Seniors and Addiction Rehab: What Do You Need to Know?
There are addiction rehab programs for seniors. Many people don’t consider seniors when they think of someone having an addiction. However, that may be a mistake. There are many seniors who experience chronic pain, grief, and other issues, which is why they may abuse drugs. The schedule will be customized to meet each individual’s addiction recovery needs.
Components of Treatment
It is helpful to know what the components of treatment will be, whether you or a senior in your life, needs to get treatment. Some of these components include the following:
● Group therapy
● Daily assessments
● Pain management
● Medication assessments
● On-site medical detox
● Psychological assessments
● Faith-based counseling
● Relapse prevention tips
● Family therapy
These components may vary depending on the addiction treatment center that is attended. You may also get yoga, physical therapy, exercise, and other treatments.
Symptoms and Signs of Substance Abuse
It can be even more troublesome when an addiction goes unnoticed or doesn’t get treated. This is why it is so essential to recognize the symptoms and signs of substance abuse in seniors. Some of these things include the following:
● Anemia
● Agitation
● Liver function issues
● Anxiety
● Personal cleanliness issues
● Mental ability changes
● Eating habit changes
● Depression
● Increased falls
● Drinking despite consequences
● Weakness
● Fatigue
● Incontinence
● Violence
● Hostility
● Memory lapses
● Irritability
● More confusion than normal
● Losing interest in enjoyable activities
● Not keeping in touch with friends or family members
● Marital issues
● Panic attacks
● Mood swings
● Slurring of speech
If you notice these symptoms and signs in a senior, be sure to try to get them help.
When it comes to seniors and addiction rehab, it is important to know all this information. Addictions can be dangerous for anyone, especially the elderly. Their organs and body systems don’t work as well, so it is much easier to get alcohol poisoning or overdose on drugs. If you are a senior with an addiction, you can get inpatient rehab for elders today.
GERD
Background
Although gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common among older adults, the true prevalence is not known. Many patients with GERD-related symptoms never discuss their problems with their primary care provider. GERD is thought to occur in 5–7% of the world’s population, with 21 million Americans affected (International Foundations for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, 2008). It is found in both men and women.
Signs and symptoms
Pathophysiological changes that occur in the esophagus, hiatal hernia, and certain medications and foods increase the risk for GERD. Obesity (Corely , Kubo, Levin et al., 2007) and activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure such as wearing tight clothes, bending over, or heavy lifting have also been linked to GERD (MedlinePlus, 2005a). The cardinal symptom of GERD is heartburn; however, older adults may not report this, but rather complain of other symptoms such as pulmonary conditions (bronchial asthma, chronic cough, or chronic bronchitis), a hoarse voice, pain when swallowing foods, chronic laryngitis, or non-cardiac chest pain (Pilotto & Franceschi, 2009). The chronic backflow of acid into the esophagus can lead to abnormal cell development (Barrett esophagus) that increases the risk for esophageal cancer.
Diagnosis
Older adults often have atypical symptoms, making the diagnosis of GERD very challenging. As people age, the severity of heartburn can diminish, while the complications, such as erosive esophagitis, become more frequent. Therefore, endoscopy should be considered as one of the initial diagnostic tests in older adults who are suspected of having GERD (Pilotto & Franceschi, 2009). Examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum through a fiber-optic scope (endoscopy) while the person receives conscious sedation, allows the gastroenterologist to visualize the entire area, identify suspicious areas, and obtain biopsies as needed. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a chronic bacterial infection in humans, is a common cause of GERD, affecting about 30% to 40% of the U.S. population. Testing for H. pylori can be done during the endoscopy or by other tests (Ferri, 2011).
