FDA Panel Divided Over Diagnostic HbA1c Test

(MedPage Today) -- Called generally safe and accurate, but panel questions future of use

Alzheimer's May Hamper Ability to Perceive Pain

Title: Alzheimer's May Hamper Ability to Perceive Pain
Category: Health News
Created: 7/20/2016 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/20/2016 12:00:00 AM

FDA Panel Says Yes to Expanded CGM Use

(MedPage Today) -- 8-2 vote backs continuous glucose monitor to replace fingersticks

RNC: Hispanic Docs Look for Share of Spotlight

(MedPage Today) -- Group brings message of healthcare for all, including the undocumented

RNC: Street Medics See Few Serious Injuries Among Protesters

(MedPage Today) -- Sunburns, blisters, and dehydration most common issues

RNC: Former CBO Director on Trump-Pence

(MedPage Today) -- Holtz-Eakin predicts Trump will broker deals in Congress

RNC: And Now for a Different Take on Obamacare ACA

(MedPage Today) -- Reform, not repeal, urged by former HHS Secretary

Midlife Memory Lapses May Be Normal Part of Aging

Title: Midlife Memory Lapses May Be Normal Part of Aging
Category: Health News
Created: 7/16/2016 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/18/2016 12:00:00 AM

Pelzman's Picks: Are Politicos Blocking Cuts in Drug Prices?

(MedPage Today) -- Listening to patients, AMA ethics update, and more

CDC: Maintain Standard Precautions With Zika Cases

(MedPage Today) -- Utah case doesn't lead to stricter recommendations

Gary Reedy Readies ACS for Change

(MedPage Today) -- "New" CEO shares vision for venerable cancer group

D.C. Week: Possible MACRA Delay; Opioid Bill Passes

(MedPage Today) -- Lawmakers take summer break with some issues addressed, others not

State Health Agency Adopts Smoking Cessation App

(MedPage Today) -- Louisiana to offer SmartQuit to pregnant women and those around them

Alzheimer's Gene May Show Effects in Childhood

Title: Alzheimer's Gene May Show Effects in Childhood
Category: Health News
Created: 7/13/2016 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/14/2016 12:00:00 AM

Friday Feedback: All for One and Medicare for All?

(MedPage Today) -- Policy scholars critique Democrats' healthcare plans

Healthcare Spending Increases 'Unsustainable'

(MedPage Today) -- Problem must be dealt with, analyst says

Refining the Handoff

(MedPage Today) -- Post-ER care can be a tricky business, says Fred N. Pelzman, MD

Hospital to Pilot Ingestible Medication Sensors in Kids

(MedPage Today) -- Will track medication adherence in pediatric transplant patients

Infection Outbreak Tied to Nip/Tuck on Caribbean Isle

(MedPage Today) -- Mycobacteria brought home from Dominican Republic after cosmetic surgery

Healthcare Providers Push for MACRA Delay

(MedPage Today) -- Physician payment overhaul poses administrative burden

FDA Says 'Yes' to Focused Ultrasound for Tremor

(MedPage Today) -- Approval for ExAblate Neuro based on 76-patient study

Home Care for Diabetic Seniors

Home Care For Your Diabetic Senior

According to the American Diabetes Association, over 25 percent of seniors suffer with diabetes. Simply stated, diabetes is a disease in which the body's ability to produce or respond to insulin is impaired, resulting in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated glucose (sugar) in the blood and urine.

Caring for a senior loved one with diabetes is a full-time job. Weight stability is one major issue. Being excessively overweight or underweight can be dangerous for a diabetic patient. Diet and exercise play a critical role in maintaining proper weight.

Diets for a diabetic patient needn't be complicated. It simply must be monitored.

Best food choices for diabetics include whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits, low-fat proteins, and low-fat dairy. Boil, steam, and broil foods. Steer clear of added sugar, fried foods, excess fats (like bacon), and sweets. Eliminate soda, flavored coffee, sweet tea, and energy drinks.

Blood sugar monitoring is crucial. Depending on the 'stage' of diabetes, this must be done at least once, if not several times per day. Perhaps your patient has been prescribed oral antidiabetic medication or they may have to self-inject the medication. Whichever the case, elderly patients must be monitored in this process. Diabetic medications can cause side effects including headache, nausea, dizziness, and injection site reactions.

Forgetting to take their medication or not remembering if they did or didn't is another problem. Now, you are faced with chancing double dosing or not dosing. Being responsible for a diabetic senior isn't complicated, but it is time-consuming. If you are struggling with the care of your loved one, home care could be your answer. For more information about diabetic senior home care, contact us. 

To learn more about Long Term Care download our free Caregiver Toolkit.

