The elderly are often most at risk when it comes to improper medical care. Since they often have trouble caring for themselves, elderly people face hardships when it comes to doctors, incorrect diagnoses and medicines alike. Here are a few of the things you can do to protect your elderly loved one:
Talk with their doctor: If you don’t know your loved one’s doctor, they have no responsibility to you. Make a point to show up at appointments and get involved Read the rest of this entry »

It has been noted that low alcohol consumption provides several health benefits that can be useful both longevity purposes. The noted health benefits are reduced risk of heart disease, gall stones, type II diabetes, and several other health conditions. While more than a small glass of wine per day may lead to an increased instance of these same issues, low alcohol consumption does have benefit.

There are other types of health benefits for consuming small amounts of alcohol on a daily basis. Read the rest of this entry »

Pressure sores are also referred to as bedsores and occur when a person stays in one position for too long. The reason that nurses are concerned about this problem is because they frequently take care of patients that are bedridden. Health experts put bed stores into one of four categories. Bed sores in the first category are classified as mild and the skin is still intact. Second stage bed sores are classified as open wounds. Third stage bed sores are classified as a deep wound. People who have pressures sores in the fourth stage Read the rest of this entry »

Our skin is one of our most precious gifts from Mother Nature. It is the largest organ and has much sensitivity. This leads us to the question that plagues men and women alike, “What does age do to my skin?” Age is a key factor in the many changes our skin goes through, but there are many variables that help with the process like: genetics, diet, personal habits, stress, weather and our most offensive opponent-gravity. The list is endless but with proper care we can Read the rest of this entry »

The elderly in our society today receive much better care, comfort and attention than ever before. There are numerous aids available to them as well as facilities and care centers that provide useful care, protection and assistance. There is also plenty of resources, both human and financial dedicated to their well being.

However, there are certain areas of the life of the elderly that the society tends to neglect. Some of these are obvious while some are not so obvious. A good example of elderly neglect that society does not consider is Read the rest of this entry »

Many people do not like getting up in the morning, especially if they have a laundry list of unpleasant things to do. That can cause a person to be cranky everyday when he or she wakes up. Being in an ill mood not only affects that person, but the people around him or her. It can also affect his or her work productivity. That is why a person needs to make sure that he or she start the Read the rest of this entry »

With the stresses of today, anxiety plays a key role in health. There are countless drugs out there to help with anxiety, however most of the time their side effects are worse than the anxiety itself. In order to avoid these problems, people may turn towards natural means of calming. Many types of food contain neurotransmitters which can alter hormones in the brain, increasing feelings of calmness, peacefulness, and may even take away pain.
Complex carbohydrates such as the ones you find in whole grains are known to increase Read the rest of this entry »

Two filmmakers by the names of Frank Christopher and Matthew Eisen got together with a vision to showcase the “type of health care we can all have.” In researching their vision which culminated in the film Remaking American Medicine, the two came across some pioneering individuals and organizations that they refer to as Champions of Change. Following are biographies of a few of the key contributors. (Please see the PBS overview of Eisen’s and Christopher’s film for complete profiles).

• Dr. David Link (Chief of Pediatrics at Cambridge Health Alliance) is a firm believer that children with asthma should never have to be seen in emergency room settings. Dr. Link believes that “instead of being reactive and treating chronic illness when it becomes acute, providers and patients are encouraged to become proactive by managing symptoms, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and preventing hospitalizations.” Cambridge Health Alliance has made insightful changes on how Read the rest of this entry »

You bet it’s time to remake American medicine. The following excerpt is from a speech given to the IHI Conference by Sorrel King and is borrowed from the Josie King Foundation’s website to provide a crystalline example of the necessary changes explored in the film Remaking American Medicine.Josie was 18 months old.In January of 2001 Josie was admitted to Johns Hopkins after suffering first and second degree burns from climbing into a hot bath. She healed well and within weeks was scheduled for release. Two days before she was to return home she died of severe dehydration and misused narcotics.Josie spent ten days in the PICU. I was by her side every day and night. I paid attention to every minute detail of the doctors’ and nurses’ care, and I was quick to ask questions. I bonded with them and was in constant awe of the medical attention she received. Every time Josie moved or fussed someone would be quick to push her pain button. I tried rubbing her head and found that often this would settle her. Much to our relief, Josie was experiencing a quick recovery. Her burns were healing beautifully. She was sent down to the intermediate care floor with expectations of being sent home in a few days. Her three older siblings prepared for her welcome home celebration. We were told that no one had ever been sent back up to the PICU.The following week her central line had been taken out. I began noticing that every time she saw a drink she would Read the rest of this entry »