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
Constipation Treatment
Background
Constipation is the most common bowel problem in older adults. The definition varies by patients and health care providers, but generally it means less frequent bowel movements than usual, and those which are hard, dry, and difficult to pass. Constipation is a preventable and treatable problem. Changes that occur with normal aging, such as peristalsis in the gut slowing down or decreased physical activity, predispose older persons to constipation.
Risk Factors/Warning Signs
Constipation is often due to a combination of causes. Some of the risk factors include decreased activity, medications (such as certain pain pills, iron supplements, and calcium supplements), depression, neurological conditions (dementia, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, diabetes mellitus, and spinal cord injury), dehydration, low dietary fiber, metabolic disturbances (such as hypothyroidism), undergoing dialysis, obstruction, and decreased access to the toilet (Halter et al., 2009). The range of “normal” for bowel movements is three times per day to three times per week. A decrease in number of stools that is “normal” for the person and the occurrence of hard, dry stools that are difficult to expel are typical signs of constipation.
Diagnosis
If constipation is severe enough for the person to seek medical care, the patient may complain of abdominal pain and even have symptoms similar to other problems such as an appendicitis or diverticulitis. These more serious ailments can be ruled out through x-rays, CT scan or MRI. The diagnosis is based on clinical presentation, history, and physical examination. It is important to determine the onset and duration of the constipation, along with functional and nutritional status.
Treatments
Before starting a bowel program to prevent constipation, the existing problem should be dealt with. A physician may prescribe laxatives, suppositories, and/or enemas to get the stool moving and eliminated. Many such products can be obtained over the counter as home remedies, but severe and recurrent problems should be referred to the primary care provider for further examination of the cause. After starting with a clean bowel, interventions should focus on lifestyle and dietary modifications. All natural means should be tried first before adding medication to the regimen. This includes regular exercise, establishment of a regular routine for toileting (assure privacy), and encouragement of a high-fiber diet with adequate fluid intake (unless contraindicated)(Joanna Briggs Institute, 2008). Medications may be considered for those who do not respond to lifestyle changes. Residents of nursing homes appear to respond to stimulant laxatives (e.g., senna, bisacodyl) or Miralax. Enemas should not be used on a regular basis because they promote lazy bowel function. Most older persons can avoid constipation if they remain active, have proper nutrition high in fiber, and drink plenty of fluids.
Adapted from Mauk, K. L., Hanson, P., & Hain, D. (2014). Review of the management of common illnesses, diseases, or health conditions. In K. L. Mauk’s (Ed.) Gerontological Nursing: Competencies for Care. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Used with permission.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/
Guest Blog: Tools to Make Your Shower Safer
Have you heard? A new government study has revealed that falls among adults over 65 rose over 30% in the past 10 years! While a fall every now and then may feel like no big deal, it is important for seniors to recognize that even seemingly harmless falls can lead to dangerous complications like hip fractures and head trauma.
If you or the person you care for hasn’t fall-proofed one of the most dangerous spots in the home, the shower, yet, don’t miss this essential list of helpful safety tools:
Toiletry Dispenser
Are you still struggling with slippery bars of soap and hard-to-grip shampoo and conditioner bottles in the shower? Get an easy-to-install toiletry dispenser instead which can stay fixed to the wall under your shower head and dole out toiletries in your hand as needed with the push of a button.
Grab Bars
Experts recommend installing grab bars both inside and outside the shower on walls that are easy to reach and can fully support your weight when you brace against them. Similar products like bathtub bars which sit fixed on the side of a bathtub and provide a raised support to hold and steady yourself are great too for notoriously hard-to-navigate tub showers.
Non-slip Shower Mat
Not all shower mats are created equal, and for seniors taking fall prevention measures in the shower, finding one that stays in place and offers a textured non-slip surface to stand on is critical. Additional features like being antimicrobial and machine-washable also prevent the buildup of contaminants and mildew which are common to humid areas like the shower.
