Matthew Norman, DDS and Michelle Phillips, RDH

With the prevalence of cancer becoming more widespread, it is important to be aware of and know how to manage side effects that cancer treatment can cause in your mouth.  Radiation and chemotherapy are two different types of treatments for cancer, but can have similar effects in the oral cavity.  Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can cause cavities, mouth sores, oral infections, dry mouth, bleeding gums, and mouth pain/soreness.  Most symptoms are acute, meaning that they begin shortly after treatment begins and go away shortly after treatment ends.  The symptoms can last indefinitely when there is direct treatment to the head and neck.

Cancer cells are generally the fastest growing cells in the body and these rapidly dividing cells attack the healthy cells.  Chemotherapy works by killing all the rapidly growing cells in your body, while killing healthy cells at the same time.  Radiation therapy is generally more site-specific, targeting the cancerous lesion but healthy cells are affected too.  The cells lining the mouth are fast-growing, making it more likely for these cells to be damaged by the treatment.

Dry mouth can arise from both radiation therapy and chemotherapy treatments.  Dry mouth is typically the root to the other side effects associated with cancer treatments.  When the gum tissue is dehydrated and very dry to the touch, any trauma (from a toothbrush, floss, or food) can not only cause your gums to bleed, but this trauma can also cause a mouth sores.  Because your immune system is compromised while going through radiation and chemotherapy treatments, these areas heal at a slower rate.  When the tissues in your mouth are really dry, it may even be painful to eat and swallow, which can create nutritional deficiencies.  Your taste perception can also be altered by these treatments, which can compound the problem of malnourishment or dehydration.  Dry mouth is a major instigator of rampant dental caries (or decay), especially on root surfaces of teeth.  Saliva is very important in protecting our teeth from tooth decay—there are certain enzymes present in our saliva to defend against the formation of dental caries.  Saliva helps to wash the teeth clean to remove the plaque or food debris that may be present.

Maintaining a healthy mouth is very important while going through radiation therapy and chemotherapy.  There are several things that can be

Image of Biotene Mouthwash

done to help keep your mouth healthy.  To help keep the mouth moistened, you can suck on ice chips, sip water frequently, chew sugar-free candy and gum, or use saliva substitutes.  You also want to be sure to keep your teeth and mouth as clean as possible.  Using an extra-soft toothbrush and gentle flossing will be kinder to your gums.  Try to keep away from foods with sharp edges, like chips, to avoid any scratching or trauma to the gum tissue.  Additionally, hot and spicy foods may be uncomfortable if you’re suffering from dry mouth, as it may cause a burning sensation.

Fluoride exposure is especially important when undergoing cancer treatments.  Fluoride helps to strengthen the teeth and prevent cavities, especially when a dry mouth is present.  Fluoride-containing toothpaste and mouthrinses are critical throughout your treatment.  Fluoride varnish treatments should be applied at your regular dental hygiene appointments.  If dental decay becomes a problem during your treatment, your Dentist may recommend making custom fluoride trays to allow for frequent fluoride treatments at home.  If mouth sores become a problem, your Dentist can prescribe a rinse to help with the discomfort.  This rinse contains a numbing agent (for pain), and an anti-fungal/anti-bacteria component to speed up healing.

It is extremely important to be examined by your Dentist to ensure your mouth is in a healthy condition before you begin your cancer treatment.  As you undergo your cancer treatments, be aware of your mouth and the condition it is in.  Keep in mind these tips which will help you to manage the possible symptoms that may arise while going through radiation therapy and chemotherapy.  Continue your hygiene appointments with your Dental Office and don’t hesitate to call if you have any problems.The office of Norman Dental is located at 2511 Oakcrest Avenue in Greensboro, NC 27410. Their phone number is 336-282-2120. Their website: Norman Dental You can also visit and like them on Facebook: Facebook Norman Dental

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Hearthside Home Care provides in-home aide and companion services

At Hearthside Home Care we continually strive to better our serve in exceeding the expectations of those that we serve.

