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Are You the Caregiver-in-Charge?

Submitted by emily.griffin on

If most of the caregiving duties for an elderly or ill family member fall on you, you’re the caregiver-in-charge. As William Shakespeare famously wrote, “Heavy lies the head that wears the crown.” 

The caregiver-in-charge experiences issues others in the family may not be aware of. There’s the physical act(s) of caregiving if the patient is at home. The management of the patient’s care if they’re in a hospital or nursing home. The many needs of your own family. Your job.  

However, caregivers say that it’s often the emotional and informational aspects of caregiving that make this time in your life difficult.  

You’re expected to have all the answers about your loved one’s illness and the outlook of their treatment. You’re also the person others turn to for support when they are grieving.  

There’s no manual for caregivers  

You have to make it clear to family members that you do not have all the answers. This is best accomplished when you admit, to yourself, that you do not have all the answers. We put a lot of stress on ourselves to know what to do next in times of crisis. 

Negative emotions are normal 

Feeling angry and sad about what you are going through is normal. Wearing all the caregiving hats is not easy. 

It's OK to not be OK 

Keeping emotions bottled up doubles the burden you already carry as a caregiver. You can and should ask for help. Hospital and hospice social workers and nurses are good sources of support. A senior center in your community may hold educational events for families. Don’t be shy. Go. 

This too shall pass  

University of Utah Psychologist R.G. Tedeschi published findings from his research on grief in the July-August 2020 issue of the Harvard Business Review. “People confronted with fear and loss often become better at noticing what they may have overlooked,” he wrote. “Many caregivers report more satisfaction with the relationships they still have.” 

Flex your superpowers  

Advocating for your loved one and yourself will change you. Use those skills in other areas of your life or help other caregivers by sharing what you’ve learned online.  

 

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Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Are You the Caregiver-in-Charge?

If most of the caregiving duties for an elderly or ill family member fall on you, you’re the caregiver-in-charge. As William Shakespeare famously wrote, “Heavy lies the head that wears the crown.” 

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Say Bye-Bye to Body Odor

Submitted by emily.griffin on

We all know that feeling. You’re cheerfully going through your day when suddenly you’re hit with a familiar, unpleasant scent. 

“What is that? Is that me? No way,” you think as you subtly try to locate the source of the stench. Then boom – the realization hits you. That new deodorant you tried out this morning isn’t working as well as you hoped. 

Body odor is a part of life. Although you might feel embarrassed in the moment, typically it’s a sign of your body functioning normally. That being said, if you’re not a fan of your natural musk, there’s nothing wrong with taking a few steps to prevent it. 

What causes body odor? 

When you think of body odor, it’s easy to blame sweat. However, sweat on its own is odorless and keeps us cool when our bodies get too warm. So, what makes sweat smell? Bacteria and your sweat glands. 

According to Harvard Health, our body is covered in two types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine glands cover most of our body and produce perspiration. Apocrine glands are found in areas like our armpits and groin and produce thicker perspiration. When bacteria mix with the sweat from the apocrine glands, the result is body odor.  

This is why sweat on your forehead or arms doesn’t seem to develop an odor like the sweat in your armpits. You’re dealing with two different kinds of sweat. 

What can I do to prevent body odor? 

The most obvious way to prevent body odor is to shower and bathe regularly. You can also wear breathable fabrics, like cotton, if you are prone to sweating. Your diet can play a role in your scent as well. Foods like broccoli, cabbage and garlic can contribute to body odor. Additionally, choosing the right deodorant or antiperspirant can go a long way toward keeping body odor at bay. 

Deodorant is used to – you guessed it – prevent odor. It prevents bacteria from blending with your sweat and creating an odor. If your main concern is sweat, you may want to look at antiperspirants. Antiperspirants typically contain aluminum, which prevents perspiration entirely by blocking your sweat glands.  

Typically, body odor isn’t anything to worry about. However, if you struggle with excessive sweat or the smell of your body odor has suddenly changed, talk to your healthcare provider. It could be an indication of a more complicated problem.  

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

say bye to body odor

Body odor is a part of life. Although you might feel embarrassed in the moment, typically it’s a sign of your body functioning normally. That being said, if you’re not a fan of your natural musk, there’s nothing wrong with taking a few steps to prevent it.

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Getting Road Trip Ready

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Nothing says summer vacation like the classic road trip. Whether you’re off to see extended family, visit a national park or make a beeline for the beach, it’s exciting to squeeze that last suitcase into your car and know it’s time to head out for an adventure. 

Ready to hit the road? Here are three things you can do to ensure you don’t sacrifice your health and well-being while cruising the highways and byways. 

