There are several reasons having a qualified caregiver for the elderly is important. Qualified caregivers can give family members a sense of security, while providing excellent certified care for your elder. When looking for a qualified caregiver, it is important to keep these things in mind. 

Finding a qualified, well-trained, trustworthy and passionate about helping others may seem easier than you think. Some things to consider when looking for a caregiver: Are you able to do a background check on the person? Ensuring the potential caregiver is qualified and the right fit. Does the caregiver have liability insurance? Is the caregiver CPR certified? Also, be sure to ask for references from a potential caregiver, and don’t be afraid to contact them. 

When looking for a caregiver, be sure to pay attention to your loved ones daily activities, know the type of care your loved one needs, inquire about the levels of care, and find out about his or her qualifications. Knowing when is a good time to bring in a caregiver to care for your loved one is sometimes difficult. Some key signs can be mail stacking up at elder’s home, past due notices or delinquent notices on bills, or noticing that daily tasks are becoming challenging, frustrating, or time consuming for your elder. 

Knowing what type of care your loved one needs is another important thing to consider. Different care is needed for different elders. Some require several medications, blood sugar testing, hospice assistance, physical therapy, or wound care, while others may simply need companionship and help with light housework or transportation. It is important to know what kind of care is needed, then seek out a caregiver that is qualified in areas needed for your loved one. 

Transitioning your parent or loved one over to a caregiver can be an emotional and difficult experience. When making the transition, remember to not make the him/her feel like a burden and don’t be afraid to be upfront about all the services your they might need. Don’t interview the caregiver all by yourself. Be sure to include other family members in the process to ask questions and to voice their opinions about the potential caregiver.

June 15 is Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Do you have a good understanding elder abuse, how to identify warning signs, and how to get help if you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse? 

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, elder abuse refers to intentional or neglectful acts by a caregiver or “trusted” individual that lead to, or may lead to, harm of a vulnerable elder. There are several different types of elder abuse which include, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, ex-ploitation, and abandonment. Exploitation is considered any theft, fraud, misuse or neglect of authority, and use of influence to gain control over an older person’s money or property. 

Elder abuse can happen anywhere. This can take place in homes, nursing homes, or other institutions. El-der abuse affects seniors of all socioeconomic groups, cultures, and races. While men and women are both affected, women and “older” elders are more likely to be victimized. Health problems such as De-mentia and Alzheimer's disease put elders at a higher risk. 

According to the Administration on Aging bruises, pressure marks, broken bones, abrasions, and burns may be an indication of physical abuse, neglect, or mistreatment. Bruises around the breasts or genital area may be a sign of sexual abuse. 

Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, a sudden change in alertness, and unusual depression may be indicators of emotional abuse. Sudden changes in financial situations may be the result of exploi-tation. Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, and unusual weight loss are indicators of possi-ble neglect. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, the best thing you can do is report your con-cerns. Don’t assume someone has already reported a suspicious situation. To report suspected abuse in the community, contact your local Adult Protective Services agency. For state reporting numbers, visit the NCEA website at www.ncea.aoa.gov or call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116. If someone you know is in a life threatening situation or immediate danger call the local police. To report suspected abuse in a nursing home or long-term care facility, contact your state specific agency. To find the listing, visit the Long Term Care Ombudsman website. www.Itcombudsman.org/ombudsman. 

Emily Lambright is a registered nurse and owner of Embrace Your Health Home Services in the Coldwa-ter/Hillsdale area specializing in diabetes management home care. The business also provides care to those that want to continue residing in their home but need some additional services and assistance, health coaching and lifestyles management for chronic conditions and heart disease. For more information, call 517-990-7469.

In the U.S. someone has a stroke every 40 seconds. A stroke happens when blood flow to an area of the brain is cut off, and can often cause individuals to permanently lose speech, movement, and memory. This month is American Stroke Month. In an effort to build stroke awareness, here is a list of things to remember when it comes to strokes, according to the American Stroke Association. 

