What To Do, and Not To Do, If You Have the Flu

The flu season isn't quite done with us! What should you do if you feel it taking hold of you? Here's a list of things that could help and others that are just a waste of time.

Five things worth trying

1. Antivirals. Tamiflu and Relenza have been shown to cut a day or two off the time you spend suffering from the flu. 
2. Analgesics. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen can reduce fever and help ease muscle aches, but patients who have asthma, high blood pressure or other chronic conditions should check with a doctor to ensure it's safe to take them. 
3. Fluids. Clear liquids such as water, broth and sports drinks can help prevent dehydration. 
4. OTC remedies. Decongestants and antihistamines can help ease runny noses, congestion and coughing. 
5. Rest. The best thing to do for yourself and others if you have the flu or a bad cold is to stay home and rest. That way, you won't spread germs - and admit it, you probably wouldn't be that effective at work feeling the way that you do. 

Five things to forget 

1. Herbal supplements. There's very little evidence that any of them work and it's hard to get concrete evidence because they come in different formulations, sometimes even from different types of plants. 
2. Zinc: Again, the different formulations of zinc make it difficult to definitely say whether it boosts the immune system, as claimed. The FDA recommends against using it in the nasal gel form because it can lead to a permanent loss of smell. 
3. Cough syrup: The American Lung Association cautions that there is no evidence that guaifenesin, an expectorant, can help ease a cough. The American College of Chest Physicians recommends against using any cough syrup. 
4. Cold remedies for kids: The FDA says OTC cold, flu and cough remedies shouldn't be given to children under 2 and the Infectious Diseases Society of America says not to give them to kids under 4. 
5. Vitamins: Ultra-high doses of Vitamin C, the supposed cure-all, can lead to diarrhea. There are no major studies that prove Vitamin C can shorten the duration of a cold. Ditto for Vitamin E. 

To learn more, click here.

Antipsychotic Use In Elderly Tied to Increased Hospitalization Risk

Researchers in Texas have found that elderly people taking antipsychotics need to be monitored closely because of an increased risk of hospitalization. This is especially important when the users have just started taking the medication.

The researchers found that people taking first-generation antipsychotics, such as Haldol, had a 21.3 percent rate of hospitalization during the first 180 days of taking the medication. Users of second-generation antipsychotics, such as Seroquel, had a 30.5 percent rate of hospitalization.

In general, the researchers noted that the use of antipsychotics lasting longer than 20 days is associated with a increased risk of all-cause hospitalization.

To learn more, click here.

Don't Be SAD: Identifying and Treating Seasonal Affective Disorder

Winter can cause even the most buoyant spirits to sink. It's cold outside, the sun disappears earlier and many people find themselves staring at the same four walls day in and day out. It's a dreary situation indeed – but for many people, perhaps including your residents, it's far more serious than a case of the winter blues. Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, occurs repeatedly at the same time of year, typically beginning in the fall and ending in spring. Although rare, some people experience the opposite – they become depressed when spring or summer roll around.

Causes

Despite extensive research, the exact causes of SAD are unknown. According to the Mayo Clinic, it's likely that, as with many other mental health conditions, genetics, age and a person's natural chemical makeup play a role in developing the disorder. Being female, living far from the equator and having a family history of SAD are also risk factors for developing the condition.1

Other causes are thought to include1:

• Melatonin levels. Melatonin, a natural hormone, plays a role in sleep patterns and moods. When the seasons change, the melatonin balance can be disrupted.
• Circadian rhythm. Fall and winter bring with them a reduced amount of sunlight. This can upset the body's circadian rhythm, or internal clock, which tells a person when they should be awake or sleeping. This disruption can lead to depression.
• Serotonin levels. Serotonin is a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that affects mood. Reduced sunlight can cause serotonin levels to drop, leading to depression.