Shower Chair
Even if you have no mobility issues at all, a shower chair may be a good investment if your space allows for it. Shower chairs make it easy to sit and rest in the shower if you suddenly feel weak or unbalanced. And specialty transfer chairs help caregivers easily get a loved one in and out of the shower without over-exerting themselves or putting their loved one’s safety at risk.
Handheld Shower Head
Quit trying to twist, turn, and contort your body when bathing yourself. A removable, handheld shower head is a must for easy, thorough washing that won’t leave you with a muscle strain in your back. Experts recommend getting one with at least 5 feet of maneuverable cord to allow for enough slack to raise and move it around your body with ease.
Outside of the shower, additional upgrades that can improve your safety and bathroom experience include automatic lights that provide consistent, bright lighting without having to flip a switch, non-slip bathroom mats, and raised toilet seats with handles.
Guest Blog: Common Signs of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can have a profound effect on a person and their quality of life. Hearing loss can lead to a withdrawal from social situations, signs of depression and other effects on the health of an individual. Therefore, it is imperative that any loss in hearing be treated as soon as possible. In order for hearing loss to be treated, an individual must recognize that a loss of hearing has occurred. Some hearing loss can have a gradual onset, so the person with the hearing loss may not be fully aware that treatment is needed.
According to the National Academy on an Aging Society, millions of Americans suffer from hearing loss. Those suffering from hearing loss range in symptoms from very mild to severe or near total hearing loss. Of these, 43 percent are those individuals aged 65 and older. However, hearing loss can affect all ages with some 5 percent of children having some form of hearing loss. The causes of specific hearing loss are varied, with some created due to occupational stress, or life choices, or those brought about because of aging.
Audiologists and hearing aid specialists at Hearinglife.com lists the types of hearing loss as:
- Conductive Hearing Loss
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss
- Mixed Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss is a result of some form of obstruction in the ear. This type can be temporary and usually corrected via medical procedure and occasionally the application of a mechanical aid.
Sensorineural hearing loss is damage or some other issue affecting the auditory nerve or inner ear. This category encompasses hearing loss due to aging or disease. Correction usually involves the application of assisted hearing devices as this loss is usually permanent.
Mixed hearing loss is attributed to directed sound at excessive volume, such as that found in headphones and in occupational settings. Corrective measures also require the use of a mechanical or assisted hearing device. Based on statistics performed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mixed hearing loss is a widespread concern affecting over 22 million Americans each year. As suggested by the professionals for Kaiser Permanente Health System, they symptoms of hearing loss appear as:
- Muffled Hearing
- Requiring Higher Than Normal Volumes
- Frequently Misunderstanding Spoken Words
- Ringing or Pain in the Ear or Fluid Leakage
- Off Balance or Feeling of Spinning
Any of these, and potentially other symptoms, can occur with hearing loss. Even before hearing loss is suspected, it is generally accepted that hearing should be tested regularly in order to quickly diagnose and treat any hearing loss before it becomes significant to the detriment of the individual and their quality of life.
Guest Blog: 5 Ways to Help Improve Your Memory
Do you often misplace your car keys? Or have trouble remembering your personal trainer’s name at your favorite gym? You are not alone. Everybody goes through moments of forgetfulness, and the occasional memory lapses every once in a while. Though it’s common to forget things when too busy or preoccupied, a recurring memory loss should not be taken lightly.
Age, genetics, and underlying mental disorders are common factors that lead to memory loss. In some instances, memory loss is manageable through diet and lifestyle changes. Read on to discover five research-backed ways to sharpen your memory naturally.
1. Get adequate sleep
Poor sleeping habits are a major cause of memory loss among the young and the elderly. Sleep enhances memory consolidation, the process where short-term memories transition into long-term memories. Sleep deprivation and irregular sleeping cycles can perpetrate cognitive impairments, negatively affecting your brain’s ability to synthesize and retain information.
Doctors and wellness specialists recommend at least seven to nine hours of interrupted sleep for an adult. Research studies show that individuals are likely to perform better in information recall tests when they’re well-rested compared to when they have sleep deprivation.
