| Health Care News |
The Mission of the Health Care Ministry is to address the health needs of our congregation and community through services that promote, restore, and maintain well-being. For a description of the services offered, including screenings, education, visits, referrals, and respite care, please click here. For new programs and health care news, click on the following:
Doctor Visit - Preparation Form
| Exercise |
Key Messages • Older adults, both male and female, can benefit from regular physical activity.
• Physical activity need not be strenuous to achieve health benefits.
• Older adults can obtain significant health benefits with a moderate amount of physical activity, preferably daily. A moderate amount of activity can be obtained in longer sessions of moderately intense activities (such as walking) or in shorter sessions of more vigorous activities (such as fast, walking or stairwalking).
• Additional health benefits can be gained through greater amounts of physical activity, either by increasing the duration, intensity, or frequency. Because risk of injury increases at high levels of physical activity, care should be taken not to engage in excessive amounts of activity.
• Previously sedentary older adults who begin physical activity programs should start with short intervals of moderate physical activity (5-10 minutes) and gradually build up to the desired amount.
• Older adults should consult with a physician before beginning a new physical activity program.
• In addition to cardiorespiratory endurance (aerobic) activity, older adults can benefit from muscle-strengthening activities. Stronger muscles help reduce the risk of falling and improve the ability to perform the routine tasks of daily life.Facts • The loss of strength and stamina attributed to aging is in part caused by reduced physical activity.
• Inactivity increases with age. By age 75, about one in three men and one in two women engage in no physical activity.
• Among adults aged 65 years and older, walking and gardening or yard work are, by far, the most popular physical activities.
• Social support from family and friends has been consistently and positively related to regular physical activity.Benefits of Physical Activity • Helps maintain the ability to live independently and reduces the risk of falling and fracturing bones.
• Reduces the risk of dying from coronary heart disease and of developing high blood pressure, colon cancer, and diabetes.
• Can help reduce blood pressure in some people with hypertension.
• Helps people with chronic, disabling conditions improve their stamina and muscle strength.
• Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression and fosters improvements in mood and feelings of well-being.
• Helps maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints.
• Helps control joint swelling and pain associated with arthritis.What Communities Can Do • Provide community-based physical activity programs that offer aerobic, strengthening, and flexibility components specifically designed for older adults.
• Encourage malls and other indoor or protected locations to provide safe places for walking in any weather
• Ensure that facilities for physical activity accommodate and encourage participation by older adults.
• Provide transportation for older adults to parks or facilities that provide physical activity programs.
• Encourage health care providers to talk routinely to their older adult patients about incorporating physical activity into their lives.
• Plan community activities that include opportunities for older adults to be physically active.
Heat - Dehydration
| Safety |
Begin a regular exercise program Exercise is one of the most important ways to lower your chances of falling ft makes you stronger and helps you feel better. Exercises that improve balance and coordination (like Tai Chi) are the most helpful. Lack of exercise leads to weakness and increases your chances of falling. Ask your doctor or health care provider about the best type of exercise program for you. Have your health care provider
review your medicinesHave your doctor or pharmacist review all the medicines you take, even over-the-counter medicines. As you get older, the way medicines work in your body can change. Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, can make you sleepy or dizzy and can cause you to fall. Have your vision checked Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year. You may be wearing the wrong glasses or have a condition like glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling. Think about an alarm device Think about wearing an alarm device that will bring help in case you fall and can't get up.
General 1. Do carpets, rugs, and floor coverings have frayed corners or rolled-up edges?
Remove damaged floor coverings or secure them well. It's important to have a flat, sturdy walkway.2. Are there throw rugs in walkways?
The best thing to do is to remove throw rugs. The next best thing is to use a non-slip liner or put double-sided tape on them so they don't slip.3. Are chairs and couches low to the ground?
Higher chairs and armrests are helpful in easing into a sitting position.4. Do you have to get up to answer the phone?
Keep a phone close by to eliminate the need to get up quickly to answer the phone. It's important to keep a phone close to the floor in order to call for help in the event of a fall.5. Do you have emergency numbers in LARGE PRINT available by all phones?
6. Do you have to walk over/around cords or wires (extension cords, lamp cords, telephone cords)?
Cords are a tripping hazard. Arrange furniture so outlets are available without the use of extension cords. If extension cords must be used, tape cords and wires to the wall or have an electrician install additional outlets.7. Are there newspapers, boxes, shoes, etc. on the floor? Remove clutter from walkways to avoid tripping.
8. Do you need to walk around furniture to get through the living area?
It's best to have a straight path, clear of furniture. Rearrange furniture to provide for obstacle-free walking.9. Do you have to reach up to pull cords to lights or ceiling fans?
