Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Sep 29, 2021
Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, can affect people of any age. From children to seniors,SAD leaves people feeling blue.It occurs most often in the winter months following the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Knowing how to spot the signs that you might need to intervene and get help for a senior loved one is important.
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder in Older Adults
If the senior you love always seems a little down during the winter months, it might be more than just the post-holiday blues. The long grey days of winter and lack of exposure to sunlight may actually be the culprit.
A few of the common signs that might indicate an aging parent or older loved one is battling more than a case of cabin fever include:
Sleepiness and fatigue
Feelings of sadness that dont go away
Lethargy or a loss of energy
Problems sleeping including both insomnia and sleeping too much
Unintended weight gain or weight loss
Feeling worthless
Withdrawing from favorite groups, hobbies and organizations
Difficulty concentrating and maintaining attention span
Change in personal hygiene
Short-tempered and irritable
Tearful or weepy
If the senior you love is exhibiting one or more of the symptoms listed above, it is likely time to talk with their primary care physician. He or she is the best one to be able to decide if it is the post-holiday blues or something more serious that requires professional medical treatment.
Helping a Senior Overcome Seasonal Affective Disorder
There are steps you can take each winter to prevent yourself or a senior loved one from developing SAD. They include:
Avoid alcohol or limit intake to just one or two glasses a week
Eliminate sugary foods, sodas and sweets from your daily diet
Commit to 30 minutes of daily exercise, like walking or swimming
Adopt a mindful form of exercise, such as chair yoga or Pilates
Eat a healthy diet consisting of lean proteins, fruits and vegetables
Spend time with family, friends and loved ones on a regular basis
Finally, mental health professionals often recommend a device referred to as a light box. It helps people suffering from the winter blues by decreasing the amount of melatonin in the body. Less melatonin helps you feel less fatigued. Talk with your primary care physician to see if this might be an option for you or the older adult you are a caregiver for.
Other Articles You May Like
What to Look for When Visiting Older Adults During the Holidays
For many families, the holidays are the only time they have to spend together, and COVID-19 has made that more challenging. Phone calls and emails are great ways to connect with loved ones from afar, but the distance can make it hard to notice changes in a persons appearance or surroundings that could indicate they need help. During socially-distanced, masked visits or on video chat, families should pay attention to: The Condition of the HomeIs it messier or more cluttered than usual?Is there spoiled food in the refrigerator or cupboards?Are bills not being paid on time?Are household goods being put away in the wrong places?The Persons ConditionDo they have unexplained weight loss?Are they wearing clothes that are dirty or inappropriate for the weather?Are they having trouble with toileting or basic hygiene such as showering or brushing their teeth?Have they fallen recently?Do they appear to be off-balance?Are they having difficulty sleeping?The Persons BehaviorsAre they missing scheduled medical visits or telehealth appointments?Are they forgetting to refill prescriptions or take medications as prescribed?Do they seem confused when you talk to them about topics theyd normally understand?Are they exhibiting any personality changes or mood swings?These sorts of deficits could be a sign that they need extra help. At ComForCare Home Care, we understand the challenges that can arise with aging. Home care can help older adults continue to live independently in their own home and do all the things they love. Contact us today to learn more about how we help people live their best lives possible. Please call us with any questions, 720-575-5576.
What Is An Orthopedic Surgeon and What Do They Do?
An orthopedic surgeon is a doctor who treats musculoskeletal conditions and injuries, and is trained to perform surgery when needed. Orthopedic surgeons are responsible for treating and diagnosing musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. Many people believe that orthopedic surgeons only use surgery as an option to treat orthopedic injuries and ailments. That is not true. Orthopedic surgeons use a variety of treatment options, surgery is only one option that orthopedic surgeons use to treat orthopedic injuries or ailments. Other treatment options that orthopedic surgeons use are injections, physical/ occupational therapy, braces, and splints. The injury or condition is what determines what kind of treatment options will be available.Orthopedic surgeons can see patients and treat a variety of different orthopedic conditions. Some orthopedic surgeons may choose to specialize in one area which could be foot and ankle, spine, or hip and knee. Other orthopedic surgeons may choose to not specialize, and work in general orthopedics. Conditions that orthopedic surgeons treat can include:ArthritisOsteoporosis FracturesSports InjuriesTendon or Ligament Issues Nerve ConditionsDegenerative Bone & Joint ConditionsOrthopedic surgeons provide both surgical and non-surgical treatment options for a variety of different treatment options. They are in charge of getting their patients back to doing what they love to do. If you are looking to make an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon, please contact our office at 239 - 325 - 4090. 325 - 4090.
Common Conditions Treated in Our Office
There are many different orthopedic injuries and conditions that can occur. Some orthopedic conditions are more common than other orthopedic conditions. Everyday in our office, we see a variety of different orthopedic injuries and conditions. We have put together a list of the most common conditions and injuries we see in our office.FracturesFractures are seen frequently in our office. Fractures can occur anywhere from the hand and wrist to the spine to the foot and ankle. When a fracture occurs, it is important to see an orthopedist soon after the injury, because fractures begin to heal themselves soon after the initial break. An orthopedist needs to be able to assess the fracture, before it starts to heal, in order to create a plan for the bone to heal correctly. Treatments such as using a brace or possibly even surgery, may be used to treat the fracture. ArthritisArthritis is a condition that can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. There are a few different kinds of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis can decrease the range of motion of a joint, which can interfere with normal daily activities. Treatment for arthritis can include physical therapy, medications to reduce inflammation, and possibly surgery. Ankle and Foot InjuriesAnkle and foot injuries are some of the most common orthopedic injuries that occur. Ankle and foot injuries can affect all aspects of life because they keep you off your feet. Injuries that occur in the foot and ankle can keep you from doing the things you love to do. When an injury happens in the foot or ankle, it is important to see an orthopedist as soon as possible so that they can help you get back on your feet and be able to do the things you love to do.Knee PainExperiencing knee pain can be a symptom of an orthopedic condition. Knee pain can make it difficult to walk and do daily activities. An orthopedist will be able to discover the cause of the pain and create a treatment plan. Depending on the source for the pain, the treatment plan can include physical therapy, injections, and possible surgery. Back and Neck painBack and/or neck pain can range from mild to severe. Depending on the intensity of the pain, it can cause reduced mobility and even limit normal activities. Orthopedists can help identify the root of the pain and create a plan of treatment for back and neck painIf you are experiencing any of the conditions, symptoms, or any other musculoskeletal conditions, please contact our office at 239 - 325 - 4090 to schedule an appointment for