7 Things to Know about the U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Program

As a significant and life-altering medical condition, roughly 800,000 Americans every year experience a stroke most of whom are aged 65 and older. As a result, families in communities across America, including Cape Coral, must prioritize stroke prevention and stroke care to help ensure their aging loved ones health and well-being. Read on to learn more about strokes, stroke prevention tips, and what to look for if you suspect someone close to you might be experiencing a stroke.What is a Stroke?A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident, occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, leading to brain cell oxygen and nutrient deprivation. Because strokes target the brain, they can potentially cause temporary paralysis, a permanent disability, or even death. There are two main types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. An ischemic stroke results from a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain, while a hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel inside the brain ruptures.Stroke Prevention Risk FactorsThese risk factors increase the likelihood of having a stroke:High blood pressureDiabetesElevated cholesterol levelsCigarette smokingDrinking alcohol to excessObesityPhysical inactivityFamily history of strokeAge (risk increases with age)Previous history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)When assisting loved ones, family caregivers must understand these risk factors and work towards minimizing them to help prevent a stroke from occurring.Stroke Care Tips for Family Caregivers in Cape CoralRecognizing the early warning signs of a stroke and knowing what to do in an emergency is vital for family caregivers. The FAST method is a reliable way to spot stroke warning signs:F = Face Drooping  Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is their smile uneven?A = Arm Weakness  Is one arm weak or numb? When they raise both arms, does one arm drift downward?S = Speech Difficulty  Is their speech slurred?T = Time to Dial 911  Stroke is an emergency in which every minute counts. Call 911 immediately and note the time the symptoms first appeared.Additional stroke symptoms include:Leg, face, or arm numbness or weakness, notably on one side of the bodyConfusion, difficulty speaking or understanding speechBlurred vision in one or both eyesDifficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordinationSevered headache with no known causeIf a loved one is experiencing any of the above, you must act quickly. Call emergency services immediately and note the time when the symptoms first appeared. Do not wait to see if the symptoms improve on their own, as timely intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome of a stroke.How to Devise an Effective Stroke Prevention StrategyIn addition to being prepared for a stroke emergency, family caregivers can also take proactive steps to prevent strokes from occurring. Here are some stroke prevention tips and strategies for anyone looking after a senior or other high-risk individual:Manage Risk FactorsWork with healthcare professionals to monitor and control conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol. Encourage healthy lifestyle choices, including regular exercise, a well-balanced diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.Medication ManagementEnsure prescribed medications are taken as directed and that regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers are maintained. Medication compliance is vital in managing conditions that increase the risk of stroke.Physical ActivityOnce cleared by their doctor, encourage regular physical activity tailored to the individuals abilities and preferences. Exercising for at least 20 minutes, 3 to 5X per week, can help maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure, and improve cardiovascular health, reducing ones stroke risk.Stress ManagementHelp your loved one manage stress through relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and activities they enjoy, as chronic stress can exacerbate high blood pressure and other stroke risk factors.Regular Health CheckupsEnsure your loved one gets tested regularly, including blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, and diabetes screenings. Early detection and management of these conditions can help prevent strokes.Learn All You CanStay informed on the latest stroke research and stroke prevention guidelines. Attend educational workshops, seminars, or support groups to learn more about stroke risk factors, warning signs, and caregiving strategies.Get HelpBuild a support network of healthcare professionals, friends and family, and community resources to help care for your loved one. Seeking help and sharing responsibilities can help prevent caregiver burnout and ensure the best possible care for your loved one. When you need a break, or respite, another option is to hire a professional in-home caregiver from a reputable home care provider.While serving as an extended family in the home, a trained in-home caregiver can provide your loved one with the nurturing they deserve, allowing you to take