has changed with the online information age. Giving the seniors the "keys" to online information by promoting senior computer literacy is an important goal when seeking to improve... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442903 Sun, 24 May 2009 19:19:00 +0100 2442903 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442917&cid=t_102965_165_f&fid=37962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fotnotes.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Finteresting-ot-connections-threads.html Discussion Forum- anyone can post topics now, I will probably x-post some thoughts on articles both here and thereOncology Research Articles- I am looking for good rehab research relating to pts w/ cancerActivity Book for Alzheimer's Patients- Barbara Smith shares her method for creating an activity book, some good suggestions on the threadSI for Geriatrics- some good information about bringing sensory strategies to the older adult populationHope that this is a good jumping in point for anyone who hasn't taken the leap into the OT Connections networking pool. Anything else captivating your interest on the site? (Source: Occupational Therapy Notes) Occupational Therapy Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442917 Sun, 24 May 2009 01:45:00 +0100 2442917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2416852&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Felizabeth-munro-supremely-selfish.html Elizabeth MunroElizabeth Munro is 66 years old and single.She has no children of her own. She does have step-children from a previous relationship but does not see them or their children. To that extent, I feel sorry for her. She is lonely.Now she has revealed that she is about to give birth to a baby (by elective Caesarian Section) conceived by IVF carried out in a dubious sounding private clinic in the Ukraine. She could not get such treatment in the UK or even in Europe. But for £10,000 she got in the Ukraine. She has no partner, no brothers, no sisters and she will be 80 when her child becomes a teenagerThis is an act of supreme selfishness.How many would criticise local social services if they commenced action to take this child into care? How many, indeed, would criticise social ser... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2416852 Mon, 18 May 2009 15:19:00 +0100 2416852 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2423330&cid=t_102965_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fdo-dentures-affect-sleep-apnea.html Obstructive sleep apnea is common at all ages. But it occurs even more often in the transition from middle-aged to older-aged adults. For older adults with sleep apnea, do dentures affect their breathing during sleep?A new study from Japan found mixed results. The study involved 34 adults who wear complete dentures. Their average age was 72.5 years. Twenty seven of the participants had at least mild sleep apnea with five or more breathing pauses per hour of sleep.Sleeping without dentures, participants stopped breathing an average of 17.7 times per hour during one night of sleep. With dentures, breathing pauses during sleep decreased in 19 of the 27 participants. The average number of breathing pauses per hour of sleep with dentures dropped to 13.3. But in eight of the older adults, breath... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2423330 Sat, 16 May 2009 10:45:00 +0100 2423330 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2398662&cid=t_102965_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsandnsurf.medbrains.net%2F2009%2F05%2Ftired-and-afraid%2F The curtains pushed aside Show an old man in bed. Fear lives in two dark eyes Staring from his tired head. His knuckled grip is strong, He shakes like a sailor, But his next breaths are long, Payment for his labor. Underneath his sun-beaten shell, Sliding sinews bring bones upright. What his muscle memory might tell Given time before the birth of night. The chart shows no [...] (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2398662 Sat, 09 May 2009 21:00:58 +0100 2398662 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2381447&cid=t_102965_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F04%2F30%2Fmd-anderson-study-predicts-dramatic-growth-in-cancer-rates-among-us-elderly-minorities%2F ” … Over the next 20 years, the number of new cancer cases diagnosed annually in the United States will increase by 45 percent, from 1.6 million in 2010 to 2.3 million in 2030, with a dramatic spike in incidence predicted in the elderly and minority populations, according to research from The University of Texas [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2381447 Fri, 01 May 2009 01:12:07 +0100 2381447 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2375327&cid=t_102965_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fmore-than-insomnia-other-sleep.html Many older adults struggle with insomnia. Now a new study shows that in older adults other sleep disorders are common too.The study involved 892 people between the ages of 70 and 89. Results show that 59 percent had signs of at least one sleep disorder other than insomnia.Data were gathered by questionnaire. Symptoms were reported by a person who sleeps in the same room as the participant.Sleep-related leg cramps was the most common sleep disorder. Symptoms were present in 32 percent of participants.The second and third most common sleep disorders were obstructive sleep apnea and periodic limb movements in sleep. Other common sleep disorders were REM sleep behavior disorder, restless legs syndrome and sleepwalking.“All of these sleep disorders can disrupt a person’s quality of life, be... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2375327 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:21:00 +0100 2375327 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2353903&cid=t_102965_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FeMMdKfyvPds%2F Caring for our loved ones today can be a difficult thing. You hear so much about people that are less than reputable when it comes to caring for our children or even elders. It’s scary. That’s why so many of you entered our Care4Hire giveaway package. The winner of that giveaway is: Courtney! Congrats to Courtney, and if you didn’t win, I came across a good article on what to say when interviewer a caregiver. In addition, it also has tips for how to successfully hire someone, and one of the points that stuck out for me was defining the job description. It isn’t enough just to say you want them to “watch” your kid or parent, you’ve got to define what else that may entail. Do the duties include taking them to the doctor? Doing laundry? Interacting w... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2353903 Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:32:23 +0100 2353903 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2354004&cid=t_102965_133_f&fid=35124&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Faspergerwoman%2F%7E3%2FR3OUvj6x3zo%2Fautism-women-women-with-asd.html Was thinking in the ways women with autism are equal, and in which way we are all unique. Just take this schedule for instance. We are all different?!There are just so many of us, women with some kind of autism. You are not alone.Is this schedule correct? Please correct me if I am wrong.Types of women with ASD1. girls with classic autism, already been diagnosed with ASD2. girls with classic autism, have not been officially diagnosed (dx-diagoseyet3. teenagers with ASD, no offcial dx yet,4. teenagers with ASD, with official dx5. adolescents with ASD, no official dx yet6. adolescents with ASD, with official dx7. adult women with ASD and kids, no official dx yet8. adult women with ASD and kids, no official dx yet 9. adult women without kids with ASD, no official dx yet10.adult women without k... The Art of Being Asperger Woman blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2354004 Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:22:00 +0100 2354004 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2321740&cid=t_102965_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fabuse-isnt-always-physical%2F Individuals who suffer chronic pain or live with some form of disability often face more than disease, deformity or adaptation. Many chronically ill people live with physical abuse but there are many others who suffer psychological damage by a spouse, a caregiver or another family member. Insults, belittling, threats and severe criticism can hurt as much as physical abuse. You just don’t have an outward bruise to show for it. The wounds to self-esteem, confidence and the joy in relationships can be taken away by another individual without leaving a mark on you; except that large knife wound to the very heart of who you are. Sometimes the loved ones and friends of the chronically ill, like us, don’t understand what we are dealing with every single day of our lives. They get tired of our... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2321740 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:44:00 +0100 2321740 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2321745&cid=t_102965_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fabuse-is-never-justified-or-deserved%2F This week I’d like to talk with you about a subject that brings me no pleasure, because it’s not uplifting or positive but is a reality in today’s world. That topic is abuse as it relates to the elderly and the disabled. For many of us who live with limitations, it’s difficult to imagine life being any tougher or more difficult than it already is. For others, it is a nightmare everyday and not just because they have chronic illness, disability or chronic pain. It’s difficult because someone is causing them additional pain. We all know life is not a fictional romance novel but for some it’s an all too realistic horror film. Perhaps, we could just share a word first about abuse, in general. It’s usually men who are abusing women and children but there are incidents of male abus... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2321745 Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:01:49 +0100 2321745 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2260658&cid=t_102965_140_f&fid=35457&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fbattlingforhealthcom%2F%7E3%2FPDzsBLo-45c%2F This study by psychologists at the University of Illinois at Pittsburg is not directly related to Alzheimers and dementia but it does tell us about how to keep our spatial memory functioning even at an advanced age. The hippocampus is a curved structure deep inside the medial temporal lobe of the brain, is essential to memory formation. And for this part of the brain, size does matter. The bigger your hippocampus is, the better is your ability to store new experiences and the better is your spatial memory skills. A damage hippocampus however, prevents an individual to form new memories, as in the well-known case of Henry Gustav Molaison (also known as HM or Henry Right Now) who suffered from retrograde amnesia. Certain activities make the size of the hippocampus bigger in some people and s... Battling-Schizophrenia blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2260658 Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:13:37 +0100 2260658 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2241256&cid=t_102965_97_f&fid=35606&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theangriestpharmacist.com%2F2009%2F03%2F05%2Fslow-poke%2F Today, I was nearly killed. Why? Because an old fogie ass motherf.er decided to putt-putt along into TheAngriestPharmacy parking lot. Normally, the turn I was attempting would be easily made. Yet, when Granny Grunt decides to take her sweet ass time and idle into an already cramped lot, she almost delayed her prescription wait time by a few hours. I’ve drawn up a diagram for you below. I drive a green car (as far as you know). Old ladies have blue hair and therefore have been given a blue car in this doodle. The red car honked at me, flipped me off (rightfully so - thinking it was my fault for pulling out in front of them), and nearly hit me (probably on purpose - I would have). I was not happy. I screamed in my car at her. I yelled at her as I was walking through the parking lot (bu... The Angriest Pharmacist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2241256 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 04:12:49 +0100 2241256 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2236542&cid=t_102965_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fis-daytime-sleepiness-excessive-risk.html Excessive daytime sleepiness is common in older adults. But is it anything to be worried about?A new study from France may raise a few eyebrows. It links EDS in older adults with an increased risk of death.The study involved 8,269 adults with an average age of 74 years. All of them were living in the community rather than in a nursing home. None of them had dementia when the study began.At the start of the study almost 19 percent of participants reported having regular or frequent EDS. The study group was followed for six years.During this time 762 people died. Of these deaths, 196 were caused by heart disease.Results show that the older adults with EDS had a much worse survival rate. There was a 33 percent increase in their risk of death. There also was a 49 percent increase in their risk... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2236542 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 21:26:00 +0100 2236542 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2216534&cid=t_102965_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F02%2F25%2Fthe-connection-between-mental-physical-health%2F Every so often, I’m reminded of the plain truth that many people still do not “get” that your body’s physical health is interconnected and cannot be separated from your body’s mental health. One affects the other. This is no more clear than a spate of news articles from this week so far demonstrating this connection. And this is just a week’s worth of connections… if you go back over the past decade, you’ll find hundreds of such studies demonstrating the strong connection between our mind and body’s health. For instance, researchers at Bangor University in Wales found performance of a mentally fatiguing task prior to a difficult exercise test caused participants to reach exhaustion more quickly than when they did the same exercise when... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2216534 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:30:00 +0100 2216534 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2188753&cid=t_102965_165_f&fid=37962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fotnotes.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fot-webgems-geriatric-issues.html I am by nature, a total packrat in real life. I am even worse on the internet, as my bookmarks folder is now overflowing waterfall style! So here come the WebGems- with a focus on geriatric issues.First off, some good news- TKRs do improve I/ADL function for elderly individuals! So it will be worthwhile in the end- but remember, it will HURT!!This an ADVANCE piece on Elderspeak. It can be a hard habit to break, and usually requires me to write down all my patients' names until they're familiar to me, but I think people respond better when talked to appropriately. Different facilities have different policies... when I was on my Level II's we were on a first name basis with all the clients, to the point where one place had first names, last initial, on all the wheelchairs. At my current empl... Occupational Therapy Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2188753 Sun, 15 Feb 2009 14:06:00 +0100 2188753 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2177596&cid=t_102965_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2Fn3u624MSQwY%2F Watch out for your Alzheimer’s family member (and yourself if you’re “senior”) if Obama’s Stimulus Bill sneaks through in its current form.   Deep within the multiple pages of the bill is a provision for a collecting one’s medical records on a national data base and appointing health care coordinators who will “approve” your care and perscriptions.  As ultimately planned, your doctor will have to get permission for your treatment, possibly by someone not medically trained but only looking at the bottom dollar or cost effectiveness:  Is the cost of treating this person (you or your Alzheimer’s family member) economically worthwhile, considering age, life expectency and contribution or drain upon society? Will this person be a prod... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2177596 Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:19:22 +0100 2177596 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2161396&cid=t_102965_165_f&fid=37962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fotnotes.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fwild-in-halls.html There is a not-so-well-known, not-so-good movie called Wild in the Streets for which the play on words for the title is from. In the land of that movie, my day definitely would not have happened since the elderly were shunted off into communes, but since we don't really live there, feel free to continue reading about the craziness that has been Wednesday.Wednesday starts for our purposes when the evening nursing shift came on at 7pm. In 12 hours, Mr. L will cause enough disturbance that there will be 15 different nurses notes written about his exploits. He will be found wandering in the hallway carrying a sheet and/or the room's courtesy curtain. He will dismantle 2 bedchecks, take the bolts off a geri chair, and also climb out of a geri chair with the tray attached without a scratch. His ... Occupational Therapy Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2161396 Thu, 05 Feb 2009 01:56:00 +0100 2161396 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2195223&cid=t_102965_158_f&fid=36024&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fcaregiver-jeff%2Ffarewell-caregivers%2F I am sad to say, I am hanging up my blogger hat after 18 months to make way for some fresh perspective for another caregiver. I have really enjoyed sharing my views and experiences caring for Pops with the HealthTalk audience during these past months, but it’s time to relinquish the forum to some of the other caregiver voices out there. There is a near-infinite variety of caregiver situations and mine and Pops’s is just one, and frankly I have pretty much exhausted what I have to say. In fact, when I looked back on my 18 months of blog entries, I can’t help notice some of them are remarkably similar. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. One of the singular aspects of caregiving is you find yourself doing a lot of the same stuff over and over again. From a personal standpoint, I think ... Caregiver Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2195223 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:18:48 +0100 2195223 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2132726&cid=t_102965_165_f&fid=37962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fotnotes.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fbefore-you-go-go.html There's definitely an adjustment period to working in a hospital. Figuring out all the codes to the different supply rooms, learning the tricks to manhandling trays and hospital beds... it's those kinds of skills that come with practice. But until it becomes second nature, you still have a lot of things to check at the end of session. Here's some things that you should remember to check before leaving a pt after a treatment session to keep them safe and happy. Applicable to hospital and SNF rooms, a good checklist if you're new to the environment.Ideally, you should just be reversing everything from your session so that the person is in the same condition as you found them, however, it's good to remember these things as there are often moments a person is without a crucial item.Bed brakes ... Occupational Therapy Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2132726 Sun, 25 Jan 2009 21:13:00 +0100 2132726 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2121584&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Feric-and-rhoda-update-from-bad-to-worse.html I saw Eric again today.We met Eric last week (The carer's conundrum) when he was battling with the difficulties of managing his full time job and the care of his elderly mother, Rhoda. Despite his best efforts, Rhoda had yet another fall. She hit her head as she went down and was knocked out. So she is now in hospital. The CT scan has not shown any serious pathology. No evidence of any bleed. But, as old people do, she has “gone off” a bit more.Eric is still distressed. Three days after admission, a new shift of doctors came on, and the doctor of the day diagnosed dehydration, and put Rhoda on a drip. Eric thinks she became dehydrated because she is not able to eat and drink without help. Her sight is poor and it maybe she does not see the glass of water on her bed table. She can proba... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2121584 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:28:00 +0100 2121584 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2092545&cid=t_102965_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F01%2F09%2Fantipsychotic-use-in-elderly-alzheimers%2F A rebuke to years of off-label marketing by pharmaceutical companies behind closed doctors’ doors was just published in the form of a journal article demonstrating that the use of atypical antipsychotic medications significantly increase the risk of death in elderly Alzheimer’s patients. The biggest risk comes with the longer you’re on the antipsychotic medication: The antipsychotic drugs [studied] included thioridazine, chlorpromazine, haloperidol, trifluorperazine or risperidone. The researchers found that, for the whole study period, the risk of death was 42 percent lower among people taking a placebo compared with those taking antipsychotics. […] But after two years, 46 percent of those taking antipsychotics were alive, compared with 71 percent of those taki... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2092545 Sat, 10 Jan 2009 02:44:40 +0100 2092545 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2078414&cid=t_102965_165_f&fid=37962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fotnotes.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fshower-remodel.html So one of my first OT moments while at home was at my grandmother's house. She had a tub to shower conversion done about a month ago to replace the 19 y.o. metal stool she had been using as a tub chair. Sounds great, but there is more after the link...this is what the new shower looks like-and in theory, it is the 100% solution. However, my gram is 5'2" and only her toes can touch the floor while sitting on the built in bench. She knew this when the guy was installing, but he said it was as low as it could go and he couldn't do anything and there wasn't anyone there to make a suggestion. My thought was that during the install he could have rotated the seat 180*... this would have kept the piece aligned with the studs, and though we would have lost a small shelf, it would have lowered the s... Occupational Therapy Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2078414 Sun, 04 Jan 2009 01:51:00 +0100 2078414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2061125&cid=t_102965_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FV03xZP7UuZs%2F Alzheimer’s Finances There often comes a time when elderly parents, especially those who experience strokes or develop Alzheimer’s, need help with their finances.  Eventually someone may have to take over their finances entirely. This generally is a difficult time for both parents and children or whomever becomes in charge.  I found helping my mother make out checks, decide which bills to pay, and go over accounts was no problem.  It was when she began to lose the ability to understand and made unrational decisions.  There is a reluctance within many of us to take financial matters out of our parents’ hands, even when we know they are no longer capable. This also becomes the time when unscrupulous people also can take advantage of the elderly.  The frustrating part o... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2061125 Tue, 23 Dec 2008 05:00:11 +0100 2061125 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2036206&cid=t_102965_165_f&fid=37962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fotnotes.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fot-webgems-brain-edition.html This study found that pts who received care at a specialized stroke center recovered better and stayed better than those who had care at a non-specialized hospital. They recommend telecommunication for rural hospitals, but I wonder if they explored the SES factors of their participants, as there can be some major overall health differences between city-dwellers & others who can get to a specialized center and those who are in a more rural environment.Brain Implants- Scientists have found that there is some same-sided brain control over body movements, and are using brain-computer interfaces to help overcome hemiparesis. They can't leave the implants in long-term though... yet. Also, if you have not yet looked at BrainGate, you should definitely check into it. One of my classmates found... Occupational Therapy Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2036206 Sat, 13 Dec 2008 22:17:00 +0100 2036206 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2008133&cid=t_102965_165_f&fid=37962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fotnotes.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Ftouching-moments.html Every now and then a pt. says something so cute, personal, or touching that it just tugs at the heartstrings... here are a few.I have a pt. now who is friends w/ my former pt. Mr. H (small world!). They call each other "parky pals" because they both have Parkinson's Disease. She has a 3 story house with the only bathroom on the third floor. Her husband of 57 years carries the BSC up and down the stairs every morning and night for her.A 12 y.o. w/ Osteogenesis Imperfecta is receiving PT. He had a recent fracture after tripping over a doorstep and told his PT, "I was doing so good... I made it all summer without breaking anything!"In a family meeting, an elderly man's children were trying to get him to adopt some safety measures, including not going up and down the steps. He likes to meet hi... Occupational Therapy Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2008133 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:51:00 +0100 2008133 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1940957&cid=t_102965_165_f&fid=37962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fotnotes.