3 Healthy Living Tips for Diabetic Patients

Living with diabetes can be a difficult and frustrating thing for newly diagnosed patients. Deciding which foods are ok to eat, and frequent blood sugar monitoring can be a trying task that takes dedication for patients and their families as well. However, managing diabetes is a necessary task that can be accomplished by using a few of these simple healthy living tips for diabetic patients:

1.) Track Your Carbs

As a diabetic patient, carbohydrate monitoring is essential for controlling blood sugars. Carbohydrates are the building blocks of nearly all foods consumed and eating a large amount can have a significant impact on blood sugar. Managing the number of carbs eaten on a daily basis can help with managing and knowing the effect that different foods can have on your blood sugar. Choosing high fiber carbs such as green vegetables, whole grains and fruits can have a positive impact on your health and well-being. Generally, any diabetic patient should track the number of carbs in their diet to have a complete picture of their diabetes management.

2.) Move Around Frequently

Regular exercise can have a significant impact on controlling diabetes. Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight is key for many patients. Not only does exercise help reduce stress, but it also helps control blood pressure, reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and increases mood and self-esteem. The key to great exercise is being consistent and finding an activity that suits your physical level and is fun to do. Many exercises such as swimming, yoga, biking, and dancing are low-impact workouts that are popular for people of all ages. Working out 30 minutes per day for 4-5 days is a great starting point in order to reduce weight and control blood sugar.

3.) Check Blood Sugar at least twice a day

Checking blood glucose can be a bothersome task for many, but it is necessary. Testing the sugar in the morning and at night will give patients a great idea of not only how certain foods affect their glucose, but also the impact that sleep has as well. Doctors advise that patients receive the appropriate amount of sleep per night, as people who tend to do that have better eating habits and improved blood sugar control. Record the blood sugar after each test and keep a journal. This will help you track your progress and inform the doctor how well medications may be working, or how well lifestyle modifications are working.

Following a few of these healthy living tips for diabetic patients can make diabetes management easier for most patients.

October 29, 2018

3 Common Questions about Flu Season

1.) Does the Flu Shot Make Me Sick?

One of the most common myths about the flu, is that receiving the vaccine will cause you to become sick. This is false. The flu shot contains an inactivated copy of the existing flu vaccine. Your immune system identifies this “copy” and uses it to prepare against the actual flu strain. This process usually takes anywhere from 7-14 days, so if there is a case when someone gets sick after the shot, it most likely happens because the body hasn’t had time to process the vaccine and protect itself. It is also possible for a person to still catch a cold after the flu shot. These are two different viruses; the flu shot does not protect against a common cold. The cold may have similar symptoms to a flu including runny nose, cough and sore throat, however they are much milder than the flu. The flu usually comes on rapidly and immediately results in body fever and aches, whereas the cold may come a lot slower. In addition, each year there can be a different active flu virus strand. Companies begin preparing flu vaccines months before the flu season so that they are ready for patients by the end of the summer. It is possible, that either the flu strand mutated to a different strand, or there is a mismatch with the vaccine and the identified strand. For example, the swine flu strand may be produced in the vaccine, but the bird flu strand ends up becoming the prevalent strand during flu season. This would make the vaccine ineffective. So, there are many reasons why the flu vaccine may not work but it will not make you sick.

2.) I feel sick. Should I get the shot? When is the best time to get it?

Unless you are seriously immunocompromised or have severe allergies to active ingredients within the flu shot, it is highly recommended to get the flu shot. People with mild colds or allergies are ok as well, however if you have a moderate or severe illness, it is better to wait until after you are recovered. Children and the elderly are especially encouraged as they have weaker immune systems and are more susceptible to the flu. The vaccine is the first line of defense against the flu and as more people are vaccinated the chance of spreading the flu decreases. The Center for Disease Control recommends that everyone is vaccinated by the end of October. This gives your body the 1 to 2-week time period needed to build up immunity by the peak of flu season in November.

3.) I think I have the flu. What do I do?

Two words. STAY HOME. The flu is highly contagious, so it is best to stay in a confined area. However, for vulnerable people (geriatrics and children), medical doctors should be contacted as soon as possible. There are antiviral medications that may be given to shorten the time period of the flu. Drinking plenty of fluids and remaining hydrated is essential, as well as handwashing and wearing a facemask and coughing into the elbow. Because it is a virus, there is no cure, and it must run its course. So, treating the symptoms and taking precautions to keep it from spreading is the most effective way to control the flu.