Symptoms

SAD is a cyclic condition, which means that symptoms come back and go away at the same time every year. Symptoms include1:

• Depression
• Hopelessness
• Anxiety
• Loss of energy
• Social withdrawal
• Oversleeping
• Loss of interest in activities
• Changes in appetite (especially a craving for high-carbohydrate foods)

Symptoms might start out mild and grow worse as the season progresses. If left untreated, SAD can lead to suicidal thoughts or behavior, social withdrawal and substance abuse.1

Diagnosis

In order to receive a diagnosis of SAD, individuals need to have experienced depression and other symptoms for at least two consecutive years, and during the same season each year. Those periods of depression also need to have been followed stretches of time without depression. Finally, there must be no other explanations for the change in mood or behavior.1

Treatment

There are a number of available treatments for residents who are experiencing SAD. Common treatments for SAD include phototherapy (also known as light therapy), psychotherapy and medication.1

During light therapy, the affected person sits several feet away from a specialized box designed to expose users to bright, outdoor-like light. Light therapy has few side effects, is easy to use and appears to cause a change in the brain chemicals linked to mood.1 For light therapy to be effective, SAD sufferers should be exposed to a 10,000-lux (about the intensity of the sun at dawn) light source for 30 to 45 minutes a day.2

Even though SAD is thought to be related to biochemical processes, mood and behavior can also complicate symptoms of the disorder. Psychotherapy can be beneficial for identifying and changing negative thoughts and behaviors as well as learning healthy ways to cope with SAD and manage associated stress.1

Finally, a doctor might choose to treat someone with SAD with antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin XL), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac and Sarafem) and venlafaxine (Effexor).1

Altering your facility's environment to combat SAD

While severe SAD might require treatment with medication, there are a number of ways to make your facility a more welcoming place for those suffering from the disorder. For starters, try opening blinds, pulling back curtains and trimming any tree branches that block sunlight from entering the facility. Sunshine appears to boost mood, so encourage residents to sit in sunny rooms. Exposure to outdoor light is also highly beneficial, even if just for short periods of time.

Physical exercise can also relieve stress and anxiety. Make sure that there are abundant opportunities to get up and move around your facility, even if it's just taking a few laps up and down the hallways.

While SAD can hit residents hard, simple adjustments to the environment, combined with other treatment options, can help ease the depression and anxiety associated with this disorder.

References
1 MayoClinic.com. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonalaffective-disorder/DS00195. Accessed February 26, 2014.

2 The Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide. A SAD story: seasonal affective disorder. Available at: http://www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/Seasonal-affective-disorder.shtml. Accessed February 26, 2014.

Our Exclusive Stretch FlexRight Briefs Are Now In Stock!

We're excited to share with you that our Embrace Adult Skin Caring Stretch FlexRight briefs are now in stock and available for immediate shipment! These innovative briefs have been rigorously tested by our clinical team and were designed to meet our exact specifications. The end result is an exceptionally comfortable brief that moves with the resident and provides a natural fit.

Stretch FlexRight briefs are initially available in two standardized sizes, with a 2XL/3XL size being introduced later in 2014. The Medium/Regular size fits 32"-54" waists and the Large/Extra-Large size fits 48"-66" waists.

The standardized sizing on the briefs allows you to stock just two sizes of product, freeing up valuable storage room space, reducing costs and saving caregiver time.

To learn more about the Stretch FlexRight briefs, contact your ProMed territory manager, click on the link above or give us a call at (800) 648-5190.

Study: Flu Vaccine Cuts Stroke Risk

According to new research coming out of the United Kingdom, people who received the flu vaccine are 25 percent less likely to have a stroke during the flu season.

The association between receiving a flu vaccine and not having a stroke was strongest among those who received the vaccine early in the flu season.

The researchers noted that their analysis wasn't designed to explain why vaccination is connected to stroke risk and that additional research is needed.

To learn more, click here.

Protect Yourself from Wintertime COPD Flare-Ups

Unfortunately, it looks like we still have plenty of winter left to endure. During this cold weather, people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, are more likely to experience disease flare-ups involving increased coughing and other exacerbated symptoms. This is partially due to the respiratory viruses (such as colds and flu) that make the rounds when weather turns cold.

