The VIPcare Experience: Elevating Health Through Listening

Common Chronic Health Diseases in Older Adults As we grow older, our bodies face new challenges that can affect our overall well-being. For many adults aged 65 years and older, managing chronic diseases becomes an important part of maintaining a good quality of life. In the United States, chronic illnesses like heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common among older adults. Understanding these conditions, their risk factors, and how to manage them can make a significant difference in reducing health complications and improving day-to-day life. Understanding Chronic Diseases in Older AdultsA chronic condition is a health issue that lasts a year or more and requires ongoing medical attention or limits daily activities. These conditions become more prevalent as we age, and for adults age 65 or older, the likelihood of developing a chronic illness increases significantly. Some of the most common chronic diseases in older adults include heart disease, COPD, diabetes, and arthritis. Each condition comes with its own set of challenges, but with proper management, individuals can lead fulfilling and active lives. Risk Factors for Chronic IllnessesA variety of factors can increase the risk of developing chronic conditions in older adults. Some of the most common risk factors include: Age: As we age, the body naturally undergoes changes that can contribute to the development of chronic diseases. Genetics: Family history plays a significant role in conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, and excessive alcohol consumption can significantly increase the risk of chronic illnesses. Environmental Factors: Exposure to air pollution, secondhand smoke, and other environmental hazards can contribute to conditions like COPD and respiratory issues. While some risk factors, like age and genetics, are beyond our control, many lifestyle choices can be adjusted to reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions. Common Chronic Health Diseases in Older Adults  Heart Disease Heart disease is the leading cause of death for adults aged 65 and older in the United States. This chronic illness includes a range of conditions, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Symptoms can vary but often include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Managing heart disease involves medication, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring by healthcare professionals. For older adults, taking steps like maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking can significantly improve heart health and quality of life.  Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) COPD is a chronic lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe due to obstructed airflow. It is often caused by smoking or long-term exposure to irritants such as pollution. Older adults with COPD may experience frequent respiratory infections, shortness of breath, and chronic cough. Proper management includes medications, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Older adults living with COPD can improve their lung function and overall well-being by quitting smoking, practicing breathing techniques, and joining a COPD management program.  Flu and Pneumonia While the flu and pneumonia may not be considered chronic conditions on their own, they can pose serious risks for older adults, especially those with existing chronic illnesses. Older adults are more likely to experience severe complications from these respiratory infections, leading to hospitalization or even death. Annual flu vaccines and pneumonia vaccinations are vital for protecting older adults from these illnesses. For those with chronic conditions like heart disease or COPD, preventing the flu and pneumonia can help reduce the strain on their already compromised systems.  Diabetes Diabetes is another common chronic illness among older adults. This condition affects how the body processes blood sugar and can lead to complications such as kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision problems. Managing diabetes requires a combination of medication, dietary changes, and regular blood sugar monitoring. Older adults with diabetes should work closely with their healthcare providers to create a management plan that keeps their blood sugar levels stable and reduces the risk of complications. Improving Quality of Life with Chronic IllnessLiving with a chronic condition can feel overwhelming, but older adults can take several steps to maintain their quality of life. Joining a chronic disease management program can provide education, support, and resources to help individuals better manage their conditions. Additionally, staying active, eating a balanced diet, and following medical advice are key to improving overall health and reducing the impact of chronic illnesses. For older adults, managing chronic conditions is not just about addressing symptomsits about making lifestyle changes that enhance daily life. Simple steps like staying up to date on vaccinations, attending regular check-ups, and seeking emotional support can have a significant positive effect. Be Proactive and Take Charge of Your HealthChronic diseases are a common part of aging, but with the right knowledge, support, and management, older adults can live full and active lives. Understanding risk factors, staying on top of preventative care, and managing chronic conditions such as heart disease, COPD, and diabetes can make a world of difference. By being proactive, you can take control of your health and continue to enjoy the things that matter most. At VIPcare, we understand the unique challenges that come with managing chronic diseases. Were here to help every step of the way. Our compassionate care team takes a personalized approach, focusing on the whole patient to ensure that each individuals health needs are met. Through comprehensive management programs, we provide ongoing support, from regular checkups to medication management and lifestyle guidance. Whether its heart disease, COPD, diabetes, or another chronic condition, VIPcare works closely with patients to reduce health risks and improve their overall quality of life. By fostering strong patient-doctor relationships, we empower individuals to take control of their health and achieve better outcomes. If youre suffering from a chronic condition, schedule an appointment with a VIPcare provider near you. Get the support and care you deserve and need so you can start living your best life. VIPcare doctors in Alabama cater to the unique needs of seniors who are 65+. Our primary care approach is to help you get and stay healthy is focused on preventive care and managing chronic conditions. Contact VIPcare at 251-257-2886 to find your location and make an appointment. 

