Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. In honor of Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), Interim HealthCare is partnering with National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to help spread awareness of the importance of taking care of your mental health. Did you know that one in five adults experience mental illness every year? Did you know that 50% of chronic mental illness begins by age 14? If you experience issues with mental illness, know that you are not alone. The challenges of everyday life are hard enough but can be particularly challenging for caregivers, someone who receives healthcare at home, and even for healthcare workers. We recognize the role that mental health plays in your overall well-beingand you should, too. Here are eight tips to help you improve your mental health, no matter what role you play every day. 1. Focus on exerciseExercise is often praised for boosting our physical health, but just 30 minutes of exercise can make a huge difference in your mental health, too. Exercise increases the flow of serotonin in your brain, which is the feel-good hormone that helps boost your mood. So when youre feeling stressed or down, move your body. Exercise can help improve your mood! 2. Keep an eye on your nutrition and water intakeSimilar to exercise, your doctor wants you to make sure your diet is healthy for physical benefits. But eating a healthy diet can also help your mental health, as well. Rather than focusing on removing unhealthy foods from your diet, try to add healthy foods to your daily diet. Limit caffeine intake as much as you can, and aim for at least 60-80 ounces of water every day. 3. Get the rest your body needsIf youre not sleeping well, your brain doesnt have time to recharge every night. And when your body doesnt have the quality sleep it needs to recover, this can certainly affect your overall mental health. Take the necessary steps to sleep better every night. These tips apply to everyone, not just seniors. 4. Find a relaxing activity that fits your lifestyleIf youre a caregiver, someone with a chronic condition, or a healthcare worker, you might laugh at this one. It may be hard to think about finding the time to relax! But just like you schedule times to go to the doctor, schedule regular times for healthy activities you enjoy, such as journaling, meditation, gardening, or just taking a walk around the block. Even if you have to block it off on your calendar daily, scheduling me time to do something you enjoy is very important for your mental health. 5. Set goals and learn to say noIt can be overwhelming and hard to function when you have an overflowing plate every day. Try to set goals for what you need to get done one day at a time, and focus on what you have accomplished rather than what you havent gotten done. If you feel that you have too much on your plate, learn the art of saying no. It can be great for your mental health! 6. Focus on gratitudeHave you ever heard the phrase, A heart full of gratitude leaves no room for anything else?  When times are tough, it may be hard to find things to be grateful for. But, taking stock of even the most basic things you have to be grateful for, like running water, food to eat, and breath in your lungs, can help boost your mood and give you a better perspective on life. 7. Allow positivity to take overIt can be so easy to allow negative thoughts to take over your mind every day. Simply re-directing your thoughts when you get overwhelmed by the negative can make a huge difference in your mental health. Allow the positive to take over and kick negativity to the curb! 8. Recognize when to ask for helpIf these tips dont sound possible to you, or if youve tried them and youre still experiencing issues with mental illness, reach out for help. If you dont know where to start, try asking your primary care provider for help. Or, look for mental health professionals in your area and schedule an appointment with them. Most importantly, if you are experiencing an immediate mental health crisis, reach out to one of the many hotlines that are available 24/7. Make your mental health a priority just as much as you make your physical health a priority, every day of the year.

