Lucy couldn't find her insurance cards. She looked in her wallet. It wasn't there. She looked through her purse. No luck. Finally, she found it on her desk. Yesterday, she forgot where she put her keys. Her memory seems to be playing games with her and she is starting to be worried about itLucy saw her doctor. After a good physical exam and lab work-up, the doctor said that Lucy was fine. Lucy's doctor suggested that take a class, play cards with friends, or help out at the local school to sharpen her memory.
What is mild forgetfulness?
It is true that some of us get more forgetful as we age. Itmay take longer to learn new things, remember familiar names and words, or find our glasses. These are usually
signs of mild forgetfulness, not serious memory problems. If you’re worried about your forgetfulness, see your doctor. You also can do many things to help keep your
memory sharp. Finding a hobby, spending time with friends, eating well, and exercising may help you stay alert and clear-headed.
Here are some ways to help your memory:
• Learn a new skill.
• Volunteer in your community, school, or place of worship.
• Spend time with friends and family whenever possible.
• Use memory tools such as big calendars, to-do lists,and notes to yourself.
• Put your wallet or purse, keys, and glasses in the same place each day.
• Get lots of rest.
• Exercise and eat well.
• Don’t drink a lot of alcohol.
• Get help if you feel depressed for weeks at a time.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Swine Flu: Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home
The Swine flu A virus outbreak has reached 91 confirmed cases in the United States according to the CDC update posted April 29th, 2009. Patterns of a more severe illness may emerge in the United States.
The main way flu viruses spread is from person to person in air droplets from sneezes and coughs. This can happen when droplets of an infected person travel through the air and are deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Flu viruses may also be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person or an object and then touches their own mouth or nose (or someone else's mouth or nose) before washing their hands.
If a loved one you are caring for becomes ill with the virus:
- Check with the health care professional about any special care needed, particularey in individuals with a health condition such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or emphysema.
- Check with health care professional about whether they should take antiviral medications which have been found to be very helpful in treating the Swine Flu A Virus.
- Stay home for 7 days after the start of illness; fever must be gone first before venturing out of the home.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink clear fluids such as water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte replacement such as Pedialyte to keep from becoming dehydrated.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with facial tissue. Dispose of soiled tissues immediately into a paper bag.
- Clean hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often and especially after using tissues and after coughing and sneezing into hands.
- Avoid close contact with others-do not go to work or school while ill.
- Be watchful for emergency warning signs that might indicate you need to seek medical attention.
Seek emergency medical care right away if a sick person at home:Has difficulty breathing or has chest pain.
- Has purple or blue discoloration of the lips.
- Is vomiting and unable to keep liquids down.
- Has signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, absence of urination, or in infants, a lack of tears when they cry.
- Has seizures, or uncontrolled convulsions.
- Is less responsive than normal or becomes confused.
The main way flu viruses spread is from person to person in air droplets from sneezes and coughs. This can happen when droplets of an infected person travel through the air and are deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Flu viruses may also be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person or an object and then touches their own mouth or nose (or someone else's mouth or nose) before washing their hands.
If a loved one you are caring for becomes ill with the virus:
- Check with the health care professional about any special care needed, particularey in individuals with a health condition such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or emphysema.
- Check with health care professional about whether they should take antiviral medications which have been found to be very helpful in treating the Swine Flu A Virus.
- Stay home for 7 days after the start of illness; fever must be gone first before venturing out of the home.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink clear fluids such as water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte replacement such as Pedialyte to keep from becoming dehydrated.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with facial tissue. Dispose of soiled tissues immediately into a paper bag.
- Clean hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often and especially after using tissues and after coughing and sneezing into hands.
- Avoid close contact with others-do not go to work or school while ill.
- Be watchful for emergency warning signs that might indicate you need to seek medical attention.
Seek emergency medical care right away if a sick person at home:Has difficulty breathing or has chest pain.
- Has purple or blue discoloration of the lips.
- Is vomiting and unable to keep liquids down.
- Has signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, absence of urination, or in infants, a lack of tears when they cry.
- Has seizures, or uncontrolled convulsions.
- Is less responsive than normal or becomes confused.
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