1. Stay fueled with healthy snacks. 

Stay energized during your drive with healthy and protein-packed snacks. If you find yourself tempted to pull into a fast food restaurant, try going to a grocery store instead for healthier options. 

2. Plan for breaks. 

It’s hard to pull over when you’re making good time on the road but stopping to stretch is critical. According to the American Heart Association, extended periods of time in the car can be detrimental to people at risk for blood clots and people with orthopedic issues. Try to stop and stretch every two to three hours. You can seamlessly work breaks into your trip by planning stops at a restaurant or landmark. 

3. Keep all medications handy. 

Getting sick while on the road is no one’s idea of a good time, but it’s important to plan for it. If you or one of your passengers struggles with motion sickness, make sure to keep anti-nausea medicine or candies available. If you take routine medications, make sure to keep them on hand instead of buried in your suitcase. Keep a first aid kit easily accessible as well in case of emergency. 

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Getting Road Trip Ready

Ready to hit the road? Here are three things you can do to ensure you don’t sacrifice your health and well-being while cruising the highways and byways. 

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Choosing the Right Workout Clothes for You

Submitted by emily.griffin on

There’s nothing like new workout clothes to put you in the mood to hit the gym or go for a run. Not only are our workout clothes a reflection of our personal style, but they can also make us feel more confident and motivated to get active. 

While it’s easy to focus on how we look and feel in our clothes, when it comes to gym apparel, it’s also important to make sure they’re practical for our favorite workouts.  

Wearing the right clothing for your workout can help you: 

  • Stay comfortable  

  • Prevent injury 

  • Regulate your body temperature 

  • Maximize your workout 

So, next time you go shopping for new gear, ask yourself these two questions before you head to the checkout line. 

Will I feel comfortable in this clothing during my workout? 

Wearing clothing that is a little too tight or too loose may not be a big deal when you’re out running errands, but when you’re working out, it can cause issues. 

When trying new clothes, shop with your preferred workout in mind. Are you biking? Strength training? Just going for a casual stroll with your dog? Your chosen activities will determine what clothes you need to purchase for a safe, comfortable workout.  

According to the National Library of Medicine, loose-fitting clothing is a great choice for activities like walking, gentle yoga, strength training and basketball. If you prefer activities like running, biking, swimming or advanced yoga/Pilates, stretchy and form-fitting clothing may work better. You may need a few different styles of clothing depending on which workouts you like best. 

If you’re looking at shoes, choose a shoe that matches your activity. Choosing a shoe specifically for running, walking, or strength training will keep your feet from hurting after your workout.  

Not sure which workout is right for you? Check this article on our blog to learn more. 

Will this clothing keep me from getting too hot or cold during my workout? 

Making sure you don’t overheat or freeze during your workout is important for staying safe. Choose sweat-wicking fabrics to keep yourself cool. Cotton should be avoided because it does not dry quickly and can leave you feeling damp and uncomfortable. 

It’s important to consider seasonal changes as well. Make sure to purchase clothing that can be layered easily if you’ll be working out in colder temperatures. If you’re exercising in warmer temperatures, make sure to choose clothes that keep you cool and protect you from the sun. 

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Choosing the right workout clothes for you

There’s nothing like new workout clothes to put you in the mood to hit the gym or go for a run. Not only are our workout clothes a reflection of our personal style, but they can also make us feel more confident and motivated to get active. 

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Healthy Hair Care Tips

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Is taking care of your hair so frustrating it’s making you want to, well, pull your hair out? Hair care can be challenging, especially when it feels like no matter what you try, you aren’t seeing results. Ready to stop fighting with your locks? Let’s get to the root of the problem. Here are three ways to raise your chances of having a good hair day. 

Tailor your routine 

Hair care isn’t one-size-fits-all. How often you need to wash your hair or which hair mask or treatment is right for you will vary depending on your hair texture, lifestyle and genetics. Something that works great for your best friend, or you read about on Facebook might not work well for you, and that’s OK.  

Take some time to learn about your hair. Ask yourself: 

  • What kind of hair texture do you have?  

  • Is your hair porous? (Does it absorb water quickly?) 

  • Does your hair tend to be dry or oily?  

  • Do you like to dye or perm your hair?  

  • Do you struggle with dandruff or an itchy scalp? 

  • Is your hair thin or thick? 

Once you have answers, do some research on what works best for you. If you’re struggling with a hair condition, be sure to check with your doctor before trying any new products or treatments. 

Maintain a healthy lifestyle 

We know, if you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a million times. Eating a well-balanced diet impacts all aspects of your body, including your hair. According to Harvard Health, a diet rich in the B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin and biotin) will keep your hair healthy. 