Physical therapists (PT) are an integral part of a patients home healthcare team, particularly for patients who are recovering from a surgery or illness that resulted in the loss of function or mobility. Physical therapists play a huge role in improving the quality of life for patients who are healing at home and learning to regain form and function, they can live independently and return to performing the activities they enjoy. October is observed as National Physical Therapy Month, and its the perfect time to celebrate our Interim HealthCare physical therapists, who are such an important part of our home healthcare team.  What does a home health physical therapist do?Home health physical therapists visit patients in their homes to provide a wide range of rehabilitative services. Some common responsibilities of a home physical therapist include: Performing hands-on therapy using appropriate therapeutic exercises, gait training, and functional mobility training for certain orthopedic and neurological conditionsInstructing patients on the safe and effective use of adaptive devices and durable medical equipment (DME)Teaching patients how to effectively transfer from the bathtub, chair and bedConducting balance training and providing instruction for safe stair-climbingPerforming home safety evaluationsWhy become a home health physical therapist?Many patients who are recovering from a serious illness, injury or surgery can benefit from home health physical therapy, especially if they arent able to leave home due to medical restrictions. A career as a home healthcare physical therapist can be very fulfilling and rewarding. A few benefits of working as a home health PT include: Enjoy building relationships with patients and their families.Compensation is typically very rewarding and competitive for home health PT positionsExperience a less stressful environment as compared to hectic outpatient or inpatient settings.Experience the fulfillment that comes from making a difference in the lives of others every day.Enjoy a flexible work schedule with assignments to fit your needs.Why work for Interim HealthCare?So, youre a physical therapist, and youve decided that home health is the right place for you. Why should you choose to work for Interim HealthCare? Here are just a few reasons physical therapists choose Interim over other home healthcare agencies. Interim HealthCare has been around for 50 years. And, we have a great reputation. We are the nations first home care company. As a leader in our industry, weve been matching skilled healthcare professionals and compassionate caregivers like you to clients and patients in their homes since 1966. While we are national in scope, we operate through 300+ locally-owned offices that are passionate about providing the kind of personalized care you cant find anywhere else. You can work with top home healthcare professionals. At Interim HealthCare, we are a family of healthcare professionals and caregivers focused on improving the lives of the individuals we serve. As a physical therapist, you will be working with an entire healthcare team that is focused on the same goalproviding the very best care for our patients and clients. We only hire the best providers to care for our patients. So when you work for Interim HealthCare, you are working with the best in the business. You can earn competitive compensation and benefits.To keep you at your best, we offer some of the most competitive benefits and compensation packages in the industry. Just a few of the benefits our home healthcare providers enjoy include: Flexible ScheduleRewarding assignmentsPositive work cultureSteady hoursTraining & growth opportunitiesTuition discountsCompetitive payAutonomyYou can experience a healthy work-life balanceAt Interim HealthCare, work-life balance is a top priority. Whether youre a full-time physical therapist with our company or picking up shifts here and there, we will work with you to ensure your work schedule is not overwhelming. You were made for this.At Interim HealthCare, we are a family of healthcare professionals and caregivers focused on improving lives through home-based care. Its who we are. If you feel called to serve, help, support, care and connect with others, you bear the DNA of a home care professional, too. Dont take our word for it; listen to our healthcare professionals share their stories. Then click here to check out the job opportunities with Interim HealthCare in your area.

Being a caregiver for an aging loved one with chronic respiratory issues comes with its own unique set of challenges. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) sufferers know what it means to struggle to breatheits scary for them. But you can help.If youre caring for someone with chronic respiratory issues, here are three things you can do to help your loved one breathe easier. 1. Understand the importance of a clean environmentFollowing prescribed therapies and ensuring your loved one is taking their medication properly is key when caring for someone with COPD. Keeping your loved ones environment as clean as possible at all times is just as important. A clean environment can help reduce your loved ones risk of infection and improve the quality of the air theyre breathing. You can also help reduce your loved ones risk of infection by following many of the same tips you probably followed during the COVID-19 pandemic. These precautions include: Be sure that highly touched surfaces are cleaned regularlyBe sure to use cleaning supplies that do not trigger a COPD flare-upWash your hands and make sure your loved one washes their hands often, as wellAsk visitors to wear a mask if they think could be sickIts also important that you do everything you can to improve the quality of air that your loved one is breathing. If at all possible, limit your loved ones exposure to the following common COPD triggers in the home that could lead to a flare-up: Cigarette smokeAir pollutionMoldDust and gas cooking fumesChemicals in industrial environmentsCleaning productsHairspray, perfume and lotionScented candles and deodorizersBug spray and insecticidesReally hot, cold or humid temperaturesRespiratory infectionsEmotional upset2. Educate yourself about the diseaseCaregivers play a significant part in keeping their loved ones with COPD as healthy as possible. And as a caregiver, it all starts with understanding COPD, what triggers it and knowing how you can help your loved one manage it. Our Interim HealthCare COPD Caregivers Guide is packed with important information that can help you, so you can help your loved one. This guide is designed to educate family members about COPD and the integral role that medication, diet, exercise, energy conservation and stress management play in the care process. With a solid understanding of their disease and the care regimens required to manage it, you will be equipped to help your loved one improve their quality of life and move towards effective self-care while keeping their COPD symptoms under control.When youre educated, youre empowered. Doing your research on COPD can make a world of difference in your loved ones life, as well as yours. 