It seems like we hear a lot about new and innovative ways to detect early, asymptomatic dementias like Alzheimer’s disease but to date, none of them have been studied well enough to prove they are helpful. Everyone would love to see earlier detection of this horrible disease, as that would lead to earlier treatment, right? Plus, if you think about …
As a nurse, I have seen some of the best and worst “bedside” manners. Caring for residents in post-acute care definitely has its challenges and rewards however, finding competent, caring medical support can be one of the biggest challenges. I remember visiting a center in rural Michigan and commenting on the lack of physician support their medical director was providing. …
Since the pandemic hit the United States last winter, the flu has basically been nowhere except in a few places like western Africa. During the flu season of 2019-2020, more than 38 million people in the United States became sick with influenza and nearly 22,000 of them died. Compare that to October 3, 2020 to July 24, 2021, only 2,136 …
We have all seen them, teenagers walking through the mall not paying attention to where they are going and bumping into people because they are texting! I have had adults do the same thing in the airport, run right into me because they were looking at their phones! If you have young grandchildren (or children) watch their habits, they are …
I have always heard about “endorphins kicking in” when people exercise, I’m still waiting! Maybe I have a shortage of endorphins but whatever the case, most people enjoy exercise because of the endorphin high. Researchers have now identified even more benefits to exercising that may encourage everyone to get out of the office for 30 minutes! In a recent study …
The FDA has approved the Pfizer vaccine for a “booster” dose for immunocompromised adults and people over the age of 16. As we talk about vaccines, boosters, “additional doses”, etc. I have heard a lot of discussions regarding vaccinating children under the age of 12. Of course, we all know that this would be “off-label” use of a medication, something …
It is becoming a reality, COVID-19, the Delta variant, has swept through our world wreaking havoc yet again! Hospitalizations are on the rise, children are now affected and symptomatic and masks are again in vogue. The good news is the FDA have granted full approval to the Pfizer vaccine, only using the EUA for children over the age of 12. …
A recent study published in The Lancet found that there is “moderate evidence” that higher consumption of dietary fiber was associated with lower body weight and systolic blood pressure. That definitely got my attention, right? If simply eating more fiber can contribute to weight loss and better control of blood pressure, why not! So, I did a little research into …
As we continue our journey through the pandemic and the inevitable changes in “scenery” COVID-19 has brought, there are a lot of questions regarding in home SNF care. One of the proponents of in-home SNF care points out that post-acute care is facing challenges with staffing, however, in the real-world, home health agencies are facing similar challenges with much less …
As we approach another annual “National Assisted Living Week” (September 12-18, 2021), it is a great reminder to be thankful to those who care for our frail elderly. National assisted living week was founded by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) in 1995, way before assisted living became such a prominent part of the post-term care community! The logo …