Visit us online @  http://phoenix.caringseniorservice.com 

An EHR Tailored for Pediatricians Closes Some Gaps

(MedPage Today) -- Flags clues to special problems of childhood

Experts Tackle Rx Drug Spending

(MedPage Today) -- No agreement among healthcare insiders on reining in runaway costs

Beware Whole Body Cryotherapy Claims, FDA Warns

Title: Beware Whole Body Cryotherapy Claims, FDA Warns
Category: Health News
Created: 7/8/2016 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/8/2016 12:00:00 AM

FDA Chief Criticizes Industry for Inaction on Opioids

(MedPage Today) -- Califf: "We are all sinners," but drug firms bear special responsibility

Precision Medicine Initiative Gearing Up

(MedPage Today) -- NIH partnering with VA, other providers to recruit patients

Gene Test Might One Day Gauge Alzheimer's Risk in Younger Adults

Title: Gene Test Might One Day Gauge Alzheimer's Risk in Younger Adults
Category: Health News
Created: 7/6/2016 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/7/2016 12:00:00 AM

Primary Care Docs Get Boost in 2017 Medicare Proposal

(MedPage Today) -- Family physicians, geriatricians could see 30% increases or more over time

Unraveling the Mystery of Medication Errors: Pharmacy Practice News

(MedPage Today) -- Also, big range in post-op opioid cessation

HHS Eases Buprenorphine Prescribing

(MedPage Today) -- New rule raises cap on number of patients physicians can treat

CML Life Expectancy on Rise: Oncotherapy Network & Cancer Network

(MedPage Today) -- Also, risk factors across ovarian cancer subtypes vary

Home Helpers Offers Revealing Statistics Illustrating the Growing Benefits of Home Care

These Revealing Statistics Illustrate the Growing Benefits of Home Care

As our population continues to rapidly age, home care will continue to benefit seniors, their families, the overall health system and the economy, according to a recent report.

This week, the Home Care Association of America (HCAOA) released
Caring for America's Seniors: The Value of Home Care. It's packed with data and statistics about our aging society, and how home care provides the tools families need to keep their loved ones safe and at home.

SOME KEY FINDINGS INCLUDE:

• 40% of adults age 65+ require daily assistance, and 70% will at some point
• 25% fewer doctor visits occur when home care is in place
• $25 billion a year in hospital costs is saved thanks to home care
• $13.4 billion a year in annual employer health care costs is saved by using home care services

DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT

The data reinforces what most of us see up close: In-home care is an important element in any outcome-focused plans for responding to an aging population.

From the national perspective, these data points are compelling. But at the family level, what does it mean for individuals who are struggling with the challenges of caring for an older loved one?
In-Home Care's Benefits to Families

When we're faced with a new or a growing need for care, the most important priority is to make sure your elderly family member is safe, healthy and loved.

That's easier to do in the place the individual feels most comfortable. For about nine in ten seniors, that's at home. And in-home care is an important tool for individuals who want to live safely in their home as long as possible.

The report confirms that more Americans are requiring care than ever before. As time goes on, most of us will face choices in providing care to aging parents and other relatives.

As caregiving professionals, we constantly renew our commitment to working with families to find the solution and the combination of services that meet their unique needs. Our offices offer resources for resolving conflicts that arise from the Caregiving Dilemma, so families can choose what's best for them.

One resource we offer at Home Helpers is a list of conversation techniques based on the principles of inclusion and choice that is meant to help you discuss care options with an older family member. With a little thought and preparation, any family can start an open and honest dialogue that can lead to a plan for the future that everybody agrees to and understands.

Click here to access your free “How to Start the Conversation” guide.

Be sure to follow Home Helpers on Facebook and Pinterest for more helpful tips. You can also find the HCAOA on Facebook here.

Visit us online@ www.HomeHelpers.com/Scottsdale/

IN THE SPOTLIGHT ~ Home Helpers & Direct Link Medical Alert Systems

Find In-Home Care That's Right for You!

Why Home Helpers for In-Home Care?

Home Helpers In-Home Care Services is more than an in-home health care agency: we're your extended family when family can't be there. We're a locally owned, trusted provider of quality, compassionate in-home care, and we customize our home care solutions to your unique situation for an affordable solution that keeps your loved one where they're happiest: at home.

The Home Helpers Difference Includes:

• Free in-home consultation and assessment
• Comprehensive in-home care
• Affordable customized solutions
• Locally owned and operated

Home Care Services for Seniors

Staying active and socially engaged is critical for seniors' health and well-being. And as much as we love spending time with our loved ones, most of us can't be there as much as we'd like to provide that needed companionship.

Home Helpers offers in-home care services that can extend well beyond the day-to-day medical and essential housekeeping tasks: we offer in-home care to help fill in the gaps for a richer, more fulfilling life for your loved one, including:

• Talking, listening, and sharing experiences
• Playing games and cards
• Reading assistance
• Doing puzzles
• Escorting to and from check-ups, errands, social events, etc.
• Sorting and organizing mail
• Connecting with friends and family through social media (Skype, Facebook, etc.)

Personal Care In-Home Care Services

Sometimes our loved ones need help with basic activities of daily living, including hygiene and nutritional needs to stay in their homes living enriched, engaged, and independent lives.