3. Get the help you need at homeIf the idea of caring for your loved one and managing their COPD seems too much for you to handle alone, reach out for help. There are a ton of resources that can provide the help you need, and many of them are often covered by insurance. Interim HealthCare offers specialized home healthcare services for people with COPD. Our skilled team of specialists provides healthcare services in your home. They can help administer medication or therapies and perform health assessments, including blood pressure, oxygen levels, or other vital signs. In addition to medical services, we can also assist with many personal care services in your home, including bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.  As a caregiver, you should also become familiar with local DME (durable medical equipment) providers that may be able to help. There are many medical equipment options that your parent may benefit from, including: InhalersNebulizersPulse oximetersSupplemental oxygenBi-level positive air pressure (Bi-PAP) machinesAt Interim HealthCare, we understand how debilitating COPD can be. However, we believe you can be the support your loved one needs to face each challenge with confidence. As a caregiver, you are such a valuable part of the care process. And as you support your loved one in this journey, well be here to support you, too.

Just because your eyes feel healthy, you might assume that they are healthy. Unfortunately, most eye diseases dont have warning signs which means you could have an eye problem and never know it. The good news is that there are many things you can do to take care of your eye health, even as you age. Even if youve had perfect 20/20 vision your whole life, its important you have an established relationship with an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Scheduling an annual visit with your eye doctor and following these 6 tips will help ensure youre on your way to top-notch eye health and vision. Tip 1: Protect Your VisionWhether you are 25 or 85, the same rules apply to protecting your vision. No matter your age, protect your vision at all costs! A few easy ways you can protect your eyes and vision include:Wearing sunglasses - Even on cloudy days! The easiest way to protect your eyes is by shielding them from the sun. Be sure to pick sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation. You could also wear a wide-brim hat to not only protect your eyes but the skin on your face from the suns harmful rays, as well.Wearing protective eyewear - This should be a no-brainer, but dont take a chance when you are doing things like home projects, construction work, or playing sports. There are plenty of safety goggles and glasses to choose from!Give your eyes a rest - Have you ever scrolled through your phone or computer for what seems like five minutes, but you look up and suddenly an hour has passed by? Rest your eyes by taking a break every 20 minutes to look at something else around 20 feet away for about 20 seconds.If you wear contacts, take steps to prevent eye infections - Be sure to wash your hands before you put your contact lenses in or take them outevery time! You also should disinfect your contact lenses and replace them regularly.Tip 2: Know Your Risks For Eye Disease The following factors can put you at risk for developing eye disease. Know your risk and work with your ophthalmologist or optometrist to help stay on top of screenings you may need if any of the following apply to you:You are overweight or obeseYou have a family history of eye diseaseYou are African American, Hispanic, or Native AmericanYou have diabetes or high blood pressureCommon eye diseases include Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma, and dry eye. Work closely with your eye care professional to diagnose and treat these issues. Tip 3: Take Care Of Your Overall HealthWe may sound like a broken record, but following these tips will benefit your eye health long-term and can improve many other aspects of your health, as well.First and foremost, stop smoking if you currently smoke.Make smart food choices.Make sure you are physically active and maintain a healthy weight.Keep an eye on your blood pressure and manage diabetes if you have it.Tip 4: Learn How To Identify Low VisionOne of the most common problems as we age is experiencing low vision, even if you dont have an eye disease. According to the National Institute on Aging, low vision means you cannot fix your eyesight with glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. Low vision affects some people as they age. You may have low vision if you:Cant see well enough to do everyday tasks like reading or cookingHave difficulty recognizing the faces of your friends or familyHave trouble reading street signsFind that lights dont seem as brightIf you have any of these problems, ask your eye care professional to test you for low vision. Tip 5: Know When Youre Having An Eye EmergencyIts highly recommended that you know how to identify a potential eye emergency. See an eye care professional right away if you:Suddenly cannot see or everything looks blurrySee new floaters (tiny specks or cobwebs that seem to float across your vision) and/or flashes of lightHave eye painExperience double visionHave redness or swelling of your eye or eyelid Tip 6: Get Annual Dilated Comprehensive Eye ExamsThink of your eye doctor as the primary care physician dedicated just to your eyes. Just like you should see your primary physician each year, you should have annual dilated comprehensive eye exams. This will allow your ophthalmologist or optometrist to check in on any issues you may be having, as well as keep track of trends in your eye health so they can diagnose any eye diseases early on. Start Taking Care of Your Eye Health TodayYour eyesight is precious, and its never too late to start taking care of your vision. Following even a few of these steps can make a big difference in preserving your eye health, no matter how old you are!

