Protecting Older Adults from Wildfire Smoke and Poor Air Quality

Air Quality in New York City

The ongoing Canadian wildfires caused a significant drop in air quality across much of the United States last week, casting an orange haze over much of the country and resulting in numerous public health advisories. While this event came as a surprise to many, continued climate change means events like those of the past week…

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Video Games and Cognitive Health

Man playing video games

Since the first home video game console reached markets in 1972, opinions on the devices have been in constant change.  Home game consoles began as expensive novelties in the 70’s and 80’s, lightning rods of controversy in the 90’s, and near-ubiquitous living room fixtures since 2000. Now, a growing body of research points to a…

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Preventing Bedsores in a Home Care Setting

Woman sleeping

Bed sores (also known as pressure ulcers) are ruptures to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. If left untreated, a bed sore can result in permanent damage to the skin, potentially life-threatening infections, and other medical complications. This type of injury is most common among those who spend extensive…

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What to Expect During a Fall Risk Assessment

Couple walking

Injuries due to a fall remain one of the most common, preventable causes for hospitalization amongst older adults.  As a result, organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and the American Geriatric Society strongly recommend everyone aged 65 and older undergo a fall risk assessment annually. Even if you feel comfortable on your feet, regularly…

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Seasonal Allergies and Older Adults

Woman with allergies

As temperatures rise and the sun stays out a little longer every day, spring and pollen are in the air. While seasonal allergies can be a nuisance for most, their symptoms can present significant risk to older adults. Why are seasonal allergies more dangerous to older adults? Seasonal allergies put older adults at greater risk…

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Opinion: More Assistance does not mean Less Independence

Helping hand

The goal of any home health care arrangement is to preserve the long-term health and independence of a client with as few changes to their lifestyle as possible. For example, a client may be largely independent; however, certain household tasks may be difficult or dangerous due to a chronic illness or injury. In this case,…

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Lithium-Ion Battery Safety for Seniors

Lithium-Ion Battery

From smartphones to mobility scooters, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries can be found in many rechargeable electronics. While these batteries provide the power for many household conveniences, their ubiquity and range in production quality has led to numerous reports of dangerous, sometimes deadly residential fires in New York City. The following article outlines how Li-ion batteries cause…

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5 Unexpected Heart Health Tips

Red Hearts

February marks  – a time to raise awareness of cardiovascular health hazards and best practices. Eating healthier, quitting smoking, getting more exercise, and even laughing are all well-documented ways to improve heart health, but below are some less well-known ways you can promote long-term cardiovascular health. #1 – Dental Health IS Heart Health Did you…

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Reframing Aging to Fight Ageism

Re-Framing Aging

While broader public conversations about the negative effects of discrimination continue to grow in momentum and influence, one area that often goes unmentioned is the phenomenon of ageism. Ageism refers to how we think, feel and act towards ourselves and others due to age. Ageism can often feel harmless because of how common phrases like…

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Quality of Life Products for Older Adults Living at Home

Woman resting in bed

Money can’t buy happiness, but it can certainly buy convenience. As we age, daily activities around the home like cleaning, meal preparation, dressing, and bathing can take more time and energy than before. Fortunately, there are a slew of tools and appliances that can make these tasks a snap.  Read on for some handy, time-saving…

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