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Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a clot, or thrombus, forms in the deep veins of the thigh or lower leg. Symptoms of DVT include pain and swelling in the legs, but some people may not experience any symptoms. When this happens, the clot can break loose, lodge in your lungs and stop blood flow, causing a medical emergency known as a pulmonary embolism. The CDC estimates up to 100,000 Americans die of this condition each year.
While DVT is commonly associated with flying and extended travel, it can affect anyone who sits for long periods or is on bed rest.
By understanding your risk for DVT, you can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing a clotting-related event.
The Mayo Clinic states that risk factors for DVT include being 60 or older, birth control pills, pregnancy, injury or surgery, being overweight, heart failure, inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. Some risk factors, such as a family or personal history, can’t be modified. However, you can decrease your chance of developing DVT by quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight.
Talk with your doctor about your health history and personal risk of DVT before long flights, car trips or extended travel. However, you can minimize your deep vein thrombosis (DVT) risk when traveling with these tips.
Join local SBB Publisher Amanda Barton interview Sharon from the Vein Specialists. An incredibly informative interview if you have any questions regarding Vein procedures
Aging should be about enjoying the comfort of homenot worrying about whether its still safe to live there. At TruBlue, we believe every senior deserves to feel confident, supported, and secure in the home they love. Thats why we provide professional home safety modifications and ongoing home maintenance, tailored specifically for older adults who want to age in place with dignity.Aging in Place Is the GoalBut Safety Comes First75% of adults aged 50 and older want to remain in their current homes as they age, according to a 2024 AARP study.But most homes werent designed to support long-term independence. Even small updates like adding grab bars, improving lighting, or adjusting door thresholds can dramatically reduce fall risk and make daily activities easier.Thats where TruBlue comes in.What Senior Home Modifications Can IncludeEvery home is different. Our team takes time to assess each space and recommend modifications that truly make a difference. Some of the most impactful changes we offer include:Grab bars and safety rails in bathrooms and stairwaysZero-threshold entries and widened doorways for walkers or wheelchairsNon-slip flooring to reduce fall risksImproved lighting in dim or high-traffic areasSmart door handles and lever fixtures for easier useThese adjustments dont just improve safetythey empower seniors to live with more ease, comfort, and confidence.Trusted, Compassionate TechniciansTruBlue technicians are trained, background-checked, and many are certified through Age Safe America, so you can feel confident youre working with professionals who genuinely care. We treat every project like its for our own familybecause thats the TruBlue way.Were not just handymen. Were your Home Ally here to make sure every senior feels secure, supported, and seen.Ongoing Support with the Maintenance PlanModifying a home for safety is just the start. Ongoing upkeep can be just as important for long-term peace of mind. Our Maintenance Plan offers:Quarterly home checkupsProactive seasonal maintenanceA trusted technician you can count onPriority scheduling when issues ariseIts a simple, stress-free way to ensure a home remains safe and well-maintained, without burdening family members.Start a Conversation TodayWhether youre helping a parent stay independent or planning for your own future, TruBlue is here to help. We make it easier to age in place, safely and confidently with services you can trust and people who truly care.Lets create a safer home together.
Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adultsand they often result in long-term consequences like hip fractures, reduced independence, or the need for assisted living. In fact, one in four seniors over the age of 65 falls each year. For families across Western Pennsylvania, where many seniors are still living at home in older houses with stairs, uneven flooring, or poor lighting, fall prevention isnt just a health concernits a quality-of-life issue.At CarePatrol of Western PA, we work closely with families to ensure their loved ones can age safely at homeor transition to the right level of care when needed. Whether your parent lives in Mt. Lebanon, Monroeville, Cranberry Township, or Beaver County, this local checklist can help you make the home a safer place.Why Fall Prevention Matters in Western PAMany homes in Western PA were built decades ago and may include: Narrow hallways or staircases Multi-level layouts with multiple steps between rooms Slippery basement laundry areas Aging outdoor walkways affected by freeze-thaw cycles These architectural quirks, combined with common age-related changes like decreased balance, vision loss, and slower reaction times, create a perfect storm for falls. The good news? Most falls are preventable with a proactive approach.Common Risk Factors for Falls Among SeniorsUnderstanding what contributes to falls can help families take targeted action. Some of the most common risk factors include: Poor lighting Loose rugs and cords Cluttered walking paths Poorly fitting footwear Lack of grab bars or handrails Medication side effects (e.g., dizziness or drowsiness) Declining strength, balance, or vision By addressing these factors, you can reduce the chance of an accidentand the stress that comes with it.Designed for Western PA HomesBelow is a practical checklist you can use to assess your loved ones home. Aim to complete this with themideally before winter sets in or before a health event forces changes.When to Consider Additional SupportIf your loved one is already struggling with balance, vision, or recovering from a fall, it may be time to consider more structured helpeither through in-home caregivers or a transition to assisted living.Here are a few red flags that the home may no longer be a safe environment: Multiple falls in the past 6 months Difficulty navigating stairs or walking without support Missed medications due to mobility issues Isolating at home due to fear of falling Home is too difficult to modify (e.g., steep staircases, inaccessible bathroom) At CarePatrol, we can help you assess the home environment, care needs, and explore safer living optionsall at no cost to your family.Youre Not in This AloneFall prevention isnt about taking away independenceits about preserving it. The sooner your family takes action, the longer your loved one can live safely, whether at home or in a community designed for their needs.At CarePatrol of Western PA, were here to help families from Butler to Greensburg, Washington to Beaver make safer, smarter decisions about aging well. Our local advisors can assess your loved ones risk for falls, recommend in-home care, and guide you through transitions to senior living when appropriate.Ready to Take the First Step?Lets prevent the next fall before it happens. Contact CarePatrol of Western PA today for a free care consultation and home safety discussion.
Physicians Regional Healthcare System's two Naples hospitals provide quality care to the Naples and the greater Southwest Florida community with the objective of offering more options and improved access to healthcare for all citizens and visitors. Our two Naples hospitals and more than 300 physicians are recognized within their fields, offering advanced medical care in more than 45 specialties and subspecialties, including programs in 24-hour emergency care, cardiology, vascular disease, digestive diseases, research, orthopedic care, spine care, neurosurgery, and women's services.Physicians Regional - Collier Boulevard and Physicians Regional - Pine Ridge are conveniently located near where you live and work.Service Offerings Include:(Click a service to learn more)Bariatric Weight Loss ServicesCancer CareColorectal CareCritical Care MedicineDermatology ServicesDigestive HealthEmergency ServicesEndocrinologyGastroenterologyHeart CareInfectious Disease CareKidney DisordersLaboratory ServicesNeurologyOrthopedic ServicesPain ManagementPrimary CarePulmonology CareRadiologyRehabilitation ServicesRheumatologyStroke CareSurgical ServicesUrologyVein Care CenterWomen's HealthWound CareTo see which medical center or hospital is closest to you, CLICK HERE, to view all locations!
Physicians Regional Healthcare System's two Naples hospitals provide quality care to the Naples and the greater Southwest Florida community with the objective of offering more options and improved access to healthcare for all citizens and visitors. Our two Naples hospitals and more than 300 physicians are recognized within their fields, offering advanced medical care in more than 45 specialties and subspecialties, including programs in 24-hour emergency care, cardiology, vascular disease, digestive diseases, research, orthopedic care, spine care, neurosurgery, and women's services.Physicians Regional - Collier Boulevard and Physicians Regional - Pine Ridge are conveniently located near where you live and work.Service Offerings Include:(Click a service to learn more)Bariatric Weight Loss ServicesCancer CareColorectal CareCritical Care MedicineDermatology ServicesDigestive HealthEmergency ServicesEndocrinologyGastroenterologyHeart CareInfectious Disease CareKidney DisordersLaboratory ServicesNeurologyOrthopedic ServicesPain ManagementPrimary CarePulmonology CareRadiologyRehabilitation ServicesRheumatologyStroke CareSurgical ServicesUrologyVein Care CenterWomen's HealthWound CareTo see which medical center or hospital is closest to you, CLICK HERE, to view all locations!