HealthGrades recommends taking the following steps to avoid wintertime flare-ups:

• Protect yourself from respiratory infections by staying away from sick people, practicing good hand hygiene and getting vaccinated against flu and pneumonia (check with your doctor before receiving the vaccines). 
• Shield yourself from the cold by checking the weather before going outdoors (keep a close eye on wind chill). If you can, stay inside when it gets very cold outside. If you must go out, wear a knit scarf or mask around your face and mouth as well as a hat, mittens and multiple layers of loose-fitting clothing topped with a weatherproof jacket. 
• Stay away from aggravating elements, including secondhand cigarette smoke, smoke from wood-burning stoves, chemical fumes and dust. It's also a good idea to have your furnace checked to make sure it isn't leaking irritating particles. 
• See your doctor regularly throughout the cold months and follow his or her suggestions on caring for yourself. 

Study: Citalopram Could Help Reduce Agitation in Alzheimer's Patients

Researchers have found that the antidepressant citalopram could help relieve agitation in people with Alzheimer's disease, which could in turn help reduce dependence on antipsychotic medications. Citalopram is sold as the antidepressants Celexa and Cipramil.

During the study, researchers found that individuals who received 30 milligrams of the drug for nine weeks reported "significant relief" of agitation. Behavioral therapy had failed for all the participants, and antipsychotic drugs had also failed in some cases.

To learn more, click here.

Medicare Beneficiaries Likely to Seek Hospital Care After Rehab Discharge

Researchers have found that more than one-fifth of Medicare beneficiaries seek hospital care within a month of being discharged from long-term care facilities where they were receiving rehabilitation. Additionally, 37 percent sough acute care within three months of discharge.

The researchers didn't determine how these return visits could be prevented, but they did identify several risk factors for hospital admission following nursing home rehab. These included:

• The presence of cancer or respiratory disease
• Being male or African American 
• Being a resident in a for-profit facility 

To learn more, click here. 

Specialized Care for Delicate Skin

We all know the three steps to good skin care – cleanse, moisturize and protect – but sometimes residents need something more advanced to keep their delicate skin healthy. That's why ProMed has developed two new exclusive skin protectants designed specifically for compromised skin that needs extra care.

Embrace Anti-Itch Skin Protectant with Calamine & Menthol helps prevent and heal skin irritations that can result from exposure to urine, diarrhea, perspiration, drainage and leakage, minor burns and cuts and scrapes. It also forms a protective barrier with zinc oxide and acts as a first aid antiseptic.

Embrace Antifungal Skin Protectant with Breathable Barrier treats and helps prevent athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch and other superficial skin infections, as well as the itching, cracking, scaling and discomfort that commonly accompany them.

These two new products are designed to work together as a system with our other Embrace skin care products, including:

• Embrace Moisturizing Cleanser & Skin Protectant with Breathable Barrier
• Embrace Sensitive Skin Caring Washcloths with Breathable Barrier
• Embrace Skin Repair Cream
• Embrace Skin Protectant with Breathable Barrier

To learn more about any of these best-in-class products, contact your ProMed territory manager, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 or visit us online at www.promedsupply.com.

Researchers Develop SAGE Test to Detect Early Signs of Cognitive Impairment

Are you concerned that you or a loved one might have memory or thinking problems? If so, you might be interested in the new SAGE test. Created by researchers at The Ohio State University, SAGE (which stands for Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam) is free to the public and was designed to detect early signs of cognitive, memory or thinking impairments.

The test can help pick up on early signs of cognitive and brain dysfunction, such as memory loss, language problems, disorientation to time, impaired sense of direction, changes in personality or mood or executive impairment.

The test can be downloaded here. After downloading the test, print it out and complete it using a pen or pencil without assistance. Once the test is complete, take it to your primary care physician for evaluation. Even if your score doesn't indicate a need for further testing, your physician can still record the results and use them as a baseline for the future.

To learn more, click here.

Create a Sweet Valentine's Day

Don't panic if you haven't planned your facility's Valentine's Day party yet. We've got plenty of ideas to help you make the holiday memorable for your residents!