1. In order to remember and recognize symptoms of a stroke, remember the acronym F.A.S.T. Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 9-1-1. 
2. Strokes are also largely treatable. The faster you are treated, the more likely you are to recover without permanent disability. In order to increase your chances of a full recovery, most patients must be evaluated and treated within 3 to 4.5 hours of symptom onset. 
3. Stroke risk increases with age, but young adults, children, and even unborn babies can suffer a stroke. Along with age, there are several ways you can be at a higher risk of suffering a stroke. If one of your parents had an ischemic stroke before 65, you are 3 times more likely to suffer a stroke. 
4. High blood pressure is the leading controllable risk factor for a stroke. 3 out of 4 people that suffer a stroke have high blood pressure. 
5. Maintaining a healthy diet and by keeping physically active you can reduce your risk of stroke. According to the National Stroke Association, those who exercise 5 or more times per week have a reduced risk of stroke. Physical activity can be as little as 30 minutes a day, and can include moderate exercise such as walking. 
6. Smoking and drinking are two other controllable risk factors. Drinking too much alcohol can increase blood pressure. While drinking in moderation is okay, the National Stroke Association suggests two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women. Smoking doubles the risk of a stroke. Smoking increases clot formation, thickens blood, and increases the amount of plaque buildup on arteries, all which increase your risk of a stroke. 
7. When it comes to a stroke, every second counts! Nearly 2 million brain cells die each minute a stroke remains untreated. 

What’s important to remember is that 80% of strokes are preventable. By talking with your regular doctor to keep blood pressure low and maintain healthy habits, you can decrease your chances of a stroke and live a longer healthier life. 

Emily Lambright is a registered nurse and owner of Embrace Your Health Home Services in the Coldwater/Hillsdale who provides care to those that want to continue residing in their home but need some additional services and assistance. Additional services include diabetes care, health coaching and lifestyles management for chronic conditions and heart disease. For more information, call 517-439-4119.

There are many things to be informed about regarding medications and medication safety. Whether it’s taking the correct dosage, or medication storing tips, there are several safety measures to keep in mind. It’s important to remember these tips to ensure you remain healthy and to avoid a trip to the hospital. 

1. Know your medications and always ask questions if you’re not sure how, when, or why to take the drug. Once you understand the medication you’re taking and when to take it, make sure you take your medicine regularly and according to your healthcare provider’s instructions. Don’t skip doses or stop taking medication without first consulting with your provider. 
2. Keeping a list of all your current medications and keep the list with you. Be sure to record the medicine’s brand name, if applicable, and generic name. Also write down how often and what dosage you take. Take the list with you to all doctor appointments and make sure to let your healthcare provider know what different medications you’re taking to avoid interactions between different medications. 
3. Always use the dosage device that comes with the medicine. Proper dosage is important. Kitchen spoons aren’t all the same, and a teaspoon and tablespoon used for cooking won’t measure the same amount as the dosage device. 
4. Remember to always keep medicines in their original packages and containers. 
Packaging has dosage information that is important to keep with the medication. 
5. Along with keeping the original packages and containers, make sure you take the time to read the label and follow the directions. Even if you have used the medicine before, sometimes the directions or dosage can change. 
6. It is also important to remember to put all medicines up and away when children are around. Make sure that all medicines and vitamins are stored out of sight and reach of children. As you’re reaching up to place your medicine in the top cupboard, don’t forget to double check and make sure the cap is closed tightly. 

Whats also important to remember is that there is no stupid question about medicine. If you have any questions, be sure to ask your healthcare provider. Whether it’s how to spell the name of a medication, the dosage, or if it’s okay to take with another medication, asking questions and staying informed will help you stay the healthiest you.

March marks National Nutrition Month and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages everyone to learn how to "Savor the Flavor of Eating Right" while still following a healthy eating pattern.


The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting the amounts of added sugar, sodium and saturated fats that you eat. The guidelines state that the majority of Americans follow a diet that is too high in these components.​

Sugar
The latest Dietary Guidelines recommend consuming less than 10 percent of your calories per day from added sugars. Choose foods and beverages with no added sugar whenever possible.  Other ideas to reduce sugar include:

1. Read food labels and avoid buying foods with added sugars like high fructose corn syrup, dried cane syrup, evaporated cane juice, invert sugar, molasses, sucrose, brown rice syrup, honey, agave or maple syrup.
2. Drink water, low-fat or fat-free milk and 100-percent fruit or vegetable juice instead of sugary beverages.
3. Choose snacks with no added sugar. For example, eat plain yogurt instead of flavored yogurt with whole fruits such as berries or pears.
4. Grill fruits such as pineapple or peaches for a naturally sweet and healthier dessert.
5. Eat smaller dessert portions. Often a bite or two will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Sodium
The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines recommend consuming fewer than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. Most sodium consumed in the United States comes from salts added during commercial food processing and preparation, because sodium is found in so many foods, careful choices are needed to reduce your sodium intake.
Sodium reduction can include:

1. Use the Nutrition Facts label to compare sodium content of foods and choose products with less sodium.
2. Buy frozen or canned products without added salt.
3. Buy fresh poultry, seafood, pork and lean meat rather than processed meat and poultry.
4. Cook meals from scratch to control the sodium content of dishes.
5. Buy fewer jarred sauces and pre-flavored products.
6. Flavor foods with citrus, herbs and spices instead of salt.