2. Reduce sugar intake and high-calorie diets
A high sugar intake is often associated with many health complications ranging from chronic illness to cognitive impairment. A 2017 study shows the linkage between high sugar diets and the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers noted that a high intake of sweet beverages like processed fruit juices and soda reduces the total brain volume, especially in the regions responsible for short-term memory retention.
Reduced brain volume is often an early symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. Reducing your sugar intake will boost your memory retention and overall health condition. Whenever you develop a sugar craving, try consuming naturally sweet foods such as fruits while limiting the intake of processed foods with artificial sweeteners.
Along with cutting back your sugar intake, lowering your overall calorie intake can do wonders for your memory recall. Regular consumption of cakes, bread, cookies, and other diets rich in refined carbohydrates raises the risk of cognitive decline, reduced memory retention, and even dementia. High-calorie diets lead to gradual cognitive decline because they cause inflammation of certain brain parts.
3. Practice meditation and mindfulness
Mindfulness refers to tuning your mental state to focus on present situations and boost awareness of your feelings and surroundings. Mindfulness is a technique common in meditation, and it helps improve memory. Studies show that mindfulness and meditation enhance cognitive function by lowering the triggers for brain degeneration.
Researchers believe that practicing mindfulness can improve long-term and short-term information recall. In one study, researchers conducted a psychological survey of 293 patients where one group underwent mindfulness sessions while another group did not. Those who took part in the mindfulness sessions showed better memory performance than those who skipped the mindfulness sessions.
Besides improving memory retention and psychological wellbeing, mindfulness also lowers the risk of age-induced cognitive impairment.
4. Practice brain training
In the same way, exercise improves physical health; your brain needs regular involvement to function optimally. Mental workouts play an essential role in brain development because they enhance your problem-solving and memory recall abilities. Chess, crosswords, word puzzles, and Tetris are examples of popular brain games you can use for your mental workouts.
Recent trials show that setting aside only 15 minutes for brain training five days a week can significantly boost mental acuity. What’s more, researchers believe that brain training workouts can lower the risk of dementia among the elderly. Brain exercises are a common practice in many Alzheimer’s care programs.
5. Reduce your alcohol intake
Excessive alcohol consumption poses many health risks and negatively affects memory retention. It’s no wonder people misplace their car or house keys after a night of heavy drinking. A high alcohol intake raises your blood alcohol composition to levels that alter brain function resulting in poor memory retention.
A college study showed that students who consume six or more drinks within a short time exhibited delayed memory recall than those who didn’t consume alcohol.
Conclusion
Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and leading an overall active lifestyle is crucial in improving brain health and memory retention. Check out the site below for more tips on boosting memory recall.
Guest Blog: How to Help a Loved one After Surviving a Stroke
If your loved one has suffered from a stroke, physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges may develop as a result. The recovery time following a stroke is different for everybody, and it can take weeks, months, or even years. While some people recover fully, others develop lifelong or long-term disabilities. Remember that handling stroke aftermath can be tiring, but you can make substantial progress with consistent effort and patience. The following tips can help you recognize and manage common issues as you care for a loved one who has survived a stroke.
Identify Stroke Symptoms
One of the best ways of helping someone to recover from a stroke entail incorporating preventative measures like knowing stroke symptoms because instant treatment can be lifesaving. Also, it impacts full recovery chances. Unluckily, stroke survivors have a high probability of a second stroke attack. Research shows that one in every four stroke survivors will experience another one.
The risk of experiencing a second stroke is roughly 40% higher within the first five years following the first one. The good news is that medical intervention and lifestyle changes can help avoid approximately 80% of secondary strokes.
Incorporate Light Exercises
Including leg exercises to a stroke survivor is vital for a quick recovery. Although every patient should have a personalized exercise routine, you can find helpful Gait training exercises for stroke patients that are safe and easy to do at home. These stretching and low-impact exercises for stroke recovery come in handy in helping your loved ones have improved mobility.
Be Mindful of Communication
One of the leading and most annoying stroke’s side effects is the incapacity to speak or recognize speech. It is estimated that about 25% – 40% of individuals who get stroke develop aphasia, damage to the brain, mainly the left side that manages language. Therefore, if you are dealing with a loved one with this condition, you should use short and simple sentences. It would help if you also tried to be patient when communicating with them because it’s only their capability to speak that’s affected; their intelligence remains intact.