a well-deserved break.Professional Home Care: Your Reliable Stroke Prevention PartnerHome care providers play a vital role in the stroke prevention process, providing personalized support and assistance to at-risk individuals. Here are some ways in-home caregivers can help aging, ill, or disabled individuals reduce their stroke risk:Medication SupervisionHome care providers help clients adhere to their prescribed medications, ensuring they are taken on time and on dose. Proper medication management is essential in controlling conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol significant stroke risk factors.Lifestyle SupportIn-home caregivers know how to help clients adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. This role may include encouraging regular physical activity, preparing nutritious meals, and promoting habits that help clients manage stress and maintain their well-being. Promoting healthy lifestyles is an impactful way for home care providers to help reduce the risk of strokes.Health Condition MonitoringIn-home caregivers are trained to monitor their clients vital signs, including blood pressure and blood sugar. Routinely monitoring these key health indicators allows caregivers to identify any changes or abnormalities early on and take appropriate action to prevent complications that could cause a stroke.Education and AwarenessReputable home care providers educate clients and their families about stroke risk factors, warning signs, and preventive strategies. Through raising awareness and providing practical information, caregivers empower individuals to make better-informed decisions about their health and proactively implement measures to reduce their risk of stroke.In conclusion, home care plays a vital role in stroke prevention by offering personalized support, health condition monitoring, promoting healthy habits, and educating individuals about stroke prevention strategies. Partnering with home care providers helps at-risk individuals receive the support and guidance they need, reducing their likelihood of experiencing a life-altering stroke. As an additional benefit, professional in-home caregivers also give family caregivers peace of mind knowing their loved ones are in capable hands!Dignified In-Home Stroke Prevention and Recovery Care in Cape CoralHelping a loved one prevent a stroke or recover afterward can be overwhelming. When you need assistance, contact Seaside Home Health Care. As a fully licensed and accredited home care provider, our highly trained professionals can provide the dignified Stroke Prevention or Stroke Recovery Care your loved one deserves. While serving as an extended family in the home, our compassionate caregivers can perform various duties, including Alzheimers and Dementia Care, Arthritis Care, Companionship Care, Diabetes Care, Elder Care, Home Helper Services, Hospice Care, Meals and Nutrition, Personal Care, Respite Care, 24-Hour Home Care, and Transportation.While assisting clients in Cape Coral, Alva, Boca Grande, Bokeelia, Burnt Store Marina, Matlacha, and North Captiva Island, our agencys focus is maintaining their quality of life, along with their dignity, self-esteem, and independence. For your added convenience, all our home care services can be individually personalized into an affordable package when and where you need them! Please visit www.seasidehomehealthcare.com to learn more about our in-home Stroke Prevention and Stroke Recovery Care services or schedule a FREE consultation for someone in our service area.

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, its a beautiful reminder that autumn is upon us. While the fall season brings cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice, it also presents unique challenges, especially for seniors. With slippery leaves, shorter days, and the onset of colder weather, its crucial to take steps to ensure your home is as safe as possible. Here are some essential fall prevention safety tips to help create a secure home environment this autumn.1. Keep Walkways Clear of Leaves and DebrisFallen leaves can be beautiful, but when they accumulate on walkways, they can become slippery, especially when wet. Regularly rake and clear paths, driveways, and steps to prevent slips and falls.2. Improve Outdoor LightingAs daylight hours shorten, good lighting becomes more important than ever. Make sure outdoor lights are functioning properly and consider adding motion-sensor lights around entrances and walkways. This not only helps prevent falls but also enhances security around your home.3. Install Grab Bars and HandrailsBathrooms and staircases are common areas where falls occur. Installing grab bars in the bathroom and handrails along stairs can provide the extra support needed to prevent accidents. Ensure these are securely attached and regularly check them for stability.4. Use Non-Slip Mats and RugsSlippery floors can be hazardous, especially in areas prone to moisture, such as entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms. Place non-slip mats in these areas and secure rugs with non-slip pads to prevent them from sliding. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of falls.5. Declutter and OrganizeCluttered spaces can be a tripping hazard. Take the time to declutter your home, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms. Ensure that cords, shoes, and other obstacles are stored away properly. A tidy home is not only more comfortable but also safer.6. Schedule a Heating System CheckAs temperatures drop, you'll likely be using your heating system more frequently. Before the cold fully sets in, have your heating system inspected by a professional to ensure it's working safely and efficiently. A well-maintained system can prevent accidents and keep your home warm throughout the fall and winter.7. Check Fire Alarms and Carbon Monoxide DetectorsWith the increased use of heating systems, its important to ensure that your fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning correctly. Test them monthly, replace batteries as needed, and consider upgrading to newer models if your devices are outdated.8. Consider a Free Senior Home Safety AssessmentFor seniors, creating a safe home environment is essential. TruBlue offers a Free Senior Home Safety Assessment to help identify potential hazards and recommend modifications to enhance safety. Our certified Senior Safety Specialists can provide personalized solutions that cater to the unique needs of seniors, allowing them to age in place safely.Fall is a season of change, and its the perfect time to take proactive steps to ensure your home is safe and secure. By following these fall prevention tips, you can reduce the risk of accidents and create a more comfortable living environment. Whether its clearing walkways, improving lighting, or installing safety features like grab bars, each small action can make a big difference.At TruBlue, were committed to helping you maintain a safe and comfortable home. Contact us today to schedule your Free Senior Home Safety Assessment and take the first step towards a safer autumn. Together, we can ensure that you or your loved ones can enjoy the beauty of the season without worry.

The respiratory system, like many of the other human systems (e.g., cardiovascular, digestive), is a wondrously complex and sophisticated arrangement of organs working together to maintain homeostasis.Contact an Office in Your AreaChronic obstructive pulmonary disease, more commonly referred to as COPD, is a health problem facing adults in the U.S. Because of its progressive nature and increased age as a leading factor, there is a greater prevalence of COPD in seniors. The good news is that many adults can easily reduce their risk of COPD through lifestyle management.  COPD represents a group of lung diseases, with the two most common being emphysema and chronic bronchitis.Symptoms of COPD includeConstant coughingWheezingShortness of breathCoughing up mucusTightness in the chestResearch also suggests that there may be a link between poor air quality and COPD. The American Lung Association estimates that between 80-90% of COPD cases result from smoking. Unsurprisingly, secondhand smoke is a significant risk factor as well. Seniors should take the following steps to reduce their risk of COPD:Older adults that smoke should get support from a primary care physician and take steps to quit. There are many programs, services, and products that can help.Seniors should avoid contact with secondhand smoke whenever possible.Reducing exposure to air pollution can help relieve symptoms. Many cities issue poor air quality warnings when these warnings are in effect, seniors should limit outside activities. Seniors should avoid airborne irritants (chemicals, fumes, etc.) in the home.A healthy diet and exercise plan can improve lung function and overall health with direction from a physician.Older adults should understand the impact of aging on their respiratory system and reduce their risk of any related diseases, illnesses, or conditions.Doctors may recommend getting vaccinations for both influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia to guard against further breathing complications.Comfort Keepers Can HelpComfort Keepers elevates the human spirit for todays seniors and their families through a unique, individualized approach to care that helps seniors thrive and achieve greater wellbeing by fostering everyday positive moments, connection, and a more purposeful life no matter their age or acuity. As part of a healthcare team, an in-home caregiver can assist with activities that slow disease progression or reduce the risk for those with respiratory issues. Comfort Keepers caregivers can help by supporting physician-recommended health programs, preparing meals, encouraging prescribed physical activity, reminding seniors to take medications, and providing transportation to scheduled appointments. References:Healthline. Everything You Need to Know About Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Web. 2018.Everyday Health. 5 Best Ways to Prevent COPD by Chris Iliades, MD. Web. 2018.Aging Care. An Overview of COPD by National Institutes of Health. Web. 2017.Unity Point Health. The Top 8 Respiratory Illnesses and Diseases. Web. 2014.American Lung Association. Lung Capacity and Aging. Web. 2017.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chronic Respiratory Disease. Web. 2017.