American Heart Month

February is designated as American Heart Month. Heart disease is the number one killer of Americans. It contributes to 1 in every 5 deaths. President Lyndon B. Johnson was the first U.S. president to declare February as American Heart Month in 1964.

> There is no better time in the year to learn a little more about your heart and what it is capable of.

> Your heart beats about 100,000 times per day.

> Your heart pumps blood through about 60,000 miles (96,000 kilometers) of blood vessels.

> A typical heart pumps approximately 4 tablespoons of blood with each beat.

> Almost every cell in your body gets blood from your heart. The outliers can be found in the corneas of your eyes.

> A joke a day may help keep the heart doctor away, as laughing can improve heart health by lowering stress and relaxing blood vessels.

Sources: health.clevelandclinic.org/fun-facts-about-your-heart

www.heart.org/en/around-the-aha/february-is-american-heart-month

Posted in Fun Facts /General Information /Health Topics /Heart Health /

ASK THE EXPERT // CATARACT AWARENESS

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in America. Cataracts cause cloudy or yellowed vision. They can obstruct night vision and cause double vision. The cataract stops light from properly passing through to the retina.

Risk factors for cataracts include:

· Long-term UV exposure from the sun

· Inflammation in the eye

· Heredity

· Eye injuries/diseases

· Smoking

Cataracts are not only a Senior Citizen concern either. Although most signs and symptoms of cataracts don’t show until at least age 40, cataracts can affect young adults and children on occasion.

Cataracts in a child can be present at time of birth or can develop after birth. Without proper treatment, children with cataracts could develop a poor visual pathway between their brain and their eyes, causing vision impairments.

There is no proven way to prevent cataracts from developing as we age. Luckily since they are so prevalent, they are easy to treat. The most common solution is cataract surgery. The doctor will remove the clouded lens of the eye and replace it with an intraocular lens. The surgery typically takes 20 minutes and most people are able to return to their normal life in a short period of time. 

Sources: https://preventblindness.org/

Posted in General Information /Health Topics /

ASK THE EXPERT // TORNADO/SEVERE WEATHER EMERGENCY

As Spring brings the very welcome warmer weather, it also brings an increased risk of severe weather.  Copperfield Hill has policies and procedures in place to ensure resident and staff safety in the event of severe weather.  These policies and procedures can be found in your Resident Handbook. We strongly encourage you to read and review these so you are ready to go in the event of severe weather. 

When there is a dramatic change in the weather conditions including: Dark skies, windy conditions, rapid drop in temperature TORNADOS MAY DEVELOP.

Severe Weather/Tornado WATCH means that there are conditions that are favorable to severe weather or a tornado developing.

Severe Weather/Tornado WARNING means that severe weather or a tornado has been spotted and immediate action must be taken to ensure your safety. Close your blinds and windows and stay away from windows. The safest place in your apartment is your bathroom, with the door shut. The safest common areas are the lowest levels of either building, away from windows.

During instances of severe weather, please remember to:

· Keep away from windows

· Keep your cell phone fully charged and nearby

· Wear your emergency pendant

· Locate a flashlight

· Keep a radio or television tuned to a station providing weather updates

Our staff receive regular training on emergency preparedness and response, so we can work together to ensure everyone’s safety.  If you have any questions or concerns about any of our emergency preparedness policies and procedures please do not hesitate to contact the front desk.  We are happy to help. 

~Ashley Farr, Legal Counsel

Posted in General Information /Safety /Senior Living /Uncategorized /

ASK THE EXPERT // Fire Safety and Prevention

As we head into what can be the coldest months of the season, we wanted to provide a few reminders about fire prevention and safety. 

► Please keep all items away from the floorboard heat registers – especially oxygen containers, paper and cardboard. 

► If your apartment is too cold please contact maintenance so they can resolve the problem for you quickly. 

► NEVER store things in your oven or on top of your stove.

► If you use oxygen, you must store the containers in a well-ventilated area, with containers secured in a stand or cart so they cannot be easily knocked over. Oxygen containers must never be stored near heat generating sources. 

► Do not keep candles in your apartment. 

► Remember,  if you have a device that is used to generate heat such as a space heater, electric fireplace, etc.you must have it approved by management.  If you have such a device, please contact the Front Desk to schedule an inspection from Maintenance to ensure it is safe to use in our setting. 

► Ensure all your electric plug ins/cords are in good condition and are not tearing or frayed. 

► When using your oven or microwave, make sure you are using the correct temperature and time settings, and have removed any packaging, following the food product’s cooking/heating instructions. 