Dealing with PSTD
After a stroke, it’s pretty standard for stroke survivors to experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PSTD’s typical symptoms include the person experiencing disturbing events recurrently in the form of hallucinations. These nightmares are usually accompanied by the victim’s feelings of self-doubt, unyielding anxiety, and improper guilt over their condition. The best way of managing this condition involves using medications like anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants. Also, psychotherapy is essential.
Decreasing Stress and Inflammation
Body inflammation can lead to other problems. For example, a stressed body produces a hormone known as cortisol floods. This hormone affects the pH levels resulting in acidity. Extended high acidity levels kill essential body bacteria while enhancing the rise of bad ones. Ultimately, it results in a weak immune system.
The good news is that using a natural probiotic, such as yogurt is an excellent way of stimulating good bacteria in the body. Also, taking supplement drinks can boost immunity significantly. Besides balancing the pH level, incorporating stress management exercises like deep breathing, yoga, meditation, and tai chi can limit an individual’s cortisol levels.
Don’t Overlook Falls
It’s common to experience falls after a stroke. Take your loved one to an emergency room instantly if the fall is serious and leads to the extreme pain, bruising, and bleeding. It would also be valuable to visit a physician to treat your loved one who experiences slight falls more than twice in six months.
Manage Depression Before It Worsens
While post-stroke depression is common amongst many stroke survivors, it is essential to suppress it before it deters recovery. Consulting a healthcare expert to create a plan of action is advisable because post-stroke depression can enormously impact your loved one’s rehabilitation and recovery.
Be Aware of Vascular Dementia
Vascular dementia is a typical issue amongst stroke survivors. Maintaining blood sugar levels at optimal levels is advised. So, if the victim has diabetes, you must be cautious of insulin and blood sugar levels.
Professional Assistance for Stroke Survivors
The stroke recovery process is a daunting one, and it’s full of twists, turns, ups, and downs. It takes dedication and hard work to recoup physical and mental functionality after a stroke. Fortunately, the tips mentioned above come in handy in helping you recognize and overcome most challenges linked to recovery.
Guest Post: How to Reduce Loneliness for the Elderly in Your Life
Reaching the golden age does not always come only with a great life experience but also with reasons to make you feel lonelier than ever. Years have passed by and many of those people you encountered and loved so much may have passed away over time. This is something that remains in your heart forever.
Feeling lonely is not something to be ashamed of but also not something to control your life. Discover below the best ways in which to reduce loneliness for the elderly in your life. They deserve to live happy during this new stage in their existence. Help them rediscover the joy of living!
Develop a Strategy to Defeat Seclusion
If you have elder people you love, you must engage more in their life. It is unavoidable for them to feel lonely from time to time. This is why they need your love and support more than ever. Make them feel loved and an important part of your life. Offer them reasons to smile and continue every day. Do not forget about them or ever leave them feeling like no one has time for them anymore.
Allow Them to Feel Useful
Feeling like there is nothing left for you to do in life is the worst possible feeling. Older people should be treasured because they have a life experience to share. Learn to listen to them more often, spend more time with them and allow these amazing people to teach you what they know. Engage with them in activities that are suitable for their age and help them keep themselves active. Never leave them alone for too much time and always advise them on how to stay clear of sadness and depression.
New Bridge for the Generation Gap
The generation gap between young people and older ones is obvious. However, there should always be a bridge built with love, compassion, and respect or understanding to help keep these two generations together. Teach your children to appreciate the elderly. If they have grandparents, guide them towards building close relationships with them. Spending time together and sharing experiences will be a great way in which to reduce loneliness for the elderly in your life. It will also be a great life lesson for your children.
To ensure a better life experience for them at this stage you can also consider professional help in care homes in Maidstone. The main stages of life are the same for all of us. We may go through them differently and face varied challenges, but we all get to the same place sooner or later. Let’s treasure the amount of experience and life stories these amazing people have to share. We will learn more from them than from any other experience in our life.