Protect your hair 

If you like to blow dry, straighten or curl your hair, make sure to use a heat protectant spray to prevent damage and keep your hair silky smooth.  

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), if you’re going swimming, make sure to wet and condition your hair before you dive in the pool. Wearing a swim cap can also keep your hair safe from chlorine. 

If you’re spending time outside, be mindful of sun damage. Prolonged exposure to the sun can bleach and weaken your hair. 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

healthy hair care tips

Ready to stop fighting with your locks? Let’s get to the root of the problem. Here are three ways to raise your chances of having a good hair day. 

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(Quiz) It’s All Sun and Games: Are you wearing sunscreen correctly?

Submitted by emily.griffin on

As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, you and your family may be planning to spend more time outside. This can only mean one thing: It’s time to break out the sunscreen. 

You already know sun protection is critical for keeping your skin safe from UVA and UVB rays, but there are a lot of misconceptions about how to care for your skin in the sun, particularly around sunscreen. Prevent sunburns and peeling this summer and take this quiz to see if you’re using your sunscreen effectively.  

 

So, how’d you do? For more great tips on sun care and protection, visit the American Academy of Dermatology Association’s FAQ on sunscreen. 

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

It’s all sun and games: Are you wearing sunscreen correctly?

Prevent sunburns and peeling this summer and take this quiz to see if you’re using your sunscreen effectively.  

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Leaves of 3? Let Them Be! 

Submitted by emily.griffin on

A part of nature

woman hiking

Ah, nature! The birds are singing and there is no place you'd rather be than right here, enjoying a morning hike in the woods. As you pass through this wilderness paradise, you feel the forest greenery gently brush against your bare skin. Then, the next day, as you fondly recall your outdoor adventure, a new sensation begins to pull you out of your dream-like state: a nasty itch.  

You reluctantly look down to find a rash of scratchy, red blisters covering your ankles and calves. Doggone it! You’ve run into poison ivy, or maybe it’s poison oak. 

Where it’s found, what it looks like

Poison ivy and poison oak can be found anywhere and everywhere in the great outdoors. While it grows in most wilderness settings you can find it just as easily in backyards and neighborhoods, thriving in sun and shade. 

Both poison ivy and poison oak have clusters of three leaves: ivy’s more pointed and poison oak resembles an oak leaf with round, serrated edges. Both are green in the summer and turn red in fall. 

 

poison ivy vs. poison oak

Urushiol and you

for your skin spray bottle

A bit of trivia: The itchy rash you get when you encounter either of these plants can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks to appear and is caused by an oil called urushiol. If you are exposed to urushiol, wash the affected area with a degreaser like dishwashing soap to minimize the effects.  

Fortunately, the rash you get isn’t contagious. But beware: urushiol remains on clothing and other surfaces and can cause another rash if you come into contact with it. In fact, it can remain potent for years. To remove it, wash clothes separately from other laundry and wipe down non-laundry items with rubbing alcohol.  

 

Take that, poison ivy!

These poisoned plants don’t have to put a damper on your idyllic wilderness romps or unnecessarily keep you indoors.  

  • Make sure clothing covers any exposed skin before venturing out. 

  • Stay on cleared pathways as much as possible. 

  • Know what they look like—and steer clear!

 

woman hiking

You may be out of the woods, but...

oatmeal bath

While your urge to scratch might feel unbearable, doing so could lead to an infection—which would be even worse.  

To help you get past the itch, apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to the affected area. Wet compresses and oatmeal baths can help, too. And taking your mind off it can’t hurt either, so spread out on the couch, and call a friend or re-watch your favorite movie! 

Sources: 

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

poison ivy vs. poison oak

Poison ivy and poison oak can be found anywhere and everywhere in the great outdoors. While it grows in most wilderness settings you can find it just as easily in backyards and neighborhoods, thriving in sun and shade. 

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When Did You Last Clean That Water Bottle?

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Do you grab the same reusable water bottle day after day without cleaning it? Do you justify your lack of soapy scrubbing based on the premise that the water bottle only holds clean water, so it can’t get that dirty? 

A 2017 study on the International Association for Food Protection website examined 90 participants’ reusable water bottles and found that 60 percent hosted more bacteria than permitted in public drinking water. Ew.  

That’s not the worst of it. A recent study discovered that the average reusable water bottle contains more colony-forming units (CFU) of germs per square centimeter than a kitchen sink and dog bowl combined. For an exact germ count: reusable water bottles came in with 313,499 CFU compared to 3,191 CFU in the kitchen sink and 47,383 CFU in the dog bowl.   

