Avoid Getting a Bad Cold or Flu

Ask A Question

Carol A. Wood, BS, RN, NHA, CFN, CHA

President/CEO

Ramona Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice

 

Question: How can I avoid getting a bad cold or the flu?

Answer: As described by our Medical Director in 2010, viral infections, including the common cold and the flu, occur when viral particles come in contact with your eyes, mouth, nose, or lungs. This usually occurs through contact with droplets in the air which are created when infected people cough or sneeze. In addition to direct contact with airborne droplets, infections can be transmitted by the hands. When infected hands come in contact with the mouth, nose or eyes, you greatly increase the risk of infection by spreading the viral particles to areas where they can gain entrance into your body.

Although the flu shot protects against the three most severe strains of the flu each season, it offers no immunity against the common cold or the myriad of other viral illnesses we encounter each winter. Antibiotics are not effective against colds or most viral illnesses; but there are several practical things you can do to reduce your risk of catching a cold or the flu.

There are numerous cold remedies that people take to treat colds and the flu including Vitamin C, Zinc and herbal products such as Echinacea. These products have been studied extensively but it remains unclear as to whether or not they are effective in treating colds or the flu. In addition to these remedies, there are many over the counter products available to provide relief of symptoms such as body aches, fever and nasal congestion. Because many of these products may interact with prescription medications or produce unwanted side effects, I suggest you talk with your doctor to decide which products are safe to use.

Here are some very effective strategies you can use to decrease the chances of contracting or spreading viral illnesses:

• Use tissue to cover your face when sneezing
• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Use hand sanitizer often during flu season
• Avoid hand to nose, mouth, or eye contact
• Avoid contact with people who are infected
• Get plenty of rest, exercise, and good nutrition to maintain a healthy immune system

If you need help with any general health related issues please contact our HELP line at 1-888-983-5337; or visit us on the web at www.help4elders.info.

Social Support Activities Lead to Better Quality of Life As One Ages

How important is social support as a person ages? This may seem like an easy question to answer. Most people would not choose isolation and loneliness versus spending time with companions. However, can lack of social support really hinder a person’s overall quality of life?

Lack of social support is related to negative impacts on health and well being, especially for older people. Having a variety of positive social supports can contribute to psychological and physical wellness of elderly individuals. Support from others can be important in reducing stress, increasing physical health and defeating psychological problems such as depression and anxiety.

When considering who provides social support for an elderly individual our first thoughts are of family members. While it is true that most support does come from family members, there are many circumstances in which family members cannot be supportive (stress due to responsibilities, illness, death, financial problems, job relocation). In the United States the fastest growing age group of individuals are those 85 years and older. Due to this fact, family supports will inevitable decrease for these older individuals. A need for community-based services is more important now then ever before.

Community-based services can be extremely useful for elderly individuals. Services for older persons can encompass many areas, but one of the most important areas as discussed previously is social support. Support for elderly persons can be found in many places including: senior centers, assisted living facilities, meal delivery, religious affiliations, adult day care centers, etc. These services can provide positive social supports that can help older persons defeat loneliness and isolation. However, social support must encompass more then physical presence or conversation. Studies have shown that social support services should contain quality activities. These activities should promote positive self-awareness.

Self-awareness is key to a person’s overall quality of life and satisfaction. Many leisure social activities can be used to help increase an individual’s self-awareness. Activities for elderly individuals may include reminiscence groups, journal writing, readings of favorite book passages, group exercise, singing groups, etc. Individuals may also feel more self-satisfied if they are part of the planning of social activities that take place.

Two of these community-based service centers that provide quality social support services for elderly individuals are discussed below.

Senior Citizen Centers

Today, there are estimated to be about 15,000 senior centers across the United States. Senior centers act as a focal point for older Americans to receive many aging services. The most common services offered at a senior center include health programs (including Zumba and Yoga), arts/humanities activities, intergenerational programs, employment assistance, community action opportunities, transportation services, volunteer opportunities, education opportunities, financial assistance, senior rights counseling/legal services, travel programs and meal programs. These programs and activities can help promote positive self-awareness.

Lori Beckle describes how participating in her local senior citizens center has given her the independence and life satisfaction she thought was lost when her husband died in 2009. “ I was devastated and so frightened for my future without Ed. He was my only friend and the one I turned to when I felt alone. My daughter invited me to attend our local senior center where a bereavement group was being held for those who had lost a loved one. I met Phyllis during the group and now I have a new friend I call when I become afraid. Phyllis has helped me develop the skills to get through the tough times and focus on my immediate happiness.”

Adult Day Care Centers

According to the National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA), there are currently more than 4,600 adult day care centers nationwide. Adult day care is a program in which activities are provided to promote social support and health services to an older adult during the daytime. Most centers operate Monday through Friday during daytime hours. Social support services at an adult day care can consist of musical entertainment and singing groups, group games such as cards, gentle exercise, discussion groups (books, films, current events), holiday/birthday celebrations and local outings. Not only are these social activities provided, but participants of the program can also develop lasting relationships with staff and other participants. Adult day care centers also provide meals and health services. Adult day care centers differ from other programs for elderly individuals, because they allow the participants to develop and increase self-awareness by encouraging independence.