Treatments
The objectives of treatment for GERD include: (1) relief of symptoms, (2) healing of esophagitis, (3) prevention of further occurrences, and (4) prevention of complications (Pilotto & Francheschi, 2009). Lifestyle and dietary modifications are important aspects of care. It is widely recommended that persons with GERD should stop smoking, limit or avoid alcohol, and limit chocolate, coffee, and fatty or citrus foods. Medications should be reviewed and offending medications modified, since certain medications decrease the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) tone, allowing acid to backflow into the esophagus. These include anticholinergic drugs, some hormones, calcium channel blockers, and theophylline. Avoidance of food or beverages 3–-4 hours prior to bedtime, weight loss, and elevation of the head of the bed on 6-to-8 inch blocks are some other interventions that may help alleviate symptoms. Pharmacological treatments with antacids in conjunction with histamine 2 (H2) -blockers (Tagmet, Zantac, Axid, and Pepcid) are used for mild GERD. If these are ineffective in controlling symptoms, then the proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the next drugs of choice. These include medications like Nexium and Dexilant. With lifestyle modifications and appropriate medications, older adults can manage their GERD symptoms so that quality of life is maintained.
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. Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Used with permission.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gerd/DS00967
Guest Blog: 5 Reasons Seniors Should Buy Organic Produce
Portrait of a happy old couple sitting on quay by sea
In older age, your body needs nutrition to prevent chronic diseases and deterioration of dental, bone, and joint health. A balanced diet rich in nutrients is essential for heart health, diabetes, and preventing cognitive decline. But as we age, our ability to absorb nutrition from food decreases. And that’s why it’s even more essential to include nutritious food like fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and fortified cereals.
Experts suggest that including organic food in your diet can help the elderly defend their bodies against chronic illnesses and manage any chronic illnesses they may already have. Organic food is easier to digest, doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals, and carries nutrition better than conventional produce.
What is Organic food?
Even though there is no set definition of organic food, it is described chiefly as food made from produce grown without artificial fertilizers, synthetic pesticides, or other chemicals. Organic poultry and meat products are from animals that aren’t given antibiotics or growth hormones.
When growing organic food, farmers use organic pesticides such as manure and compost. Unlike conventional produce, no chemicals are used to boost the size or to ripen organic fruits or vegetables. In many countries, the government has established strict regulations for growing organic produce. To obtain certification, organic online stores and organic product manufacturers must prove that 95% of the ingredients used to create the final product are natural.
How Organic food Keeps Many Diseases Away from the Elderly?
Senior citizens must avoid all foods that can cause side effects to their bodies. Organic food eliminates the possibility of allergic reactions or side effects due to its all-natural origins. Here are some ways in which organic food helps the elderly –
- Organic food has higher nutritional content, including vitamins and minerals. After a certain age, the body absorbs lesser nutrition from food and it is essential to eat food that offers high nutrition.
- Long-term consumption of organic food provides consistent nutrition that helps combat conditions like heart diseases, blood pressure, migraine, and diabetes.
- The absence of toxins such as chemicals, pesticides, and chemical-based fertilizers helps avoid adverse effects on health.
- Healthy organic foods strengthen the body’s immune system and improves skin and hair health.
However, to enjoy all the benefits of organic food, older people must be given food correctly, and the diet must be regulated as advised by their doctor.
Five Benefits of Including Organic produce in Your Diet
- Contains Antioxidants – Organic food contains 18 to 69% more antioxidants than conventionally grown food. Including organic food rich in antioxidants can reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, vision problems, and cognitive malfunction. Antioxidants are essential to prevent cell damage due to age.
- Less Chance of Food Related Illness – Conventional food may contain pesticides, chemicals, and in the case of meat – even hormones. Such substances may contaminate food, making it unfit for consumption. Such food may cause food-poisoning or other complications in anyone who eats it. Consuming contaminated food is harmful to everyone, especially senior citizens.
- Stronger Immunity – Organic produce grown naturally is rich in vitamins and minerals that boost immunity in humans. Conventional food is grown with chemicals to enhance the quantity of the food while lowering costs. There are many ways to boost immunity and consuming organic foods to boost immune system. It is free from chemicals and naturally enriched with nutrients that build immunity.
