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Pets Provide Significant Health Benefits

Pets Provide Significant Health Benefits By Rachel Blankmeyer, DVM

Some of our closest companions, especially as we age, are our four-legged friends. The human-animal bond provides many benefits to people who may otherwise be isolated due to emotional, behavioral, or physical problems. Research shows several health benefits of pet ownership for older adults, including lower blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. A study by Friedmann & Thomas in 1995 showed that pet ownership actually resulted in increased survival rates after a heart attack. Other studies have shown that pets may provide social support similar to that of a family member for older adults. Consider additional general health benefits such as weight control and stress reduction, and pet ownership seems like a win-win situation!

You may have heard of the Alzheimer’s patient study performed by Edwards & Beck in 2002, where persons with Alzheimer’s disease observed a facility fish tank and demonstrated improved relaxation, alertness, and eating habits. This is a huge deal for patients dealing with dementia because at least 50% experience weight loss, increasing the mortality rate and progression of disease. Stroke survivors may also specifically benefit from animal companionship through improved communication, dexterity, mobility and balance. As a veterinarian, I may be biased, but the facts don’t lie: animals help all of us have a more active daily life, and can enrich our lives emotionally! So, consider the cost-benefit ratio:

Adopting your new forever friend from your local shelter…$35
Pet food for one month…$10
Years of companionship and improved health…priceless.

By Jim|2023-08-25T18:55:50-05:00September 3rd, 2023|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

Guest Blog: Common Skin Conditions Affecting the Elderly

No matter how well we take care of ourselves, advancing age eventually takes its toll – especially on our skin. Over time, the various components that make up our bodies gradually become less able to resist the onset of decay. The epidermis, which is the body’s largest organ, is no exception. As we age, it dries out, grows thinner, and becomes more vulnerable to disease. These naturally-occurring difficulties are compounded when an elderly patient is confined to a long-term care facility.

In some cases, a skin problem may indicate an underlying condition that has gone undetected. Skin conditions can also arise from problems in positioning for patients who are confined to a bed or a wheelchair for an extended period. Once the wound has been healed, the caregiver should make sure that its cause is determined and addressed, and nothing else is being overlooked.

While there are many possible skin disorders that can affect the epidermis of an elderly patient, not all of them will require treatment. Some do, however, and the following are a few of the more common conditions and their possible treatments.

Allergic Reactions

It has been estimated that approximately 5-10% of people 65 or older suffer from an allergic disease. In addition to those who suffer from allergies throughout their lives, some individuals only develop allergies once they reach an advanced age. Underlying medical conditions, memory issues, the use of several medications simultaneously, and overall poor health, can also contribute to the late appearance of an allergy problem in an elderly patient.

Prescription medications are often the culprit when a geriatric patient develops a systemic allergic reaction. Because of this, anyone who does have allergies should be asked about any recent new medications he or she may have begun taking. However, there are other potential causes, including exposure to detergents or mites. Allergic reactions can present in a wide array of symptoms, making it difficult to sometimes narrow down a specific cause.

Allergic reactions should always be treated with topical steroids for one to two weeks. The caregiver should also make sure that the cause of the reaction has been addressed.

Fungal Infections

The most common fungal infection, regardless of a patient’s age, is candidiasis, which is a yeast infection that tends to appear on occluded regions of the epidermis, such as in the folds of the skin or under dressings. It’s most dangerous to older patients and most transmittable to patients who are confined to bed or a wheelchair. In geriatric patients, candidiasis presents with chills, fever, pustular skin lesions, and in some cases, symptoms indicating sepsis.

Fortunately, candidiasis can be prevented by applying miconazole powder to at-risk patches of skin. When it does appear, it should be treated by applying clotrimazole or nystatin cream to the affected areas. If it becomes a recurring problem for patients, bowel eradication using nystatin pastilles should be considered. The provider should also be sure to check the patient for signs of retinal lesions, as many elderly patients suffer from cataracts.

Another common fungal problem is seborrheic dermatitis, which is caused by infection from a different type of yeast, malassezia furfur. It presents as red and scaly patches of skin typically found in areas where hair is present; particularly the head, neck, and chest. It can be treated with ketoconazole (nizoral) 2% shampoo or selenium sulfide 2.5% (Selsun Blue).

Staph and Strep infections

Staph and strep infections are also among the most common problems health professionals will face in patients at a long-term care facility. Studies have estimated that, at any given time, 30-40% of long-term care residents are experiencing a fungal infection.

A staph infection typically results when bacteria enter the epidermis through a sore or a cut (including in areas where a patient may be attached to a catheter or other medical device). The infection presents painfully as a red, swollen patch on the skin. This may be accompanied by pus drainage, a skin abscess, warmth in the area, and a fever as well. In more severe cases, patients may even experience shortness of breath, chills, chest pain, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, and rashes.