Install longer cords or link ceiling lights/fans to a light switch on the wall to eliminate the need to look up and reach up.10. Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.
11. Improve the lighting in your home. As you get older, you need brighter lights to see well. Hang light-weight curtains or shades to reduce glare. Florescent light bulbs are bright and cost less to use.
12. Wear shoes both inside and outside the house. Avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers.
Hallways & Stairs 1. Is it dark in the stairwell?
It's important to have a light installed in the stairway with a tight switch at the top and bottom of the stairs. Install nightlights.2. Are handrails loosely attached to the wall?
Handrails should be sturdy and there should be a handrail on both sides of the stairs.3. Do the floor coverings have frayed corners or rolled up edges?
Secure floor coverings tightly with double-faced adhesive tape or nails.4. Paint a contrasting color on the top edge of all steps so you can see the stairs better. For example, use a light color paint on dark wood.
Kitchen 1. Are there floor mats or rugs in the kitchen?
Remove throw rugs or secure them to the floor Purchase rugs with slip-resistant backing.2. Do you have to reach far, bend over or climb on a stool to get commonly-used kitchen items and foods?
Rearrange cupboards and drawers so that items used most often are waist high. Use a sturdy step stool with a bar to hold onto to reach items stored above the head. Never use a chair as a step stool.3. Is there liquid, food, grease, or other clutter on the floor? Sweep often and wipe up liquid immediately to reduce the chances of slipping.
Bedroom 1. Is there a long reach from the bed to a light?
Moving the lamp closer to the bed or attaching a light to the headboard reduces the chances of falling.2. Do you have to get out of bed or reach far to get to the telephone?
A longer phone extension cord or a Cordless phone within easy reach of the bed can reduce the chances of failing.3. Do you have to get out of bed or reach far to get eyeglasses? Store eyeglasses within easy reach of the bed.
4. Are there telephone, light, or television cords running along the floor on the walkways?
Cords are a tripping hazard. Arrange furniture so outlets are available for lamps and appliances without the use of extension cords. If extension cords must be used, tape cords and wires to the wall or have an electrician install additional outlets.5. Is there clutter (clothes, shoes, books, etc.) on the floor? Remove clutter from walkways to reduce chances of tripping.
6. Is it common to get up many times during the night to use the bathroom?
The hallway to the bathroom should be lit with a nightlight and free from clutter. You may want to consider placing a portable commode near the bed to eliminate night¬time trips to the bathroom.
Bathroom 1. Is the path from the bedroom to the bathroom dark?
Nightlights can be helpful in lighting the way to the bathroom.2. Are towel racks or objects other than grab bars used to balance or grab onto while getting in or out of the bathtub/shower?
Towel racks may not be mounted well enough to support a person's weight. Have grab bars put in next to your toilet and in the tub or shower.3. Is it difficult to stand during a shower?
A shower seat allows people to shower without getting tired of standing or risking a fall.4. Is the shower floor and/ or bathtub slippery?
Install non-skid strips or a non-slip mat.5. Is there any water on the floor after a bath/ shower? Are there leaks from the tub/shower?
Patch leaks with caulk or other appropriate materials. Wipe up water immediately to prevent slipping. Use a bath mat with a slip resistant backing.6. Do you have to reach or turn around to get towels, shampoo and soap?
7. Is it difficult to get on and off the toilet?
It may be helpful to raise the seat and/or install handrails. Replace the toilet with a higher toilet and/or install handrails.
Porch, Yard & Outdoors 1. Is the path from the garage to the house dark or poorly lit? Install a path of lights or overhead light that will help reduce the chance of falling. Sensor lights ("motion lights") mounted on the house or garage are helpful too because they turn on and off automatically.
2. Are there cracks or buckles on the sidewalks, walking paths?
Repair sidewalks and paths so that they are even. Fiat, even surfaces help reduce the chances of falling.3. Are there hoses, weeds, or other obstacles on the walkways?
Remove clutter and keep walk¬ways weeded to eliminate tripping hazards.4. Are there icy steps or walkways?
Shovel immediately after a storm and/or apply salt or sand on ice to reduce the chance of slipping.
Garage Safety 1. It is best not to keep gasoline at home. If you must keep some, use a special container.
2. To prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, never run a barbecue grill, car or generator in the garage or any other room of your home.
3. Store shovels, rakes, lawn chairs, bikes and other sharp and large objects on the wall and out of high traffic areas.
4. Organize and store safety accessories close to the tools they should be used with.
5. Safely dispose of oil or gas-soaked rags after use.
6. Clean any dust or trash in the garage to keep it from interfering with the electrical system.
7. To prevent falls, keep the garage floor, steps and entries clear of clutter. Make sure your garage is well lit.
8. Store ladders horizontally and off the floor to prevent tripping. Secure ladders with hooks and brackets that are secured to the wall.