- Zero Percent Pesticide Content – Chemical pesticides in conventional produce can slowly erode the body’s natural immunity and strength. Organic food contains zero pesticides and can be consumed worry-free by young children, adults, and senior citizens. Regular consumption of non-organic food can lead to lifestyle diseases, life-threatening diseases, and chronic illnesses.
- Better Taste – When fruits and vegetables are injected with antibiotics or chemicals to help them ripen faster, it adversely affects the taste and aroma of the produce. Organic food is grown with a 100% natural process that preserves the natural taste, texture, and aroma of fruits and vegetables. Even though growing organic fruits and vegetables take longer, the final product tastes much better.
Research has shown that organic food is a healthier, tastier, and safer choice for people of all ages. Various factors are considered when growing organic food, such as soil fertility, the timing of beginning the growth process, irrigation, and manure to fertilize the plants must adhere to a standard of purity. For senior citizens, diet is an essential part of healthcare. By choosing an organic diet, they can ensure they receive the nutrition and care they need at an advanced age.
Author Bio:
Kunal Tambe is part of the content marketing team at Two Brothers Organic Farms. With his team, he works tirelessly to create awareness about organic farming, food sovereignty, sustainable practices, nutrition, climate change and a myriad of issues that surround these topics. His content offers value to farmers, the agriculture industry and to end consumers. Besides writing and developing content strategies, he loves adventure sports and listening to classical music.
Guest Blog: Health advise for patients using CBD oils for anxiety.
Like many mental disorders, anxiety can be very annoying to deal with and affect our everyday lives. There are many different cures and remedies people use to deal with anxiety and lower its impact. CBD oils have proven to be very effective against anxiety, but their usage isn’t as widespread as other substances.
For people who opt for CBD oils, there are some crucial things to remember regarding how they affect our bodies. We will look at the positive effects of using CBD oils and the side effects that are generally associated with the usage of CBD oils.
What exactly is CBD oil?
CBD oil stands for cannabidiol oil, and it comes from the cannabis plant. CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from cannabis plants and mixing it with something like hemp seed oil to dilute it.
Most of us know cannabis as a substance with mind-altering properties. The sensation of getting high comes from THC in the cannabis plant, which is a psychoactive cannabinoid. CBD oil and CBD oil products don’t have the same properties that can make a person high, making them safer for consumption.
Different people like to consume CBD oil in different ways. CBD oil can come in the form of dietary supplements or in the shape of something like gummies. Some people prefer consuming CBD oil through some drink like tea.
CBD oil in dealing with anxiety
Researchers have found CBD oils to be very effective in dealing with anxiety. The oil has many qualities that make it ideal for people who often suffer from anxiety. For people who are recovering addicts and feel anxious most of the time, CBD oils are very good in alleviating a lot of your symptoms.
The amount that you should use can differ from person to person. It is recommended that you talk to your doctor before CBD usage, especially if you have other health risks.
Many other benefits
There are also many other benefits of CBD oil usage. Not only do they calm your brain and help in dealing with anxiety, but CBD oils are also great in dealing with pain relief and sleep disorders. Some researchers have also found that CBD oils can help lower the chances of cancer and heart disease.
Side effects of CBD consumption
Despite all the positives associated with CBD consumption, there are some negatives you should be wary about before using CBD oil or CBD oil products. The most common side effects of CBD are:
- Fatigue
- Change in appetite: some people feel increased hunger, and others don’t feel like eating at all.
- Weight loss: some people encountered random weight loss from CBD consumption
- Diarrheic
Everyone does not feel these symptoms, but there have been cases where people have felt these to an extreme. Other than these symptoms, some people also encounter drowsiness from CBD oils.
Alternatives to CBD oil
CBD oils are recommended to be consumed in small doses regularly for effective long-term results. For many people, CBD might not be very effective and they might look for a different type or remedy. Kratom is a plant that, like CBD, is very effective against anxiety and other mental disorders. Ethnobotany is humans’ relation to plants in their locality, and both ethnobotanicals Kratom and CBD have benefits associated with consumption.
