Acupuncture for Cancer Patients: Pain and Anxiety Relief at RCC

April showers bring May flowers and a dusting of pollen. While we welcome the arrival of warmer days and sunny skies, many Seniors Helping Seniors clients face symptoms from springtime allergies. As we age, weakened immune systems or pre-existing health conditions can make older adults more vulnerable to allergies. With the allergy season peaking in April, symptoms like congestion, itchiness, and sneezing often come in full swing. If youve been struck by spring fever this year, the Seniors Helping Seniors team wants to help. In this blog, well review seven senior-focused tips for navigating the allergy season. Keep reading to discover our best advice for enjoying the beauty of spring while minimizing the annoying symptoms of allergies.Springtime Allergy SeasonColorful flowers, lush leaves, and warm sunshine beckon seniors to venture outside and enjoy the natural spring beauty. However, with all the new growth comes an increase in tree, grass, and weed pollen that can lead to itchy eyes and stuffy noses for many people. Spring weather can also be unpredictable, with fluctuations in temperature and precipitation affecting pollen levels and worsening allergy symptoms. The Seniors Helping Seniors family cares about your well-being this spring, and we encourage you to take necessary precautions to protect yourself from excess pollen exposure.Many seniors, especially those with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or cardiovascular issues, experience more severe and prolonged allergic reactions. Persistent symptoms may interfere with daily activities, sleep, and overall well-being. The Seniors Helping Seniors team wants to ensure you enjoy the beautiful weather this spring. Below, youll find our best tips for managing seasonal allergies. Monitor Pollen LevelsPollen levels can change quite a bit throughout the day, depending on various external factors. But dont worry! Local weather forecasts and other online references make it easy to keep track of pollen levels. When pollen counts are high, limiting your time outdoors might be a good idea. If you need help accessing digital resources, your friendly and helpful Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver can lend a hand! Invest in an Air PurifierAir purifying devices boost indoor air quality by clearing out airborne particles like pollen. They work wonders in refreshing rooms that often gather contaminants, leaving behind noticeably cleaner and fresher air. Adding one to your home is a simple and effective way to create a healthier environment for you and your loved ones. Keep Windows ClosedWhile opening windows can bring in fresh air, it also invites pollen and allergens indoors. If you struggle with severe allergies, keeping cool with AC might be a better choice. And dont hesitate to ask your Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver to help you tidy up those pollen-prone spots in your home. Theyre here to support you in creating a comfortable and allergen-free environment. Replace Air Filters in Your HomeIts important to change the air filters in your home every three months. If its been a while since you last replaced them, spring is the perfect time to do so. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters offer extra protection against pollen and other contaminants. The extra shield helps maintain a healthier indoor environment for you all season long. Wear Protective ClothingJust as youd apply sunblock before spending time under the sun, its important to take precautions to minimize pollen exposure during allergy season. Before going outside, put on a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a pollen mask for added protection. And after enjoying the outdoors, dont forget to take a shower to wash away any lingering pollen from your skin and hair.Stay HydratedDrinking enough water each day offers numerous health benefits. It not only keeps you hydrated but also helps flush out pollen and other pollutants from your system, easing allergy symptoms such as dry throat and nasal congestion. Dont forget to carry a reusable water bottle with you its a simple way to stay hydrated and feel your best throughout the day.Consult a Healthcare ProfessionalIf youre experiencing severe symptoms that you cant manage at home, dont hesitate to contact your doctor. They can prescribe allergy medication to help ease the effects of pollen and other irritants. If you need transportation to your appointment, your Seniors Helping Seniors caregiver would be more than happy to give you a ride.Spring brings a sense of renewal and promise with longer days and warmer temperatures. The Seniors Helping Seniors family understands how vital it is for seniors to embrace this rejuvenating season without the burden of seasonal allergies holding them back. We hope this guide has offered valuable insights to help you navigate and manage pollen exposure this spring. Remember, our compassionate Seniors Helping Seniors caregivers are here for you, ready to provide the caring support you need to enjoy every moment of this special season.