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fsome-interesting-cases.html The hospital has actually been slow for a little while, but I couldn't catch a break during that time since my pediatric caseload was simultaneously growing. The peds caseload will require a separate entry, as it has exploded a bit. Anyway, the circle of hospital life always comes back around from slow with only a few pts to overfull with referrals coming out of our collective ears. We've managed to fill up again just in time for us to be shorthanded as a colleague takes a weeklong trip. But, before I get totally overwhelmed again, here's some stories on a few of the interesting people I've seen recently.I have been working with Mr. H for the past 2 weeks. A great elderly gentleman who is mentally extremely sharp. I believe that he remembers absolutely everything I have ever told him (so h... Occupational Therapy Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1940957 Thu, 06 Nov 2008 22:01:00 +0100 1940957 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1920985&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D5132 a Genetically Modified Tomato to Fight Cancer, Pneumonia May Lead to ACS, Physical Activity Improves Mental Function In the Elderly (Source: Malaysian Medical Resources) Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1920985 Wed, 29 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1920985 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1888107&cid=t_102965_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fdementia-and-devotion.html In the home they have owned for more than 40 years, they live their lives as they always have. The same trees are visible through the kitchen window. The grass is still green. The grandfather clock given to them by her parents for their tenth wedding anniversary still chimes in the foyer. The curtains and the sofas haven't changed in years, and the silver flatware in the breakfront drawer still evokes memories of Thanksgiving dinners, birthdays, and family gatherings galore. From the kitchen linoleum to the wood paneling in the family room, little has changed in this cozy suburban home.While the outward appearances are relatively static, it is her dementia that has permanently changed the calculus of their relationship. It began with mild, transitory forgetfulness, only to slowly escalate ... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1888107 Sat, 18 Oct 2008 12:09:00 +0100 1888107 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1862717&cid=t_102965_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F10%2F08%2Fyoung-lady-you-dont-look-a-day-over-65-elderspeak-and-its-effects%2F Hearing people address elderly strangers in overly familiar terms such as “dear” or “sweetie” has always bothered me. When I’m out with my grandmother and someone (generally an overzealous salesperson) goes the “dear” route with her, it always seems so patronizing and disrespectful. Whatever happened to a good old-fashioned “Ma’am”? As it turns out, new research on the subject of “elderspeak” justifies my discomfort: such informal terms of address can cause people to view aging more negatively, adversely affecting their health and longevity, including survival rates. Dr. Becca Levy, an associate professor at Yale University who studies elderspeak’s health effects on senior citizens, was interviewed for this October 6 New York Times article. Here’s ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1862717 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 19:03:06 +0100 1862717 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1837146&cid=t_102965_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Feconomics-and-elderly.html (Note: This is my eighth post under the auspices of the nurse blogger scholarship which I recently received from Value Care, Value Nurses.)So, as the bad news splashes across the headlines and the denizens of Wall Street throw up their hands to ward off the falling sky (that they themselves created), the elderly here in the United States are facing some tough economic times of their own as we turn the corner to 2009.Reports now tell us that premiums for drug coverage under Medicare Part D will rise an average of 31% in the coming year. For some seniors, most of whom are on fixed incomes, a monthly increase of $50 to $100 could spell economic disaster, especially when one considers the simultaneous (and often astronomical) rise in the cost of food, gas, general healthcare costs, home heatin... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1837146 Sun, 28 Sep 2008 21:41:00 +0100 1837146 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1811669&cid=t_102965_165_f&fid=37962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fotnotes.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fot-webgems-aging-edition.html HOO-HA, I am nearing the end of my blog-related bookmarks (for now)! This edition focuses on those who are lucky enough to become elderly, with one crazy note thrown in at the end.Architectural Updates- I have some links about aging-in-place and universal design on the sidebar, as it was the original reason I got into OT. Here's a retirement community that has incorporated some of those principles to help their residents live more independently.Retirement Communities- The later pages in this article offer some great questions to ask before choosing an over-55, assisted living, or continuing care facility.Balance- Here's some info and products to improve balance at any age! We should probably all start now, since our proprioceptive system starts declining around age 12.Cognitive- As high te... Occupational Therapy Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1811669 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 01:41:00 +0100 1811669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1795531&cid=t_102965_165_f&fid=37962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fotnotes.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fthankfully-slow-day.html Our skilled unit has had a mass exodus over the weekend, leaving us with only 8 people, only 5 receiving therapy. The acute care side is busier, however, and I have learned how this pattern will end. We will go from being underbooked to dreadfully overbooked in 1-2 days, most likely at a time when I am the only OT and will get stuck doing all the evals. But, until then, I appreciate what we have now. It was a fortunate occurrence since the COTA was only working a half day, I had peds in the afternoon, and we got several evals in the course of the morning.Mr. H went home with his daughter. He improved quickly in a short time. Hopefully, she will get him some good outpatient and driver rehab. She was a home care nurse, very good about asking questions and continuing therapy work, so I think ... Occupational Therapy Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1795531 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 23:00:00 +0100 1795531 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1819403&cid=t_102965_136_f&fid=38061&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBreastCancerReconstructionBlog%2F%7E3%2F331329105%2Fbritish-women-over-70-receive-less.html Elderly breast cancer care 'poor'.Older women with breast cancer get poorer care than younger women, a study has found.Researchers from the University of Manchester found they are less likely to get a range of diagnostic tests and treatments.Writing in the British Journal of Cancer, they say this is likely to lead to higher rates of cancer recurring, and higher death rates.Cancer campaigners said women of all ages deserved high standards of care.They also have a lower chance of surviving the disease - women aged 70-79 have a 76% chance of surviving for five years after their illness, compared to 80% for all ages.This drops to 61% for women aged 80 or over - a fall which is not explained by their increase in age.Perceptions 'differ'.The team reviewed the cases of 480 women aged 65 and over,... Breast Cancer Reconstruction Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1819403 Sun, 14 Sep 2008 23:04:49 +0100 1819403 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1768910&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D4323 A reminder to all - you are never too old to exercise. It could even help your memory and brain function. CNN reports Brisk walking led to slight improvements on mental tests for older people with memory problems in what is billed as the first rigorous test of exercise on the aging brain. A study found that the effects of exercise were at least as good, if not better, than those seen with certain drugs. The results from the small Australian study were only modest. But they back up observational studies showing potential mental benefits from physical activity. The effects of exercise were at least as good, if not better, than those seen with drugs approved to aid mental function in Alzheimer’s disease, according to experts not involved in the study. Still, the study authors cautioned... Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1768910 Thu, 04 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1768910 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1739117&cid=t_102965_109_f&fid=34795&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsoloshrink.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F08%2Fodd-haiku.html This Stinks Fie! Here is death’s stink. Nay. ‘Tis the odor of piss. Change its damn diaper. Peace, Doc Copyright © 2008, Thomas A. Blood, Ph.D. Technorati tags: haiku, baby, elderly (Source: Solo Shrink) Solo Shrink blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1739117 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:28:00 +0100 1739117 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1700666&cid=t_102965_111_f&fid=34834&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FMentalNurse%2F%7E3%2F363000786%2F From the BBC News site, illustrated by what appears to be Check Shirt Man’s dad suppressing a sneeze, comes a less than flattering report on NHS services for elderly people with depression. Fewer than 10% of older people with clinical depression are referred to specialist mental health services compared with about 50% of younger adults with mental and emotional problems. In some cases, GPs are unable to refer older people on to other parts of the NHS that could help them because of discriminatory rules excluding people over the age of 65. Overall, eight out of 10 older people with clinical depression do not get any treatment, Age Concern said. (Source: Mental Nurse) Mental Nurse blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1700666 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:09:33 +0100 1700666 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1682958&cid=t_102965_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F08%2Faging-world.html (Note: This is my third post under the auspices of the nurse blogger scholarship which I recently received from Value Care, Value Nurses.)The predictions are in. The number of Americans over age 65 will double by the year 2050, and this demographic shift is occurring on almost every continent.Personally, although I am not a member of the Baby Boom generation that accounts for the majority of this projected statistical growth, I will turn 65 in 2029, putting me squarely in the midst of the burgeoning data pool.So what does this mean? What does such a huge demographic population shift portend? How are we to prepare for such a tilt of the generational scales?First, it seems apparent that governmental bodies must prepare as massive numbers of older adults begin to retire and collect government... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1682958 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:31:00 +0100 1682958 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1657163&cid=t_102965_111_f&fid=34834&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FMentalNurse%2F%7E3%2F346674915%2F As if we didn’t have enough to get our biopsychosocial teeth into lately - this latest event gives us opportunity to debate that ever popular yet seldom reconciled issue: Euthanasia. This week the GMC has determined to suspend Dr Iain Kerr for 6 months following his decision to prescribe to an elderly woman who died from an overdose of prescribed tablets (Temazepam, anti-histamines and painkillers). Dr Kerr had (re)prescribed the Temazepam only three days after a failed overdose suicide attempt. She died 11 days later from a second overdose. The woman was 87. Dr Kerr said he gave Patient A the sleeping pills as an “insurance policy”. He told the hearing in Manchester: “She said ‘Give me something that I can take if things get too bad’ and I said yes.&#8... Mental Nurse blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1657163 Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:36:33 +0100 1657163 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1639579&cid=t_102965_134_f&fid=36985&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fsugarstats%2F%7E3%2F339260547%2F Hi Everyone, this week we handle Myth Number 2: Diabetes only happens to old or really overweight people, or those with a family history-FALSE This is a favorite of mine because I hear it all the time, usually from a patient who just cannot believe they really have Diabetes. Now, it is true that many people with [...] (Source: SugarStats.com - Simple, Online Blood Sugar Tracking for Diabetes Management) SugarStats.com - Simple, Online Blood Sugar Tracking for Diabetes Management blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1639579 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:15:17 +0100 1639579 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1638200&cid=t_102965_134_f&fid=36985&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fsugarstats%2F%7E3%2F339260547%2F Hi Everyone, this week we handle Myth Number 2: Diabetes only happens to old or really overweight people, or those with a family history-FALSE This is a favorite of mine because I hear it all the time, usually from a patient who just cannot believe they really have Diabetes. Now, it is true that many people with [...] (Source: SugarStats.com - Simple, Online Blood Sugar Tracking for Diabetes Management) SugarStats.com - Simple, Online Blood Sugar Tracking for Diabetes Management blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1638200 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:15:17 +0100 1638200 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1635268&cid=t_102965_158_f&fid=36024&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fcaregiver%2Fjeff%2Ffarewell-caregivers%2F I am sad to say, I am hanging up my blogger hat after 18 months to make way for some fresh perspective for another caregiver. I have really enjoyed sharing my views and experiences caring for Pops with the HealthTalk audience during these past months, but it’s time to relinquish the forum to some of the other caregiver voices out there. There is a near-infinite variety of caregiver situations and mine and Pops’s is just one, and frankly I have pretty much exhausted what I have to say. In fact, when I looked back on my 18 months of blog entries, I can’t help notice some of them are remarkably similar. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. One of the singular aspects of caregiving is you find yourself doing a lot of the same stuff over and over again. From a personal standpoint, I think ... Caregiver Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1635268 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 05:06:48 +0100 1635268 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1631220&cid=t_102965_137_f&fid=35371&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthecaregiver.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Fstudy-regular-walking-nearly-halves.html This study shows that just walking on a regular basis can make a huge impact on quality of life.”The research was supported by the UGA Institute of Gerontology Seed Grant, the Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging and the Georgia Gerontology Consortium Seed Grant. The research was done in cooperation with the Athens Housing Authority.Sam Fahmy, 706/542-5361, sfahmy@uga.eduM. Elaine Cress, 706/542-2202, mecress@uga.edu; Trudy Moore-Harrison, 704/687-6030, tlmoore2@uncc.eduThe 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer Disease and Memory Loss in Later Life (Source: CareGiver, The) CareGiver, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1631220 Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:04:00 +0100 1631220 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1622285&cid=t_102965_137_f&fid=35371&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthecaregiver.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Ffamily-conversation-with-older-drivers.html When the time comes for the elderly to stop driving they will do so only after "kicking and screaming all the way. If you find yourself in the position where you need to ask them to stop driving it will be one of the most difficult conversations you will ever face. Here are some tips on the following pages. Preparing for a conversationSuccessful family conversations begin with good preparation and caring communication. With sensitivity toward the feelings of older drivers, families can help the older driver make safe driving decisions and ensure peace of mind for the entire family.Start EarlyIf you start early you might find that convincing the person is easier over time.Ideally, the first conversations about safe driving should occur long before driving becomes a problem. Early, occasiona... CareGiver, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1622285 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:00:00 +0100 1622285 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1575677&cid=t_102965_158_f&fid=36024&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fcaregiver%2Fjeff%2Fwhat-happens-when-a-caregiver-wants-to-retire%2F In June, my wife Deb and I rented a cottage in Maine and enjoyed a short vacation. We took early morning walks on the beach with the dog, ate our fill of steamed clams and lobster, caught up on our reading under the beach umbrella and shopped at LL Bean. I also did a bit of kayaking in the estuaries and along the rocky coast. As always, we came away with faint suntans (thanks to SPF 30) and our familiar fantasy about moving up to Maine in retirement. Over dinner at the Oarweed restaurant, we even talked about it like it was a real prospect. But the vacation ended, and as always, reality set in, and we knew Maine would remain a fantasy for a while longer. One of the aspects of caring for an elderly parent, as I do for my father, is that when you consider a big life change, such as a move, y... Caregiver Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1575677 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:52:01 +0100 1575677 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1526120&cid=t_102965_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F06%2F17%2Folder-antipsychotics-get-warning-too%2F I’m not real sure why this was making headlines yesterday, but apparently the fact that the FDA required a black box warning on older antipsychotic medications was news on a slow news day. Here’s why it wasn’t news: Both conventional antipsychotics and atypical antipsychotics are not approved for use in elderly patients with dementia. The risk of death for atypical antipsychotics in this patient group is 3.2 times more likely, and is 1.7 times more likely for those taking conventional antipsychotics. In other words, conventional antipsychotics are still nearly twice as safe and carry half the risk of an atypical antipsychotic. Atypical antipsychotics typically have a different side effect profile than conventional antipsychotics. Many news reports parroted the marke... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1526120 Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:28:42 +0100 1526120 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1516915&cid=t_102965_158_f&fid=36024&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fcaregiver%2Fjeff%2Fan-early-fathers-day%2F Because of a scheduled trip out of town next Sunday, we decided to celebrate Father’s Day a week early. So last Sunday my wife Deb and I took Pops down to Ulster Landing Park on the Hudson River where we barbecued spareribs and watched the boats go by. Pops always enjoys an afternoon at the river because that’s where he grew up, and it brings up a lot of old memories. For Father’s Day, I gave Pops the token gift of a couple of books I bought at a local library fair. One was a paperback of Master and Commander, a famous sea story by Patrick O’Brian, which I took Pops to see when it was in movie theaters a few years back. Pops likes sea stories, so I think he will like this. He also likes tales of 19th Century arctic exploration, and that’s what the other book is about. The title i... Caregiver Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1516915 Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:14:46 +0100 1516915 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1392492&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2008%2F04%2F22%2Fcan-our-earth-support-us-as-we-age%2F Image details: Question mark with the Earth as a dot served by picapp.com Happy Earth Day, everyone! We’ve been reminded quite a bit today about being green and caring for our Earth. So here’s my question: Can the Earth continue to care for us?!? Over the weekend, Edna Parker of Illinois (the oldest known currently-living person) celebrated her 115th birthday. Also recently, Barbara Walters did a special on living to be 150. While this is fascinating and the idea of living past 100 sounds intriguing, when it comes right down to it, how will our world be able to support such an aging population? Here are some issues: 1. As it is, we have a dire nursing shortage. And we all know that living long doesn’t always equal living well. We would need more health care professionals ... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1392492 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 03:04:47 +0100 1392492 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1382330&cid=t_102965_111_f&fid=34834&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FMentalNurse%2F%7E3%2F273007840%2F Southern Cross Healthcare operate 710 care homes in the UK. They’re keen to trumpet their commitment to eradicating abuse of the elderly. They’re key contributors to this campaign, launched by Action on Elder Abuse. John Murphy, Chief Operating Officer commented on behalf of Southern Cross Healthcare, ‘Our commitment has been unwavering to protect people and [...] (Source: Mental Nurse) Mental Nurse blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1382330 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:43:43 +0100 1382330 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1364906&cid=t_102965_111_f&fid=34834&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FMentalNurse%2F%7E3%2F267987203%2F (guest post by Yaksley) As i have been researching my essay on dementia i have come across a very interesting editorial.. There are at present 20 different posts on the Alzheimer’s Society website with regards to this proposal which i personally find preposterous… The proposal entails electronically tagging patients with dementia to put their carers at ease, so [...] (Source: Mental Nurse) Mental Nurse blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1364906 Thu, 10 Apr 2008 22:22:47 +0100 1364906 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1362527&cid=t_102965_158_f&fid=36160&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.popeinstitute.com%2Fcaregivingminutes%2F%3Fp%3D62 I am always cautious about safety in parking lots when shopping alone. What this elderly woman experienced is what most women fear when shopping alone. A would be robber jumps into the passenger side of an elderly woman’s car. She had just finished grocery shopping when the man entered her car, said he had a gun, and request all of her money. She said “no”, and that is not the most incredible part of the video… WOW! does not begin to describe her courage and faith. This story comes from Action News 5 in Memphis Tennessee. (Source: CaregivingMinutes™ by Pope Institute) CaregivingMinutes™ by Pope Institute blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1362527 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 23:10:34 +0100 1362527 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1312522&cid=t_102965_158_f&fid=36024&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fcaregiver%2Fjeff%2Fpops-and-paperwork%2F I don’t know when the last time Pops filed a tax return was – a dozen years ago or longer, but now he says he wants to file one for 2007 to get the $300 payment from the federal government under the recent stimulus package. The only problem is Pops didn’t keep any of his 1099 income statements when they came in the mail. In addition to Social Security, he receives small pensions from his old carpenter’s union and from the state from when he was superintendent of buildings and grounds for a local school system. He needs these forms to file his taxes. Pops blames the cleaning lady for losing his income statements, but this is an old excuse he has used when he loses stuff that comes in the mail (before it was the cleaning lady it was my mother losing stuff). The fact is he is not a �... Caregiver Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1312522 Tue, 18 Mar 2008 22:41:16 +0100 1312522 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1300772&cid=t_102965_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Ffalls-and-fall-related-injuries-are-all-too-common-in-older-adults%2F My father will turn 89 in early April, and he was recently described by a visiting physical therapist as “a fall waiting to happen.” So the March 7, 2008 article in the CDC’s “MMWR” publication about seniors falling is one of personal interest to me. And since the CDC reports that falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injury in persons 65 years and older, it’s likely that this subject will resonate with HealthTalk readers concerned with their personal risk of falls as well as with the risks to their parents, friends and other loved ones. The CDC has estimated that in a three-month period in 2006, about 5.8 million persons over 65 fell and of those about 1.8 million sustained some type of fall-related injury. The overall estimate is that each year in the United Stat... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1300772 Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:16:09 +0100 1300772 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1298828&cid=t_102965_158_f&fid=36024&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fcaregiver%2Fjeff%2Fcaregivers-need-to-see-the-doctor-too%2F If you are a reader of this blog you may remember my New Year’s resolution to get myself a medical checkup in 2008 . It had been quite a few years since my last, and I am getting to the age when anyone’s health begins to fray a bit around the edges. I already know I have asthma (pretty well controlled) and sinusitis that causes my nasal passages and ears to clog up from time to time. I also suspected my cholesterol was high—it always has been—but then everybody’s is high, including my 90-year-old father’s. Other than that, I have been feeling pretty good, and I didn’t expect any surprises. I saw Dr. H a couple weeks back and got the usual kneading, probing, blood tests, traces and scans. Not surprisingly, I had all the maladies I knew I had, but then I learned I had some othe... Caregiver Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1298828 Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:23:59 +0100 1298828 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1289751&cid=t_102965_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F03%2F09%2Fover-60-and-over-mall-walking%2F Over the past year, I’ve written a few posts on Alzheimer’s and dementia in general, touting the benefits of both physical and mental exercises for delaying the progression of this horrible illness. However, short of mall-walking or shuffle board and playing chess, what can the elderly do for exercise and mental stimulation? Well here’s a short list non-traditional activities the 60+ crowd is doing right now to stimulate their minds and bodies; 1) Think old people can’t “get-down”? I guess you haven’t seen The Zimmer’s new video, a remake of Pete Townsend’s song, My Generation. This geriatric band has a median age of 79; the youngest member is 64, the oldest 100! The band also has a MySpace page which you can view here. 2) I’m pretty sure I can’t run a marathon an... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1289751 Mon, 10 Mar 2008 02:12:47 +0100 1289751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1243562&cid=t_102965_158_f&fid=36024&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fcaregiver%2Fjeff%2Fmovie-the-savages-portrays-caregiving-with-all-its-warts%2F The trailer of “The Savages” makes the movie look a lot funnier than it is. Even calling this movie a black comedy – as some reviewers do – doesn’t seem quite accurate. Even though there are some funny scenes, I’d have to say this is a pretty straight-ahead serious movie about caregiving. The movie focuses on the Savage siblings, a brother, Jon (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and sister, Wendy (Laura Linney), who suddenly are thrust into caregiver roles when their estranged elderly father Lenny Philip Bosco) begins to slip into dementia. These are all imperfect people. Both of the middle-aged siblings, the story makes clear, suffer from frustrations and disappointments in their own present-day lives as well as the residue of unhappy childhoods. Neither is married nor has a family. Bot... Caregiver Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1243562 Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:16:35 +0100 1243562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1226777&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=35057&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.orlandosentinel.com%2Ffeatures_healthblog%2F2008%2F02%2Ffive-steps-to-r.html Dr. Laurel Yates and her colleagues have come up with a top five list for living to your 90s in good health. The list includes things to avoid: smoking, diabetes and high blood pressure. It also recommends regular exercise and... (Source: Health Check the Blog) Health Check the Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1226777 Wed, 13 Feb 2008 03:11:07 +0100 1226777 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1196743&cid=t_102965_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F227935995%2F AlzheimersNotes.com    Falls are the leading cause of death by accidental injury among people who are older than 65, according to an article, Home visits can help keep elders on their feet, in the DailyPress.com, by Fredrick Kunkle.  Here we learn some of the statistics about falls and the elderly and how home aides can educate about keeping homes safer.     Falling is of great concern as one ages and becomes more unsteady on the feet.  The elderly also aren’t so resilient if they do fall.  My aunt’s family moved her to a nursing home when she became too unsteady to stay alone when the family was away during the day at school or at work.  She also would walk around at night and had fallen once. My mom, who had Alzheimer’s, fell at the nursing home  She was�... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1196743 Sat, 02 Feb 2008 18:00:06 +0100 1196743 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1187256&cid=t_102965_158_f&fid=36024&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fcaregiver%2Fjeff%2Fa-caregiver-is-saddened-by-a-death-at-the-mill%2F There was a recent death at the Mill where my 90-year-old father lives. Because it is an apartment house for senior citizens, there are deaths there from time to time. But this latest death was one of my father’s friends, and someone who I knew too. I did not know Don well, but I often saw him when I visited my father, and I knew him well enough to like him. Don was disabled and his legs were shrunken. He rode around the Mill on a motorized scooter with a big smile on his face. He was always ready to swap stories and jokes with my father, and was pretty smart, too. He played online poker and was said to be a consistent winner On a personal note, Don met my dog Gulliver once when I brought him along to visit my father and made a big fuss over him. Whenever I saw him, Don would ask me when... Caregiver Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1187256 Tue, 29 Jan 2008 22:10:22 +0100 1187256 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1185719&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F01%2Fdoctor-bashing-4-dr-meanswell-and.html One of the joys of returning to the medical blogosphere after a long break is catching up on new blogs, and blogs I had missed. The tantalisingly named Lake Cocytus is in fact the hiding place of The Shrink, a consultant psychiatrist who clearly enjoys his job and sees patients personally. By reading the small print of a statute he has found a way to get free home care for at-risk patients. Brilliant. Sadly, The Shrink does not like GPs. Well, each to his own. He tells a worrying story of neglect and incompetence by a GP who he portrays as failing to provide proper care for a patient.The Shrink’s article is short and the inference is that the GP he describes is a genereic representative of the whole profession. But, as the script writer might say, is there a back story? There usually is.... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1185719 Tue, 29 Jan 2008 10:44:00 +0100 1185719 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1142464&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=35057&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.orlandosentinel.com%2Ffeatures_healthblog%2F2008%2F01%2Fstudy-good-habi.html Don't smoke. Go easy on the alcohol. Pile on the fruits and vegetables. Exercise. A new study found that people who practiced these healthy habits lived about 14 years longer than those who did not. And here's an interesting caveat.... (Source: Health Check the Blog) Health Check the Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1142464 Thu, 10 Jan 2008 11:34:00 +0100 1142464 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=982774&cid=t_102965_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F10%2Fcenter-for-disease-control-encourages.html The Center for Disease Control and Protection says at their website "The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year."The flu shot or the nasal-spray flu vaccine are the two ways people can receive the vaccination.Flu shots are encouraged by the CDC for "people at high risk for complications from the flu, such as seniors 50 years or older, people with certain chronic medical conditions, and people who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities."Pictured in the photo is senior citizen Ruth Wampler, age 94, receiving her flu shot from nurse Mary Jane Kipper, Maxim Healthcare Services, at the Central Coast Seniors Center, San Luis Obispo County, California. Ruth's daughter Ellen, a volunteer at the Center, stands nearby. (Photo by Kristi Gott.)The ... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=982774 Sat, 27 Oct 2007 00:08:00 +0100 982774 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=936860&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=35057&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.orlandosentinel.com%2Ffeatures_healthblog%2F2007%2F10%2Fget-the-facts-a.html Sure, you know all about heart attacks. But what about brain attacks? Strokes are the number 3 cause of death in the United States, but many don't know the symptoms. So let's review. Signs of a stroke include sudden numbness... (Source: Health Check the Blog) Health Check the Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=936860 Tue, 09 Oct 2007 11:04:00 +0100 936860 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=848619&cid=t_102965_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F09%2Fdepression-is-not-normal-part-of-aging.html Caregivers can be alert for signs of depression in the elderly, and the website at psychologyinfo.com explains that depression is not normal at any age. Sometimes people think depression is part of the aging process. Understanding causes and treatments shows that the elderly have options for treatment of depression.The symptoms of depression in the elderly, related medical illnesses, psychotherapy, and medication are explained. The website explains that signs of depression might be mistaken for other medical conditions. For instance, depression can include loss of interest, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.An evaluation with a healthcare professional is needed when signs of depression are present in the elderly. (Source: The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News) The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=848619 Fri, 07 Sep 2007 02:17:00 +0100 848619 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=823606&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=35057&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.orlandosentinel.com%2Ffeatures_healthblog%2F2007%2F08%2Folder-people-en.html The National Institute on Aging ventured into new territory last week with its findings on sexual behavior among seniors. No topic was too taboo for the report published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Some highlights? Sex is not... (Source: Health Check the Blog) Health Check the Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=823606 Mon, 27 Aug 2007 11:00:00 +0100 823606 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=816818&cid=t_102965_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F08%2Fcommunicating-when-parents-say-no.html At http://www.caringtoday.com/node/58 there is an article titled "Caregiver Communication: When A Parent Says "No!", Tips on how to turn "No!" into "Yes".When elderly parents do not want to accept having a hired caregiver in the home the article says more success is obtained when the topic is framed as the adult child needing some rest and feeling better if someone else can come in to help the elderly parent.When elderly parents do not want to go to a senior center for activities, often because "there are too many old people there," a "no" turned into a "yes" when just one activity that fit the senior's interests was suggested.Going to the doctor, another possible "no" topic, turned into a "yes" when acknowledgement of a problem or illness was discussed.When parents of adult children had r... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=816818 Wed, 22 Aug 2007 23:52:00 +0100 816818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=807037&cid=t_102965_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F145511825%2F As old age sets in, it’s not unusual for an elderly person to be prescribed a growing number of meds to treat a growing number of afflictions. But this remedy, however well-intentioned, can cause a problem of its own - a growing number of adverse events, serious ones that can even result in poisoning. A report in The Sydney Morning Herald cites the example of Don Ireland, a chipper 91-year-old (that’s him in the picture). But a few years ago, Ireland was in and out of hospitals due to falls, strokes and suspected heart attacks. He was often asleep, hard to manage when awake, and on the verge of being placed in a nursing home. Then came the diagnosis - too many meds. In fact, Ireland was on 17 drugs, and another eight, as needed. The regimen was cut to three. Now, he’s as ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=807037 Sat, 18 Aug 2007 14:32:15 +0100 807037 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=807678&cid=t_102965_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F08%2Fstudy-shows-pets-help-elderly-to-be.html At http://www.co.washinton.or.us/deptmts/aging/news/eld_pets.htm there is a release from the Department of Aging and Veterans Services titled "Pets and the Elderly - A Good Mix".The report says studies showed that people who had a pet were more likely to survive another year after a heart attack and to have less deterioration. Elderly people who had pets in the study were happier than those without pets and functioned better.To read the entire report click on the link at the beginning of this post. (Source: The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News) The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=807678 Fri, 17 Aug 2007 04:06:00 +0100 807678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=758661&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F07%2F26%2Ffatal-insulin-overdoses-in-chicago-lawsuits-to-follow%2F Filed under: Type 2, Drugs, Daily News, CareTwo elderly women died and one remains in a coma after the three apparently received massive insulin overdoses during stays at the University of Chicago Hospitals (UCH). One of the women who died, Ruthie Holloway (82), was diabetic. She was in the hospital in May due to a possible urinary tract infection. When she showed signs of low blood sugar, a test was conducted which showed extremely high insulin levels in her blood - hundreds of times higher than normal. By then it was too late: she quickly became catatonic, suffering brain damage, and she died at a nursing home in June. Particularly disturbing is the fact that there was no record of her being given insulin by a staff member.The incidents, which occurred between May and June of this year, ... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=758661 Thu, 26 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 758661 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=711622&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F07%2Fwho-cares-enough-to-look-after-elderly.html This article makes me angry. Very angry.“When Liz Penny’s elderly father had a fall and her mother developed dementia, it was the beginning of a nightmare journey through hospitals, care homes and red tape that took her and her close-knit family to the brink of despair”In a long article (here) Liz catalogues the unrelenting decline of her once fit elderly parents. Dementia, alcohol abuse, broken bones, frustration and depression.“In December 2004 they seemed fit and well, living comfortably and independently in their home of 40 years in the Midlands. We are a close and loving family and spend a lot of time together; I had noticed nothing seriously amiss. Then Dad fell over and cracked his head on a windowsill. There was a lot of blood.”The NHS is far from perfect and there are in... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=711622 Tue, 03 Jul 2007 13:59:00 +0100 711622 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=696870&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=34866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecardioblog.com%2F2007%2F06%2F26%2Fwhy-do-the-elderly-delay-seeking-heart-care%2F Filed under: Aging Heart HealthIt seems the elderly, especially those living in rural areas, may be more likely NOT to seek out the medical care they need for heart problems (as well as other issues) due to their work ethic and unique set of values. Pride in being healthy and able to avoid medical treatment, an unwillingness to further "burden" an already strained health care system, and a general ethic of "stoicism" are all common themes. Sadly, many times by the time the elderly finally seek out the care they need much of the damage has already been done.Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments (Source: The Cardio Blog) The Cardio Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=696870 Tue, 26 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100 696870 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=682749&cid=t_102965_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F06%2F19%2Fscreen-for-depression-in-older-adults-with-diabetes%2F Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Adult Onset, Research, Support Depression is often underdiagnosed and untreated in the elderly population, and for those with diabetes mellitus, the risk is greater. Researchers from the University of Florida in Gainesville found elevated depression among older diabetic adults in the Health, Aging and Body Composition (Health ABC) study published this month in Archives of Internal Medicine. Health ABC, a cohort study, examined community-dwelling 70 to 79-year-old adults living in Memphis and Pittsburgh. Participants reported no depression at baseline, and were assessed annually for an average of nearly six years. Diabetes mellitus was associated with a 30% increased risk for depressed mood, and participants with poor glycemic control were associated with a... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=682749 Tue, 19 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100 682749 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=575011&cid=t_102965_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F04%2Fbirthday-story.html I recently paid a visit to an elderly woman for whom I served as a visiting nurse some years ago. We are still friendly and I check in on her from time to time.Sitting on the side of her bed, I learned that her 74th birthday was only days away. I wished her well and I was somewhat surprised by her response."I hope that this will be my final birthday.""Your final birthday?" I placed my hand on hers."Yes. I hope Jesus will take me. I'm ready to go. It's been a hard life." She crossed herself and fingered her rosary that never leaves her thin and fragile neck.Of course, I could have responded like many people would, especially those for whom death is a failure, a sign of weakness. But instead I chose to meet her where she was."If that's what you truly want, I'll hope that for you, as well. Bu... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=575011 Sat, 28 Apr 2007 02:40:00 +0100 575011 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=479023&cid=t_102965_83_f&fid=34922&url=http%3A%2F%2Froboticsurgeon.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F03%2Frobotic-surgery-blog-robotic.html : "This is a special thank you to Dr. Savatta . Last summer my in law was living in Greece and was informed that he had prostate cancer. He decided to come to the US and get other opinions , we saw a few doctors and they all recommended no surgery due to his age , however he wanted the cancer out of him . That's when i did a little research and we went to see Doctor Savatta . I must say we were very happy with the Doctor's knowledge and personality .A good person that understands the patient's feelings and the families concerns .The Surgery was performed last july and today 7 months later no problems at all , all bloodwork comes back OK and most of all absolutely no leakage .A special thanks to Doctor Savatta and and staffKeep up the Good Work!!"This was a comment left from the relative of... Thoughts from a robotic surgeon blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=479023 Sun, 04 Mar 2007 22:04:00 +0100 479023