Saturated Fats
Today’s Dietary Guidelines recommend reducing saturated fat intake to less than 10 percent of calories per day. It's important to understand the different types of fats, and reduce your intake of saturated fats by replacing them with unsaturated fats.
Reduce saturated fats with these tips:

1. Saturated fat is found in foods such as meats, whole milk, cream, butter and cheese. Unsaturated fat, which includes polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat, is found in foods like oils, fatty fish, nuts and seeds.
2. Drink fat-free or low-fat milk (1-percent) instead of 2-percent or whole milk, and eat low-fat cheese instead of regular cheese, oils instead of butter and lean rather than fatty cuts of meat.

For more information on helpful articles, recipes, videos and educational resources to spread the message of good nutrition and an overall healthy lifestyle for people of all ages, genders and backgrounds, go to www.EmbraceYourHealth.care for links to important nutrition information. 

Emily Lambright is a registered nurse and owner of Embrace Your Health Home Services in the Coldwater/Hillsdale area specializing in diabetes management home care.  The business also provides care to those that want to continue residing in their home but need some additional services and assistance, health coaching and lifestyles management for chronic conditions and heart disease.  For more information, call 517-439-4119.

This month is the American Heart Association’s National Heart Month. To celebrate all of the love you have in your heart, it’s important to remember some important tips to keep a healthy heart. The Go Red initiative, to bring awareness to women and heart disease, presents some good reminders when it comes to a healthy heart this year. 

1. Make and keep regular doctors appointments. Getting routine physicals and having current health records up to date are important. Having a physician that you see regularly will be able to keep tabs of any changes with your health and with your heart. 
2. Now is the time to ditch the nicotine. Research shows that quitting smoking can help reduce the risk for heart disease. Nicotine makes your heart rate and blood pressure skyrocket. The good news is that when you stop smoking, your risk for heart disease and stroke can be cut in half just one year later and continues to decline until it’s as low as a nonsmoker’s risk. 
3. Stress doesn’t just affect your mind, but it also affects your body and your heart health. Stress is your body’s response to change. The body reacts to it by releasing adrenaline (a hormone) that causes your breathing and heart rate to speed up, and your blood pressure to rise. Constant or continuous stress can be harmful to your heart health. Reduce stress with getting enough sleep, taking time to relax, and exercising. 
4. Speaking of exercise, there is probably nothing more that has a bigger impact on heart health than the amount of consistent exercise partake in. Using large muscles of the legs and arms — on most days of the week for 30 to 60 minutes helps your heart work more effi-ciently. Physical activities to improve your strength, flexibility and balance help you stay ag-ile as you age. It’s important to check with your doctor before you begin physical exercise, if it’s been a while since you’ve worked out. 
5. An activity that can be considered exercise this winter is shoveling and for some this could be a dangerous activity for your heart. When shoveling keep these tips in mind - push the snow don’t lift the snow, take your time when shoveling, and take plenty of breaks to give your muscles and your heart time to recover. 
6. The American Heart Association recently developed new dietary guidelines to help us better understand how to eat healthy and help lower our heart disease risk. The guidelines include eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, poultry, fish and nuts, avoid red meat, as well as sugary and processed foods, and avoid foods high in sodium. 

What’s also important to remember is to remember is to ask for help if you need it. Whether that’s shoveling, help around the house, getting a ride to a doctors appointment, or help break-ing a habit. Now is the time to quit unhealthy heart habits and start new ones to help your mind, heart, and body live longer independently. 
​
Emily Lambright is a registered nurse and owner of Embrace Your Health Home Services in the Coldwater/Hillsdale area specializing in diabetes management home care. The business also provides care to those that want to continue residing in their home but need some additional services and assistance, health coaching and lifestyles management for chronic conditions and heart disease. For more information, call 517-439-4119.