October 22, 2018

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

As most people know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Every year over 250,000 women will be diagnosed and 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Through several foundations including the Susan G Komen Foundation, and the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., millions of women are able to receive early detection support, treatment and therapy in order to combat the effects of breast cancer. Because of the increased awareness and early detection breast cancer rates have been in decline for the past several years. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with breast cancer survivors as a part of an awareness rally and the stories from these women were not only inspirational but a sign of their incredible strength and resilience. For example, one particular woman was diagnosed with breast cancer nearly 25 years ago. She was a registered nurse in one of the biggest hospitals in Chicago. Because of her medical knowledge, she began to notice some of the more common side effects of breast cancer including scaly skin and redness. As a result, she decided to go to her doctor and discovered that she had breast cancer. Immediately she decided to undergo chemotherapy in order to combat the cancer. As a result, she lost her hair, began to experience immense weakness and pain, and bouts of nausea. However, this not deter her from becoming an advocate in her community for breast cancer awareness. She battled and continued to educate others this entire time and never gave up the fight. She has now been in remission for 10 years. This is just one story out of thousands that are prevalent in the fight against breast cancer. Beyond wearing pink ribbons, or pink clothing in October, it is important to get involved and join others in the fight against breast cancer. Educating all people, males as well, about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and what to look for. Breast cancer in males is rare, however it can still occur. Although breast cancer cannot be prevented, engaging in healthy living, including eating a well-balanced diet and avoiding smoking and excessive drinking will have positive effects as well as have some effect on helping to reduce risk. In addition, it is important that women over 40 years of age receive yearly mammograms. Even women who are younger than 40, and who show no signs and symptoms should also receive mammograms in order to further reduce the risk. Early detection is a key initiative in the battle against breast cancer. The sooner that cancer is identified, the more successful treatments can be. It is important that breast cancer awareness remain at the forefront, as it is still the 2^nd leading cause of death in women. Therefore, it is essential to remain vigilant in making sure that every effort is made to increase awareness and prevent as many people from becoming affected as possible.

October 15, 2018

CVS & Aetna Merger: What Does it Mean for Patients

Recently, the announcement of the near completed $69 billion merger between pharmacy retailer CVS and insurance giant Aetna, has created large shockwaves through the healthcare industry. With this merger, the largest national pharmacy chain (CVS) and the third largest health insurer (Aetna) would combine to take a large market share as well as create a one-stop shop model as patients who had Aetna insurance would most likely only visit CVS pharmacies for their medication needs. So, what does this mean for the consumer? Nearly 70% of prescriptions are filled by three entities: Express Scripts, CVS Caremark and Optum RX. In addition, CVS owns many urgent care “minute clinics” within their retail locations as well as specialty pharmacies and outpatient clinics. Patients who have Aetna insurance will be encouraged to visit only CVS locations. In addition, to steer patients to continue to use only their business, oftentimes traditional Medicare plans may no longer be covered as they will want as many patients as possible to acquire plans that specifically benefit CVS/Aetna.

The marketplace no longer becomes competitive and there are fewer options for patients to choose from. With less options, there is a chance that patients could see higher insurance premiums as well. Just like in any market, the more options that patients have the better the pricing. After CVS took over Target Pharmacy, the price of a certain generic prescription jumped from $45 to $241. In addition, CVS Caremark would cut payment rates to smaller independent pharmacies which would force more of these pharmacies to either stop taking these patients altogether or limit the number of patients they could help. So, patients who have been going to the same pharmacy for years, may have to relocate to another pharmacy for their needs. This can be especially problematic for many senior patients who are more inclined to want to stay with familiar caregivers and health care professionals. Many patients who are reliant on the familiarity of their healthcare team can often have problems with compliance to medications as well as comfort level with their providers. They may not ask important questions about medications or communicate issues that they may be dealing with such as side effects, high costs, etc. Many doctors are also concerned that patients will be forced to choose other physicians if they are not already within the approved network. It is possible that patients who are in network with CVS/Aetna could experience cost savings through a sort of “cost bundle” approach, which means if patients acquire the insurance, see approved doctors and fill prescriptions at CVS pharmacies. However even that can be dependent on the competitiveness actual insurance market. So even in that case, cost savings is more of a hope instead of a guarantee. Although the pending merger will be a great boon for the 2 companies, it is important that patients be aware of how it may impact them.