Hearthside provides in-home aide and companion services. For more information about Hearthside’s services, please call 336-808-1351, or toll free, 866-808-1351, if you are calling from outside of the 336 calling area.   

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Image Courtesy of Norman Dental, Greensboro NC

Cardiovascular disease is very closely linked with the health of your mouth and the presence of infection. Those with periodontal (gum) disease are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Some studies have suggested that heart disease, clogged arteries and even stroke may be associated with the oral bacteria present with periodontal disease. Your mouth has an abundance of bacteria— both good and bad. Bacteria have the ability to enter your bloodstream, especially in an unhealthy mouth with swollen or bleeding gums. Once in your bloodstream, the dangerous bacteria can pass to your heart and cause infection in the inner lining of the heart. This is a very important reason to maintain optimal oral hygiene. By practicing good brushing and flossing habits, bacteria remain at healthy levels and have a lessened chance of entering the bloodstream.

Image of Periodontal Disease. Courtesy of Norman Dental, Greensboro NC

Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body and can reveal a great deal about your overall health.  Diabetes is an example of a systemic disease which has a direct relationship with your oral health.  Diabetes inhibits the body’s ability to fight against infection.  People with diabetes must keep their blood sugar levels under control.  When a diabetic patient has uncontrolled blood sugar levels, the risk of having more-frequent and severe gum infections increases—opposed to those with controlled blood sugar levels.

Photograph of a Mouth Ulcer. Courtesy of Norman Dental, Greensboro NC

Other systemic diseases that can be detected based on conditions present in the mouth.  HIV / AIDS patients are prone to having painful sores in the mouth.  They also have an increased risk of developing thrush—a fungal infection in the mouth.  Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become weak and fragile. This includes the bones of the jaw that support your teeth, which can eventually lead to tooth loss.  Patients suffering from eating disorders, such as bulimia, can cause chemical erosion to their teeth due to the stomach acid which consistently comes in contact with the teeth.

Oral DNA Product Image. Courtesy of Norman Dental, Greensboro NC

Not only is saliva your main defense mechanism against the harmful bacteria and viruses in your mouth, but it can be a tool in diagnosing systemic disease.   Dental offices now have the ability to test and analyze your saliva.  The testing can diagnose many diseases such as: diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, cirrhosis of the liver, oral cancer, breast cancer, HIV, hepatitis, periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease.  These conditions have specific markers which show up in your saliva that these tests can identify.  Salivary tests are completely harmless and non-invasive to perform.

Your mouth is a vital information source about the condition of your overall health.  Practicing excellent oral hygiene will help to keep your mouth and teeth healthy, as well as other areas of your body.  It is important to see your dentist on a regular basis to ensure your mouth is in a healthy condition.  Your regular dental appointment is also an opportunity for your dentist to examine your mouth and check for conditions which can indicate the presence of other diseases. The office of Norman Dental is located at 2511 Oakcrest Avenue in Greensboro, NC 27410. Their phone number is 336-282-2120. Their website: Norman Dental You can also visit and like them on Facebook: Facebook Norman Dental

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Matthew Norman, DDS and Michelle Phillips, RDH

Caregivers are responsible for the oral and overall health of those they care for. As a caregiver, many questions may come to mind regarding your responsibilities for one’s oral health:

How should I go about caring for someone’s mouth and teeth? What type of dental hygiene routine is best for my loved-one, friend or patient? What is the proper way to brush and floss teeth? How often should my dependant see his/her Professional Dental Team? What types of oral health products should I use that will allow me to provide the best oral care I can? How do I clean false teeth?

Our goal is to help answer these questions and to provide information that you can use to improve your overall practices for excellent dental health, whether it be your own or someone else’s.