Craft your own Valentines

Thanks to pre-cut paper shapes, it’s easier than ever to make homemade Valentines. Visit your local craft supply store to stock up on multicolored paper hearts, Cupids and lace doilies. Provide your residents with non-toxic glue sticks to attach the shapes to each other. You could also give them large, flat-backed rhinestones to "bedazzle" their creations.

Make better-for-you goodies

There's no need for residents with diabetes to completely avoid sweet treats on Valentine's Day. The American Diabetes Association has whipped up recipes for healthier takes on desserts, including Low-Fat Crème Brulee, Peppermint Mousse and Individual S'more Desserts.

Share hot cocoa and memories

Encourage your residents to gather together in a common room for cocoa and reminiscing about Valentine's Day. You can get the ball rolling by asking questions. For example, do they prefer to receive chocolates or flowers? Did they ever have a secret admirer? What is their fondest Valentine's Day memory? You might be surprised by what you learn!

We wish you and your residents a happy Valentine's Day!

FDA: Uncle Ben's Recall Affects Nursing Homes

The FDA has announced that an Uncle Ben's recall made earlier this week affects not just individual consumers but nursing homes, hospitals, schools and other institutions as well.

The recall includes all bags and all lot numbers of Uncle Ben's Infused Rice products made in 2013. One of the recalled products, Uncle Ben's Infused Mexican Rice Flavor, has been linked to illnesses at three public schools in Texas. Students and teachers who consumed the rice reported itchy rashes, headaches and nausea for 30 to 90 minutes.

To read the complete FDA notice, click here.

Report: 30 Percent of Residents with Dementia are Undernourished

According to a new report from Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI), 30 percent of nursing home residents with dementia are undernourished. "Undernourished" refers to an insufficient intake of calories, protein or other nutrients.

ADI encourages LTC providers to take steps to evaluate the eating habits of residents with dementia and maximize the nutrition they receive. The researchers noted that one method of doing this is to provide oral nutritional supplements, which can can help stabilize or even increase a resident's weight.

Other recommendations included:

• Staff training
• Enhancing the mealtime environment 
• Introducing nutritional standards of care specifically for those with dementia
• A more comprehensive workforce development program 

To learn more, click here.

Vital Details on Vital Signs

What does someone's body temperature really tell you? Or their pulse? Which results are considered normal? Let's take a look at the four primary vital signs: temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rate.

Body temperature

Body temperature is a measure of the body's ability to generate and get rid of heat. An elevated body temperature can indicate a fever, which in turn is indicative of a systemic infection, severe trauma or injury, inflammation or a medical condition such as arthritis, hyperthyroidism and even some cancers. Body temperature can be measured in the mouth, ear, armpit, forehead and rectum.

Normal range: The average body temperature is 98.6° F, but temperatures within 1 degree above or below this reading are still considered normal.

Blood pressure

Blood pressure involves recording two readings: the systolic pressure, which is the maximal contraction of the heart, and diastolic pressure, which represents resting pressure. This measurement is usually taken from the left arm, unless there is some damage to that arm. Elevated blood pressure, when the systolic number is consistently over 140-160 mmHg, is known as hypertension. Low blood pressure is referred to as hypotension.

Normal range: 120 (systolic) over 80 (diastolic)

Pulse

The physical expansion of an artery creates a pulse. This measurement is recorded as beats per minute and is usually taken at the wrist or ankle. It can also be taken at the elbow, against the carotid artery in the neck, behind in the knee or in the foot. While a lower pulse is generally preferable, a very low pulse, or bradycardia, can be dangerous and lead to weakness, loss of energy and fainting.

Normal range: For adults, the normal pulse rate is 50-80 beats per minute

Respiratory rate 

Respiratory rate, or the numbers of breaths taken in a minute, can indicate potential respiratory dysfunction. The rate is obtained by counting how many times the chest rises during a minute. The rate can increase with fever, illness or other medical conditions. When obtaining a respiratory rate, it's also important to see whether the person is having difficulty breathing.