October 8, 2018

4 Tips for Healthy Aging

Many seniors struggle with the aging process. The loss of independence and declining health can oftentimes be overwhelming and scary for our elders to deal with. Several factors including loss of financial security, death of a spouse or loved one, and not being able to manage daily activities are barriers that seniors have to face as well. It is important that the family and caregivers of the resident be attentive and patient in this transition. Emotional support, as well as these tips for healthy aging, can be attributed to a better quality of life:

Nutrition

Proper diet and nutrition are incredibly important for our seniors to maintain healthy living and help slow certain degenerative health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables in the diet while decreasing salt content and fatty foods will have a tremendous impact on the health and well-being of seniors. Enjoying a variety of foods and controlling portions will not only keep people from becoming bored with the diet, but increase satiation, or the feeling of being full!

Exercise

Studies show that just as little as 30 minutes of daily exercise can improve mental cognition, heart health, decrease weight loss while decreasing anxiety and depression. Finding exercises that challenge but do not overwhelm seniors is the key; Yoga, swimming, biking, or going for a moderate paced walk are all options that can be done no matter the age or physical level. Many times, there will be cases where some seniors are not able to exercise due to physical limitations. It is important that caregivers find exercises that can suit these individuals. Merely stretching, walking, or doing light yard work can be stimulating enough exercises that keep seniors active, and mentally sharp.

Getting Enough Sleep

Sleep is something that many people take for granted but the older that you become, the more important getting enough rest becomes. Most people benefit greatly from 7-9 hours of sleep per night, but it depends on each individual person. It is important to know your body and be aware of how much sleep is needed. Getting the appropriate amount of rest helps improve mental cognition and reduces stress and inflammation. These are all factors that help with the natural aging process.

Never Stop Learning

Whether it’s as simple as doing a crossword puzzle or reading the morning paper, continuing to exercise your brain is essential to healthy aging. The brain is an active muscle; and just like arms or legs, it must be engaged, or it could suffer from weakness or atrophy. Never stop the learning process. Reading, listening to music, picking up a new hobby of interest; these are all activities that continue to work the brain and keep mental cognition and decrease the chances of dementia. Embrace the aging process, and through these Amazon healthy tips, continue to live healthily.

October 1, 2018

The Importance of Mandatory Mental Health Classes In Schools

The state of New York recently passed an unprecedented law requiring that all students from elementary to high school learn about mental health. Some key points that these classes must cover include, identifying signs of mental health problems, resources for health and support, and the negative stigma that surrounds mental health. What New York State has done is not only incredible for the progression of mental health awareness in this country; it is groundbreaking and an absolute necessity. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, around 13% of children ages 8 to 15 experience a severe mental disorder as well as 21% of teenagers from 13-18. Some data also suggests that up to 50% of mental health disorders can be recognized as early as age 14. This highlights an important point, that mental disorders can manifest itself at an early age, yet because of its stigma and lack of understanding, many young people do not get the appropriate help and support that is needed. Over time, if these signs are not recognized they will only get worse and increase the impact of the disorder. The World Health Organization identifies that 1 in 3 college freshmen may suffer from some sort of mental health disorder. This indicates that most people experience disorders yet continue to carry them through childhood, and eventually through adulthood. There is great optimism that more states can follow New York’s lead and pass similar legislature, which will bring mental health to the forefront of this country’s consciousness. This year, Virginia has passed a law that requires that 9^thand 10^thgraders be taught mental health lessons in school. Now more than ever, mental health has become as apart of the national dialogue as politics, sports and entertainment. It is important that the momentum continues and the important work continues to be done. The fight to remove the immense stigma surrounding mental health is an essential one, and must start with the younger generations in order to make necessary changes. Teaching the youth how to recognize signs and symptoms of certain disorders and educating them will help increase the understanding of mental awareness and normalize it even more in the future. Many times, people identify “needing help” as a weakness. Society has often times isolated and ostracized people who may be suffering from mental health disorders. These mandatory classes will go a long way in the fight to break the stigma and continue conversations that are needed for the increased awareness and progression of mental health in this country. Young people will not be afraid to come forward and talk about issues that many generations who came before them have not. Already because of the widespread impact of social media, many people are coming forward and sharing their experiences and struggles with mental health, and as mandatory classes become apart of national curriculums across the country, I anticipate that this will become more of the “new normal”. In the future, not only will children learn about the arts and sciences, they will be educated on emotional wellness and the importance of mental health awareness, which will have great impact on the emotional wellness of this country.