Maintenance routinely tests apartment smoke alarms and the smoke alarms we use are designed to have a 10 year battery life. However, if you hear a chirping/beeping coming from your apartment smoke alarm, please report it to Maintenance right away. 

Review the fire emergency portion of your Resident Handbook. Our building is equipped with a fully automated fire sprinkler system, making the risk of widespread fire very low, but it is still good to review that information.

If you have questions about any of our safety or emergency preparedness policies, please contact the Assistant Manager. 

Posted in General Information /Safety /

ASK THE EXPERTS // COPD AWARENESS MONTH

November provides awareness for the millions of people who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or known as COPD. This is an umbrella term for emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Over 24 million Americans are affected by COPD. This is a startling number of those who have difficulties with a disease that creates a shortness of breath. Almost half of the adults living with COPD are undiagnosed.

WHAT CAUSES COPD?

COPD is a preventable disease. Smoking cigarettes is the main culprit. If you are currently a smoker, it is not too late to stop smoking. A reduction in the progression of the disease has resulted in those who have quit smoking cigarettes.

HOW CAN I MAKE A SAFER HOME?

This is a question many caregivers have sought answers to assist those who are affected by COPD. Managing indoor triggers is one area to begin.

Below are five suggestions:

1. Avoid using tobacco in your home.

2. Avoid using products with strong odors. Such as: bleach, cleaning products, air fresheners, and perfumes.

3. Keep windows closed during high allergen days.

4. Keep pets out of sleeping areas.

5. Avoid using items that produce smoke. Such as: fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, and candles.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute provides a wealth of tools and resources for those either with COPD or caregivers. Information can be found – https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/copd-learn-more-breathe-better/copd-caregivers-toolkit

Sources:

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/stories/november_copd_awareness_month.html

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/copd-learn-more-breathe-better/copd-caregivers-toolkit

Posted in General Information /Health Topics /Uncategorized /

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY – OCTOBER 10th  

“Make Mental Health & Well-Being for All a Global Priority”

The date October 10th, was set aside in the early nineties by the World Federation of Mental Health (WFMH). The intention is to raise awareness and open the conversation of the importance for funding and education for those with mental health and society at large.

Those who experience mental illness live in an unequal world. Stigma. Discrimination. Lack of support. These are some of the realities. The good news for those with mental health, the awareness campaigns have started to create traction with change in support systems and stigma in society.

The goal of World Mental Health Day is to create awareness so that people living with mental illness can live better lives with dignity.

HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY

Do group therapy in the workplace or community groups

Creating a space to allow for people to openly express themselves and talk through emotions is beneficial.

Practice self-care

Create regular sleep routines, implement healthy food choices, exercise. Find time for yourself.

Follow the theme

Research the subject. Awareness provides information for oneself and provides tools for empathy towards others. Ask yourself, how can I assist family members or friends who have mental illness?

Sources:

https://nationaltoday.com/world-mental-health-day

https://www.rethink.org/get-involved/awareness-days-and-events/world-mental-health-day

Posted in General Information /global interest /Health Topics /Human Interest /

National Simplify Your Life Week

August 1-7, 2022

National Simplify Your Life Week is an opportunity to examine one’s life through physical and psychological clutter. Clutter through our home and personal commitments can bring stress and anxiety.

The history of National Simplify Your Life Week is unknown. However the purpose to promote a stress-free life is thought by many to be a beneficial observation.

Decreasing items from your home, calendar and energy will allow you space to breathe and focus on the areas that bring you joy. Below are four ways to simplify your life.

DECLUTTER YOUR HOUSE

Living in a home with stacks of papers, disorganized closets and heaps of clothes can provide a psychological feeling of being overwhelmed. Decluttering one room at a time is a suggested starting point. You will feel at peace once you have fewer items to worry about.

GET RID OF BAD MENTAL HABITS

Focusing on your past choices and self-pity are examples of unhealthy habits. Create an opportunity to increase your thoughts on gratitude and self-compassion. Arise each day by stating one item you are thankful for.

CUT OUT TOXIC PEOPLE

Negative people can take up extra space in your life by bringing your mental health down rather than being a positive influencer. This does not mean we eliminate people from our lives who are going through hard circumstances. Creating healthy boundaries is vital to an overall stable mental health.GAIN CONTROL OF YOUR TIME

Stop overcommitting your schedule. Allow space in your calendar to focus on the things that matter most to you. Your days and time are precious. Don’t focus on all your tasks and being busy. Allow space in your schedule to just “be”. Be in the moment. Read a book. Take a walk and have a conversation with those you love.