What makes kratom different is that kratom can be more potent when looking at a single dose and provides more instant relief from anxiety. Kratom consumption is not recommended for longer peridots of time, and it shares many of the adverse side effects of CBD.
Other than that, lifestyle changes are also effective in dealing with anxiety. Exercising more, meditation, and being more social have proven to be very effective against anxiety. Some people might feel stronger symptoms and not be able to function properly. For them, something like CBD or kratom are the obvious choices.
Age of people who use CBD
CBD can be used by any adult that feels like they need it. That being said, for older adults, or people with other health conditions, it is recommended to use less of these substances and consult a doctor before using them. The symptoms older people feel can be much more amplified.
Five Eye Health Tips for Maintaining Long-Life Vision
As you age, so do your eyes. It is a simple fact of life, however, age related vision problems don’t need to be a lifestyle changer. Knowing what’s to come and how you can maintain your vision for the long haul is an essential first step, according to the American Optometric Association.
As you approach 60 years young, it is vital to pay more attention to the warning signs of age-related vision issues. Vision problems as you get older can be acute or chronic, but knowing how to steer clear of them is probably at the top of your list.
Making significant lifestyle choices and getting regular eye exams will help keep you focused on your eye health. Let’s face it, visiting your optometrist is more fun than seeing your dentist or primary physician. Let’s take a look at a few ways you can keep your vision strong, no matter your age.
- Visit Your Eye Doctor Regularly for Optimal Eye Health
There are some pretty unfavorable eye diseases you may be at risk for, especially if you skip your eye exams. In order to keep your vision as keen as a 20 year olds, visiting your optometrist regularly is vital.
In fact, an article published in academic journal, American Family Physician (1999) found several common causes of vision loss in the elderly. The vision debilitating eye diseases you may be at risk for include Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Cataracts, and Diabetic Retinopathy, among others. Seeing your eye doctor will help you avoid these chronic vision loss conditions.
- Eat Right to See Right
What you eat directly affects your health. And the same applies for your eye health. Eating the healthy nutritious meals at least three times per day is one exceptional way to keep your focus on great vision.
Food loaded with nutrient rich vitamins and minerals, such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamin C, and vitamin E may help keep your eyes in superb shape. Those greens, eggs, nuts, and salmon are a great place to begin. You may even see a few pounds shrink away from your waist.
- Focus on Eye Health and Quit Smoking
Saving your lungs from smoking is also saving your vision from acute and chronic vision issues in the future. In fact, smoking increases your risk for cataracts, optic nerve damage, and macular degeneration.
If quitting your attempt to quit smoking continues to happen, don’t give up. Your vision as you age may depend on it. And if you quit smoking, you will most likely live longer, making it even more imperative to have great vision to see your grandchildren blossom.
- Look Cool and Protect Your Eyes with UV Sunglasses
If keeping your eyes healthy aligns with your fashion, even better. Wearing UV sunglasses may help protect your eyes from the sun’s powerful rays. Research suggests that too much UV exposure will increase your risk for cataracts and macular degeneration.
Pick up some sunglasses with 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Protecting your peripheral vision is also important, so wraparound shades may be even better. There are even contacts with UV protection these days. However, sunglasses with UV block are best.
- Limit Your Screen Time for Better Vision Later in Life
Limiting your screen time is nothing new. In fact, mothers have been saying television ruins eyes for decades. If you want to protect your eyes, taking a break from so much screen time is essential.
This also extends to tech devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The American Macular Degeneration Foundation suggests that the blue light emitted by these tech screens may trigger macular degeneration, among other health issues.
Protecting your eyes today may pay off big time as you begin reaching those golden years. And it is never too late to start living healthy to improve your vision. Most of the suggestions made by professionals can also make a big impact on your overall health. Stay focused when it comes to eye health, because seeing is an important sense to maintain forever.