Old Tooth Brush Image from Norman Dental Greensboro NC

When the question of how to provide care for someone else’s oral health comes to mind, try to think of how you would care for your own mouth. Brushing your teeth twice a day (morning/night) and flossing once a day, should come to mind… When brushing, be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride helps strengthen the outer layer of the teeth to prevent cavities. You shouldn’t use a medium or hard-bristled toothbrush because the rigid bristles can damage the gums and cause them to recede. When the toothbrush bristles become ‘wilted or frayed’ in appearance, it’s time to change to a new one. A good rule of thumb is to replace your toothbrush every three months, or whenever you’ve been sick. Changing your toothbrush after you’ve been sick is extremely important—the bristles can harbor bacteria and prolong your illness. Always use a light, but firm pressure when brushing. For instance, imagine that you are brushing a ripe tomato and don’t want to bruise it. These use and maintenance tips also apply to those who use electric toothbrushes.

Proper Flossing Technique Image from Norman Dental Greensboro NC

It can be more difficult flossing someone else’s then than flossing your own, but the principles are the same. To properly floss, take a piece of floss approximately 18-inches long and wrap it around your middle fingers. Use your index fingers and thumbs to guide the floss between the teeth. Once the floss is in between two adjacent teeth, be sure to adapt the floss to each tooth, forming the floss into a ‘C’ shape. Gently slide the floss below the gumline, adapt to the adjacent tooth and do the same. There are several flossers or floss picks on the market that can help assist with this motion. The concept remains the same…you must adapt the floss to each tooth!

Image from Norman Dental Greensboro NC

Ideally, everyone should see their dentist every six months and in some cases, more frequently. Your dentist and dental hygienist work together at these visits to assess the health of your gums and teeth. The dental team will determine the proper visit interval to ensure that an excellent level of health is maintained in your mouth. Aside from assessing the health of your mouth and having a professional cleaning, the doctor will also perform an oral cancer screening at your regular visit. The members of your dental team are the only health care professionals that look into your mouth on a regular basis. It is imperative for them to establish a baseline of what your mouth looks like and record the presence of any abnormalities. Regular oral cancer screens ensure your mouth is examined for cancer on a consistent basis and the necessary precautions and/or treatments are performed in the event an abnormality is found.

Acrylic Dentures Image from Norman Dental Greensboro NC

The following are important points when caring for those with false teeth or dentures: Make sure the dentures are taken out every night before sleeping. Your gums need to breathe! Keeping the dentures in place all day and night can cause the gum tissue to become red and irritated. Irritated gum tissue can cause discomfort when wearing the dentures. Constant wearing of dentures can also cause oral infections. When cleaning dentures, be sure to brush them as you would your own teeth. Use a denture brush or a soft-bristled toothbrush and denture cleaner—you may also use an antibacterial soap or a mild dishwashing liquid. When the dentures are out of the mouth, they can be soaked in a denture cleanser or water, to help avoid drying and potentially losing their form. Before replacing the dentures in the mouth, gently brush the gums and tongue to stimulate circulation and remove any plaque debris that may be present.

Remember that your Professional Dental Team is here to help you. If you need any assistance or have any questions about caring for your loved ones, don’t hesitate to contact them. As a caregiver, be sure to remember what is necessary to care for one’s oral health: brushing twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste, daily flossing, eating well-balanced meals, and visiting your Dentist regularly.

Matthew Norman, DDS and Michelle Phillips, RDH and the rest of the Norman Dental Professional team welcome you to contact them at Norman Dental, which is located at 2511 Oakcrest Avenue Greensboro, NC 27408. 336-282-2120. Website: Normal Dental Greensboro NC

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Matthew Norman, DDS and Michelle Phillips, RDH

 Xerostomia is the dental term for dry mouth.  One out of every four adults suffers from some form of dry mouth.  Several factors can contribute to the presence of dry mouth such as: diabetes, anxiety, alcohol consumption, trauma to a salivary gland/duct, radiation/chemotherapy treatment for cancer, and medications.  Medications are the most common cause of dry mouth—both prescription and over-the-counter.  The more medications that a person is taking, the higher the risk that individual is to have diminished salivary flow and a dry mouth.