Primary care is an important part of living your healthiest life possible, which is why we work hard at Intermountain Health to explain the benefits to everyone.Its also important to make sure that people in minority communities have the same access to health care as everyone else.Thats why Intermountain Health has providers who are LGBTQ+ clinically competent.This means certain providers are specifically trained on how to provide the best care to people who identify as LGBTQ+.For context, a 2024 poll by Gallup found that 7.6% of all U.S. adults identify as LGBTQ+, with one in five of those being from Gen Z (people born between 1997 and 2012).One of the many reasons why its important to make sure that people in the LGBTQ+ community have access to primary care is because it can be the starting point for diagnosing and treating medical conditions.Dr. Kara Chaudhary, the Interim Medical Director of LGBTQ+ Health at Intermountain Health said, For me, its important to provide good care to LGBTQ+ patients in the community because its a community that Im a part of myself and its one that is disproportionately impacted by a lot of health care needs. LGBTQ+ patients face higher rates of chronic illnesses and are known to die earlier as a result of these conditions.This is why the LGBTQ+ Health team at Intermountain Health is continually working to change this by removing potential roadblocks to care for this community.A lot of patients within the LGBTQ+ community face unique barriers to care and have faced discrimination from previous providers, which can turn them away from receiving health care [] when a patient comes here, they know theyre going to have someone who understands their health needs, said Dr. Chaudhary.Its one thats very important to me personally to help people, because this is a preventable thing that we can be helping people live longer and healthier lives and its something thats so easy to do well if we just do our best at it.Intermountain has an LGBTQ+ health specific clinic at the Salt Lake Clinic, which mainly focuses on providing primary care.This includes vaccinations, routine screenings and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and yearly preventative health exams.Having an LGBTQ+ competent provider will ensure youre screened and treated appropriately to keep you as healthy as possible.Dr. Chaudhary said, The MPOX vaccine was something that was more prevalent in the past but also, its a possibility that we get another wave this summer so its still something that were encouraging for patients.Something the LGBTQ+ Health team has been working on is expanding access to PrEP and PEP for HIV.The way that were planning on doing this is by launching a website that patients can go to where they can fill out a form, speak with a pharmacist, and get the PrEP mailed to them in their own home without having to deal with an office visit, or co-pays, or a lot of the barriers that prevent patients from being able to get that care, said Dr. Chaudhary.The Interim Medical Director also said that anyone who is sexually active and is having partners who dont know their HIV status, or could potentially be positive, would potentially benefit from being on PrEP or having access to PEP.Some Intermountain Health providers who are LGBTQ+ clinically competent also offer video visits which can provide access to primary care for people who live in more remote areas.Primary care providers can also be the first step towards accessing mental health care that fits the unique needs of LGBTQ+ people.Dr. Chaudhary said, In the primary care setting we offer treatment for depression, anxiety, lots of common mental health conditions. For more advanced conditions, we have a number of psychologists and psychiatrists we can refer you to.

