Your Role in Your Own Health Care

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

Bladder health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being that often goes overlooked. The bladder, a hollow organ located in the lower abdomen, plays a vital role in storing and eliminating urine from the body. As we age, the bladder undergoes changes that can affect its function and capacity. However, there are numerous steps we can take to maintain and improve bladder health throughout our lives.Understanding Bladder FunctionThe bladder stores urine produced by the kidneys, which contains waste products and excess fluids from the body. On average, adults pass about 1.5 quarts of urine daily. As we age, the bladder's elastic tissue may become less flexible, reducing its capacity and potentially leading to more frequent urination. Additionally, weakened bladder wall and pelvic floor muscles can make it harder to empty the bladder completely and may cause urine leakage.15 Steps to Improve Bladder HealthRegular Urination: Use the bathroom every 3-4 hours to prevent holding urine for too long, which can weaken bladder muscles and increase infection risk.Proper Positioning: Relax while urinating to facilitate complete bladder emptying. Women should sit on the toilet seat rather than hovering.Complete Emptying: Take sufficient time to fully empty the bladder, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections.Proper Wiping Technique: Women should wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra.Post-Sex Urination: Both men and women should urinate shortly after sexual activity to flush out potential bacteria.Pelvic Floor Exercises: Regularly perform Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, improving bladder control and reducing leakage.Appropriate Clothing: Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes to keep the urethral area dry and discourage bacterial growth.Regular Exercise: Engage in physical activity to prevent bladder problems and maintain a healthy weight.Weight Management: Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the pelvic floor and bladder.Diet Awareness: Identify and avoid foods that may irritate your bladder, such as spicy foods, citrus fruits, and artificial sweeteners.Hydration: Drink adequate fluids, especially water, to maintain proper bladder function. Aim to urinate every few hours.Limit Irritants: Reduce consumption of alcohol and caffeine, which can irritate the bladder and increase urinary frequency.Prevent Constipation: Maintain regular bowel movements through a high-fiber diet and adequate hydration to prevent pressure on the bladder.Quit Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of bladder problems and bladder cancer. Quitting can significantly improve bladder health.Medication Awareness: Be aware of medications that may affect bladder function and discuss concerns with your healthcare provider.Recognizing Bladder ProblemsCommon bladder issues include urinary tract infections, incontinence, and urinary retention. Signs of potential bladder problems include:Inability to hold urine or urine leakageIncreased urinary frequency or urgencyCloudy or bloody urinePain or burning during urinationDifficulty starting urination or weak urine streamIncomplete bladder emptyingIf you experience any of these symptoms, consult your healthcare provider promptly.Treatment OptionsTreatment for bladder problems may involve a combination of approaches:Lifestyle and behavioral changesPelvic floor exercisesMedicationsSurgical interventionsYour healthcare provider can recommend the most appropriate treatment plan based on your specific condition and needs.Maintaining bladder health is essential for overall well-being and quality of life. By implementing these 15 steps and being aware of potential bladder issues, you can take proactive measures to keep your bladder functioning optimally. Remember, if you experience persistent bladder problems, don't hesitate to seek medical advice. With proper care and attention, you can support your bladder health and enjoy a more comfortable, worry-free life.

UTIs and Older Adults: Symptoms and PreventionUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are a prevalent health issue among older adults, often leading to discomfort and potential complications if not addressed promptly. Home care agencies and caregivers play a vital role in managing UTIs, offering tailored support to prevent and treat these infections effectively. Lets explore how they can help.Understanding UTI Symptoms in Older AdultsOlder adults may not exhibit the typical symptoms of UTIs, such as burning during urination or frequent urges to urinate. Instead, they might experience cognitive changes, confusion, agitation, or sudden behavioral shifts. These atypical signs can be challenging to recognize, but trained caregivers are adept at identifying them early, ensuring prompt treatment and reducing the risk of complications like kidney infections or sepsis.Why Are Older Adults More Susceptible to UTIs?Several factors contribute to the increased risk of UTIs in older adults. As people age, both men and women often face challenges in completely emptying their bladders, which can lead to bacterial growth in the urinary tract. In men, conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can obstruct urine flow, while in women, post-menopausal hormonal changes can alter the balance of bacteria, increasing infection risk.Prevention Tips and Care StrategiesEducation and Awareness: Home care professionals educate seniors and their families about the unique symptoms of UTIs in older adults. By increasing awareness, they empower families to recognize potential infections early. Understanding the signs can lead to quicker interventions, preventing more serious health issues.Hydration and Nutrition: Staying hydrated is crucial in preventing UTIs. Caregivers encourage seniors to drink plenty of water, aiming for at least 64 ounces a day, to help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract. They also promote a balanced diet to support overall health and resistance to infections. Proper nutrition, including foods rich in vitamins and minerals, can strengthen the immune system, making it more effective at fighting off infections.Personal Hygiene: Proper hygiene practices are essential in preventing UTIs. Caregivers assist with daily hygiene routines, ensuring that seniors maintain cleanliness and follow practices such as wiping from front to back. This reduces the chance of bacteria entering the urinary tract. Regular bathing and changing of undergarments also play a crucial role in maintaining hygiene and preventing infections.Regular Bathroom Visits: Encouraging regular bathroom visits helps prevent the buildup of bacteria in the bladder. This is particularly important for seniors with cognitive impairments, who may forget to urinate regularly. Caregivers can remind and assist them in maintaining this routine. Establishing a schedule for bathroom visits can help ensure that seniors empty their bladders regularly, reducing the risk of bacterial growth.Catheter Care: For seniors using catheters, home care providers ensure proper catheter maintenance to reduce infection risks. This includes regular cleaning and monitoring for any signs of infection, which is crucial for preventing UTIs in patients with limited mobility. Caregivers are trained to recognize early signs of infection, such as changes in urine color or odor, and can coordinate with healthcare providers for timely intervention.Lifestyle Modifications: Caregivers may suggest lifestyle changes, such as wearing loose, breathable clothing and avoiding irritants like caffeine and alcohol, which can exacerbate UTI symptoms. These modifications can significantly reduce the risk of infections. Encouraging physical activity, as appropriate, can also support overall health and improve bladder function.Use of Supplements: Some studies suggest that cranberry juice or supplements may help prevent UTIs by preventing bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls. Caregivers can coordinate with healthcare providers to determine if such supplements are appropriate for the patient. Additionally, probiotics may support urinary tract health by maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria.UTIs pose a significant health challenge for older adults, but with the right care and preventive measures, their impact can be minimized. Home care agencies provide essential support, from education and early detection to personalized care and lifestyle guidance. These services empower seniors to live healthier, more independent lives while managing their health effectively in the comfort of their own homes. By addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes of UTIs, caregivers play a pivotal role in safeguarding the well-being of older adults.