You may think that since you graduated from seeing a pediatrician, your days of getting vaccines are over. Not so fast! You actually still need certain vaccines to keep you healthy as you age. The vaccines you got as a child were instrumental in preventing severe diseases from entering your body. Although effective, those vaccines your pediatrician gave you werent made to last forever.  Unfortunately, the same goes for your immune system.  As we get older, our immune system begins to function less efficiently, and the immunity we received from childhood vaccines fades. This, along with an aging immune system, significantly increases your susceptibility to diseases. As you age, the infections and diseases that you most likely used to bounce back from will become harder for you to fight off they can even be deadly.  This is especially true for adults who have chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or COPD.  So what vaccines do you need to stay healthy as you age? Here are the five vaccines that are recommended for older adults, beginning at age 50. 1. Shingles Vaccine  If you are over a certain age before the varicella vaccine was available, you most likely had chickenpox as a child. It was probably an uncomfortable and itchy experience. The same virus that causes chickenpox also causes shingles in adults, which can be incredibly painful.  Even if you already had chickenpox, had the varicella vaccine, or even if you dont know what you had - its still important to get the two-dose shingles vaccine, starting at age 50.  2. Flu Vaccine  A young person can usually fight a bout with the flu virus by getting rest and drinking plenty of fluids. However, an older person may have a more difficult time overcoming the flu. Getting the influenza vaccine each year can help you prevent getting the flu or allow you to recover from it faster. Be sure to get your flu vaccine before the end of October to give yourself plenty of time to build up immunity before flu season starts.  3. Pneumococcal Vaccine Certain diseases can cause pneumonia, one of them being pneumococcal. Its a very serious infection that can affect the lungs. The CDC recommends that all adults 65 and older get a pneumococcal vaccination. This vaccine will help protect you from getting a serious infection, including pneumonia.  4. COVID-19 Vaccine By now, youve probably heard more about the COVID-19 vaccine than any other vaccine. Hopefully, youve already had at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, and maybe even one or more boosters. Older adults should continue to monitor the CDCs COVID-19 vaccine recommendations to prevent severe disease. Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis Vaccine (Tdap) The tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine prevents whooping cough, which is a severe respiratory disease that can spread from person to person. You most likely had what is called a Tdap vaccine when you were younger, but its important to get boosters as you age.  The Bottom Line: Vaccines Protect You and Others Vaccines are safe and effective. When you follow vaccine recommendations, not only are you taking the necessary steps to protect yourself from dangerous illnesses, youre also doing your part to prevent the spread of diseases that can be harmful to others. Think about itjust one or two simple shots may have the ability to prolong your life.  We highly recommend discussing these vaccines with your doctor at your next visit to determine the best vaccination schedule for you.