As we grow older, the right nutrition plays a critical role in supporting our physical and cognitive health. But eating a healthy diet can also become more of a challenge.If youve noticed your parents or another family member is losing weight, or losing interest in enjoying their favorite foods, youll want to consider why they may no longer be eating as healthily.  There are several factors that can affect an older adults dining habits. It may be harder for them to shop and prepare meals. Or depending on their health and energy, it may be easier for them to skip a meal or replace it with snacks or processed foods. If you think there may be an issue, consider taking these steps: Be observant of their eating habits. Are there specific foods they avoid? Do they still seem interested in mealtime or certain foods? Talk to your parents about the changes youre noticing. Ask them if they are having any problems that are interfering with their diet. Losing the sense of taste and smellOne factor that can have a negative effect on appetite is the loss of taste and smell. It can begin after the age of 60 as part of the natural aging process. But there are also several issues that can contribute, according to the Mayo Clinic, such as: Nasal and sinus problems, including allergies Certain medications Dental problems Smoking Head or facial injury Alzheimers disease Parkinsons disease   The impact of losing your sense of taste and smellYour sense of taste and smell work closely together. If you struggle to smell the flavors in a food, you likely wont experience the taste. And even though your taste bud cells are replaced every couple of weeks, after the age of 50 those cells begin to lose their ability to regenerate.People who have lost at least a partial sense of taste, thirst or smell can experience a significant impact to their appetite and nutrition. It can also lead to adding unhealthy amounts of salt or sugar in an attempt to create taste. Ultimately, quality of life can be affected.Losing your feeling of thirstYour feeling of thirst signals that its time to get something to drink. But as you get older, you can lose this prompt or at least its strength. If you arent paying attention, you may become dehydrated which can lead to serious side effects such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, kidney failure or a drop in blood pressure.You can address your feeling of thirst by being diligent. Check with your doctor if you are required to monitor your fluid intake but otherwise strive to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of liquid daily.You may also want to familiarize yourself with the signs of dehydration and call your doctor if you experience any of these: Little or no urination Dark colored urine Irritability, dizziness or confusion Low blood pressure Rapid breathing and heart rate Weak pulse Cold hands and feet Dry mouth Difficulty walking   Steps to take when losing sense of taste, smell, and thirstIf your parent or loved one is losing a sense of taste and thirst, there are ways you can help. Encourage them to speak to their doctor You cant reverse the natural loss of taste and smell but if there is another cause, you might be able to treat the condition such as adjusting medications, fixing any dental problems or treating nasal and sinus conditions. Experiment with spices and flavors Look for ways to make meals taste more exciting. Talk to a dietician for ideas on how to add special seasonings to enhance flavors or which foods might naturally be easier to taste. Make dining as enjoyable as possible Even if theyre unable to regain the level of taste they once had, try to make the experience itself as pleasant as you can. Dining with others or creating a pleasant environment can help. Set a beautiful table complete with flowers and add their favorite music. Provide helpful reminders to drink Remind your parents not to rely on their sense of thirst before drinking and to pay attention to how much they have during the day. Use a water bottle with measurements in the beginning or count the number of glasses theyve had and convert to ounces.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and its the perfect time to talk about the importance of breast cancer prevention and detection. At Intermountain Health, were dedicated to helping you stay ahead of cancer with our High-Risk Cancer Prevention Clinic. Lets dive into why early detection is crucial and how we can support you.Why Prevention and Early Detection MatterBreast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, but the good news is that early detection can significantly improve outcomes. Regular mammograms are a key part of breast cancer screening because they can detect cancer early when its most treatable. However, for those at high risk due to genetic factors, mammograms alone might not be enough.Maricel Purcell, a Cancer Genetics Nurse Practitioner at our High-Risk Cancer Prevention Clinic, explains, Regular mammograms are a crucial component of breast cancer screening and can detect cancer early when its treatable. However, for individuals at high risk due to genetic factors, mammograms alone may not be sufficient.Understanding Your RiskKnowing your genetic risk can help you take proactive steps to protect your health.Understanding your genetic risk allows you to take proactive steps to