Plaza Medical Center

Home Safety Tips for Alzheimer’s Patients

laicos — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:56:20 +0000

Family members with Alzheimer's can remain safely at home with these tips.

As Alzheimer's progresses in a patient, the typical home environment will become more difficult to navigate. If you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's, you may be wondering what you can do to make your living situation as safe as possible for as long as possible. These tips can get you started.

Think Ahead
The National Institute on Aging recommends that caregivers not only consider past behaviors, but that they also make an effort to predict future behaviors and problems. Just because something hasn't happened yet, doesn't mean it won't happen in the future. Stay one step ahead when you consider the safety of your home.

Create Boundaries
Some areas of the house may need to be locked off. This will help you focus on just a few rooms. Out-of-bounds areas may include garages, attics, basements, storage rooms, and unused bedrooms.

Check Your Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers
If the worst case scenario occurs, is your house ready for a disaster? The Alzheimer's Association warns caregivers not to forget to change the batteries and test your equipment.

Look for Potential Fall Hazards
Exposed cables, loose rugs, and unstable furniture could all lead to accidents with an Alzheimer's patient. Clean up any clutter and rearrange rooms to create plenty of walking space.

Keep Harmful Substances Locked Away
You'll need to poison-proof your house, just as you would if young children were living with you. Find secure locations, preferably with a lock, to store alcohol, cleaning fluids, and other chemicals.

Are you a caregiver for an Alzheimer's patient? Learn more about the Neuroscience Center and the rehabilitative services at Plaza Medical Center. Find a doctor with us today by calling 1-855-80PLAZA for a physician referral.

Five Smart Health Habits for Men

laicos — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 11:56:10 +0000

Celebrate National Men's Health Week by starting some good-for-you habits.

As you age, are you finding you have a few more pounds or a little less energy than you did when you were younger? In honor of National Men’s Health Week, here are five ways in which you can be a healthier man, and perhaps add years to your life and life to your years.

1. Wash your hands. See, healthy habits don't have to be hard. Proper handwashing, plain and simple, can cut down on germs and sickness.

2. Eat a balanced diet. Practice moderation, not deprivation, and pay attention to portion control. Make healthy food choices at least most of the time. Some easy substitutions include opting for low-fat dairy products instead of their full-fat equivalents, whole-grain products instead of those made with refined grains, and lean meats or fish instead of fatty and/or processed products.

3. Watch what you drink. Keep an eye on calories, caffeine and alcohol. In excess, they can be detrimental to your health.

4. Get moving. Regular exercise can provide both mental and physical benefits ranging from reducing your risk of an array of diseases to increasing the odds of you living longer.

5. See your doctor for routine check-ups, preventative screenings, recommended follow-ups and answers to health-related questions. Depending on your age, discuss health screening guidelines for men age 18 to 39, age 40 to 64, or 65 and older. Remember, prevention is the best medicine. And know that your doctor has likely heard it all, don't let the fact that your question is embarrassing keep you from asking it.

To learn more about practicing healthy habits or to schedule preventative health screenings, talk with your doctor. If you need help finding a doctor, use our online Find a Physician service or call us at 1-855-80PLAZA for a physician referral.

Senior Safety in the Heat

laicos — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 11:57:25 +0000

Seniors can be especially susceptible to the heat and should take safety precautions seriously.

Most of the nearly 200 people who die in this country each summer due to health problems caused by high temperatures and humidity are 50 or older, according to the American Geriatrics Society. Seniors are less likely to notice the heat, less apt to feel thirsty, more likely to become dehydrated and slower to cool down than younger people. For all these reasons, it's important to take heat safety seriously.

• Avoid being outside for an extended period of time if the temperature is above 90 degrees. In Texas, it's not unusual to see temperatures above 90, even hitting triple digits. Instead, plan to be in an air-conditioned indoor environment.

• When you are outdoors, follow the advice of the American Academy of Dermatology and generously apply a water resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen that has a sun protection factor of at least 30.

• Heed the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and drink alcohol-free and caffeine-free fluids even before you begin to feel thirsty. Talk to your doctor about just how much you should drink if he or she has recommended you take water pills.

• Know the signs of heat-related illness such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and remember that if you're 65 or older, you're at an increased risk of suffering from these conditions. If you experience fever, nausea, fainting, difficulty breathing, headache, confusion or muscle cramps, seek immediate medical attention.

At Plaza Medical Center of Fort Worth, living long and living well is important to us. Learn about our Plaza Senior Health Clinic online or call us at (817) 259-4333 for more information. If you would like a physician referral, dial 1-855-80PLAZA.

How Does the Sodium in My Diet Affect My Blood Pressure

laicos — Mon, 27 May 2013 11:56:56 +0000

If you understand the link between sodium and blood pressure, you'll understand why it's important to make healthy dietary choices.

Chances are you pay attention to calories and maybe even fat, but do you keep an eye on the sodium in your diet? In honor of National High Blood Pressure Education Month, here's the scoop on how sodium affects your wellbeing, specifically your blood pressure, and how to be sure you're eating healthy.

