Archive for May, 2009
May 18th, 2009
Doors and windows locked? Check.
Lights on a timer? Check.
Paper delivery canceled? Check.
Trip Itinerary? Check.
Swim suit packed? Check!
If you are one of the lucky seniors who will be traveling this summer, you’ll probably need more than your passport and sun screen while away from home. One of the most important things you can do when traveling is to keep your prescription medications with you, not packed in a bag you may not see for days! If possible, keep medications in original containers from the pharmacy. That way, the medications will be easy to identify, all the needed information is right on the label and you’ll be able to get refills if you end up being away from home longer than anticipated. If you require insulin injections, make sure your syringes, lancets and insulin are marked by prescription label with your name & prescription information. Don’t forget to pack your glucometer and test strips! While packing your meds, don’t forget to bring a small bottle doctor-approved pain medication such as Tylenol or ibuprofen. There’s nothing like having a headache while away from home and not having immediate access to do something about it. In addition, you’ll save money–resorts are known for high prices on necessities! No matter where you are going, it’s always a good idea to take along some over-the-counter medication that will take care of any gastro-intestinal distress that may occur along the way. You don’t have to be in Mexico to get something that resembles “Montazuma’s Revenge.” Overeating, a change in eating routine or even drinking a different city’s water can lead to some unwanted consequences. Whether traveling by car, boat or plane, consider including some motion-sickness medication in your bag; as long as your physician says it’s okay to take, you’ll be a lot happier if you aren’t motion sick during any part of your vacation. If you have seasonal allergies or have allergies of any kind, don’t forget to include antihistamines in your carry-on. Just because something is not in bloom at home doesn’t mean it won’t be in bloom where you are going!
While on vacation somewhere warm, keep in mind the dangers of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Make sure you stay hydrated; drink plenty of bottled water. Remember: many medications can make you more susceptible to heat-related medical issues.
Other things to keep in mind regarding that summer vacation: if you have pre-existing medical conditions, check in with you doctor before going on vacation. Make sure someone knows where you are going. Keep your identification with you at all times. Wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses when out and about. And, never forget to ask for your senior discount on everything from hotel rooms to meals!
May 8th, 2009
I was visiting with a couple of friends over a drink and one of them started talking about her child that has ADHD. When she paused a moment, my other friend said , “ADHD is over-diagnosed. It is a plot of the drug companies to sell drugs, and besides, for those that really have it, it can be controlled by diet.” To which I quietly spoke up and said, “Really, research indicates that diet has very little to do with controlling ADHD.” To which my dubious friend replied, “Well if its not the diet, it’s the parenting then. Parents just don’t parent like they used to!”
What do you think about ADHD? Is a myth or truly a disorder? Is it over-diagnosed? Under-diagnosed? Is it due to parenting problems?
I don’t know what it is about this disorder that creates such controversy. There is a lot of quality research out there that indicates : 1) ADHD does exist, 2) it is a brain based disorder, 3) diet has little impact on its symptoms, 4) parents impact but do not cause ADHD.
1. ADHD does exist. Before I was a mental health professional, I had some friends who had a 4 year old boy who climbed anything possible. He could often be found on top of the refrigerator. He could not sit still for longer than a few seconds and was constantly on the go. He had a very difficult time during routines and needed frequent proddings or threats of consequences to do things like put his toys away. His parents were very passive and he seemed to run the home. I wondered if he really had ADHD or that if the parents were more strict and had a better routine would this kid be “normal.” Then I met Mikey (case study from first blog)! There are some children that are simply wired differently and cannot function in the world the same way we do.2. It is a brain based disorder. A brain imaging study has pinpointed exactly where the brains of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder differ from those of other children. It has been found that children with ADHD have smaller brains than children who do not have ADHD and researchers have long suspected that the disorder itself is the result of a dysfunction in the frontal lobes of the brain where we control our emotions and impulses. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) researchers have learned that the part of the brain associated with attention and impulses (bottom frontal lobes) was indeed smaller than in children who did not have ADHD.
Researchers have also learned that the outer layers of the brain of children diagnosed with ADHD are thicker.
3. Diet has little impact on its symptoms. There are many websites claiming to have special diets that will help children with ADHD. While I don’t want to discount diet totally. To this date, there is no compelling evidence that diet has a substantial impact on ADHD behaviors. Most of those who say it does are like my friend above. They know someone that changing their kids’s diet seemed to help his ADHD. Anecdotal stories are not a good subsititute for scientific research and there is little support for the diet theory from studies that were conducted properly.
4. Parents impact but do not cause ADHD. There is no doubt that some parents are better equipped to be parents whether the child has ADHD or not. Parents of children with ADHD have a big challenge ahead….phone calls from school about misbehaviors, neighbors who won’t let their kids play with your’s, and the list goes on. While it is not the parenting that causes the ADHD, “good” parenting can go a long way in helping a child who has ADHD. Children with ADHD need firm limits, routines, and lots and lots of patience.
Well, hopefully I’ve given you something to think about. The next time we will go into the characteristics of ADHD.
May 7th, 2009
Following simple safety tips in the home can help prevent injury or illness for seniors. Accidents don’t have anything to do with age: any of us can trip over a cord, slip in the tub or miss a stair due to distortion from wearing trifocals; but, accidents for seniors often increase potential for serious health threats or lead to injuries that might take longer to heal. Taking a few minutes to ensure the home is safe is one of the best ways to prevent accidents.
Keep hallways, stairways, exits and floors clear of obstacles. Slippery throw rugs, power cords, personal belongings and even pet toys often get in the way. Watch out for Fido; lots of injuries are caused by tripping over a beloved pet! At night, ensure you can see where you are going by using nightlights. In the shower or bath, consider installation of safety grab bars. Also, watch out for water on the bathroom floor, as it can easily lead to a fall. Check your smoke alarms at least twice a year. It’s a smart thing to have a carbon monoxide alarm, too. Take a look at all those medications. Make sure none are out-of-date (expired) or are not clearly labeled. It’s best to keep meds in the original container so all instructions and medication info is easily available. If you no longer take one of the meds hanging around in your med cabinet, you might want to consider proper disposal so you (or someone else) don’t accidently take the medication. Keep emergency numbers by the telephone; in an emergency, it’s often difficult to think clearly. If you live alone and have major health issues or have a fall risk, consider home health alerts. Good lighting, clear pathways and use of safety devices goes a long way in keeping seniors safe.