protect your health. Having this information doesnt mean you will definitely develop cancer. It means you have the opportunity to take preventive measures and make informed decisions about your health, says Purcell.If you have a family history of cancer, especially if cancers occurred at a young age or if multiple family members are affected, you should consider seeing a cancer genetics provider. Indicators also include having a known genetic mutation in the family, multiple types of cancer in a single individual, or belonging to certain groups with higher prevalence of specific mutations.Personalized Care at Intermountain HealthAt Intermountain Health, we offer a range of services to help manage and reduce your cancer risk. Our High-Risk Cancer Prevention Clinic provides:Genetic Testing: To identify specific gene mutations that increase cancer risk.Increased Screening and Surveillance: Including additional methods like breast MRI, which can detect cancers that mammograms might miss.Personalized Management Plans: Tailored to your specific risk profile to catch cancer early or reduce your risk.Lifestyle Recommendations: Tips on diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes to lower your cancer risk.Support Resources: Counseling and support groups to help you navigate your journey. Telehealth OptionsOne of the standout features of our High-Risk Cancer Prevention Clinic is the availability of telehealth options. You can have video visits with our specialists without having to leave your house. This makes it easier than ever to get the care you need without the hassle of travel. Whether its a genetic counseling session or a follow-up appointment, our telehealth services ensure you stay connected with your healthcare team.Were shifting the focus from treatment to prevention as often as possible. And we do this all from the comfort of your own home, says Purcell.'Knowledge Is Power'Finding out you may be at high risk for cancer can be overwhelming, but youre not alone. For those feeling overwhelmed, I offer resources such as counseling and support groups and I ensure they know they are not alone in this journey, Purcell reassures.Sabrina Feldman, a vibrant 39-year-old from Denver, Colorado, recently embarked on a life-changing journey at Intermountain Healths high-risk cancer prevention clinic. With a family history of cancer, Sabrina always had a nagging feeling about her health. On the back of my mind, I could have a high risk, she shared. Her grandparents had died of ovarian cancer, but it wasnt until her cousin tested positive for BRCA 2 about four years ago that Sabrina started to connect the dots.Despite her sister testing negative for the gene, Sabrina decided to move forward with her own testing in September, assuming she wouldnt have it. Sure enough, I did have it, she said. This revelation set her on a proactive path to ensure her health and safety. I took all the proactive things. I figured any preventative things I can do to make sure I am healthy and safe and can live a long life without something being invasive.Her journey began with genetic counseling and imaging. As soon as the genetic counselor sent my primary care provider the results, she immediately called for imaging, Sabrina recalled. The day she went for her mammogram and sonogram was nerve-wracking. If I thought I didnt have BRCA 2 and I did, now every result would be the same. I panicked. Fortunately, the results came back in just five hours, and everything was negative. We have detected no abnormal cells, she was told, which brought immense relief.Sabrina then reached out to a medical oncologist for further options and opportunities. She met Lisa Ahrendt, MD, who was incredibly supportive. She was very clear, you know you are supposed to get the surgeries right away and your ovaries removed. So I was nervous going into the appointment. She kept saying when or if you decided to move forward. She heard me, she saw me. Nothing was scary.Dr. Ahrendt spent an hour discussing the best course of action for Sabrina, making her feel comfortable and understood. This is something youll have to deal with and monitor, it doesnt mean you have to take action, Dr. Ahrendt reassured her. Sabrina felt empowered by the knowledge and the support she received. Knowledge is power. You cant make any decisions until you have all the answers. Make sure you know that there are options.Sabrinas journey isnt over yet. She has a couple more screenings lined up and is considering her options carefully.The clinic has created a supportive community for Sabrina. This clinic created such a great community. Find a place that you feel comfortable and heard in is so important. With the help of a social worker and a streamlined team of specialists, Sabrina feels at ease. Its now out of my mind. Is this going to be looming over me forever? I felt like everything was there. It makes it so easy and so approachable.Sabrinas story is a testament to the power of knowledge and the importance of a supportive healthcare community. Her proactive approach and the care she received have empowered her to take control of her health and her future.At Intermountain Health, were here to support you with personalized care and comprehensive services. If you think you might be at high risk, dont hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment.