Dr. Mauk’s Boomer Blog
Each week, Dr. Kristen Mauk shares thoughts relevant to Baby Boomers that are aimed to educate and amuse.
Dr. Kristen L. Mauk, PhD, DNP, RN, CRRN, GCNS-BC, GNP-BC, FAAN
Four Things Seniors Need to Know about Total Ankle Replacement Surgery
If you suffer from a severe form of ankle osteoarthritis, you may be curious about the benefits of a total ankle replacement surgery.
Total ankle replacements can be common. In fact, surgeons perform thousands of them each year.
This surgery can be quite effective and can significantly improve your quality of life. But, if you’re considering it, it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting yourself into.
Listed below are four essential things seniors need to know before undergoing a total ankle replacement surgery.
1. The Ideal Candidate for an Ankle Replacement
Surgeons typically prefer to perform ankle replacements on patients who are older and less active.
This is because an ankle replacement usually is not as durable as a hip or knee replacement. Because younger patients tend to be more active, there’s a greater chance of them putting too much strain on the new joint.
2. Recovery Takes a While
After your surgery, you’ll likely only need to spend one night in the hospital recovering.
Once you return to your home, you’ll have to rest for 4-6 weeks before you try to move around on your new ankle joint. It also takes about three months of physical therapy for your ankle to fully heal.
3. You’ll Need to Use Mobility Aids
While you’re recovering, you’ll need to rely on mobility aids to help you get around without putting any strain on your ankle.
In the beginning, your doctor will likely recommend using crutches and wearing a boot to stabilize your ankle. You may also be able to use a knee walker scooter as an alternative to crutches if you prefer.
4. Most People are Satisfied with Their Results
Ankle replacement surgery is a relatively new procedure compared to knee and hip replacements.
They may not be as stable as their counterparts, but ankle replacements tend to yield very high patient satisfaction ratings. In fact, research shows that 90 percent of patients were satisfied with the results of their surgery within the first four years.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are some important factors to take into account before deciding if a total ankle replacement is right for you.
But, if you seem like an ideal candidate and are okay with a few months of downtime post-surgery, you’ll likely be very satisfied with the end result.
Guest Blog: What Colorado Residents Need to Know About Medicare in Their State
Despite impacting millions of people across the country, not many Americans are familiar with how the Medicare system functions.
Medicare even varies within each of the fifty states, making it more difficult to completely understand. In order to ensure that each citizen is getting their maximum benefits from this program, it is important that people become educated on the topic.
The more that people know about Medicare, the more they benefit. Here are some things that residents need to know about Medicare in Colorado.
Colorado Medicare Options
Medicare benefits are divided into different categories in Colorado. Residents can apply for Part A, B, D and supplement plans.
Medicare Part A covers care taking place in a hospital, and Part B focuses primarily on physician care. Colorado even has some Advantage Plans that are offered by private insurance companies.
Part D provides prescription medicine coverage for those already enrolled in Parts A and B. Part D is provided through some private insurance companies previously approved by Medicare.
Applying for Medicare
The process of applying for Medicare is the same in Colorado as all other states. To be eligible, an individual must be either a citizen of the United States or have held permanent residency for at least five years.
All individuals over the age of 65 are allowed to apply for Medicare coverage. Medicare in Colorado also covers those with disabilities who are under age 65.
Medicare Deductibles
Each Medicare Plan does have deductible costs to consider. Plan A has a deductible of $1,340 for each of the benefit periods. Medicare Plan B has a lower deductible of $183.
After paying the deductible, Plan B recipients are responsible for covering 20% of any amount approved by Medicare. Colorado charges a $405 yearly deductible for the Plan D Prescription Plan.
Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap)
The Original Medicare plan still leaves a lot to be covered by an individual. Deductibles can quickly add up even with all the benefits provided by Medicare. This is why Colorado offers some Medicare Supplement Plans like Medigap.
Medigap works similar to Medicare, but it works to cover all of the costs that Medicare doesn’t. Out of pocket expenses such as coinsurance, copayments and deductibles are all covered by a Medigap plan.
These plans are offered through private insurance companies, similar to some Medicare Supplement Plans.
What Is Involved in a Radiographer’s Career
Are you thinking about a career in radiography? If yes, then this article will prove to be very meaningful to you. Let me just tell you, a career in radiography is a great choice for you if you like helping other people and paying close attention to details. Moreover, if you like performing an important role in a medical emergency, then there’s nothing better than becoming a radiologic technologist.
This article will brief you about what a typical career of a radiographer comprises. For more important details regarding how to become a radiographer, you can log on to insideradiology.com.au.
1- What Is a Radiographer Trained to Do?
One of the benefits that radiographers get from their profession is that they are trained to operate some of the most cutting-edge medical equipment. As a radiographer, you get the chance of being right in the middle of a medical case, working closely with patients and doctors. If you’re pursuing a career in radiography, then you would be trained to perform several diagnostic procedures, like X-rays, fluoroscopy, MRI, CT, and angiography.
2- How Is Radiographer’s Career Important?
A doctor cannot perform an invasive procedure even if it’s an emergency case without having the results of diagnostic tests performed by a radiographer. Radiographers are also responsible for setting radiation equipment accurately and ensuring that all test results are recorded correctly.
3- What Makes a Radiographer’s Career Interesting?
If you’re thinking of becoming a radiographer, then you won’t spend your day doing the same work. You’ll be performing various tests and using different kinds of modern technical devices. Following is what makes a radiographer’s career so interesting:
• Dealing with patients and briefing them about the procedure
• Guiding patients to form correct positions for the tests.
• Operating all the test equipment
• Recording the test results
• Working with doctors and interpreting the results
4- The Directions in Which a Radiographer’s Career Can Go
The best thing about becoming a radiographer is that you don’t have to stick to medical insinuations and hospitals throughout your career. Although most radiographers prefer to work in hospitals, you can steer your career in other directions as well. You can work with scientists and perform radiography on fossil bones to examine them. You can work with engineers to diagnose flaws in mechanical designs. You also have the option to work in mobile imaging services, military, breast imaging centre, and veterinary care practice.
5- The Demand for Radiographers
Radiographers in Australia enjoy a sound career and handsome salary. Moreover, radiography is a steadily growing job market that is expected to flourish further during the years to come. A general radiographer in Australia can easily make $65,000 to $75,000 annually and a CT radiographer can earn around $70,000 to $90,000 annually. The pay scale for MRI radiographers is even better.
So, what have you decided? Does a career in radiography sound interesting to you? Whether you work closely with patients and doctors or help a scientist examine fossils and mummies, a career in radiography sure gives you the feeling that you’re making the world a better place.
Guest Post: Natural Treatment of Psoriasis Through Oil Therapy
Psoriasis is a chronic skin ailment caused genetically, triggered by environmental factors. A psoriasis patient shows symptoms like scaling, itching, abrasions and localized redness. P
Affected people are also prone to other health problems like diabetes and heart diseases. It is not contagious, but difficult to cure completely. There are many effective remedies for Psoriasis like medications and skin therapy using essential oils.
Essential oils are used for aromatherapy and oil therapy to treat psoriasis. A lot of research is still needed in the direction of skin treatment using essential and carrier oils. One must also test skin sensitivity for side effects of oils. One should consult a doctor prior to having oils in their treatment regime for psoriasis.
Coconut oil
With its natural anti-inflammatory properties, coconut oil can help in reducing scalp pain. Lauric acid, the primary ingredient in coconut oil blocks bacteria and viruses from getting inside the body. Coconut oil can be taken internally or applied externally over the affected dry scalp surface. One can ingest 2 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil in food every day. Else, coconut oil can be applied on skin directly after taking bath.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is an exotic product, as it is produced using leaves of a native Australian plant. Its natural properties protect body from infestation of bacteria, fungi and viral action. Applying tea tree oil over a psoriasis affected area minimizes any risk of infection. It also brings down the inflammation caused due to Psoriasis. Not only this, tea tree oil also enhances body immunity.
Tea tree oil is available in lotions and soaps. One should however be careful of allergic responses. One must apply only limited quantities to prevent its side effects. It is preferable to test tea tree oil over a small area of skin to find if the person is allergic to it. A lot of research is still to be done to find the benefits and side effects of tea tree oil.
Castor oil
Castor oil is used as the base for essential oils and has a softening or lubricating effect on the skin. It reduces flaking on Psoriasis affected skin if used regularly. It also increases the healing speed of skin. Castor oil when directly applied on skin detoxifies it. By raising lymphocyte count, it raises body immunity.
Lavender oil
It is one of the best known therapies for Psoriasis and other skin problems. Lavender oil has treated skin problems in cases where other forms of medication have failed. The application of Lavender oil upon skin protects it from bacterial and fungal infestation. In addition, it also protects skin from abrasions, muscular pains and headaches.
By applying Lavender oil on your temples, stress is minimized. It reduces itching sensation on skin. Diabetic patients should use Lavender oil in limited amounts. If the oil is used beyond prescribed limits, it may cause irritation, nausea, vomiting or headaches.
