TOP TIPS FOR YOUR HEALTH & WELLNESS

Use these tips to communicate more effectively with a loved one who is living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

By Edith Gendron

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is on the rise. All forms, from classic to late onset to young onset (which has seen an 83% increase between 2013 and 2017), drain family resources, energy and, all too often, joy.

At this time, there is no meaningful treatment for AD. There are, however, any number of interventions that assist caregivers for the persons living with AD (PLwAD) with maintaining a peaceful atmosphere that fosters the sense of well-being for both the person and the caregiver. The voyage isn’t without rough waters, but it can be a voyage that brings joy and hopefulness to all involved.

Working with a PLwAD is a complex situation that cannot be fully addressed in one article. Highlights of maintaining that crucial peacefulness include understanding that this is a progressive disease. What’s happening today will change - maybe as early as tomorrow. What works today to help the person be successful and feel secure will change over time. Interventions that are attempted should not be given up on too soon. Keep trying, gently and with small adjustments to your approach.

There are several key highlights for maintaining a serene atmosphere. This includes communication, understanding how to identify and reduce anxiety, providing purposeful tasks and activities, and having a skilled team of professionals who the caregiver can call on for help.

Never argue with the PLwAD. It will do no good and almost always results in escalation of anxiety and confusion. Step into the person’s version of reality and work to understand their concerns.

Often, the PLwAD will think the caregiver has taken something of theirs. If you thought someone stole your wallet, you would be upset, too! Acknowledge that and offer to help look for it. Consider having duplicates or triplicates of the exact same item that seems to get lost. Instilling a routine can help, too. Always place wallets and other items (shoes, bags, etc.) in the same place.

Reassure, don’t lecture. Talk about what the person does remember instead of “reminding.” Anxiety fuels the confusion that is always present in PLwAD, so speak in a way that eases the anxiety. The PLwAD will use the language in the way they understand it. Speak clearly and simply, using a tone of voice that is kind.

As the PLwAD’s brain changes, their abilities will change, and they will need more help to accomplish the daily tasks of living. Lay out clothing, talk the person through a task, understand when a given task is too complicated and break it down into simpler steps.

Caregivers are at real risk for developing illnesses themselves. As many as 60% of caregivers end up dying before the person they care for. Remember to take time for yourself every single day. Get enough sleep, exercise and eat a plant-laden, nutrient-dense diet. Care for yourself as carefully as you do your person.

Alzheimer’s disease is a complex voyage that cannot and should not be navigated alone.

Courtesy of American Cancer Society

Following the devastating news of the death of the world’s beloved Black Panther, Chadwick Boseman, from colorectal cancer, many were left asking why — and how. What most don’t know is that Boseman sat at the intersection of where colorectal cancer rates are among the highest and rising the fastest. He was a young man. And he was a Black man.

Among the highest rates of colorectal cancer of any ethnic group in the U.S., African Americans are 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and 40% more likely to die from it. Black men have the highest incidence rate. In addition, rates of colorectal cancer in younger age groups is rising. In 2020, 12% of cases will be diagnosed in people under 50 — about 18,000 cases. Since the mid1980s, adults age 20-39 have experienced the steepest increase in colorectal cancer rates.

The American Cancer Society recommends those with average risk begin regular screening at age 45. Those with higher risk should consider — with their physician — earlier screening. Higher risk factors include:

• Family or personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps • Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or

Crohn’s disease) • Known family history of a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (also known as hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer) • Personal history of radiation to the abdomen or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer

Anyone with concerning gastro-intestinal symptoms, such as a change in bowel habits that lasts for more than a few days, rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, cramping or abdominal pain, weakness and fatigue, or unintended weight loss, should consult with their doctor.

Screening can prevent colorectal cancer by finding and removing growth, called polyps, in the colon and rectum before they become cancer. It can also find colorectal cancer early, when it’s small, hasn’t spread and may be easier to treat. When found early, the five-year relative survival rate is 90%.

Courtesy of Healthy West Orange

For those who like to get outdoors, stretch their legs and burn some calories, the Florida heat can be a serious challenge. We’ve got some rules of the road to help you create an exercise routine that will keep you safe, motivated and cool as a cucumber.

Unless you’re conditioning for an event that takes place in the daytime heat, avoid exercising from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — the hottest part of day. Exercise outside in the early morning to avoid the heat and the harmful rays of the sun while crushing your workout. If you’re getting a move on at night, wear bright clothing, move with/against traffic (depending on the exercise) and wear reflectors or lights on your hat, torso or ankles.

2. Stay Hydrated: Before you go out, drink a glass or two of water. Bring a water bottle with you, or even a hydration pack, and take a drink every 15 minutes - even when you’re not thirsty. If you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated!

When you’re done with your workout, cool down with a few more glasses of water.

3. Dress for the Occasion: Wear breathable, light-colored clothing. It helps reflect heat, increase your visibility to motorists, and moisture-wicking material helps with sweat. Don’t forget to protect your melon, too! Wear a hat to protect your head, face and neck from the sun or a bike helmet with a sun visor if you’re putting the pedal to the metal.

4. Stay in the Shade: If you can, choose shaded trails or pathways to stay out of the sun. The West Orange Trail is a great spot to walk, run and ride bikes under shady trees.

5. Listen to Your Body: If you’re feeling dizzy, nauseous or faint, stop immediately. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are real dangers and can happen to anyone.

By Mark Ossi, OD, Community Health Centers, Inc.

Today’s kids are growing up in an evolving world that revolves around computers. Add the current pandemic, and it’s no surprise surveys reveal that screen time, as reported by parents, has gone up 5-fold between pre-pandemic and now.

When we look at something up-close, the eye muscles contract to bring that object into focus. This “focusing power” is called accommodation. The issue of eyestrain arises when that accommodation system is put under continual stress associated with extended screen time.

With time, the eye muscles fatigue and lose their ability to function optimally, leading to headaches, blurry vision and sore eyes. In children, these complaints can easily be overlooked, especially when a basic visual acuity exam determines the child is 20/20 and the provider doesn’t do additional supplementary testing. Under these circumstances, a child could benefit from a pair of prescription reading glasses.

The blue light emitted by screens plays a significant role in sleep. It suppresses the release of melatonin, a hormone that orchestrates the circadian rhythm. In the pediatric population, sleep is especially crucial given the role it plays in the development of the child cognitively and physically.

There are several methods to combat the potential sleep disruption of blue light. The most obvious is limiting screen time before bed, preferably discontinuing use at least two hours before bedtime. A second method is incorporating “blue-blocking” lenses in glasses. They filter the amount of blue light that is transmitted through the lenses of the glasses, reducing exposure and sleep disruption. Another alternative is installing apps on your child’s electronic device that act as a blueblocking filter. Lastly, the increasing role of electronics in children’s lives is increasing the prevalence of dry eyes. Studies have shown electronic use decreases the amount of blinking we do. Because the blinking mechanism is connected to our tear film, reduced blinking causes tear film instability and dry eyes. This leads to a cascade of events that promote inflammation on the surface of the eyes, manifesting in a variety of symptoms such as burning, itching, redness, tearing and fluctuating vision. Whether we like it or not, electronics have become a big part of our children’s lives. If your child complains of any of the symptoms discussed, or you notice a decline in school performance when transitioning to electronic learning, consider seeing an eye doctor for further testing that may help alleviate possible eyestrain linked to prolong screen time.