Sources: 

https://nationaltoday.com/national-simplify-your-life-week/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201807/5-ways-simplify-your-life

Posted in Fun Facts /General Information /Health Topics /Safety /Uncategorized /

ASK THE EXPERT // Skin Cancer Awareness

Signs of Melanoma That Are Easy to Miss

One of the most common types of cancer in the U.S., especially among older adults, is melanoma. Roughly 100,000 Americans each year are diagnosed with melanoma.


Have you learned what to look for on your skin? Asymmetrical moles or spots on the skin that continue to grow are areas to keep an eye on. Completing a scan of our bodies to note changes is important to identify unusual signs.

“Melanoma is such a rule breaker,” says Elizabeth Buchbinder, M.D., an oncologist at DanaFarber Cancer Institute in Boston and an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. Little moles can cause big trouble, and new spots can grow and spread quickly, she adds. “And so knowing what to look out for, it’s super important.”

1. The ‘ugly duckling’ – Men and women with a multitude of moles are noted to have an increased risk for melanoma. However, you should not panic and start counting each mole. Look for the ‘ugly duckling’. In a large group of moles, make note of the mole with an odd shape.

2. ‘Where the sun doesn’t shine’ – Ultraviolet (UV) lights are a cause for melanomas, and not all come from sun exposure. Look for dark streaks under your fingernail or toenail that don’t grow out.

3. Red, white and blue hues – Dark-brown moles are the common color for melanomas, however they can also present in other colors. For example, melanomas can take on a pink hue and be mistreated as a skin rash.

4. Spots on the skin that bleed or itch – Seek a doctor for consultation with a mole that becomes tender or itchy.

Skin cancer is preventable. “People need to really be aware of their skin,” Quigley says. “And if there’s anything that seems abnormal, it’s not the time to wait – it needs to be evaluated.”

Learn more at: www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2021/melanoma-skin-cancer-risk.html

Posted in General Information /Health Topics /Safety /

ASK THE EXPERT // Headaches  

June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month

Headaches are common.  It is very likely that each of us has experienced one in the last few weeks.  They can come and go, be minor or major, but what are some of the things that cause our heads to hurt?

Headache is one of the most common types of pain in the world.  Three quarters of the world’s population annually suffers from a headache.  Headaches can cause us to miss out on a family function or miss a day of work or school.  For some continually battling headaches can cause one to feel anxious and depressed.

There are more than 150 types of headaches.  They fall into two main categories:  primary and secondary headaches. 

Primary headaches are headaches that are not due to another medical condition.  Examples include:  Migraine, Cluster headaches, Daily persistent headaches and Tension headaches.

Secondary headaches are related to another medical condition, such as:  Disease of blood vessels in the brain, Head injury, High blood pressure, Infection, Medication misuse, Sinus congestion, Tumor or Trauma. 

A key ingredient to treating headache is figuring out what causes the headache.  Finding out what causes the headache leads to treatment.  There are many components that add up to what type, how often and how severe a headache can be.  Consulting your healthcare provider is the best way to begin to figure out the cause, management and treatment of headaches.  Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing future headaches.

It is important to consult your medical provider with questions about headaches.  Often times they don’t pose a serious threat, but sometimes can be a symptom of something greater. 

For more information on headaches see:  my.clevelandclinic.org, mayoclinic.org, medlineplus.gov

Posted in General Information /Health Topics /

ASK THE EXPERT // High Blood Pressure  

May is National Blood Pressure Education Month

High blood pressure is a condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high.  Uncontrolled high blood pressure raises the risk for heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the United States. Fortunately, high blood pressure is treatable and preventable. To lower your risk, get your blood pressure checked regularly and take action to control your blood pressure if it is too high. 

5 Surprising Facts About High Blood Pressure:

1.  High blood pressure is common, with more than 3 millions US cases per year.

2.  High blood pressure is linked to a higher risk for dementia, a loss of cognitive function. 

3.  Young people can have high blood pressure.  It isn’t just older adults who have high blood pressure.  Between

20 and 25 percent of men and women ages 33-44 have high blood pressure. This is linked to the rise in obesity rates.

4.  High blood pressure usually doesn’t have any symptoms.  Some call it the “silent killer”.  Even if you feel fine, have your blood pressure checked and talk to a doctor about your risk for high blood pressure.  Lack of symptoms and inconsistent checkups and health care monitoring, causes those who suffer to be undetected.

5.  Women and minorities face unique risks when it comes to high blood pressure.  Women can run into problems during pregnancy.  Some minority groups also have higher rates of high blood pressure. 

The best way to keep high blood pressure under control is to have regular health care visits and to follow instructions from your health provider. 

More information can be found at:  heart.org, cdc.gov, clevelandclinic.org and nia.nih.gov.

Posted in General Information /Health Topics /Uncategorized /