Personal in-home care by a Home Helpers professional provides that needed support, so your aging or disabled family member can be where they're happiest: at home. We can help with a range of needs, including:

• Feeding
• Bathing
• Dressing
• Mobility
  • Getting in and out of bed
  • Sitting and standing
  • Navigating stairs
• Using the bathroom

Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Services Home Health Care

The challenges of caring for a loved one who's suffering from dementia can be overwhelming. Our professional caregivers can ease the burden with customized home health care services that ensure a higher quality of life for you, your loved one, and your entire family.

To provide the most effective method of home care services for your family's unique situation, Home Helpers dementia caregivers receive specialized training and are highly experienced in dementia care; in fact, many are certified in Alzheimer's care through our partnership with the National Certification Board for Alzheimer Care (NCBAC).

Want to learn more?

VISIT OUR CAREGIVERS PAGE

Respite Care In-Home Care Services

Caring for an elderly or disabled family member can be tremendously rewarding, but no matter how much you love and care for them, it's a very stressful role as well. Caregivers are at increased risk of depression and illness due to the tremendous stress, and no one can do it alone.

Respite care provides the break you need to refresh and recharge – it's a planned break from caregiving routines that still allows your loved one to be cared for at home, where they truly belong.

Your respite caregiver will learn your family routine and caregiving needs, and make everyone's life easier with respite care assistance that makes the most sense for you and your family.

About Our Caregivers

• Extensive background checks
• Experienced, well-trained, and insured
• Caring and compassionate
• Chosen specifically for your loved one

The Home Care Association of America enhances the strength and professionalism of private duty home care providers through education and best practices. As a leader in the industry, The Home Care Association of America cares for people at home through advocacy and education. As a member of The Home Care Association of America, we believe that people should be able to age safely in place at home to the extent possible according to their desires and permitted by their resources.

Home Helpers & Direct Link Scottsdale is now a Business Member in Good Standing with AZNHA. The Association was created to enhance the image and confidence of in-home care provider businesses in the eyes of consumers. AZNHA accomplished this by establishing a Code of Business Ethics and Minimum Standards of Delivery of Services for all its members to adhere to. AZNHA members agree to adhere to our Code of Business Ethics.

What Our Clients Say

“Home Helpers approached our situation with personal care. They evaluated Mom, and together we put in place a plan with the flexibility we needed to keep our lives in balance. We also want to say that the people who they employ invest from a personal human care perspective with their clients.”

– John P.

Visit us online @ www.HomeHelpers.com/Scottsdale/

Home Helpers Monitoring Services

Home Helpers provides a wide array of monitoring services and medical alert devices designed to give seniors and others requiring in-home care the independence they need while also assuring safety, using quality systems to make sure our monitoring is as secure and efficient as possible.

Direct Link® Medical Alert Systems – Help at the Touch of a Button™

Direct Link® is our national provider of medical alert systems and personal emergency response systems (PERS), empowering seniors to live independently longer while also ensuring safety and security.

This is more than just a help button – we have:

• 24-hour personal PERS devices
• Fall sensors
• Automated medication dispensers
• Vital signs monitoring units

Each Direct Link unit links to a CSAA Five Diamond Certified central station, where staff is specially trained for medical emergency response situations.

Wish for the best and plan for the unexpected. When and if the need arises, Direct Link will be there.Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)

WORRY LESS – HELP IS JUST A CLICK AWAY, 24/7

Seniors who have a personal emergency response system remain independent – and in the comfort of their own home – longer than those who do not, and research shows getting help within the first four hours of a fall can dramatically reduce the severity and effects.* Having a PERS boosts independence, safety, and self-confidence – all at the touch of a button. *According to the AC Nielsen Study

Automated Medication Dispenser

MANAGE MULTIPLE MEDICATIONS EASILY

Did you know approximately 20% of seniors are taking as many as 50 prescriptions every year?** That's a lot to manage, even for the most organized of us. And it's critical to be precise when it comes to your prescriptions. Direct Link's automated medication dispenser is a simple, affordable, and reliable medical alert system solution for managing multiple medications safely and effectively.

**According to the Alliance for Health Reform

Vital Signs Monitoring

IMMEDIATE READINGS BY TRAINED PROFESSIONALS

We've all heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But regularly monitoring chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) really can keep the doctor away, saving time and money while preventing unnecessary ER and hospital visits. All in the comfort of home.

Contact us today to learn more about Home Helpers Monitoring Services. Or contact your local Home Helpers office to schedule a free in-home consultation and discuss your family's needs.

SCHEDULE MY FREE CONSULTATION

DIY Lab Tests: Not a Good Idea

(MedPage Today) -- Patients unaware of the potential problems

Slow Medicine: Digesting the Stomach Drain Data

(MedPage Today) -- AspireAssist approval shows defects in FDA's device review process

Docs, Nurses Press for Changes to MACRA Rule

(MedPage Today) -- Calls for less complexity and more inclusion

SCOTUS Strikes Down Texas Abortion Restrictions

(MedPage Today) -- Cites 'undue burden' on women seeking abortions

HIV-to-HIV Organ Transplants Moving Forward

(MedPage Today) -- Multicenter study preparing for launch, pilot studies already begun

E-Prescribing Tackles the Opioid Epidemic

(MedPage Today) -- Is this a solution?

