About Asthma

Youve likely heard of or perhaps worked with a physical therapist and an occupational therapist. Yet how about a respiratory therapist? Just what do people with this in-demand job do, and will your senior loved one ever have a need for a respiratory therapist? Heres the scoop on respiratory therapists.A respiratory therapist is a person who helps those with trouble breathing. This may include those with:AsthmaBronchitisChronic obstructive pulmonary disorderCOVID or the aftereffects of COVIDEmphysemaLou Gehrigs disease, or ALSLung cancerRespiratory therapists arent doctors, but they will work closely with doctors in a hospital, senior living facility, and other medical facilities. This includes working with pulmonologists.Some things that a respiratory therapist will do are:Check how you are breathing if youre using a machine like a ventilatorGive inhaled medication as neededTest your lungs and breathingHelp you understand your condition and how to treat it at homeThe demand for respiratory therapists is expected to grow 14% from 2021 to 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Its a fast-growing career area. This growth is connected to the expanding number of older adults in the U.S. as well as people retiring from the profession.Usually, respiratory therapy requires an associates degree, although some states are in favor of candidates with a bachelors degree.If you or your senior loved one is staying in a hospital, the medical staff will have you work with a respiratory therapist as needed to improve and monitor your breathing. If you have a chronic condition where your breathing may need more assistance, ask your loved ones doctor if a respiratory therapist is needed.Call Secure Aging to Find Out How We Can Help Seniors With Care ManagementAt Secure Aging in Bradenton, we transform the weight of the world into a sigh of relief for our senior clients and their concerned family members. The mission of Secure Aging is to protect and preserve our clients independence and dignity through careful and thoughtful financial and care management. As our clients age, it is their desire to remain independent and age with dignity. Our services protect our clients from talented con artists looking to exploit and deplete the financial resources of our vulnerable seniors. Secure Aging helps families in Manatee County and Sarasota County and in and around the communities of Anna Maria, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Ellenton, Holmes Beach, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Myakka City, Palmetto, Parrish, and Sarasota. Call us at 941-761-9338, or visit us online at www.secureaging.com.

Red Tide impacts Southwest FloridaThe severe red tide and algal blooms in Southwest Florida raise questions about potential health risks for residents and seasonal visitors.To help reduce your risk of exposure to harmful algae and red tide, here is some helpful information from Dr. Mary Beth Saunders, Lee Healths medical director for Epidemiology and Infection Control.Red Tide:People exposed to red tide may experience varying degrees of eye, nose, and throat irritation. The symptoms are usually temporary and go away when a person leaves the area with red tide.Blue-Green Algae:Most blue-green algae are not harmful to humans, but some types release toxins that can, on rare occasion, affect your liver, nervous system, and skin. Drinking water with algal toxins may cause abdominal cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Direct contact with high levels of algal toxins could irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. Remember: It is not possible to tell if a bloom is harmful just by looking at it..Tips to avoid red tide and algae bloom risks:Avoid coming in contact with red tide or a blue-green algae bloom. This includes swimming and jet-skiing.Wash immediately and thoroughly with clean water and soap if you come in contact with contaminated water.Dont swim in water if dead fish are on the shore.Over-the-counter antihistamines decrease symptoms associated with red tide.People with chronic respiratory problems such as asthma should avoid areas with active red tides or severe algae blooms.Cant avoid an area with red tide? Wear a particle filter mask to lessen the effects.Dont eat shellfish such as clams and oysters that are harvested from areas with active red tide.Residents of beach areas affected by blooms should close windows and run their air conditioner.Anyone who feels sick from exposure to red tide or algae or has persistent symptoms should call their primary care doctor.They can also visit one of our Convenient Care walk-in clinics.Boiling water does not remove or destroy algal toxins.Children should not play along the shoreline where they might be exposed to clumps of algae or red tide water.Attention pet owners! Red tide and algae blooms pose the same risks to animals. Pets should not drink affected water and should avoid beach areas with red tide.Submitted and Written By: Lee Health - click here for more information

Did you know that 1 in 3 people aged 65+ falls every year? Or that chronic diseases like diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and lung disease can force older adults to give up their independence too soon? The good news is that there are free classes available to help older adults reduce their risk of falling and help people with chronic diseases learn to manage their symptoms for better quality of life.A Matter of Balance Classes emphasize practical strategies to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels. You will learn to view falls and fear of falling as controllable. Youll set realistic goals to increase activity, change your environment to reduce fall risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance.These proven classes were developed by Maine Healths Partnership for Healthy Aging, and have been taught with successful results nationally. Two coaches teach small classes, no larger than 16 persons. Two-hour classes are scheduled weekly for eight weeks or twice a week for four weeks.Chronic Disease Self-Management Program - Diabetes Self Management Program Interactive classes focus on building your skills to deal with any ongoing health condition, including arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, depression, emphysema, heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and other physical and mental conditions. Classes are scheduled for 2 hours weekly for six weeks. One or both of the lay leaders teaching your class have a chronic condition.Topics include techniques to deal with frustration, fatigue, pain, and isolation; improving strength, flexibility, and endurance; healthy eating; appropriate use of medications; and working more effectively with health care providers.Developed by Stanford University and taught with proven results throughout the world, Self-Management classes can be your answer to take charge of your health and your life.To sign up for classes or discuss volunteer opportunities, contact:Collin & Denton Counties: North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging, 1-800-272-3921 or 940-999-1024Dallas County: Dallas Area Agency on Aging, 214-871-5065, empoweryou@ccgd.org 'Editors Note: This article was submitted by Marilyn Self, Director of the Dallas Area Agency on Aging, at the Community Council of Greater Dallas. 214-871-5065 or mself@ccgd.org