This study tested water bottles after a week of use without being washed, evaluating a small collection of squeeze top, straw top, slide top and screw top bottles. While all the water bottles bred germs, slide top water bottles strongly surpassed the other water bottles by growing 933,340 CFU; straw tops claimed the least, with only 25.4 CFU.  

Time for a wash? 

Unsterile water bottles breed mold, bacteria and possibly yeast, which can negatively affect your health, but there’s an easy solution: warm water and soap.   

So how often should water bottles undergo a thorough washing? Most doctors recommend cleaning reusable water bottles daily, just like you’d wash a drinking glass daily. Because germs thrive in dark, moist environments, make sure to clean and dry the water bottles to keep tiny, troublesome organisms away.  

Find it awkward to scrub your water bottle’s curves and crannies? Even that excuse dissolves now that water bottle cleansing tablets and a large variety of sized and shaped brushes are widely available. So, before you take another sip, give that water bottle a bath – it needs it.

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

When did you last clean that water bottle?

Do you grab the same reusable water bottle day after day without cleaning it? Do you justify your lack of soapy scrubbing based on the premise that the water bottle only holds clean water, so it can’t get that dirty? 

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Lots of Fun in the Summertime

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Celebrate safely  

Summer is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the warm weather with your family and friends. Being aware of the health risks can help you have fun in the sun safely. Summer health risks include sunburn, heat cramps and heat stroke.  

The best defense against sunburn is prevention. Use sunscreen and wear hats and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. “Sunburn is often mild. However, sunburn that results in blistering may require medical attention, especially if it’s extensive or covers the entire back or abdomen,” said Stephen Ulrich, M.D., board-certified family practice, Perry County Family Practice, New Lexington, Ohio. Remember that excessive sun exposure also increases the risk of skin cancer and skin damage.  

Heat Exhaustion 

We can take precautions to avoid exposure to the sun but it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of overexposure. Heat cramps, or heat exhaustion, is caused by excessive sweating. In heat exhaustion, the body is depleted of salt and fluid and leads to low blood pressure, muscle cramps and nausea. To prevent heat exhaustion, stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Heat exhaustion can usually be treated quickly and effectively with shade, fluids and rest.  

Heat Stroke 

Heat stroke is a more serious form of heat injury. The exact cause is unknown, but the victim stops sweating, his or her temperature quickly rises to 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, and he or she becomes confused and disoriented. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and if not aggressively treated, it can result in seizures and death. If you suspect heat stroke, call 911, and get the victim out of the heat and cooled by any means possible. If the person is conscious and not vomiting, give him or her fluids to drink.  

“Remember to put on sunscreen, stay hydrated, and keep an eye on yourself and others when you spend more than an hour in the summer sun,” Dr. Ulrich said. And most of all – have lots of fun in the summertime.  

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Lots of fun in the summertime 

Summer is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the warm weather with your family and friends. Being aware of the health risks can help you have fun in the sun safely. Summer health risks include sunburn, heat cramps and heat stroke.  

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Read It and Weep: Are e-readers and tablets safe for your eyes?

Submitted by emily.griffin on

Turns out your English teacher was on to something. Reading is an incredibly good habit to have. Reading promotes your mental health, cognition and can help you relax. 

Although reading is great for you, is how you read your books negatively influencing your health?  

If you’re someone who believes nothing compares to holding the physical copy of a book in your hands, the worst you could suffer might be a papercut when you’re flipping through the pages of your favorite novel.  

If you prefer e-book readers (e-readers) or tablets, visual fatigue could be a concern. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), visual fatigue can occur in response to discomfort after prolonged visual activity. It can look like “fatigue, pain around the eyes, blurred vision or headache.” 

According to a study from the National Library of Medicine, the type of screen on your e-reader or tablet plays a role in whether or not you experience visual fatigue from reading. 

There are two main types of screens: E-ink (electronic ink) or LCD (liquid crystal display) screens. LCD screens are typically found in tablets but can also be present on some e-readers. E-ink screens are found in many traditional e-readers and are designed to mimic the ink on a printed book. 

According to this study, LCD screens can lead to visual fatigue, but e-ink screens are similar enough to the pages of an actual book that they don’t cause issues with your vision.  

So, what does this mean? Do you need to throw out your tablet or LCD e-reader and run out to grab something different? Not necessarily.  

The important thing is to remember to take breaks from staring at your LCD screen and if you feel your eyes get tired, switch to a different activity for a while. 

If you’re concerned about visual fatigue or the effect your tablet or e-reader could have on your eyes, talk to your primary care physician. Happy reading. 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

Read it and weep: Are e-readers and tablets safe for your eyes?

Turns out your English teacher was on to something. Reading is an incredibly good habit to have. Reading promotes your mental health, cognition and can help you relax. 

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