There may come a time in your life when you need some extra help but are not ready to give up living at home. Or, you may be taking care of an elderly loved-one who requires more help than you are able to provide, yet neither of you is ready to make the move to an outside facility. Losing ones independence is never an easy journey, but the home health care advantages provided by Independent Nursing Care can make this journey less about losing independence and more about simply accepting new and caring people into your life.

Independent Nursing Care, LLC (INC) provides a number of services that can prolong quality-of-life in ways that no outside facility can match. INC provides one-on-one care, helping elderly members of the community remain in their homes longer than they might without quality home health care.

The first step is to recognize the signs that someone is in need of assistance, before the situation deteriorates and options for care become limited. Occasional forgetfulness is something with which we are all familiar; however, when the occasional slip becomes a pattern, it is likely that the time for intervention has come. Some other signs may be:

• Forgetting to take medication
  
• Inability to operate household machinery such as the microwave, stove/oven, washing machine, telephone, TV remote, etc.
  
• Inattention to personal care – not bathing or changing clothes
  
• Loss of driving skills
  
• Losing ones way in familiar territory (grocery store, neighborhood, etc.)

Providing tailored assistance will be immeasurably more comforting to the person losing these basic skills than a traumatic move into a nursing facility. INC’s highly-trained and caring staff will become an integral part of life and a trusted asset for both the client and his or her family. In addition, INC care providers live and work in the same community as our clients, giving them an immediate sense of familiarity with clients’ neighborhoods, shops, banks, etc. This can be quite comforting for both parties.

While individual situations will vary, INC has the flexibility to meet a wide range of needs. Some may simply need assistance with everyday tasks such as: 

• Medication reminders
  
• Running errands
  
• Personal care
  
• Meal preparation
  
• Cleaning

Nursing staff can help with medical needs and our flexible scheduling ensures that we fit into your life, not the other way around. We can be there as much or as little as you require. And we can communicate with our client’s family as much or a little as desired.

24-hour/7-days-per-week services are available on a daily, weekly, monthly or as-needed basis. Our registered and licensed care-givers include the following:

• RN – Registered Nurses licensed by the State of New York.
  Provide skilled nursing services, client assessments, education, and medication management.
• LPN – Licensed Practical Nurses licensed by the State of New York.
  Provide medication management, wound care, personal care, and other nursing duties.
• HHA – Certified Home Health Aides.
  Assist clients in the home with personal care, light housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, and other activities of daily living activities.
• Hairstylist – Licensed by the State of New York.
  Comes into the home or facility for a cut, style, and/or perm for women, or a shave and/or cut for men.

Possibly the greatest asset home health care can provide comes from the intangibles:

• Ability to maintain independence
  
• Remaining within the comforts of home
  
• Privacy
  
• Dignity
  
• Maintaining capabilities
  
• Continuing to live with or near family
  

All of the above support a general sense of well-being, both physically and emotionally. The caring staff and flexible services of INC optimize the quality-of-life of our clients and establish lasting relationships between care-giver and client. Our goal is to ease a challenging time of life for our clients and their families and provide better health to all!

The pressures of our hectic everyday schedules can often make it difficult to eat right or to exercise. These factors can contribute to high blood pressure and to elevated cholesterol levels. This month we want to share some exciting news about the possibility of controlling one’s blood pressure and cholesterol together through the use of a single natural supplement.

Many clients who have visited Independent Nursing Care’s Workplace Wellness clinics in Western New York have reported that Chinese Red-Root Sage, also known as danshen, has helped them lower their blood pressure along with improving their total cholesterol readings, indicated in part by higher HDL levels. These results do not, of course, replace the benefits that come from exercise and a healthy diet, but they do present another possible weapon in our fight against these common and dangerous health conditions.

The History

Herbalist.com explains that Red-Root Sage has been cultivated in China, Japan and Korea for almost 2,000 years (1). Early mentions of this herbal treatment appear in Chinese literature as far back as 206 B.C., but it was not until the first century A.D. that Red-Root Sage began to be commonly used as a curative in the Orient. The herb was used for treating ailments connected with the heart and abdomen. A French Jesuit named Father d’Incarville introduced Red-Root Sage to the Western World in the late eighteenth century, bringing seeds of the plant from Beijing to Paris. Shortly thereafter, the herb made its way to America as collectors of medicinal plants brought specimens with them on their return from Asia.

In the twentieth century, Red-Root Sage became recognized for its cardiovascular benefits, as it has been found to improve blood flow and to reduce pain associated with heart problems. According to Altmd.com, the Red Sage Root is considered effective pro preventing and treading symptoms of angina (3). The root is widely used in Chinese medicine, and its medicinal properties are becoming more commonly recognized and accepted in the United States (2).

Beneficial Uses of Red Root Sage:
Because Red-Root Sage works to improve blood circulation and to reduce blood clotting, the perceived benefits from this herb are wide-ranging and they go well beyond the improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels we’ve already mentioned. According to the Herbalist.com, the increased blood flow provided by Red-Root Sage may reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks, and the herb is thought to be a useful supplement in bone marrow treatments. New research is providing evidence that Red-Root Sage works to detoxify the blood. This aspect not only benefits liver, spleen and kidney functions, but the purifying of the blood could relieve specific skin problems while also having a positive effect on the aging process. Red-Root Sage has been shown to be an antioxidant and to provide relief for fever and inflammation.

Additionally, a 2008 international cancer treatment study showed that Red-Root Sage contains three ingredients with powerful anti-tumor properties. The results showed that this herbal treatment might provide another approach to attacking cancer cells that are resistant to commonly used drugs.

Though Red-Root Sage, like any herbal supplement, is not a cure-all, the possible benefits stemming from the use of this herb are plentiful and they do indicate a more healthful condition for the heart.

Taking Red Root Sage
It is recommended that a person wishing to try Red-Root Sage take one (1) capsule, two (2) times each day at mealtimes (1). As previously mentioned, please consult your personal physician before taking any medication or natural remedies.

Your health is the most important thing in the world. Please contact Independent Nursing Care for more information. Encourage others to join you in your quest to stay healthy.

Take a few minutes and check out this helpful link below:
What is red sage root? What is it used for?: Find out more about this popular component of Chinese herbal medicine. (source: acupuncturetoday.com)

Works Cited:
1. MPA Media, (2009). What is red sage root? What is it used for?. Acupuncture today:, from http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/herbcentral/redsage_root.php
2. Altmd.com, (2009). Red Chinese Sage Root Herbal Remedies. Alt MD, fromhttp://www.altmd.com/articles/red-chinese-sage-root-herbal-remedies

According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health, inactive people are twice as likely to develop heart disease compared to those who are more active. Further, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has found that 60 percent of Americans are not meeting the recommended levels of physical activity.

Breaking the cycle of our daily routine is challenging because of our dedication to our family and to our jobs. Most often, the dedication to our own health suffers as the daily routine of Americans leads to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Stop to consider the long-term consequences of your lifestyle. You are responsible not only for your own health, but also for the health of your loved ones. As role models for young children, your actions shape their experience and their health.

The keys to making healthy lifestyle changes for yourself and loved ones are motivation and dedication. Particularly when it comes to staying fit and active, success comes through finding someone that you can be accountable to, and accountable for. Establish a set of physical fitness and nutrition goals and challenge each other to stay on track. As the winter months grow closer, I encourage you to sit down with family or friends. Together, devise a plan to make important lifestyle changes that will impact not only your health, but also the health of those around you.

As you may recall from a previous article, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. The purpose of this month’s article is to encourage you to make nutritional change and regular exercise the core element of YOUR heart disease prevention program.

Exercise

Just like a balanced diet, a balanced exercise program is the best way to maximize the health benefits to you. Whichever exercises you choose, be sure they build upon your abilities, strengths and most importantly, your interests. Finally, have a game plan. Setting short-term, realistic goals and long-term aspirations ensure you neither burn out physically from over-training, nor burn out mentally from unreasonable expectations. The following are the essentials of a successful exercise program:

• Set aside 30-60 minutes, 5 times per week in which you perform moderate physical activity. To maximize the fat-burning capacity, chose activities that challenge your body. The goal here is to increase your heart rate enough to make you sweat but not so much that you cannot carry on a conversation.
• Add a warm-up, cool down and stretching component to your exercise program to prevent injury and maximize your performance. Warm-up for 5 minutes, perform your exercise, cool-down for 5 minutes and stretch for 5 minutes at the end of your workout. The extra time it takes to exercise properly will come back to you by way of enhanced strength, flexibility and weight loss.

Cut the calories

Eliminating high calorie foods from your diet ensures that the time you spend exercising pays off. Instead of drastic changes in your diet, make small, reasonable modifications and stick to them. Each week, identify a high calorie food in your diet and substitute it with a low calorie, healthy alternative. Examples of smart substitutions include the following:

• Replace sugary sodas and juices with pure water. Aim for at least 6 glasses of pure water per day. In addition to reducing calories, proper hydration maximizes your performance when exercising and allows you to burn more calories per workout.
• Replace white bread with 100% whole wheat breads and pastas. White bread is metabolized in the body as if it were pure sugar – It gets converted to fat and slows weight loss. Further, whole wheat is a superior energy source to white bread and provides the boost you need to get through your workouts. You will workout longer, harder and burn more calories.
  

Your health is the most important thing in the world. Please contact Independent Nursing Care for more information on preventing heart disease. Please be an advocate for others – Spread the word about heart disease. Encourage others to join you in your quest to stay healthy. The best way to protect against heart disease is to prevent it!