D.C. Week: House GOP Unveils Obamacare Replacement Plan

(MedPage Today) -- 301 people charged with $900 million in false Medicare billings

Medicare Fraud, Ripples from Zika, and MACRA Woes: What We Heard

(MedPage Today) -- Quotable quotes from MedPage Today's sources

Surgical Outcome Risk Tool Helps With Risk Counseling

(MedPage Today) -- Makes data interpretation easier

ACIP: Cholera Vax Recommended for Travelers

(MedPage Today) -- Also MenACWY vaccines recommended for persons with HIV

Medicare Part A Trust Fund to Go Broke in 2028

(MedPage Today) -- Funding for Parts B and D is more secure, trustees say

Biosimilars Hold Promise, Questions

(MedPage Today) -- Will they really rein in runaway drug costs?

memantine, Namenda, Namenda XR

Title: memantine, Namenda, Namenda XR
Category: Medications
Created: 11/3/2003 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 6/20/2016 12:00:00 AM

Enhancing Neonatal Care in Underserved Areas

(MedPage Today) -- Doc makes it his mission to bring subspecialists to rural North Carolina

New Water Source for Flint Helps Keep Legionnaire's at Bay

(MedPage Today) -- But Michigan city's plumbing system may still harbor bacteria

D.C. Week: MedPAC Sets Sights on Cutting Part B Expenses

(MedPage Today) -- Also, high court decides False Claims Act case

AMA Blasts Medicare Part B Drug Price Plan

(MedPage Today) -- Votes to ask CMS to withdraw proposal

Automate Key Parts of Your Job Search

(MedPage Today) -- Must reads about the latest news and trends in healthcare careers

SCOTUS Goes Down Middle in False Claims Case

(MedPage Today) -- Effect on providers' exposure to litigation under law debated

AMA Pans 'High Stakes' Exams

(MedPage Today) -- Backs more money for GME, but is silent on source of funds

MedPAC Sets Sights on Cutting Part B Expenses

(MedPage Today) -- Medicare advisors promote new ASP model, other ways to rein costs

ASM Microbe: Two Meetings in One

(MedPage Today) -- Microbiology society combines two premier meetings

Side-Stepping Burnout: Physicians Practice

(MedPage Today) -- Also, five pros of telehealth

Drop Ban on Gun Violence Research at CDC, Urges AMA

(MedPage Today) -- "We will not stand idly by and watch fellow Americans be slaughtered"

AMA: Broad Coalition Backs End to Ban on Gun Violence Research

(MedPage Today) -- Orlando tragedy spurs new push for CDC funding

ASCO Reacts to Biden's Moonshot Pitch

(MedPage Today) -- "Breaking down silos" may require a cultural shift in oncology

As Terror Strikes Orlando, AMA Tackles Violence

(MedPage Today) -- Is it a public health issue?

Study: Drug Prices Higher in U.S., Yet Relatively Affordable

(MedPage Today) -- Global analysis challenges popular notions on prices

The AMA's 'Accidental President'

(MedPage Today) -- Andrew Gurman, MD, explains his unexpected rise to the top

Tips to Deal With a Midlife Career Crisis

(MedPage Today) -- Must reads about the latest news and trends in healthcare careers

FDA Panel Favors New C. Diff. Biologic

(MedPage Today) -- Panel votes 10-5 that bezlotoxumab showed evidence of safety, effectiveness

Keeping the Patients Satisfied

(MedPage Today) -- A "bump list" may break continuity, but Fred Pelzman, MD, hopes it's worth it

Pfizer's Troxyca Gets Mixed Review From FDA Advisors

(MedPage Today) -- Oxycodone/naltrexone combo meets current safety standards, but is that enough?

New Trial 'Justifies' FDA Nod for Ibrance

(MedPage Today) -- Phase III study had almost identical results as pivotal trial

FDA Advisors OK Abuse-Deterrent Opioid, Despite Concerns

(MedPage Today) -- Panel backs Vantrela but wants better outcome measures for product class

CardioBrief: Prominent Cardiologist Found Guilty of Fraud

(MedPage Today) -- Karl-Heinz Kuck is also running for ESC president

Pelzman's Picks: Will Tech Yield an Economic Benefit?