Note: this is not medical advice and should not replace a discussion with your own treating physician. This document was created after compiling helpful over the counter and home remedies from patients and colleagues.Winter is a beautiful time of the year, but it also brings along various illnesses. With the constant change in temperature and dry air, it's easy to catch a cold or flu. However, being sick doesn't have to be miserable. Here are some tips to help you through your winter sickness.First off, make sure you are getting enough rest. Your body needs time to fight off the illness, so getting plenty of sleep is essential. Drinking lots of fluids is also crucial to staying hydrated. Warm liquids such as tea or soup can help soothe your throat and loosen congestion. Second, take over-the-counter medication to relieve your symptoms. Decongestants can help relieve nasal congestion, and pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and body aches. However, be sure to read the instructions carefully and consult with a doctor if you have any doubts.Lastly, try to avoid spreading your illness to others. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Stay home if you're feeling unwell to prevent spreading the illness to others, and mask up if you need to leave the house. Reminder that we are fortunate enough to have vaccinations against flu, COVID and RSV which cause significant respiratory illness.In conclusion, being sick during the winter can be tough, but with plenty of rest, hydration, and medication, you can make it through. Ive gathered up some of the most common remedies used by myself, my patients, and my followers on social media and shared them below. Remember to take care of yourself and stay warm during the chilly winter weather.  Straight Off the ShelfNote: if you take other medications, its important to talk with your physician or pharmacist about how these over the counter meds may interact with your prescribed meds       Cough o   Vicks Vapo Rub on the chest and bottoms of feet o   Coricidin (good for those with cough and high blood pressure) o   Delsym Cough Medicine: dextromethorphan containing cough meds help with cough suppression, for dry coughs o   Mucinex: guaifenesin containing meds help to loosen up mucus in your though to help you cough it up, for wet coughs o   Sudafed: pseudoephedrine is a decongestant and can make you pretty wired/awake. caution if you have high blood pressure o   Dimetapp for kiddos 6 and older       Congestion/sore throat o   Afrin nasal spray: temporary congestion relief o   Flonase nasal spray: great for post nasal drip that causes sore throat o   Saline nasal rinses       General cold/flu symptoms o   Dayquil/Nyquil: remember, these contain acetaminophen aka Tylenol. so dont mix with additional tylenol unless instructed by your physician Know your meds! acetaminophen is also known as Tylenol; ibuprofen is also known as Motrin and is the same class of medications as naproxen aka Aleve  Home/Herbal RemediesNote: if you take other medications, its important to talk with your physician or pharmacist about how these remedies may interact with your prescribed meds      Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa-Chinese herbal throat and cough syrup       Green tea       Ginger tea       Boom boom inhaler stick       Lemon, honey, and chamomile tea       Sleep      Epsom salts baths       Oscillococcinum       Black elderberry syrup       Raw garlic with honey       Mullein tincture       Electrolyte rich drinks like liquid IV, LMNT, pedialyte-- monitor sugar content       Fermented foods       Reishi       Ashwaghanda       Foods high in vitamin C (citrus!)  Soothing Tea RecipeIn a saucepan, bring the following to a boil, then remove from heat and enjoy: tips and enjoy:       8 oz water       1 tbsp apple cider vinegar      1 tbsp honey       1 cinnamon stick       1 clove of peeled and smashed garlic       small piece of peeled ginger             Tips & Tricks From a PCP:      after a viral infection, cough can last 4-6 weeks in some cases. if you have fever with the cough or its getting worse, talk with your doctor as it could indicate a bacterial infection       never underestimate the power of sleep and resting your body       a fever is technically a temperature over 100.4 degrees F       the symptoms of COVID, flu, and RSV overlap significantly. getting tested for these infections may be helpful in determining if you need further intervention       your gut health is key to your immune system. you may not be able to fully prevent getting sick, but a healthy mind and body will help you with resilience and recovery. focusing on fiber, mindfulness, sleep and regular exercise can help your gut stay strong!       most viral infections last about 5-7 days. but if you are experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain, high fevers, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, or wheezing, contact your physician immediately