When a geriatric patient is suffering from a staph or strep infection, it should first be treated with a topical antibiotic such as mupirocin (bactroban). If this does not cure the infection and it enters the surrounding tissue, a tissue culture should then be taken to determine what organism is causing the problem. Depending on the results, a systemic antibiotic – usually augmentin, bactrim, ciprofloxacin, or tetracycline – should be given to the patient.

By Jim|2023-07-31T12:47:31-05:00August 22nd, 2023|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

Guest Blog: 5 Signs of Mental Health Issues for Seniors

When you’ve started to notice changes in an elderly relative, you may wonder if a mental health issue is the cause. While it is important a mental health professional diagnoses these issues, some signs exist indicating that the time has come to make an appointment.

Depression
Depression can occur for a host of reasons. Elderly individuals may be suffering from the loss of a loved one, or they may feel alienated, isolated or otherwise separated from their friends or from their interests outside of the house. Individuals who seem filled with sadness and negative emotions or who are hinting about emotional turmoil may need outpatient or inpatient treatment for depression.

Anxiety Issues/Bipolar Disorder
You may also notice that your loved ones are having heightened periods of elevation followed by periods of deep sadness. They could be suffering from bipolar disorder. Serious anxieties could begin to manifest at this age too. For example, you may notice that your elderly relatives always seem to be thinking about their own death or about expected loss of other loved ones.

Memory Loss
As people age, you may think that it is a normal occurrence for them to forget information that they would have once remembered. However, these early slips could be signs of a more serious problem that is coming into fruition. Your loved ones might now be forgetting about certain dates or social events, but these struggles could turn into failures to take medication or complete other necessary medical tasks.

Personal Care
If you notice that your loved ones are not taking care of themselves as they used to, this situation could also be a sign of mental health issues. For example, you may have noticed that your relatives are no longer brushing their teeth or bathing on a regular basis. Seeking professional help can uncover the root of the issue so that a plan of treatment can be devised.

Social Withdrawal
Your loved ones might also seem to not want to participate in social activities anymore. Whether they are constantly declining invites to attend family functions or they do not want to participate in community activities any longer, these decisions could be signs that a mental health issue is present.

As your loved ones age, you may be the lookout for physical health issues. While addressing these problems is imperative, so is watching for signs of mental health struggles. May is mental health awareness month, get involved to help bring awareness to this important cause!

By Jim|2023-07-31T12:46:32-05:00August 16th, 2023|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

Portrait of a happy old couple sitting on quay by sea

For seniors, getting old is the new black. You can ask them yourself. Because according to a recent survey, 68% of seniors never feel offended for being treated like one, while 70.3% feel being called ‘old’ is hardly offensive. The truth is, getting old is blessing – not a curse.

For starters, age brings wisdom. By the time the grey hairs start popping up, you’ve had your fair share of experiences. You’ve likely travelled around a bit, held a few jobs, been through good and bad relationships, started a family, and made some life-changing decisions. But when it comes down it, you’re all the wiser for it. Going forward you can make better, more informed decisions, and even give your two cents to the younger generation.

As you mature, so too will your relationships. You’ll likely cut out the friendships that didn’t mean much, and work on the ones that do. Essentially, you’ll start seeking quality, not quantity, across all areas of your life – which isn’t a bad philosophy to live by. Plus, who said getting old isn’t fun?

Take LATA 65 for example, an art organisation in Portugal that’s destroying age stereotypes in the street art scene. By giving senior citizens the tools and knowledge to create their own stencils, the organisation’s goal is to connect the older and younger generations through art, as well as help the elderly get out and about to engage in contemporary culture.

But that’s just one example of how seniors are making the most of their retirement. What else are they getting up to?

How Aussies are living it up in their golden years

Gone are the days of knitting, card games and staying put. Seniors these days are proving to be one the most lively and radical bunch of seniors to date. According to the Golden Years Report, 85% of seniors consider themselves happy, while 80% are doing the things they really want to do.

In fact, most feel younger than they actually are. This can be attributed to being more physically active, learning new things, travelling to new places, having new experiences, being sociable, and having hobbies.

Seniors are also busting ‘old age’ stereotypes. For example, as technology becomes more prominent in our lives, Aussie seniors are no longer relying on others to show them the ropes. Instead, many are now technically savvy and spend plenty of time online. They also have no problem dressing like younger generations, speaking the same lingo (#YOLO), or even getting tattoos.

While they might not be huge spenders, today’s retirees are also spending more money than earlier generations. So instead of slowing down and disappearing modestly into retirement, they’re choosing to fork out just as much money (sometimes more) on their later lifestyles. And why not? Retirement isn’t an expiry date – it’s an excuse to live life to the fullest.