CS Lewis was quoted as saying, “You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.” It’s a new year, and a time that many are making resolutions for their health. Have you considered some changes that you could make this year? Don’t give up on your dream of losing weight, eating better, or getting off medications. It’s never too late to adopt healthful hab-its and take charge of your life! 

Dr. Argye Hills, MD director of the cerebrovascular division at Johns Hopkins Medicine surpris-ingly discovered that there is not that much difference between an 18-year-old brain and a 100-year-old brain. Help slow down the aging process with these ideas from Johns Hopkins Medi-cine. 

• Be active more often. Exercise can help prevent dementia, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and some cancers. Increasing the number of steps you take by purchasing an inexpensive pedometer usually equates to more activity. Call a friend and take advantage of the local senior center exercise room, walking indoors at the local track, shopping mall, or larger stores. A goal would be to get active 30 minutes per day. It doesn’t take much and every step you takes can lead a healthier life in your late years. 
• Improve your diet. Eating a balanced diet that’s high in fiber including many fruits and vege-tables and low in meat, sugar and processed food will help your cells function better. When your cells function better your brain and your muscles function better as well. When your muscles and brain function better you’re more likely to reduce risk of falls, memory loss and more, to help you live a longer life. 
• Get quality sleep. Even though quality sleep might get more difficult the older you are, you still need the same hours of sleep. Sleep impacts your memory, emotions, weight and more. According to the National Sleep Foundation, most sleep problems are a result of snoring, medication side effects and underlying medical conditions, such as acid reflux, depression and prostate problems. Addressing those issues with your doctor is a good start. You can also enjoy more satisfying sleep by creating a calming space, dedicating enough time for sleep and practicing relaxation techniques if you’re anxious around bedtime. 
• Stop smoking. A good way to kick the habit is to start exercising around the time you’re most likely to crave. Studies have proven that in as little as 24 hours, a person who has quit smok-ing will reduce their risk of a heart attack by almost half. Figuring out what your triggers might help you come up with a plan to quit. Trying to avoid those triggers could reduce the habit as well. 
• Challenge your brain. Your brain is wired to learn. What new things will you learn this year? Maybe learn to play a new game with your friends, learn a new skill, hobby or craft. It doesn’t matter what you’re doing, as long as you are engaging the brain in new tasks. Mental health is just as important as physical health. 

What can you set your sights on this year? What will help keep you focused on your goal? If you need someone to help keep you accountable, tell a friend or family member your resolution and make sure to write it down. Make this New Year your best! 

Emily Lambright is a registered nurse and owner of Embrace Your Health Home Services serv-ing Brand and Hillsdale counties. We provide care to those who want to continue residing in their home but need some additional services and assistance. For more information, call 517-439-4119.

Are you planning to spend time with your aging family members or parents this holiday season? For those that don’t live close, many may not realize your loved ones are in need of additional help around the house, with their health, etc. Introducing the idea of getting parents some help may be met with some resistance so it’s important to ap-proach the idea with patience and tact. 

Often times a little bit of help in caregiving can go a long way in keeping seniors in their home longer. If you think now is the time to address issues with family members, here are some ideas to consider to start the conversation with your loved one and family members from insideeldercare.com 

* What are the advantages for the senior to having help in the home? This is a good time to talk about the cost difference of moving into an assisted living facility, the bene-fit of staying in their home longer, and the added perk of having one-on-one care. 
* When talking to your aging loved one about the possibility of in-home care, remind them that this will maintain their independence in their home. Talk through scenarios of if they continue to live on their own without help - possibility of mis-management of medications, falls, etc. 
* If their spouse is still residing in the home, remind them how the help might benefit both of them. A caregiver could help with preparing meals, housekeeping, driving, etc. These are all things they may admit to not being able to handle, making them equally beneficial to both parents. 
* According to a recent study by Genworth, 55 percent of Americans say being a burden on their family is their biggest concern regarding long-term care issues. Turn the issue back on you, letting them know how much you worry about them and the financial or physical burden it is on you or rest of the family if you’re currently doing the caregiving. 
* Try to understand what are they afraid of. Is it independence? Financial worries? Feeling out of control? Also, check your own emotions before you start the conversa-tion and choose an appropriate time and place to start the discussion. 
* Another way to work in some respite or peace of mind for your family is to have a caregiving be on a trial basis maybe after a surgery, while you’re on vacation, or just over the winter. This may make them more willing to test the waters with a huge com-mitment. 
* Seeking advice from a professional can also help take off some of the pressure off your or siblings to make a decision for the parent. A primary care physician who the senior knows and trusts can help catapult the idea into a plan. 