If you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimers, we dont have to tell you that what youre doing is difficult. No matter if you are a spouse, child, family member, or friend, caring for someone with Alzheimers can be emotionally, physically, and mentally draining. Its a job with no off-time that must be performed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We would venture to say that although it is difficult, it is also rewarding to know you have the privilege of caring for someone who has most likely cared for you at some point in your life, as well. Whatever the stage and severity of your loved ones disease are, the role of the Alzheimers caregiver is extensive. If you learn only one thing from this article, be sure it is thisyou must take care of yourself in order to take care of your loved one. Caregiver burnout is a very real thing, and if you dont focus on your own health, youre putting yourself at risk for sickness, depression, or even injury, which puts you out of commission to care for your loved one. Ideally, youd follow all of these tips, but implementing just one or two could make a world of difference. Tip #1: Make An Appointment With YourselfAnd Keep It We know that youre probably thinking, How could I possibly take time for myself when all I do is take care of my loved one? Before you implement any tips to keep yourself mentally and physically healthy, make an appointment with yourself to perform self-care, just like you would schedule a doctors appointment. We recommend at least once a week, but maybe you need to schedule some time each day to focus on yourself. Tip #2: Practice Relaxation TechniquesThis could look different for everyone, but trying out a variety of relaxation techniques can help boost your mood, lower blood pressure, and, well, help you relax. Here are a few to try: Relaxation breathing: by concentrating on your breathing, the rest of your body can relax itselfImagery: the goal is to visualize yourself in a peaceful settingMeditation: focus on something such as a sound, visualization, or the breath to increase awareness of the present moment. The intent of meditation is to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance personal and spiritual growth.Progressive Muscle Relaxation: follow recorded instructions that guide you to progressively tense and relax muscle groups one at a time from head to toe; this leads to total muscle relaxation. Tip #3: Move Your BodyWe bet youre pretty active when it comes to taking care of your loved one, but sometimes your body needs more than your everyday movements. Of course, exercising is great for your physical health. However, to get the exercise you need, you dont necessarily have to go to a gym or a fitness class. Walking for just 30 minutes can go a long way in boosting your serotonin levels, the hormone that helps regulate your mood, appetite, and sleeping patterns. Here are more tips you can try to boost serotonin. Tip #4: Get Outside If youre spending a lot of time indoors, sitting outside for just 10 minutes can help make sure your Vitamin D levels are where they should be. Being outside can also reduce blood pressure, lower heart rate, and decrease cortisol levels. Cortisol is the hormone that helps your body respond to stress, and we know that your stress levels are at an all-time high. It would benefit both you and your loved one, so make it a goal to sit outside at least once every day. Tip #5: Prioritize Your Sleep Just like exercise and movement, sleep is a critical factor in your ability to function at your highest capacity. Many family caregivers dont consider the negative impact that interrupted sleep can have on their health. You may wake up many times during the night to provide care for your loved one and not think twice about it. However, doctors and researchers continue to stress that the average individual requires a minimum of seven hours of restful sleep per night to maintain health and vitality. Restful is the operative word herewhen a person wakes up frequently to assist a patient (for example, even if they get six hours of sleep), they are not likely reaching the healthy REM level of sleep that is needed for the brain to rest and the body to recover. Tip #6: Utilize Support Groups Being a caregiver is not only stressful; it can also be lonely. Seek support from others who are in a similar situation. This will help you with that lonely feeling and help you know how to put one foot in front of the other. The Alzheimers Association is a wonderful resource that offers a 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900), ALZConnected online community, and local support groups that are all good sources for finding comfort and reassurance. Dont Be Afraid To Ask For HelpIf youve tried all of these tips and the stress of caregiving becomes overwhelming or more than you can bear, we highly recommend seeking professional help for your mental well-being. If you need more hands to help care for your loved one or to provide respite care, Interim HealthCare can help. 