(MedPage Today) -- Increasing transparency, reducing sodium intake, and more

Nurses Unite to Address Opioid Misuse: HealthLeaders Media

(MedPage Today) -- Also, healthcare leaders are evolving with the times

FDA: Bleeding Risk With Antacid-Aspirin Combo

(MedPage Today) -- Reports of serious events despite label warning

Tweet of the Week: Surgeon Simulator, Trump Edition

(MedPage Today) -- Game developers let you resect Donald Trump

D.C. Week: FDA Asks Voluntary Sodium Cuts by Food Industry

(MedPage Today) -- Also: physician groups riled by new VA nurse proposal

Scientists Want to Create Synthetic Human Genome

(MedPage Today) -- Seeking ethics discussion along with $100 million in funding

Delays in Spotting Dementia Can Bring Dangers

Title: Delays in Spotting Dementia Can Bring Dangers
Category: Health News
Created: 6/2/2016 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 6/2/2016 12:00:00 AM

Medical Error Study Doesn't Settle the Issue

(MedPage Today) -- BMJ essay "shines no new light, only heat"

Early Alzheimer's Linked to Brain 'Leakage'

Title: Early Alzheimer's Linked to Brain 'Leakage'
Category: Health News
Created: 5/31/2016 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 6/1/2016 12:00:00 AM

Unapproved Wound Care Products Flood the Market

(MedPage Today) -- Expert: Closer regulation could prevent many amputations

Doc Groups Steamed Over VA Nurse Proposal

(MedPage Today) -- Would allow advanced practice nurses to work independently

MD Tech Tips: Use Doodle to Schedule Meetings Quickly

(MedPage Today) -- Doodle is easy and doesn't require registration

Chronic Fatigue Patients Take to the Streets

(MedPage Today) -- Global protest highlights demands for more research, physician education

The Women Vs. Men: Who Needs Long-Term Care Most Often?

There's a reason you see many more older women than men at the bingo parlor - - women live longer than men. For most of us, that's really no secret, but the related numbers may be surprising:

Profile of Nursing Home Residents

• 14% of the U.S. population is made up of older (65+) Americans.
• Of this group, women outnumber men greater than 4:3.
• Persons reaching age 65 have an average life expectancy of an additional 19.2 years (20.4 years for females and 17.8 years for males).
• In Texas, the population of older Americans has increased over 30% from 2000 to 2011 (2.7 million).

Why do Women Live Longer than Men?

• Stress -- women, as a group, tend not to internalize stress as much as men.  Also important is the fact that women have stronger social connections than men, which help them vent and share their stress.
• Delay of the onset of cardiovascular disease. Women tend to develop cardiovascular problems in their 70's and 80's, while the male trend is in the 40 - 50 age bracket. Estrogen is credited as keeping the arteries strong.
• Men often take bigger risks with their well-being than women. Unfortunately this biological marker leads to more men dying earlier.
• Women take better care of their health. It's estimated that 28% of men don't have a regular doctor.

The fact that women live longer means that many of them will need long-term care - and need it for a longer period of time than men. The insurance industry has taken note of this fact as well. Long-term care insurance rates rose between 20-30% for a female policy from 2013-2014, while a male policy actually dropped about 15%.

Many of the issues of aging can be solved by providing parents with the support they need to continue to maintain their independence. The resources provided by Caring Senior Service can help. ​Get in touch with us today!  http://phoenix.caringseniorservice.com 

Secret OR Cameras: Not Such a Great Idea

(MedPage Today) -- Video surveillance may catch other activities that return to haunt

The Perils of 'Affordable' Health Insurance Plans

(MedPage Today) -- What happens when patients need emergency care?

Cancer Mortality: The ACS Adjusts Its Goals

(MedPage Today) -- Aligning expectations with reality

Biogen's Monthly MS Injection Wins FDA Approval

(MedPage Today) -- Zinbryta (daclizumab) approved for relapsing MS

FDA Panel Favors Amplatzer

(MedPage Today) -- PFO occlusion device scores green light from advisors

Superbug Gene Isolated in U.S. (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Confers resistance to last-ditch antibiotic colistin

Preventing Supply Chain Crime: Pharmacy Practice News

(MedPage Today) -- Also, FDA revises REMS for opioids

Sanofi T2D Combo Injection Wins FDA Panel Support

(MedPage Today) -- Close to unanimous approval of the insulin glargine/lixisenatide combination

Hospitals Struggle to Keep Endoscopy Safe (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Costs soar with new efforts to ensure endoscope sterility

Frieden Presses Case for Zika Funding

(MedPage Today) -- Taking money away from Ebola is the wrong move, CDC chief says

Pelzman's Picks: Does More Gym Time Equal Less Cancer?

(MedPage Today) -- Healthcare merger limits, meditation for chronic pain, and more

House Republicans Offer Obamacare Alternative

(MedPage Today) -- "World's Greatest Healthcare Plan Act of 2016" not another repeal attempt

Tweet of the Week: Clinical Trials Day

(MedPage Today) -- Twitter commemorates the day James Lind started his famous trial on scurvy

Relax, It's Only MACRA

(MedPage Today) -- Bob Doherty says it's time to take a deep breath and step away from the panic button

Obama to Congress on Zika: 'Move It'

(MedPage Today) -- Wide divide seen on Zika

Retired General Helping Docs Grow as Leaders

(MedPage Today) -- Mark Hertling helps physicians apply military principles to medical practice

Keep Busy! Stay Sharp!