It’s important to be sensitive and loving to those who are older and are needing help but having trouble accepting it. If you need help this winter or holiday season making sure your loved one is well-taken care of, be sure to reach out for services and organizations that can provide support for their mental and physical health. The peace of mind will be worth it. 
Emily Lambright is a registered nurse and owner of Embrace Your Health Home Services in the Coldwater/Hillsdale area specializing in diabetes management home care. The business also provides care to those that want to continue residing in their home but need some additional services and assistance, health coaching and lifestyles management for chronic conditions and heart disease. For more information, call 517-439-4119.

According to the National Diabetes Education Program, nearly 29.1 million Americans have diabetes a serious disease in which blood glucose (blood sugar) levels are above nor-mal. Most people with diabetes have type 2, which used to be called adult-onset diabe-tes. At one time, type 2 diabetes was more common in people over age 45. But now more young people, even children, have the disease because many are overweight or obese. 

Diabetes can lead to problems such as heart disease, stroke, vision loss, kidney dis-ease, and nerve damage. One out of four people do not know they have diabetes. Many people do not find out they have diabetes until they are faced with problems such as blurry vision or heart trouble. That’s why you need to know if you are at risk for diabetes. 

An estimated 86 million Americans over age 20 have prediabetes Before people devel-op type 2 diabetes, they usually have “prediabetes”—that means their blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be called diabetes. People with prediabetes are more likely to develop diabetes within 10 years and they are more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. 

Diabetes prevention is proven, possible, and powerful. Studies show that people at high risk for diabetes can prevent or delay the onset of the disease by losing 5 to 7 percent of their weight, if they are overweight—that’s 10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person. Two keys to success: 
* Get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity five days a week. 
* Eat a variety of foods that are low in fat and reduce the number of calories you eat per day.+ 

In other words, it’s not all that difficult to prevent diabetes. 
Have you wondered or possibly been told that you are at risk for developing diabetes or that you have prediabetes? If you haven’t already done so, be sure to talk with your health care team about your risk and whether you should be tested. 

Emily Lambright is a registered nurse and owner of Embrace Your Health Home Services in the Coldwater/Hillsdale area specializing in diabetes management home care. The business also provides care to those that want to continue residing in their home but need some additional services and assistance, health coaching and lifestyles management for chronic conditions and heart disease. For more information, call 517-439-4119.

As the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler, it’s important to remember about the slippery con-ditions ahead this winter. Although falls don’t just happen outside your home, they also happen in your home but many of them can be prevented with some simple steps. 

According to the National Council on Aging, while falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injury for people 65 years of age and older, they are not an inevitable part of aging. Studies show that a combination of behavior changes can significantly reduce falls among older adults. Experts recommend: 
* Participating in a physical activity regimen with balance, strength training, and flexibility compo-nents. 
* Consulting with a health professional about getting a fall risk assessment. 
* Having medications reviewed periodically. 
* Getting eyes and ears checked annually. 
* Making sure the home environment is safe and supportive. 

Helping area seniors to avoid falls, the H&C Burnside Senior Center in Coldwater is currently leading a Matter of Balance class. A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls is a program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. 

Some suggestions to reduce falls include: 
* Clear away items on the floor in high traffic areas that could cause a potential fall including cords, magazine racks, and rugs that don’t have slip resistant backing. 
* Keep your rooms brightly lit, especially a light next to your bed within reach. 
* If you don’t have them, consider assistive devices to help you including handrails in the tub, shower, by the toilet, and by stairs. 
* Wear properly fitting shoes with non-skid soles. 
* A little bit of physical activity can go a long way to increasing your balance. Taking daily walks to strengthen your core will help you should a fall happen. 

Many older adults experience a fear of falling. People who develop this fear often limit their activities, which can result in physical weakness, making the risk of falling even greater. Make strides this fall, to avoid a fall. A little bit of prevention can help you stay happy and healthy in your home longer. 

Emily Lambright is a registered nurse and owner of Embrace Your Health Home Services in the Coldwa-ter/Hillsdale area providing care to those that want to continue residing in their home but need some additional services and assistance. Embrace Your Health specializes in diabetes home care, health coaching and lifestyles management for chronic conditions and heart disease. For more information, call 517-439-4119.