Normal range: 12-20 breaths per minute

Equipment for monitoring vital signs has grown much more sophisticated over the years. New devices can obtain readings in seconds, freeing staff members to spend their time on other areas of care and reducing resident inconvenience to a minimum. To learn more about which vital signs solutions best fit your needs, contact your ProMed territory manager, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 or visit us online at promedsupply.com.

CNA Absenteeism Tied To Poor Quality Indicator Scores

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have found that LTC facilities that have high rates of CNA absenteeism are also likely to have lower quality ratings.

The researchers examined data from around 4,000 nursing homes and aide absenteeism could be tied to poor performance on the physical restrain use, catheter use, pain management and pressure ulcer quality indicators. The average weekly absenteeism rate of the facilities examined during the study was 9.2 percent.

To learn more, click here.

Study: Cynicism is Top Predictor of Nursing Home Administrator Turnover

Research from Indiana University of Pennsylvania has found that nursing home administrators who have high levels of cynicism are more likely to leave their jobs. The researcher noted that this cynicism is related to a feeling of professional burnout.

To obtain these findings, the researcher distributed a survey to all Pennsylvania nursing home administrators. She received 98 responses, which she analyzed to determine the administrators' level of burnout and intention of leaving their jobs. She defined burnout as having three elements: emotional exhaustion, cynicism and professional inefficacy.

While cynicism stood out as the main predictor of administrators leaving their jobs, the researcher noted that the importance of emotional exhaustion should not be overlooked.

To learn more, click here.

One Sugary Soda a Day Increases Heart Disease Risk By One Third

A new study from the CDC has found that drinking just one 12-ounce can of sugary soda a day can greatly increase your risk of dying from heart disease.

The researchers connected having a diet that is full of too much added sugar from processed and prepared foods and increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, the number one killer of both men and women. They found that consuming seven 12-ounce sugar-sweetened beverages a week can increase a person's risk for cardiovascular disease by more than one-third.

The study wasn't limited to sugar-sweetened beverages. The researchers also found a link between a diet high in sugar-rich processed and prepared foods and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. To have their diet considered high in sugar-rich foods, a person would need to consume about 300 calories (about 18 teaspoons) of sugar a day for a 2,000-calorie diet.

To learn more, click here.

Give Your Laundry Room a Makeover

Winter might not have melted away just yet, but it’s not too early to start thinking about spring cleaning. ProMed stocks everything you need to get a head start on organizing your linens as well as your laundry room.

We offer hampers, linen carts and distribution carts made of healthcare-grade PVC that is reinforced at all stress-related areas for additional strength. These pieces are available in a rainbow of mesh and vinyl  colors that you can match to your décor or color-code by wing or use. All of the PVC items include a five-year limited warranty on their frames.

We also stock wire hampers with touch-free foot pedals, quiet-ride casters and lids available in a variety of colors. The hampers can be further personalized with lid labels denoting soiled, infectious or personal linen or biohazardous waste. Hamper bags are available in nylon, antimicrobial and multiple colors of poly.

Our Textile and Linen Solutions brochure contains additional details on all of these products as well as our complete line of bed linens, blankets, spreads and terry. Click on the link above to download the brochure now!

To learn more, contact your ProMed territory manager, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 or visit us online at promedsupply.com.

Study: Injectable Drugs Cut Risk of Blindness-Related Nursing Home Admission

Researchers have found that injectable drugs introduced in the last decade have decreased the risk of blindness-related nursing home admission by close to 20 percent among people with wet macular degeneration.

The drugs, Lucentis and Avastin, inhibit vascular endothelial growth factors (they're commonly referred to as anti-VEGF mediations). The researchers found that within two years of receiving anti-VEGF injections, recipients were 19 percent less likely to be admitted to a long-term care facility.

Compared to earlier treatments, anti-VGEFs reduce vision loss by more than 40 percent and slow the onset of severe vision loss and blindness by more than 45 percent.

To learn more, click here.