Title: Keep Busy! Stay Sharp!
Category: Health News
Created: 5/17/2016 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 5/18/2016 12:00:00 AM

House, Senate Split on Zika Funding

(MedPage Today) -- Bills pass in both chambers with major differences

Evidence Often Weak for Ob/Gyn Device Approvals

(MedPage Today) -- More involvement from clinicians suggested

Why You Deserve a Good Night's Sleep

Why You Deserve a Good Night's Sleep

Many family caregivers make their way through the day in a sleep-deprived haze. As they yawn repeatedly and guzzle coffee all day long, they may remember a time before caregiving, when they awoke refreshed and eager to greet the day after a night of restorative sleep. Wouldn't it be nice to feel that way again?

Caregivers can have trouble sleeping for a variety of reasons:
• Frequently awakening to assist a loved one in the middle of the night
• Worrying about issues like finances or their loved one's health
• Inadequate nutrition
• Use of stimulants like caffeine to stay awake during the day
• Lack of exercise due to time constraints
• Feeling guilty for sleeping or napping when there's so much work to be done

The Family Caregiver Alliance reports that nearly three-quarters of people who care for a family member with dementia experience problems sleeping. And while a good night's rest can make you feel refreshed and happy, sleeping also might help you ward off a host of medical problems.

Sleeping should not be viewed as an extravagant act. Quite to the contrary, sleep is necessary to your mental well-being and serves an essential health function. According to Harvard University, “Treating sleep as a priority, rather than a luxury, may be an important step in preventing a number of chronic medical conditions.”

Here are three benefits you can reap by prioritizing sleep in your caregiving life.

Sleeping can help you avoid weight gain

Have you ever noticed how you seem to feel hungry all day after you've tossed and turned the night before? You may find yourself raiding the pantry in search of cookies or potato chips. And no matter how much you munch, you still might feel hungry.

It's not your imagination.

Your appetite is controlled by hormones secreted by the body at night. When you sleep poorly, your appetite hormones get out of whack. This can lead you to feel you need to stuff yourself with chips and cookies even when you're not legitimately hungry. This type of eating can cause you to gain weight, which saps your energy and might make you less able to perform your caregiving functions.

In contrast, when you get an adequate amount of sleep you stand a better chance of getting through the day without craving junk food. When you're well-rested, you can satisfy your hunger with foods like fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These wholesome foods will give you energy, help you feel more alert and possibly keep you from packing on the pounds.

Sleeping can stave off the blues

Tossing and turning night after night certainly can make you feel depressed. You might be able to cope with an occasional sleepless night, but who wouldn't feel irritable, impatient or mentally exhausted when that single episode morphs into weeks of insomnia?

This moodiness caused by poor sleep isn't necessarily a temporary problem. Researchers are starting to correlate chronic sleep deprivation with long-term mood disorders like anxiety and depression.

When you get a solid seven or eight hours of sleep on most nights, you may find yourself feeling more patient, calm and capable as you go through your day. You already make sacrifices to provide care for a loved one; your mood should not be among them. You deserve to nurture your mental well-being with regular restful sleep.

Sleeping well may make you a safer driver

Picture this: You're driving your loved one to a medical appointment. As you wait at a red light, you suddenly realize the driver behind you is honking. The light turned green, and you didn't notice. Did you momentarily nod off?

This very scenario plays out day after day among people who are sleep deprived. Studies show a lack of sleep leads to fatigue and inattention. In fact, the Institute of Medicine estimates 20 percent of all motor vehicle accidents can be attributed to drowsy driving.

A good night's sleep can help sharpen your motor skills and reflexes. After a restful night, you'll not only feel more alert as you get behind the wheel, but you'll likely be able to navigate traffic easier and more safely.

A few helpful tips for getting a good night's sleep

If you now feel inspired to make sleeping a higher priority, here are a few practical tips for how to get all the Zzzs you need:

1. Go to bed at the same time every night.
2. Rise at the same time every morning.
3. Avoid stimulants like caffeine.
4. Get some exercise, preferably in the fresh air, every day.
5. Make your bedroom an inviting and relaxing place by keeping the environment dark and cool.
6. If your caregiving duties require you to get up frequently during the night, arrange for respite care [https://www.homeinstead.com/home-care-services] on a regular basis so you can get some uninterrupted sleep.