It can be mixed with lotion before application. A few drops of Lavender oil may be added to a carrier such as coconut oil to moderate the effects. Lavender oil may be added to water while taking bath for getting best results.
Geranium oil
Geranium oil reduces inflammation due to Psoriasis. It also improves circulatory system and helps in bringing down the stress levels. Geranium oil also enhances cell regeneration and renewal.
Geranium oil can also stop blood flow. So, people suffering from high blood pressure and those prone to cardiovascular ailments must use it with caution. Mixing geranium oil with carrier oil can be applied on psoriasis hit areas for best results.
It is better to test for side effects before applying it on skin. It can be diluted using a carrier oil for reducing side effects.
Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is an effective cure for Psoriasis and other skin ailments. There are 25 species and 600 varieties of Peppermint, through which the oil is extracted. The curative ability of peppermint oil is attributed to menthol, its main ingredient.
Peppermint oil is harmless in limited dosages. But, otherwise there are chances that its application may cause allergic reaction on skin. One should rather test by applying over a small area of skin before actual use.
As a home remedy, 5 or 6 drops of peppermint oil are mixed with distilled water. The mixture is then sprayed on painful and itch-prone areas to stimulate skin relief.
Argan oil
Argan oil has anti-inflammatory as well as antiseptic properties. Because of such properties, it provides effective treatment for Psoriasis. Argan oil is a Vitamin E rich carrier oil. It helps in skin hydration and in enhancing skin’s metabolism.
It also reduces inflammation and protects skin from adverse effects of solar heat intensity. The oily part fights psoriasis symptoms such as redness, swelling, dryness and itching sensation. Argan oil can be applied directly over the Psoriasis affected parts. It can also be mixed with essential oils for proper action upon skin.
Black cumin seed oil
Black cumin seed oil protects skin from attack of bacteria, fungi, worms and viruses. It brings down intensity of skin inflammation in Psoriasis affected people. Simultaneously, it enhances skin’s healing process. It helps in minimizing scale thickness and also has a moisturizing effect on skin.
Black seeds have natural blood clotting properties. In addition, they bring down blood pressure levels. So they are safe for people affected with high blood pressure. Low pressure patients must first consult a doctor before using black seed oil for Psoriasis treatment.
One should also be wary of the intoxicating effect of overusing black seed oil. Black seed oil can be applied directly on human skin. Alternately, it can be mixed with a carrier oil prior to application on skin.
Consideration of risk factors
While applying a specific oil for psoriasis treatment, one should first research about it.
Essential oils and carrier oils have pharmaceutical properties. Hence, it is mandatory to follow the precautions for effective therapy . Essential oils must never be used beyond a certain quantity.
Also, it is better to consult a doctor to find the safe limits of essential oils to be applied for psoriasis treatment. Females must not use them in state of maternity or lactation.
Before application, one must meticulously go through product labels and follow attached instructions. One must know how the particular essential oil reacts with skin in order to meet the therapeutic purpose.
Michael Swift is a connector with Caffeinated who help businesses find their audience online. In his spare time, he reads books, writes for his blog reviewlatest.com and commits to do any activities that take place outdoors.
5 tips for making an elderly relative’s home more accessible
Within the next ten years, the number of people and families with elderly relatives to care for is likely to exponentially increase, with the old in some Western populations actually likely to outnumber the young by the early 2020s. This means that more and more families will have to make long-term plans to care for a relative into old age. The added pressure of a rising elderly population will manifest itself in more money needed for public and social care provision.
In order to both save money and (more importantly) provide a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for our elderly loved ones who are in need of social care, it’s going to be necessary to make more provisions for our older friends and relatives to be cared for in their home.
There are a number of different types of accessibility alterations which may be required if your elderly loved one suddenly has difficulty getting around the house. These include:
• Help accessing a home (e.g. ramps or hand rails when approaching the front door).
• Help getting around a home (e.g. ramps, stair lifts, more grab rails and handles for getting up and down stairs/ in and out of rooms.)
• Help with mobility in the kitchen and bathroom.
• Help with visibility/poor vision in the home
• Alarm/warning systems in the event of an accident or fall.
These are the main types of obstacles which an elderly relative may face as they deal with the difficult challenges and lifestyle alterations caused by decreased mobility in old age. Below are 5 of the most useful tips which could make all the difference, and hopefully ensure that your elderly friend or family member lives a much happier and fulfilled life.
1. Move the essentials downstairs
Moving all the essential facilities in your house to the ground floor can be the simplest way to improve overall access and ease any potential mobility issues which an elderly loved one may face. If there’s a way of suitably renovating the house so that there’s access to a bedroom, dining area and living quarters on the ground floor, then this will minimize the risk of any trips, falls, emergencies or accidents.