Has your loved one recently been diagnosed with a long-term illness that doesnt allow them to leave their house as much as they used to? If so, they likely quickly discovered it can be lonely from time to timesometimes even depressing.Even if your loved one is blessed to have visitors from family and friends, they may need a pick-me-up that medicine and traditional healthcare just cant provide.Thats where dog therapy can step in.Yes, you read that correctlydog therapy (or animal therapy) is a real therapeutic intervention that can positively affect health, well-being, depression, and quality of life for elderly patients. A visit from a dog may not be an actual prescription, however, it could be just what the doctor ordered. What is dog therapy for in-home care?Believe it or not, there is an entire field dedicated to what is known as Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) that is based on the idea that a human-animal bond is a powerful tool capable of impacting wellness.Dog therapy can be used in medical or residential facilities in a casual visiting capacity. And when offered in conjunction with in-home healthcare services, dog therapy may be tailored to meet the patient's needs and can assist with goal-oriented interventions. Does it really work?A visit from a therapy dog is much more than what meets the eye. According to Pet Partners, interaction with therapy animals in medical settings has been studied extensively and is associated with the following positive effects for seniors:Improved recovery ratesLess fear and worry in patientsDecreased perceptions of painComfort people with dementiaPromote socialization and engagement in older ageDecrease depression, anxiety, and irritability in seniorsEncourage positive perceptions related to a persons healthThe great thing about dog therapy is that seniors who may not physically be capable of owning a pet still have access to the healing benefits that a dog can bring. Who can benefit from in-home dog therapy?Anyone who is struggling with mental or physical needs can benefit from in-home dog therapy on their own terms. The ideal candidates are those who are comfortable around animals and dont have severe allergies. However, in-home dog therapy generally does not have many limits itself. Not only can the person who is receiving in-home care reap the benefits of having a furry friend visit them, the visit may also provide mental health relief to the patients caregiver, as well.What does a typical dog therapy visit look like?Dog therapy visits can be tailored to meet the needs of each individual. There are three common types of dogs used in dog therapy. Facility Therapy Dogs and Animal Assisted Therapy Dogs primarily assist physical and occupational therapists in meeting a persons personal recovery goals. The most common type of therapy dog used specifically for in-home care is a Therapeutic Visitation Dog. During a visit from a Therapeutic Visition Dog, the dog and its handler will come to your home and introduce themselves to anyone participating in the visit. Most therapy dog sessions involve petting and talking to the dog, and if the patient is physically able, they could play with the dog with toys or even walk them around. Its truly up to the comfort level of the patient for how theyd like to interact with the dog. Visits can last from 30-60 minutes.Who provides dog therapy, and how can I get it set up for my loved one?There are most likely several dog therapy services available in your area. However, its important to work with a certified therapy dog program because those dogs (and their handler) have been trained with strict instructions on providing the correct and appropriate therapy to patients with chronic illnesses. For the names and contact information of therapy dog groups that may do home visits, check out the American Kennel Clubs list of recognized dog therapy associations. You can also work directly with your homecare provider to arrange a dog therapy visit.Interim HealthCare is happy to provide recommendations and resources for dog therapy groups in your area. Just reach out to us, and well work closely with you and your loved one to find a certified dog therapy program near you.

Attention men: this article is for you. Yes, you! Maybe your wife or loved one casually slipped it into your inbox or left a copy on the counter. Just know she did it out of loveshe wants to remind you its time to be proactive about your health! Men develop different health needs as they age. So why do they often skip regular checkups and ignore aches and pains? Thats a great question. While heart disease, hypertension, and high cholesterol get a lot of attention, there are many other health concerns that are specific to men and shouldnt be ignored.  Its time to take control of your health. Here are some tips to help you get started.  1: Find a primary care physician and see them regularlyOk, we know youve heard this a million times. But its our number one tip for a reason. If you dont regularly check in with a primary care physician (PCP), it can make things really tough when you suddenly have a life-threatening illness or issue. Put simply, primary care providers are your first source of defense in leading a healthy life.  Getting regular checkups from your PCP ensures that all your important numbers are in check including: Blood pressureCholesterol levelsWeightHormone levelsWhen you see your PCP annually, your numbers are tracked year after year to see what trends might be occurring. Your annual check-up is also a good time to talk with your physician about any complaints are concerns you have noticed since your last visit. Your PCP plays a valuable role in your overall health, they and they can refer you to specialists when an issue is beyond their scope. 2: Dont fall into the medical gender gapThe numbers speak for themselves here. According to the CDC, on average, men die about five years earlier than women. Its important to listen to those who encourage you to take care of your health. Dont brush off their concerns or any symptoms that appear suddenly or over time. Seeing your PCP regularly and staying attentive to your health is truly a matter of life and death. 3: Get back to the basicsYouve heard this countless times, but it is crucial to get back to the basics. You can greatly improve your overall health if you:Quit smoking if you smokeLose weight in a healthy mannerExercise consistentlyKnow your numbersAnother benefit of having a PCP is that they can help you succeed in all of these areas. They want you to win and have the tools and resources to make it happen. 