Amanda describes her experience as a volunteer at her local adult day care center. She stated, “ I was involved in planning the activities for Thursday afternoons. I wasn’t sure what kind of activities my older friends would enjoy so I had them share their favorite activities they participated in when they were my age (23). I soon realized that I was hearing the most fascinating stories of hopping trains, college dances, swimming in the lake, etc We decided Thursday afternoons would be spotlights of each individuals’ lives as a twenty-something. One of the participants told me that Thursdays became a highlight for her week.”

Adult Day Care Centers and Senior Citizen Centers help to provide an elderly individual the opportunity to participate in social support activities. Social support activities found in these programs can be beneficial to a person’s quality of life and overall satisfaction. With a higher self-awareness and quality of life an individual can reduce the risks of mental and physical health problems as they age.

About Diabetic Neuropathy

Ask the Doctor
Leslee B. Cochrane, MD.
Medical Director

Ramona Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice

Question: “I have had a terrible burning pain in both of my feet that started several months ago. At first, I thought it was because my shoes were too tight but I replaced my shoes and the burning pain has continued. Other than having diabetes which is well controlled with pills, I am in good condition. What do you think may be causing my problem?”

Answer: The burning sensation in your feet could be due to a number of factors; but given your history of diabetes it is possible you may be suffering from a condition called diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes can cause damage to nerves anywhere in the body; but the longer nerves travelling to your feet are particularly susceptible to damage from diabetes. Neuropathy occurs when the small blood vessels that supply the nerves are damaged as a result of long standing diabetes. This typically results in a variety of symptoms including numbness, tingling, and pain typically described as burning or shooting.

Keeping your diabetes under good control is important in preventing and treating neuropathy. The severity of neuropathy usually correlates with the degree of blood sugar control, the higher the sugar – the more severe the neuropathy. Other risk factors for neuropathy include age, smoking, elevated cholesterol and hypertension. Certain blood pressure medications such as enalapril (an ACE inhibitor) can help improve the blood flow to the small blood vessels surrounding the nerves and thereby slow the progression of the neuropathy.

There are several nutritional supplements and medications that are also helpful in treating the burning and shooting pain associated with neuropathy. Methylcobalamin, a form of vitamin B12, has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of neuropathy as has α-lipoic acid, an anti-oxidant. Some commonly used prescription medications to treat neuropathic pain include the tricyclic anti-depressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil) and anti-epileptic drugs such as gabapentin (Neurontin). These types of medicines are typically used in combination with typical analgesics such as vicodin and morphine when the pain is severe.

Patients with neuropathy are susceptible to a variety of complications such as hammertoes and ulcers. You should visit with your doctor and have your condition evaluated to determine the most appropriate treatment. If you have neuropathy, early intervention can help preserve function and prevent complications such as wounds or diabetic ulcers. Special socks and shoes designed to protect the feet from ulcers are also an important treatment consideration.

Although I have sometimes been known to put my foot in my mouth, I don’t recommend this method for treating diabetic neuropathy. If you need help with any general health related issues please contact our HELP line at 1-888-983-5337; or visit us on the web at www.help4elders.info. If you would like to submit a question please contact Jennifer Trebler at jtrebler@ramonavna.org.

Elderly Parents Spending Too Much?

Elder Law Office of George F. Dickerman
Attorney and Counselor at Law
3879 Brockton Avenue
Riverside, California 92501
(951) 788-2156
www.elder-law-advocate.com

Elder Law Newsletter

Elderly Parents Spending Too Much?

"It's none of your *#!* business how I spend my money ... it's my money and you're only trying to protect your inheritance!"

Well ... this may be the reaction when an adult child tries to tell their parent that they're spending too much money.

It's true, it is their money, but sometimes impulsive spending can ruin the elder's chance to retire with some financial security.

If that's their reaction, then logic and pleading probably isn't going to convince them otherwise. The adult child is too close to the situation, and it may require some outside counsel from a trusted friend, financial advisor, member of the clergy, or some other trusted individual.

These possible intervenors should have nothing to gain by offering their advice, and the aged parent might be more inclined to accept their opinion.

Is the over-spending problem due simply to fiscal irresponsibility, or because of diminished mental capacity? If the former, there may be no remedy available if logic and persuasion don't work. I heard a judge once say ... "If bad decisions were a crime, we'd all be in jail".

If the problem stems from diminished mental capacity, then the remedy may be a conservatorship over the parent's estate. However, this should be an avenue of last resort. It's time consuming, costly, and stressful. An unsuccessful attempt to establish a conservatorship would likely lead to a long-term alienation between the parent and child.

Remember the saying: "No good deed goes unpunished".

There's no "one size fits all" solution when trying to protect an elderly parent from spending too much money. The approach, and remedy, depend on their willingness to accept advice, the state of their mental capacity, and the willingness of the adult child to step in and become involved.