Sleep should not be viewed as a luxury for anyone. The restorative functions of sleep make it one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself. Give yourself-and your loved ones-the gift of rest. It likely will make you a happier caregiver in the long run.Visit us online @ www.homeinstead.com/eastvalley.com 

FDA: Canagliflozin Linked to Amputations in Post-Marketing Trial

(MedPage Today) -- Monitoring committee suggests that CANVAS trial continue

Salary Data Revealed: Physicians Practice

(MedPage Today) -- Also, primary care shortage remains a concern

Smartphone App May Help Monitor Depression

(MedPage Today) -- Patients were amenable to data monitoring by docs

D.C. Week: Federal Judge Rules Against ACA Subsidies

(MedPage Today) -- FDA warns that Cipro and similar antibiotics should not be used for uncomplicated infections

Microbiome a 'Seeping Mass' and Obamacare Back in Court: What We Heard

(MedPage Today) -- Quotable quotes from MedPage Today's sources

Superficial Coverage of Errors Study Problematic

(MedPage Today) -- The numbers needed more context, says Kevin Lomangino

Common Meds and Dementia: How Strong Is the Link?

Title: Common Meds and Dementia: How Strong Is the Link?
Category: Health News
Created: 5/10/2016 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 5/10/2016 12:00:00 AM

Bariatric Surgery Rarely Performed in Britain (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Better access could cut long-term burden on patients

Covering Costly HCV Tx: Who Makes that Call?

(MedPage Today) -- Medicaid budgets face "Death Star scenario"

No Easy Fix for Healthcare Data Problems

(MedPage Today) -- Burwell, Biden recount personal frustrations

Seeking Meaning in Ca Survival Risk Estimates

(MedPage Today) -- Most estimates from unselected adults not in the 'ballpark'

Praise, Caution and Concern Greet New FDA Tobacco Rules

(MedPage Today) -- Video provides views from tobacco, public health, and regulation experts

Tx for Mental Illness Inadequate: Psychiatric Times and Neurology Times

(MedPage Today) -- Also, virtual reality technology for stroke rehab

Mental Health Advocates Call on Senate for Better Care

(MedPage Today) -- Simply paying attention to mental illness is 'not enough,' expert says

Choosing Hospital Over Heaven: A Life Worth Living

(MedPage Today) -- Is death better than locked-in syndrome?

D.C. Week: Medicare Reforms Backed Up With New Rules

(MedPage Today) -- Also, FDA approval for the first generic version of Crestor

OncoBreak: Radon Risk; E-Cig Boost; Pricey Tests in Toledo

(MedPage Today) -- News, features, and commentary about cancer-related issues

Trouble With Sense of Direction May Be Linked to Early Alzheimer's: Study

Title: Trouble With Sense of Direction May Be Linked to Early Alzheimer's: Study
Category: Health News
Created: 4/26/2016 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 4/27/2016 12:00:00 AM

New Medicare Rules Would Increase Bonus Opportunities, Ease Reporting

(MedPage Today) -- CMS to simplify reimbursement, remove "all-or-nothing" Meaningful Use grades

Asthma More Common in Obese Women: ConsultantLive & Rheumatology Network

(MedPage Today) -- Also, air pollution may increase risk of preterm birth in asthmatic mothers

CMS Proposes TAVR Payment Cuts

(MedPage Today) -- Other CV procedures to gain slightly in fiscal year starting in October

More Exchange Plans Ease Access To Some Expensive Drugs: Report

(MedPage Today) -- Change helps some patients with cancer, HIV, MS

Using Novel Line-Item Veto, Ark. Governor Extends Medicaid Expansion

(MedPage Today) -- Program uses Medicaid funds to buy private insurance

IRA May Have to be Closed for ALTCS

Our latest Arizona Republic article in the weekly Aging and the Law column can be found below. Our column runs every Friday in select Arizona cities.

Question: My mother has monthly income of about $1,400, about $1,800 in her checking account, and a small IRA with a balance of about $45,000. She needs long-term care, and I understand that Arizona Long Term Care System provides coverage to those with less than $2,000 of resources and less than $2,199 of monthly income. Will ALTCS count the IRA as part of my mom's resources?

Answer: In Arizona, IRAs are treated as available resources for purposes of ALTCS eligibility. This being the case, your mother is currently ineligible due to the $45,000 that is in her IRA.

In order to qualify for ALTCS, then, your mother would have to first “spend down” the funds in her IRA. Of course, the issue with this is that money coming out of an IRA is taxable income, but it is very often the case that the benefits associated with qualifying for ALTCS greatly outweigh the potential tax obligation.

In your mother's case, it seems all but inevitable that she will have to close her IRA in order to have funds for her care. Given that the money is likely to come out of the IRA one way or another, it makes sense to put a plan in place that will help your mother qualify for ALTCS before the money runs out.

If your mother closes the IRA and then spends the money without a plan, she will not only have a tax obligation, but will also be without the funds to pay for care while the ALTCS application processes.

As is always the case, timing is everything with these types of cases. Your mom should only close her IRA as part of a comprehensive plan to obtain long-term care coverage.

Richard White is an elder law attorney at JacksonWhite Attorneys at Law. For more information on Elder Law at JacksonWhite, please visit www.ArizonaSeniorLaw.com.

Do Genes That Protect Against Dementia Guard Against Chronic Diseases?