It’s safe to say, Australian seniors are reinventing the concept of ‘getting older’. They’re not confined to the activities and stereotypes usually associated with old age, and are instead open-minded, tech-savvy and progressive. They’re not just comfortable with the modern world, they’re enthusiastically making the most of it. So if there’s one take home message here, it’s this – there’s still plenty to look forward to.

By Kristen Mauk|2023-07-31T12:46:15-05:00August 14th, 2023|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

Introduction

As mindfulness encompassing natural issues keeps on developing, more people are looking for ways of taking on eco-accommodating practices in their day-to-day routines. One region in which maintainability assumes an urgent part is in our food decisions. Selecting eco-accommodating eats helps the climate and supports a solid way of life. By zeroing in on maintainable obtaining rehearses, we can guarantee that the food we devour isn’t just great for us yet additionally created with deference for the planet. In this article, we will investigate what practical obtaining means for our food decisions and how it adds to a solid and ecologically conscious way of life.

1. Organic and sustainable agriculture

Sustainable sourcing encourages agricultural practices that are less harmful to the environment. It underlines natural cultivating strategies instead of ordinary ones that depend intensely on pesticides and engineered composts. Natural cultivating maintains a strategic distance from the utilization of these hurtful synthetic substances, diminishing water contamination, soil debasement, and damage to helpful bugs, birds, and untamed life. Consuming natural produce dispenses with possible openness to poisons and guarantees a higher substance of supplements because of the shortfall of destructive compound buildups.

2. Diminished Carbon Impression

Maintainable obtaining decreases fossil fuel byproducts related to food creation and transportation. By focusing on privately obtained fixings, less energy is exhausted in moving food from far-off areas. This implies fresher and more nutritious choices with a significantly lower carbon impression. Picking occasional and privately created food varieties upholds nearby ranchers and organizations and diminishes dependence on petroleum derivatives in food transportation.

3. Encouragement of Biodiversity

Practical obtaining adds to the conservation and insurance of biodiversity. It empowers the development and utilization of assorted and legacy crops, supporting seed banks and hereditary variety. This natural practice shields plant species, guaranteeing their reasonability and versatility despite environmental change and other ecological difficulties. We aid in the preservation of ecosystems and contribute to the maintenance of a balanced and resilient environment by consuming foods that are sourced sustainably.

4. Moral Creature Cultivation

Supportable obtaining stretches out to creature farming, advancing moral and capable practices. It places the humane treatment of animals first, ensuring that they are raised in sustainable natural settings. Natural and feasible cultivating frequently underscores unfenced and field-raised creatures, where creatures approach normal scrounge and are not exposed to packed or upsetting conditions. By consuming creature items from such practices, we support the compassionate treatment of animals and add to the strength of our planet.

5. Keeping Freshwater Resources Safe

Additionally, freshwater conservation is a primary focus of sustainable sourcing practices. Horticulture is a significant water customer, and impractical cultivating practices can drain dirty water sources. Conversely, supportable horticulture executes water protection methods, for example, dribble water system and water collecting that limit water squandering. By picking reasonably obtained food sources, we advance the safeguarding of clean water sources, helping us and people in the future.

6. Foods that are local and high in nutrients

Manageable obtaining supports the utilization of nearby and supplement thick food sources. Privately obtained produce frequently calls for less investment and assets to ship, bringing about fresher and more delectable choices plentiful in nutrients and minerals. Eating an eating regimen bountiful in new natural products, vegetables, entire grains, and reasonably obtained proteins advances, by and large, well-being and decreases the gamble of persistent sicknesses.

7. Kratom of the Red Sort: An Eco-accommodating Choice

Among the different eco-accommodating choices, red strain kratom is an imperative expansion. Kratom is a spice that numerous people use for its other properties, including relief from discomfort and unwinding. Selecting economically obtained red strain kratom guarantees that the sauce is collected and created utilizing harmless ecosystem strategies. This indicates that the plants are harvested ethically, processed without chemicals, and grown naturally. Picking a feasible red strain of kratom upholds a sound way of life while being aware of the climate.

Conclusion

Integrating supportable obtaining rehearses into our food decisions is a fundamental stage toward a sound and ecologically conscious way of life. From natural cultivating to diminishing fossil fuel byproducts and supporting biodiversity, maintainable obtaining offers various advantages. By choosing economically obtained food varieties, we focus on our prosperity while regarding the planet. Allow us to pursue cognizant choices that line up with maintainable acquiring works, selecting eco-accommodating eats that add to a better world for us and people in the future.

By Jim|2023-08-11T09:01:50-05:00August 11th, 2023|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

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