The word “calories” has 8 letters, twice as many letters as a 4 letter word. Now that I have you counting the letters (I know you are) let’s talk about counting calories instead! The average American adult has tried more than one weight-reduction plan in their lifetime, most of us have tried many different plans, some successful, some not so …
As we continue this long, tedious journey we call “the pandemic”, we are faced with another wrinkle! Remember all of those pretty, decorative, facemasks we made at home and shared with everyone we loved, to “keep them safe”? Well, it turns out these masks are just that, “pretty and decorative” but technically provide little to no protection against the SARS …
If you had told me in February of 2020 that in January of 2022 we would still be soldiering through the COVID pandemic I would have laughed at you. Well, not laughing now, are you? It seems totally crazy to me that we are fighting an invisible threat that is similar to the video games my grandsons play. When we …
We all know the negative impact of isolation on seniors living in our communities, but I had never heard it referred to as “confinement syndrome”. In an article published in JAMDA, that is the term used to describe the signs of depression, isolation, delirium, decreased cognitive awareness, etc. that our residents have experienced since the beginning of the pandemic. If …
We have all read articles on the value of using ultraviolet lights during the cold, winter months to improve mood in people with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). I read an interesting study on how a phototherapy device may improve memory in middle-aged individuals. The study found that the participants who wore a special helmet had significant improvement in motor function, …
I remember as a kid, aspirin was the only medication available for pretty much everything from fever, sore throat, headache, you name it. Yes, I am old but seriously, it was often referred to as a “miracle drug”. Of course, I always asked questions about pretty much everything, including “how does the medicine know where to go” when I would …
As if the COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t enough, we chuckle about the COVID-19 weight gain and still mask up when we are in crowds. Now scientists have found that the virus attacks fat tissue (I prefer the term adipose tissue)! Seriously? What science has found is that not only does the virus attack fat cells, but it can also create an …
The subject of liability insurance for nurse practitioners (NPs) was discussed in a recent article published in Medscape. This article brought up two key points in insurance considerations for NPs working as an RN that the NP and the facility should consider. First, is the NP an employee or an independent contractor? In senior living, most nurses are hired as …
Flu season is upon us, we are hearing of flu outbreaks around the country and that the virus is somewhat more virulent this year! The CDC recommends that adults over the age of 18 receive a COVID-19 booster ALONG WITH their annual flu vaccine. Makes sense, right? A one-stop-shop, a poke in each arm and you are armed to fight …
As we get through the holidays, new and virulent variants of the COVID-19 virus are striking all over the world. Additionally, influenza is beginning to show up and appears to be very contagious and debilitating. So, what are we to do? How do we enjoy our families, while staying safe? According to the CDC, vaccination is the only way to …