Title: Do Genes That Protect Against Dementia Guard Against Chronic Diseases?
Category: Health News
Created: 4/21/2016 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 4/22/2016 12:00:00 AM

The Key to Fighting Stress

(MedPage Today) -- Must reads about the latest news and trends in healthcare careers

Muscular Dystrophy Drug Faces Continued FDA Skepticism

(MedPage Today) -- Staff report criticizes efficacy data

CardioBrief: No Evidence to Support Screening Young Athletes

(MedPage Today) -- More questions raised about key study suggesting ECG screening can save lives

House Committee Hammers VA Officials on Accountability

(MedPage Today) -- VA official addresses falsified wait times, employing a criminal

Many Readmissions Preventable: HealthLeaders Media

(MedPage Today) -- Also, time for mandated programs to combat antibiotic resistance

Who Were the Top Earners in 2015?

(MedPage Today) -- What the latest data shows about physician income

AACR: Notes From New Orleans

(MedPage Today) -- Emerging cancer research initiatives; Biden's late-breaking address

Acne Drug: FDA Advisors Recommend OTC Adapalene

(MedPage Today) -- Panel votes 16-0 that the drug is safe for use without a prescription.

Why You Should Take Action On National Healthcare Day

by SYNERGY HomeCare

Thursday, April 14, 2016

0

First, what is National Healthcare Decisions Day? National Healthcare Decisions Day exists to inspire, educate and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning.

It's not easy to discuss planning for the “what if's” in life, unfortunately it is not a matter of what if, but rather a matter of when.  We never know when a serious illness or accident will occur that would require us to make difficult and perhaps life changing medical decisions. It is important for all of us to be proactive and have heartfelt conversations, so we are prepared when a serious health crisis strikes. Knowing our loved one's wishes around health care decisions is a gift.

Where do I start? Starting this conversation can be challenging, here is a link that provides a wealth of information to help you get the conversation started.

Top 10 Healthcare Discussion Topics

1. Medical Power of Attorney/Health Care Agent Designation
2. Artificial Nutrition and Hydration
3. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
4. Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)
5. Managing Pain and at Life's End
6. Hospice and Palliative Care
7. Severe Brain Injury
8. Autopsy and Organ Donation
9. Funeral Preferences
10. Living Wills/Health Care Directives

When an emergency situation happens emotions run high, and we often question ourselves on whether we are communicating our loved one's health care wishes accurately. It is for this reason that it is important to document your wishes or the wishes of your loved one. Begin this conversation with your healthcare team or check your state's attorney general website to download the State approved health care directives/living will documents. You can find your state website at www.naag.org.

It's important to address these tough conversations now, so when a crisis does happen decisions have already been made, and everyone can focus their attention on providing the love and support needed.

We recommend you visit the National Healthcare Decision Day website, as it offers a wealth of information.

SYNERGY HomeCare

SYNERGY HomeCare is the premier provider of home care services. We strive to offer our clients the highest quality of life and independence possible. Call us today for a FREE in-home care assessment (877) 432-2692.

Visit us online @  www.SynergyHomeCare.com

Maintaining Your Mental Agility

Maintaining Your Mental Agility

by Carla Sutter

When I was growing up Sunday mornings at my house included a newspaper and a pencil. My dad would lead the charge and attempt to complete the New York Times crossword puzzle. While we were never confident enough to use a pen; among the four of us we could answer enough of the puzzle to feel challenged and victorious all at the same time. Today, crossword puzzles have gone digital. In addition, there are a multitude of online as well as print games to keep every family engaged over a weekend. For the elderly poor eyesight, isolation, decreased dexterity and cognitive decline minimize the opportunity to participate in activities that challenge one's brain.

A new study from the University of Texas explores the importance that mental challenges can have on sharpening the aging brain. Continuous learning opportunities is showing itself to be one of the mainstays of healthy aging and quality of life. SYNERGY HomeCare staff recognize the need for mental stimulation and ensure that our caregivers are not simply providing assistance with the activities of daily living such as: bathing, grooming, assistance with mobility and dressing, but just as importantly are offering brain engaging activities during their visits.

Caregivers are using technology to provide musical programs that are based on music therapy techniques. Programs such as MemVu.com which offers brain training programs personalized to the client can be added into the care plan. In addition, caregivers focus on re-engaging clients with social activities in their community, accompanying them to museums, lectures and family get-togethers; all activities that will stimulate the brain and enhance quality of life.

SYNERGY HomeCare is all about improving quality of life for our clients. You can use our Find a Local Agency tool at the top of this page or call our 24 hour number 877-432-2692 for help over the phone from our Care Team any time.

Carla Sutter

Carla, Director of Operations for SYNERGY HomeCare Franchisor, holds her Masters in Social work and is a Certified Advanced Case Manager with the NASW.  Carla has dedicated her over 25 year career to helping clients and families care for themselves and others whose needs are changing due to age or illness. She has provided training to companies and individuals throughout the United States and Canada.

Visit us online @ www.SynergyHomeCare.com