December 1, 2017
PATIENT POWER Health Insights for Seniors, Loved Ones and Caregivers
Buy Safe Toys/Gifts You don’t want a loved one to get hurt with their holiday gifts. For older adults, make sure it’s things that arthritic fingers can open/press and their vision will enjoy. For the kids in your life, fight hearing loss with gifts that aren’t too loud. Also have no small parts shooting around.
Don’t Fall! Did you know over 30,000 die from falls yearly? Take as many measures as you can to prevent them. Make sure walkways are cleaned and iced as needed. Don’t trip on new tools. Use a tool belt, especially when you’re climbing ladders. (And watch out for those!)
Honor the Disabled ….with help. Start on Dec. 3rd (Int’l Day of Persons with Disabilities) and continue to do it year ‘round. Go sing at Alzheimer’s homes; see if those nearby (that you know you can handle) need transport to docs, shopping, etc.
Patient Power
photo: odd harmonic on Flickr.com
When Did U Last Check Your Driving? I mean your skills, not your car. Although as you read you’ll find car checks are needed as you age…ones that aren’t part of regular maintenance. Here are some quick checkpoints and tips for making sure you and others are safe while you drive. Oh…and before you start reading this, make sure you don’t “pooh-pooh” any of it as not applying to you (or older loved ones). Check on Medicines Automobile Association of American (AAA) notes that “eight out of 10…drivers age 65 and older take medications on a regular basis.” And that doesn’t include OTC meds you may be gobbling. So it’s critical to find out which meds (alone or in combo) could be affecting driving. WM Medical Communications
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