September 24, 2018

The Importance of Seniors Taking Medications

Recently, I had the privilege of speaking to residents at a retirement community about the importance of diabetes management. One of the main points I stressed to the residents was the importance of taking medications as prescribed and reporting any issues to their doctor or nurse. After the presentation, I was approached by a couple of residents who spoke to me about some of their difficulties in taking medications. One particular woman expressed to me how the medications affected her energy level and caused her feet to swell and make it difficult for her to walk. Now, she does not take the medications as regularly as she should, but instead only if she remembers to do it. After hearing this, I approached one of her caregivers and suggested an alternative that the doctor will now switch to, which will help alleviate her swelling. This story illustrates that many seniors struggle with taking medications, and it is up to the families and caregivers of the patient to recognize when there may be some difficulty. Many times, there are signs and symptoms that indicate when a patient may be having difficulty in taking their medications, and as caregivers it is important that we not only recognize the issues but have solutions which may help them as well. As people age, one of the first hallmark signs that a senior may have issues with medications is memory slippage. Many times, patients have difficulty in remembering when to take medications, especially if they have multiple medications for different health issues. Medication pillboxes are traditionally a great way for caregivers and patients to manage medications, including those which have indicators for day and nighttime doses. Many pharmacies which specialize in elder care have blister packing available which separates the medications into plastic pouches that make it easier for patients to keep up with what they are supposed to be taking, as well as it being much simpler for patients to carry around. There are also medication bottles that have smart caps which track each time a patient uses the medication. So, if the bottle is not touched over an extended period of time, an alert gets sent to the physician which then can investigate why the patient is unable to take the medications. Open communication with your loved ones may reveal issues that prevent the patient from being adherent. Similar to the woman I helped with the swelling, there may be side effects that may make medications more difficult for patients. Having attentive caregivers which ask many questions, will enable patients to feel comfortable in talking about certain difficulties that they may be experiencing. Many people regardless of age, will stop taking medications if they believe it makes them feel worse. This highlights the importance of paying close attention to your loved ones and listening to their health difficulties. It is important in not only ensuring their health and wellness but maximizing the benefits of taking the appropriate medications.

September 17, 2018

How Smart Technology is making a difference in patient’s lives

Smart technology in cellphones, tablets and computers have not only revolutionized our daily lives but how we also monitor our health. More specifically, the Apple Watch, one of the most popular smart wristwatches in the world, has become a great tool for patients to monitor their heart health. Recently, there have been stories of patients discovering irregularities in their heart rate because of notifications from their smart watch. Apple has teamed up with Stanford Medicine to form the “Apple Heart Study”, which uses data from the Apple Watch to identify irregular heart rhythms, as well as potentially serious heart conditions. Apple then uses the information gathered to improve its technology which is designed to detect and analyze irregular heart rhythms. If irregularities are discovered with a person’s heart rate, they then have the option to consult with a telehealth Heart Study Cardiologist. The Cardiologist then may do further observations of the patient while wearing a small “e-patch”, which will gather important data and give a clearer picture of the perceived issues, as well as give recommendations to the patient’s primary health care provider. What does this mean for most patients? Millions of Americans experience the common form of hearth arrhythmia known Atrial Fibrillation or “A-fib”. For most people, it is undiagnosed, and can often come and go regularly, especially if set off by certain stimulants such as alcohol, caffeine and other substances. Although a person may see their primary care physician with regularity, heart arrhythmias may not show up on the EKG, unless they are experiencing “A-Fib” at that exact moment. In addition, these undetected arrhythmias are among the leading causes of stroke. The more monitoring that a patient has, the better chance that irregularities are caught at an earlier stage before a stroke occurs. Therefore, heart monitoring devices such as the Apple Watch, may be beneficial to senior patients, as well as those who are more susceptible to heart attacks and arrhythmias. As is the case with most technology, there is definitely room for improvement. It is possible that the watch may pick up on arrhythmias if a person enjoys their morning coffee or has an intense workout session at the gym. However, the overall benefit is positively overwhelming. Most people may stigmatize that heart health only affects seniors or morbidly obese individuals, but this is far from the case. Recently, a teenager received an alert from her smart watch that her heart rate was unusually high. Besides a headache and a small bout of shortness of breath, she reportedly felt normal. Once she received another alert from her watch, she went to the emergency room. Doctors then identified that she was suffering from chronic kidney disease, and if it were not for the alerts from her watch, it is very possible that the disease may have continued to go undetected and potentially have devastating effects. The benefits of the smart watch are not only good for seniors or those looking to lose weight, it is effective for all, no matter their age, gender or physical ailments.