4: Watch your alcohol intakeAlthough it may be part of your routine to unwind at the end of the day, alcohol affects men differently than women. According to the CDC, men are more likely than women to drink excessively, which is associated with significant risks to mens health and safety. And these risks increase with the amount of alcohol consumed. Men are also more likely than women to take other risks such as misusing other substances, having multiple sex partners, or not wearing a seat belt. When combined with alcohol, A man will further increase their risk of illness, injury or death. A good rule of thumb is two drinks or less per day. 5: Dont ignore erectile dysfunctionWhat may seem like an unfortunate part of the aging process can sometimes lead to more than a less-than-stellar sex life. Erectile dysfunction can be a symptom of high blood pressure, diabetes, or other health issues. It all goes back to that relationship with your PCPdont be embarrassed to give them a call if you are concerned. They will check you out, and if underlying issues arent present, they can prescribe medication to help. 6: Prioritize your mental health as much as your physical healthMen are more than three times as likely to die by suicide than women. This is a very alarming fact. Referring to number 4 on our list above, men are also more likely to have been drinking prior to suicide. It may be hard to check in on your mental status, but its crucial. While the stigma related to mental health disorders has decreased significantly in the past decade, men are still likely to fall prey to not seeking help with mental issues. Dont be afraid to reach out to a loved one, a friend, or your PCP if you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts. 7: Get your regularly prostate exam and colonoscopyLuckily, your trusty PCP will stay on top of you to make sure you get your prostate exam and colonoscopy. Prostate and colon cancer, like most cancers, are beatable if found early. Even though the exams can be uncomfortable, they can save your life. Dont put off these routine screenings!  8: Reach out to an orthopedic specialist if you are having joint or spine painMaybe youve always had back issues, or maybe your knee just started locking up when you were working in the yardwhatever the issue, dont put off seeing a specialist who can help. Your treatment may be as simple as a few visits to physical therapy or a new medication to relieve the pain. Sure, you may also need surgery to repair an old injury, but dont let pain keep you out of the game! Have we convinced you to take charge of your health? Do your loved ones a favor and follow these tips to make sure you are around for many years to come.

When you have limited time left with a loved one, you may face some tough choices. It can be difficult to know which path you should take. If you feel that its time to allow them to live the rest of their life in a familiar and comforting environment at home, it may be time to consider hospice care.What is Hospice Care?Hospice care is a compassionate, patient-centered approach to medical care and support for people who are at their end-of-life. Hospice is based on a philosophy of improving the quality of life when the quantity of time is limited. Hospice care can provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support to patients, as well as to those who love and care for them.If youve never had experience with hospice care, you may have a lot of questions. Its important to know that your hospice team will be with you every step of the way. To take the first step, learn more about why hospice could be the right fit for your loved one and your family.Reason #1: Hospice has specific goals for your loved one and your family.First, you should know that the goals of hospice care may differ from those of your loved one in a hospital or clinical setting. This can be a good thing in this situation. A few of the goals your hospice team wants for your loved one and your family include:Caring for the whole person, not just the disease.Addressing your physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs.Focusing on you and your family.Providing the best possible quality of life for whatever time remains.Reason #2: Hospice care can be provided in a familiar environment. If youve ever spent time as a patient in a hospital, you know that you rest better and generally feel more comfortable in your own bed or home. This is no different for a hospice patient. Although hospice patients may no longer be receiving active treatment, they do require clinical care, which can easily be provided at home when they are under hospice care. When your loved one is comfortable, you and your family will be, too.Reason #3: Hospice professionals are on-call 24 hours a day. This is a huge benefit to families caring for their loved ones at the end of their life. The personalized support and care provided by hospice professionals allow the family to rest in between visits and also help to ease family anxiety. Knowing that you have access to a caring professional at any hour can allow you and your family to focus on spending precious time with your loved one.Reason #4: Hospice respects your loved ones wishes. If your loved one has been vocal about their wishes for end-of-life care, you can be sure that hospice services will respect those wishes and provide them the dignity that everyone deserves at the end of their life. Some patients may want certain measures taken as their disease or illness progresses. No matter what those wishes are hospice providers are always on the patient's side.Reason #5: Hospice lessens the financial burden of care. The absolute last thing families should have to worry about at the end of life is how they will pay for the care their loved one needs. It may be hard to believe, but hospice care can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs when compared to the bills you would receive from a hospital. Hospice services are usually covered by Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, or Veterans Affairs.Reason #6: Hospice treats the emotional aspect of end-of-life care.One of the great benefits of hospice care is the access you have to a multidisciplinary team of clinical caregivers, chaplains/spiritual counselors, therapists and bereavement specialists. Aside from the physical health of your loved one, family counseling, guidance and support are necessary pieces of the puzzle. Hospice can help families deal with the range of emotions that commonly occur during this difficult time.Could your loved one benefit from hospice care? Interim is here for you.If youre ready to take the next step toward hospice care for your loved one, consider reaching out to Interim HealthCare. Our hospice services offer a full range of care and support that are delivered by highly qualified professionals who share the same commitment to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of clients and those who love and care for them. 

There are a ton of ways you can and should keep yourself healthy. Eat a balanced diet, exercise, dont smoke, see your doctor regularlythe list goes on. As you age, another priority to add to your healthy checklist is learning how to prevent falls. Falling is a serious issue, especially for adults age 65 and older. According to the CDC, falls were responsible for 3 million emergency department visits in 2019, and unfortunately, 34,000 deaths were caused by falls among adults age 65+ that same year. We dont mean to use these statistics to scare you, but the numbers certainly shine a light on how serious falls can be. The good news is, unlike some health conditions that are hard to prevent, falls can be preventable. Here are five ways you can prevent yourself or a loved one from suffering from the dangerous effects that often result from falling. Tip #1: Know your fall risksBefore you can prevent falls, you need to know your personal risk factors for fallingand they can look very different from person to person. We highly recommend working with your doctor to identify what your risk factors are, but here are a few to look out for: Lower body weaknessVitamin D deficiencyDifficulties with walking and balanceFoot pain or poor choice of footwearVision problemsUse of certain medicationsHome hazardsTip #2: Fall-proof your homeSince home hazards are on the list of risk factors, its important to know how you can keep your home environment a fall-free zone. The main priority in your home should be ensuring all clutter, rugs, wires, and raised flooring or cords are out of the way. Also make sure lighting is sufficient in all areas of the home where you or your loved one spend the most time. The main areas in your home you should focus on making fall-proof, include: BathroomBedroomLiving areasKitchenStairsRooms with rugs or carpetingInterim HealthCares Home Safety and Fall Prevention Checklist is a great resource for knowing how to safeguard your home from hazards that increase the risk of falling for you or a loved ones. Tip #3: Review your medicationsDid you know taking certain medications can put you at an increased risk for falling? When you meet with your doctor to review your fall risk factors, make sure to bring a complete list of all the medicines you take. Just because youve taken something for a long time doesnt mean it may still be right for you, especially if fall are now a concern. Your doctor can determine which medicines may be making you dizzy or sleepy, and they can also provide guidance on Vitamin D supplements if you have a deficiency. Tip #4: Get your eyes checkedIf you cant see well, your risk of falling increases tremendously. Keeping a check on your vision is an easy way to prevent falls. Our vision tends to worsen as we age and can even change from year to year, so its crucial that you keep annual appointments with your eye doctor. And if you notice a change in your vision, give your eye doctor or primary care provider a call immediately. Tip #5: Work on improving your balance If you have lower body weakness and issues with balance, there are several simple exercises you can do to help. The great thing about balance exercises is they can help you build strength and even improve your posture, stability, and coordinationall of which are really important factors in fall prevention. This is a great list of easy exercises to perform at least two to three times per week. As with any exercise routine, and especially if you havent exercised in a while, be sure to get cleared by your doctor before starting any new stretching or exercise regimen. And to further prevent falls, be sure to have a support person with you as you do these exercises. Interim HealthCare helps loved ones live safely at homeTaking the time to work on fall prevention could not only mean the difference between life and death, but it can prolong your ability to live independently. Empower yourself with these tools you need to continue living a healthy and fall-free life. If you need an extra set of hands to assist you, our a loved one, our Personal Care and Support Services at Interim can help.