The decision to move all the major facilities/core rooms in a home to one floor may form part of a wider conversation about whether an elderly relative may wish to downsize to a bungalow, or a house with easier accessibility built in to the design.
2. Make bathrooms easier to use
Bathing and washing are the most private and essential of daily rituals, and a person’s ability to bathe and wash safely and easily is arguably central to their sense of dignity and self-esteem. This means that accessibility improvements to a bathroom are arguably some of the most urgent alterations you can/should be making to a home.
Helpful structural changes to a bathroom include:
• Level access/walk in showers, ensuring that an elderly person doesn’t have any immediate trip hazards, and minimising the risk of falls as they get in or out of the bath/shower.
• Handrails mounted to the walls, should an elderly relative require help getting up off the toilet.
• Removing any other extraneous trip hazards, such as bath mats or even ripping up tiled surfaces which may inadvertently mean a person could slip or trip when the surface becomes wet.
3. Stair/wheel chair lifts
These can be an essential addition to any household and are once again an invaluable tool for minimising trips and falls. If your elderly friend or loved one is adamant that they don’t want to make too many major changes to their day-to-day lifestyle and want to keep their room layout broadly the same, then a chair lift can be a great way to maintain both continuity and guarantee safety. Installation and maintenance are increasingly simple.
4. Replacing household accessories
By this, we mean replace everyday household accessories which control the day-to-day operation of the house. These include light switches and door handles. Switching your existing light switches to touch lights or dimmer switches can give an elderly relative an opportunity to take advantage of more subtle lighting states, which is especially useful if they are partially sighted/having difficulty seeing in darker rooms. Likewise, replacing any door knobs with lever handles is an easy way to ensure that your elderly relative can enjoy easier mobility when moving between rooms.
Likewise, re-arranging kitchen drawers and storage to make it more easily accessible is another straightforward way of improving accessibility and minimizing risk.
5. Installing a personal alarm system
This may be a source of understandable reluctance for someone who may be having to confront problems with mobility. After all, conceding that you need some of kind of emergency back-up system can, in turn, feel like an admission of vulnerability, and preparing for a worst-case scenario that none of us want to think about as we get older.
Nevertheless, installing a personal alarm system in the event of any serious accident or fall is a vital last line of defense in ensuring that your elderly relative or loved one is safe and secure in their own home.
A number of telecare systems allow a homeowner to alert a carer or member of the emergency services should they find themselves falling victim to a trip, fall or major accident.
Encore Care Homes offer care homes across the south of England. Their private homes offer palliative care, short-term respite care, long-term residential, and nursing care.
And the Oscar Goes to ….
And the Oscar Goes to…
Watching the Oscars can be quite entertaining. Imagine the vision, creativity, and artistry that it takes for scores of people to come together to make a film that captivates the country by bringing a story to life! The coveted gold statue represents the pinnacle of one’s profession, a universally recognizable prize that causes a seasoned actor to forget his acceptance speech or lose her gracefulness while tripping over a ridiculously expensive gown. It made me wonder: What if there were Oscars awarded to the people who influenced healthcare? Here are some suggestions for the most deserving:
Best Picture: an award for radiologists viewing the film of a cancer-free survivor
Actor/Actress in a Leading Role: the oncologists who don’t let their patients see them cry after having to give a terminal diagnosis
Actor/Actress in a Supporting Role: the nurse who provides comfort to the parents of a dying child
Best Adapted Screenplay: the rehabilitation team members who help survivors find new life again after stroke
Cinematography: for persons who capture the inspiring moments of the Special Olympics
Costume design: the prosthetists, orthotists, and biomechanical engineers who create both function and beauty to clothe persons needing artificial limbs
Directing: the heads of national organizations that lead the way in research and education in a specialty area
Best Makeup: the funeral home directors who help make our loved ones look their best for the final goodbye
Best Visual Effects: the burn specialists and plastic surgeons who reconstruct the facial features of a firefighter or war veteran after severe burns
Best Sound Mixing: the audiologists and manufacturers of hearing devices that help us to listen and attend to the sounds around us
Best Film Editing: the skilled surgeons who remove the bad parts and recreate our inward parts so that our life picture is the best it can be
Best Original Song: the one sung by the double lung transplant survivors, like Charity Tillman-Dick, and made possible by the lung transplant team
I wish that we gave such awards to the people who make a real difference in the lives of so many. There are hundreds of unsung heroes of healthcare who influence our world but go unnoticed. When you come across one, won’t you tell them how much they are valued and appreciated? They may never win an Oscar, but without them we couldn’t shine.