News Posts Archives - Page 85 of 89

4 Home Improvements Caregivers Should Make

Paige A. Mitchell

If you’re caring for a family member at home, you’ll want to ensure your house is a safe, healthy environment for everyone involved. You’ll likely have some adjustments to make in order to make your home more comfortable for an ill or impaired loved one. Consider the four home improvements below.

1. Declutter and re-decorate
Keep floors clear of toys and shoes. Strategically rearrange the furniture, so that your loved one is able to remain stimulated and engaged while they sit. For example, they may enjoy some natural sunlight and the view of nature from a comfortable chair near a window. Personal touches and familiar objects can make Alzheimer’s patients more comfortable.

2. Enhanced access
It’s important to review each room in the house to determine how accessible it is to someone who is ill or impaired. The American Association of Retired Persons’ checklist includes zero-threshold and wide entrances for wheelchairs and walkers, low light switches and door knobs that are reachable to someone in a wheelchair, and non-slip flooring and grab bars in at least one bathroom.

3. Maintain your home
Whether you’re caring for someone who is ill or not, it’s important to conduct regular home maintenance to ensure it’s a truly healthy environment. For example, replacing batteries in smoke detectors is especially important if your loved one is forgetful and susceptible to forgetting that something is on the stove. Take full advantage of your home repair insurance to save time, energy, and money on repairs.

4. Ask for help
Fifty percent of caregivers report feeling depressed. If you’re suffering from fatigue, isolation, irritable, and/or ill, it’s important to take a step back to take care of yourself. Don’t forget to ask for help when you need it. Seek an expert opinion for objective advice on whether you should consider placing your loved one in assisted care.

By Jim|2019-03-20T18:28:43-05:00March 20th, 2019|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

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.

By Jim|2018-10-11T11:30:39-05:00October 12th, 2018|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

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.

By Jim|2018-09-13T14:32:39-05:00September 13th, 2018|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

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.

By Jim|2018-09-10T08:49:36-05:00September 10th, 2018|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

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.

By Jim|2018-06-05T17:14:08-05:00June 8th, 2018|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

Previous 848586 Next