The Link Between Sodium and Blood Pressure
According to the American Heart Association, sodium can cause the body to retain fluid, which makes the heart work harder and increases blood pressure. When you consume more sodium than your kidneys can process, the excess can remain in the body and elevate your blood pressure level. High blood pressure raises your risk for heart disease, heart attack, stroke and more.

A Healthy Diet
The current Dietary Guidelines for Americans advise people to consume less sodium.The American Heart Association recommends eating less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day. If you suffer from high blood pressure, your doctor may even suggest you follow the DASH diet. But how do you curb your sodium consumption? Read the Nutrition Facts Label on packaged foods and beverages to check sodium content. Look for low-sodium varieties of soups, sauces and other foods that are often high in sodium. Check restaurant menus for nutrition information and order reduced-sodium options when available. Pay attention to portion sizes. And limit your use of the salt shaker when cooking and at the table.

Learn more about how to maintain a healthy blood pressure by reading Plaza Medical Center of Fort Worth's online health information page. If you'd like help finding a doctor to speak with, use our online Find a Physician service or call 1-855-80PLAZA for a physician referral.

Do I Have Arthritis?

laicos — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:57:58 +0000

Are your joints not moving the way they used to? You may be experiencing the beginning signs of arthritis.

As you age, your body may begin to experience aches and pains you weren't accustomed to in your youth. If those pains begin to rule your life, you may be wondering, "Is this normal?" Arthritis is a common source of pain among middle-aged and senior patients, and some children even experience juvenile arthritis. You may be struggling with arthritis if you notice the following symptoms:

Pain in your joints – The number one sign of arthritis is painful joints. This pain might be chronic, or it might be triggered regularly by overuse or immobility.
Joints that struggle to move – If your range of motion has become limited in certain joints, you could have arthritis.
Joints that become stiff while immobile – According to the New York Times Health Guide, the most uncomfortable moment for many arthritis patients is getting out of bed. A night of inactivity tends to leave joints stiff and uncooperative.
Swollen joints – You may notice puffiness around a tender joint if you have arthritis.
Red skin around the joints – Arthritis patients may notice that their skin becomes red and irritated around their joints.

Diagnosis
If you have experienced any of the above symptoms, the Arthritis Foundation recommends you see your doctor. Starting treatment early can preserve your joint health and prevent you from needing joint replacement surgery later in life. Your doctor can assess your situation and give you an official diagnosis. His examination may include blood samples, joint fluid samples, X-rays, ultrasounds, or an arthroscopy.

The Joint Center of Forth Worth at Plaza can help you find relief from your arthritis symptoms. Learn more about your options at our website, or call us at 1-855-80PLAZA for a physician referral.

Understanding the Link Between Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke

laicos — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:57:37 +0000

Atrial fibrillation can play an important part in stroke prevention.

Atrial fibrillation and stroke—while you've heard the terms before, how much do you truly understand about their link? In honor of National Stroke Awareness Month, here's some information to help you to both put the pieces together and live healthy .

The Link
Atrial fibrillation is the most common form of irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia. The atria, or upper chambers of the heart, don't beat normally and blood moves more slowly as a result, sometimes to the point that it forms a pool. This increases the likelihood of blood clotting, which raises the risk of suffering a stroke.

What You Can Do
The American Heart Association estimates that between 15 and 20 percent of the people who suffer a stroke have atrial fibrillation, and advises that treatment as a form of preventative medicine is important. The goal of treatment is to regain a regular heartbeat while caring for any contributing health issues.

Treatment
The right course of treatment for you depends on your specific circumstances. Sometimes atrial fibrillation can be controlled through lifestyle choices such as eating a balanced diet, maintaining an appropriate weight, exercising, monitoring alcohol and caffeine intake, or quitting smoking. In other instances, prescription blood thinning medication or a procedure such as cardioversion, cardiac ablation or Maze to surgically address the problems of the heart my be required.

Want to learn more? Find information about atrial fibrillation and stroke in our online Health Information. If you need to find a doctor, use our online Find a Physician service or call 1-855-80PLAZA for a physician referral.

Do I Need a Skin Cancer Screening?

laicos — Mon, 06 May 2013 11:57:26 +0000

Scheduling a skin cancer screening is an important aspect of prevention and healthy living.

May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, which is a good time to consider the value of a skin cancer screening. Take a look at the facts below and think about whether you should visit your doctor for a check up.

• The American Academy of Dermatology’s ”SPOT Skin Cancer” campaign advises “prevent, detect, live” in regard to skin cancer. Even if you practice prevention—avoiding sun especially in the heat of the day, covering up and wearing sunscreen—it’s still recommended that you get a skin cancer screening as a means of monitoring the health of your skin and detecting any possible problems.

• The American Cancer Society recommends that people 20 years of age or older should have cancer related check-ups, including an exam for skin cancer.