Next month’s article- “Keep The Beat: Your guide to a heart healthy winter”

A balanced diet, and exercise program is the best way to maximize the health benefits to you. Take a few minutes and check out this helpful link below:

Exercise for Everyone: Staying fit is an important part of staying healthy and reducing your risks. (source: CDC)

Average Calories Burned Per Hour of Activity (based on 154lb person):

*Print this chart out and save for reference- click here (PDF 265k)

Source: Adapted from the 2005 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious viral illness that affects up to 20% of Americans every year. The influenza virus attacks the upper respiratory tract, causing chills, fever, muscle aches, headache and fatigue. In very young and older people, the Influenza virus poses serious health risks. Every year, 36,000 people lose their life from complications to Influenza.

According to the Center For Disease Control (CDC), annual vaccinations are the single best way to protect against Influenza. For more than 60 years, Influenza vaccines have been helping to limit the spread of infection. Today, the safe and effective use of Influenza vaccines is saving thousands of lives every year.

Almost 100 years ago, a pandemic of Influenza (the Spanish Flu) claimed over 40 million lives as it spread from America to the rest of the world. Today, pandemics of Influenza are rare, however, every single year, the United States experiences an epidemic of Influenza as millions of people get sick. Fortunately, 132 million doses of vaccine were available to the public last year, and many lives were saved.

The most critical feature of Influenza is that it spreads quickly from person to person through small saliva droplets in the air. Healthy adults deal with Influenza infection quite well; unfortunately, children and older populations do not. Children are especially efficient transmitters of Influenza and have high rates of infection. Every year, 20,000 children under 5 years are hospitalized because of Influenza complications. Older persons typically have weakened immune systems and are subject to developing life-threatening complications following an Influenza infection.

Your health is the most important thing in the world. If the box to the right describes you or a loved one, I strongly urge you to receive the Influenza vaccine. If you are a healthy adult looking for extra health protection throughout the winter season, Influenza vaccination is a safe and effective approach.The Center For Disease Control (CDC) has deemed December 8-14, 2008 National Influenza Vaccination Week. Since most influenza infections occur in January and February, it is important to have your vaccination prior to the New Year.

Please contact Independent Nursing Care for more information or to get tested. Millions of people in this country will get The Flu this year. Some will die unnecessarily. Be an advocate for those people. Spread the word. Beat the Bug.

Still looking for extra health protection throughout the flu season? Then check out the links below:

Key Facts About the Seasonal Flu Vaccine: Find out who should get the vaccine, when the best time is, and possible side effects related to the vaccine. (source: Center for Disease Control)

Good Health Habits for Prevention:Healthly habits can help prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. (source: Center for Disease Control)

Influenza Symptoms: Find out what common flu symptoms are, and how to protect yourself. (source: Center for Disease Control)

Imagine for a moment that you’re eating in a restaurant and the man at the table next to you falls out of his chair – unconscious. He is not breathing and has no pulse. His wife is frantically shouting for someone to help him – for someone to save his life.

Will you be ready?

After just 4 minutes without oxygen, the human brain experiences hypoxia – a dangerous deficiency in oxygen. After 7 minutes of hypoxia, permanent brain damage occurs. Studies have shown that CPR is most effective when initiated within 6 minutes of the heart stopping.

Quick action by a CPR-certified individual (like you!) will provide the oxygen necessary to keep a person alive.

If you are prepared with CPR training you can dramatically change the course of a person’s life! CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a powerful lifesaving technique for people experiencing cardiac arrest. CPR allows you to literally breathe the gift of life into a person – you can keep someone alive when they otherwise could not survive.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is composed of two components:

Artificial respiration- your lungs do what a person’s unresponsive lungs cannot. The air you breathe into their lungs oxygenates the hemoglobin in their blood.
Chest compression- is the driving force that carries the blood to their oxygen-starved brain. The CPR provider uses their hands to put rhythmic pressure into the chest wall, near the heart. Chest compression replicates the function of their heart in that it pumps oxygen-rich blood to their brain.
It is important to note that by itself, CPR is unlikely to “bring someone back”. The purpose of CPR is to sustain life until emergency services, like defibrillation, can be administered. When CPR is combined with emergency services, a person has the highest chance of survival.

As soon as a person stops breathing, CALL 911 and begin CPR.

CPR is a skill that you develop by practicing with trained professionals. The specifics of cardiopulmonary resuscitation are covered in detail in CPR seminars. CPR seminars are a fun and highly interactive way to learn the skills necessary to save lives.

In fact, a CPR seminar is the only way to become a certified CPR-provider. I encourage you to talk with your family about becoming certified, for it is the only way to be truly prepared.

Please contact Independent Nursing Care today about becoming certified.

There are so many people in need of CPR every single day that I can almost guarantee you will save a life one day. It only takes a day out of your life to get certified – It will mean a lifetime to the person you help save.

Our CPR courses provide instruction on Basic Life Support/CPR/AED for adults, children, and infants.

For a complete list of upcoming CPR training courses, click here.