September 10, 2018

The Importance of Patients Building Relationships with Providers

Trust is an essential factor in healthcare. When patients receive any kind of therapy management, they are expecting that the professionals in charge of their care are not only knowledgeable but truthful in all aspects of care. It is important as healthcare providers, that we remain transparent with patients and understanding of not only their physical health, but emotional and mental wellbeing as well. As a community pharmacist, I have had many interactions with patients that allowed me to gain a more in-depth notion of each individual that I treated. For example, if there were patients who were on a fixed income, I would be able to look at their medication therapy and recommend alternative medications that would fit their budgets and still be effective. I was able to do this because patients were comfortable enough to trust me with their financial situations in order for me to help them. Sometimes there is a giant disconnect between providers and patients. Patients are often times intimidated by healthcare providers and afraid to express their issues. Sometimes older patients who are experiencing pain, side effects or mental and emotional issues are not transparent with their providers about these conditions. This creates a barrier that makes providing great healthcare much more difficult. My grandfather was one of the proudest, most hard-working people that I’ve ever been around. He worked as a farmer and mechanic throughout most of his life. He would talk to anybody who came across his path and believed that any ailment could be prevented with a teaspoon of castor oil and a good night of sleep. Once he became older, he started to experience frequent chest pain and tightness. He refused to go to the doctor because he had the belief that if he did, then he would never return home. This is a common fear amongst people in our community. Many people have a distrust of providers and believe that either most are only concerned about the prospect of making money, or they simply do not care about their wellbeing. This is a stigma and barrier that is the responsibility of us in the healthcare community to overcome. Patient-centered care is the backbone and foundation of the proper care of patients, and this idea must not be forgotten. Patients as well as their families have the responsibility of making sure that every important detail of the patient is given to their caregiver. For example, if it is an elderly person who is in a nursing home or assisted living facility, the caregivers must be aware of all medications, both prescription and over-the counter, that are being taken, as well as physical ailments and mental/emotional wellbeing. This ensures that they are given the best care possible, which also gives peace of mind to those involved. Trust is the key factor that establishes these points. Patients must not only trust the competency of those in charge of care, they must trust that the best care will be given. For all patients to receive the best care possible, trust is not only needed, its essential to the foundation of healthcare.

September 4, 2018

Seniors and Technology

Technology has become a great connector in society. In many respects, grade-school children have become more adept in using smartphones and iPads than their parents. Young teenagers solely accustomed to social media have never experienced a world without Snapchat filters and IG story posts.

People now more than ever are dependent on technology.

How many times a day do you check your phone, scroll through a timeline looking for the latest news, or check out a blog for the latest health and wellness tips?

You might be surprised to learn that this shift has also begun to occur within the senior community. Compared to other age groups, seniors may still use technology at a lower rate, but they are more engaged with the digital community at a much higher pace than before.

As of now, almost 4 in 10 seniors own a smartphone, and internet usage is also rising. Seniors between the age of 65-70 are the most likely to be using technology as well. 34% of Americans ages 65+ use social networking platforms such as Facebook or Twitter. So, what does this mean?

Technology affects people of all ages.

As its impact on society increases throughout the years, so does the likelihood that older people will not only be tech-savvy, they will rely on it just as much as their younger counterparts. The world continuously changes and coincidently so does technology. It is absolutely essential that all people, no matter the age group recognize this and grow with it.

At one point in history, driving a car was seen as innovative. Typing on a typewriter attached to a large screen was unheard of. Now, these are daily tasks that many of us cannot live without, including our seniors.

Social Media is seen as the most innovative and important platform to find breaking news and important information, and its ability to share life updates and important information regarding family and friends is essential in our daily lives.

It is the daily newspaper of the 21^st century and much more. Most news outlets report faster on their social media sites, then on the television. Therefore, in addition to increased smartphone usage, seniors have begun to look at social media and the internet as a way to keep up with the everchanging landscape of society. Seniors have begun to engage with gaining information from digital outlets versus traditional forms such as television and newspapers.

Some barriers remain between seniors and technology.

Older seniors over the age of 75 are less comfortable with technology and are unfamiliar with how to properly use electronic devices. A poll from the Pew Research Center discovered that only 26% of internet users over 65 feel confident when using computers, smartphones, or tablets, and 28% of seniors say they have health problems or disabilities which may prevent them from engaging in activities.

These seniors are less likely to engage with digital devices as well. Despite the challenges, the overwhelming trend is that increasing access to technology can be seen as a positive step in assuring that the senior community remains informed and knowledgeable about the world and current events.

As time goes on and technology remains a fundamental part of society, its impact will only continue to increase with the older generations and continue to be a key tool to keep seniors active and engaged.