• While doing self-exams and using a body map are important, research shows that even if you do, physicians are more likely to spot melanoma and other skin cancer and to detect it at an earlier stage. Considering some skin cancers are fast-growing and life-threatening, this is especially important.

• An increased risk of skin cancer means it’s even more important to be screened. Risk factors include:

Spending a lot of time outdoors without wearing sunscreen
Having fair skin
Being male
Being older
Having had a blistering sunburn in the past
Using a sunlamp or tanning booth

Be aware of any changes in your skin and always wear sunscreen outdoors. Contact your doctor or dermatologist to discuss when you should schedule a skin cancer screening. If you need to find a doctor, use our online Find a Physician service or call us at 1-855-80PLAZA for a physician referral.

When Your Cancer Is in Remission: Health Tips and Suggestions

laicos — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:57:42 +0000

Remission offers a good opportunity to focus on your overall heath and wellbeing.

Do you find yourself wondering how to stay healthy or what to do now that your cancer is in remission? Here are some health tips and suggestions to help rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit.

Body
Cancer treatments can take a toll on your body and side effects such as fatigue can linger long after treatment is over. Use remission as a time to rest and regain strength. Perhaps your body needs to heal, or maybe you need to gain weight. Make eating a healthy diet, partaking in physical activity and getting quality sleep some of your priorities.

Mind
Remission can be stressful if you are constantly worrying about if or when your cancer might reemerge. Consider practicing meditation, doing yoga and meeting with a mental health counselor as a means of managing any anxiety you may have. And be sure to keep all follow-up appointments with your oncologist and other doctors so that they can monitor your health and wellbeing.

Spirit
While being treated for cancer, you may have found that you didn't have the desire or energy to take part in social events. Your spirit may be renewed by surrounding yourself with not only family and friends, but also by joining a support group. A cancer survivors' support group can be a valuable resource for the exchange of information and ideas and the emotional support of others who have experiences not unlike your own.

To learn more about living with cancer in remission, talk with your doctor, or read about our Oncology services online. If you need to find a doctor, use our online Find a Physician service or call us at 1-855-80PLAZA for a physician referral.

Meningitis Prevention Tips

laicos — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:03:06 +0000

Vaccines can prevent the most serious type of meningitis.

April 24 is World Meningitis Day, an opportunity to raise awareness and prompt preventative action in regard to the five forms of meningitis. Bacterial meningitis, the most common and the most extreme form, is the cause of death for approximately 170,000 around the world each year. The signs of meningitis can be easily overlooked in the early stages, symptoms can be very similar to the flu, however meningitis is considered a medical emergency.

Bacterial Meningitis
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises completing the recommended vaccine schedule in order to prevent bacterial meningitis. It includes vaccinating certain children between the ages of 9 months and 10 years who are at high risk for contracting meningitis. Children between the ages of 11 and 12 should be vaccinated and receive a booster dose at age 16. Bacterial meningitis is a serious disease that often causes lasting health concerns such as brain damage, learning disabilities and hearing impairment.

Other Forms of Meningitis
There are no vaccines available as a means of preventing viral meningitis, fungal meningitis, parasitic meningitis or non-infectious meningitis. The CDC advises doing several things in an effort to reduce your risk of contracting these types of the disease. Wash your hands well and often, and practice good hygiene habits. Avoid soil and other such substances that may contain fungus. Avoid water-related activities that involve warm, untreated or poorly-treated water.

Visit our online health library to learn more about bacterial meningitis. If you would like to schedule an appointment for a vaccine or if you would just like helping finding a doctor to speak with, use our online Find a Physician service or call 1-855-80PLAZA for a physician referral.

How To Reduce Driving Distractions

laicos — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:57:34 +0000

Part of being a safe driver is learning how to reduce driving distractions.

Are you a safe driver? You obey the speed limit and other rules of the road, but it's also important to know how to reduce driving distractions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than nine people are killed and more than 1,060 are injured daily in accidents involving a distracted driver. In honor of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, here's how you can reduce distractions while on the road.

• Inform family and friends that you'll be behind the wheel. Let those who may be most apt to call or text you know that you will be driving and unable to talk or text until you reach your destination.

• Leave your phone out of reach. If your phone is in the back seat, you'll be unable to use it no matter how tempting. Also note that using Bluetooth options to talk hands-free doesn't eliminate distraction and that it's wiser to not talk on the phone at all while driving.

• Keep kids entertained. Set drinks, snacks, books and such in easy reach of your kids so that if they need something, it won't require your assistance.

• Make adjustments prior to getting on the road. If need be, adjust your seat, mirrors, radio and temperature controls before beginning to drive.

• Focus on the road. Don't eat, apply makeup, read or otherwise try to multitask while behind the wheel.

• Pledge to drive cell free. A promise is something you'll want to keep.

If you have any health concerns before you travel, talk with your doctor. For help finding a doctor to speak with, use our online Find a Physician service or call us for a physician referral at 1-855-80PLAZA.