9. Avoid tip-overs. Make sure garage shelves are not overloaded and anchor them to the wall. Always store heavier items close to the ground. Organize all items in designated, easy-to-reach places.
10. Keep products in the container they came in. Do not put them in a different bottle or jar for storage.
Fire Prevention 1. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. There are two kinds of smoke alarms - photoelectric and ionization. If possible, get some of each kind or buy "combination" smoke alarms that have both types of sensors.
2. Go through your home and test all the smoke alarms. If a fire happens at night, the alarms will wake you up in time to get to safety.3. Be sure you have at least one alarm on every level of your home and inside every bedroom.
Put them inside or near every bedroom. Test them monthly to make sure they work. Put in new batteries once a year.4. Install carbon monoxide detector and replace batteries regularly. The CO detector can warn you if furnace malfunctions and gas leaks into your home.
5. Know how to put out a small pan fire by sliding a lid over the flames.
6. Teach every family member to "Stop, Drop, Roll and Cool." If clothes catch fire, by dropping immediately to the ground, crossing hands over your chest and roll over and over or back and forth to put out the flames.
7. Learn how and when to use a fire extinguisher. Learn the different types of extinguishers which must be used for different types of fires. Click HERE for fire extinguisher training, produced by Oklahoma State University (www.ehs.
okstate.edu/modules/exting/Index.htm).
Grilling Safety 1. Before using, place your grill at least 10 feet away from other objects, including the house and any shrubs or bushes.
2. Always stay by the grill when cooking.
3. Only use starter fluid made for barbecue grills when starting a fire in a charcoal grill.
4. Before using a gas grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line to be sure it is working properly and not leaking.
5. Never use a match to check for leaks. If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas. Do not attempt to light the grill again until the leak is fixed.
6. Never bring a barbecue grill inside your home or garage. This is both a fire and carbon monoxide poisoning hazard.
Cooking Safety 1. Cooking is the number one cause of home fires. The biggest reason is that people start to cook something on the stove and forget it's there. Always stay in the kitchen while cooking on the range, especially when frying food.
2. Keep things that can burn, such as dishtowels, paper or plastic bags, and curtains at least three feet away from the range top.
3. Keep your cooking area clean. Do not let grease build up on the range top, toaster oven or in the oven.
4. Before you start to cook, roll up sleeves and use oven mitts. Loose-fitting clothes can touch a hot burner and catch on fire. If clothes do catch fire, "Stop, Drop, Roll and Cool" by dropping immediately to the ground, crossing hands over your chest and rolling over and over or back and forth to put out the flames. Cool the burned area with cool water right away and seek medical attention for serious burns.
5. Food cooked in a microwave can be dangerously hot. When you take off the lid or wrap, wear oven mitts and be very careful moving the dish from the oven to the counter. Stir the food and test it before you serve it.
6. Hot or cold ready-prepared meals (for example, from grocery stores, delis, restaurants and Meals on Wheels) are perishable and can cause illness when mishandled. Proper handling is essential to ensure the food is safe.
Bruises Older people may bruise more easily than younger people. And it can take longer for the bruises to heal. Some medicines or illnesses cause easier bruising. If you see bruises and you don't know how you got them, especially on parts of your body usually covered by clothing, see your doctor.
Skin Cancer Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. The main cause of skin cancer is the sun. Sunlamps and tanning booths can also cause skin cancer. Anyone can get cancer, but people with fair skin that freckles easily are at greatest risk. Skin cancer may be cured if it is found before it spreads to other parts of the body.
There are three types of skin cancers. Two types, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, grow slowly and rarely spread to other parts of the body. These types of cancer are found mostly on parts of the skin exposed to the sun, like the head, face, neck, hands, and arms, but can happen anywhere on your body. The third and most dangerous lype of skin cancer is melanoma. It is rarer than the other types, but can spread to other organs and be deadly.
Check your skin regularly, like once a month, for things that may be cancer. Look for changes such as a new growth, a sore that doesn't heal, or a bleeding mole. Also, check moles, birthmarks, or other parts of the skin for the "ABCDE's." ABCDE stands for:
A = asymmetry (one half of the growth looks different from the other half)
B = borders that are irregular
C = color changes or more than one color
D = diameter greater than the size of a pencil eraser
E = evolving, meaning changes in size, shape, symptoms (itching, tenderness), surface (especially bleeding), or shades of color.Don't wait for the area to hurt—skin cancer isn't usually painful. See your doctor right away if you have any of these signs.