Dry-Mouth Tongue

Saliva performs many functions.  Not only does saliva help to moisten the tissues in your mouth, but it also helps keep your mouth and teeth healthy and clean.  There are certain enzymes present in your saliva that help to digest food and plaque that adhere to your teeth after eating. If the salivary flow in your mouth is diminished, plaque and food sticks to your teeth more resiliently which increases the chance of having tooth decay or cavities.  Dry mouth can also lead to mouth infections, bad breath and periodontal (gum) disease.  Someone suffering from dry mouth may have gum tissue that appears red, a “cracked-looking” or red tongue.  The tongue can even appear shiny from the dryness.  Dry mouth has also been linked to an overall burning sensation in a person’s mouth.

Currently, there is no treatment available to directly increase someone’s salivary flow or the amount of saliva one produces, but salivary

Biotene Mouthwash

substitutes do exist.  One “over-the-counter” option available is a salivary substitute called Biotene.  Biotene comes in several forms—a mouthwash, toothpaste, moisturizing gels and even a chewing gum.  The Biotene products help to lubricate and protect your mouth just as your own saliva would.  Incorporating these salivary substitutes into your daily oral hygiene regime can improve your oral health and comfort while decreasing the risk of tooth decay caused by diminished salivary flow.

ACT Anticavity Fluoride Rinse

Another option for defense from the effects of xerostomia is fluoride.  Fluoride helps strengthen the outer layer of the tooth to prevent tooth decay.  As mentioned earlier, plaque and food can more easily stick to teeth in a dry mouth, attacking the minerals in the enamel to cause cavities.  Fluoride mouthrinses, such as ACT, helps to counteract this process and strengthen the teeth.

Whether you have a dry mouth or not, brushing twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste, flossing once a day and visiting your Dentist on a regular basis (at least twice a year), is your best defense against tooth decay and gum disease! The team of dental care professionals at Norman Dental in Greensboro NC can be reached at 336-282-2120, located at 2511 Oakcrest Avenue, Greensboro NC 27408. Here is a link to their website: http://www.norman-dental.com/team.html

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Michelle Phillips, RDH

Electric Toothbrush

With one who has dexterity difficulties such as arthritis, there are several oral hygiene aids that can help.  There are things such as electric toothbrushes and flossers out on the market now to aid in good oral hygiene.

Electric toothbrushes come in an array of varieties, with the basic function all the way up to those with all the bells and whistles.  They can cost from less than $10, and even go up to over $100.  Electric toothbrushes help those with a lesser ability to grasp small things like a manual toothbrush.  Most come with a substantially larger handle compared to the manual brush.  Another good feature of the electric brush is that the head will either oscillate or rotate, so all you have to do is literally hold the brush on your teeth and move it from tooth to tooth.  Other potential features of electric brushes could include a two-minute timer and pressure sensors.  Two minutes is the optimal time to brush.  Some electric toothbrushes will give some sort of pulsation when two minutes have lapsed, so that the optimal brushing time is achieved.  The pressure sensor is good for those that may have sensitivity due to gum recession.  This indicator will usually turn the brush off momentarily to let you know that you’re pressing too hard.

Flossers

Flossers are aids to help one floss without having to wrap the floss around your fingers.  There are disposable flossers and those that tend to be larger that you have to insert floss into.  An arthritic patient is a great candidate for these flossers, because you don’t have to hold the floss on your fingers and manipulate it in the mouth, you simply hold the handle instead.

Tennis Ball Toothbrush

Another option for those unable to grasp small things like the handle of a manual toothbrush is to cut a small hole in a tennis ball and insert the handle of the toothbrush.  With this, it’s much easier to grasp the tennis ball than the toothbrush handle.

Rubberband Toothbrush

One last alternative is to place a rubber band around the handle of the toothbrush, around the back of the hand, then back on the toothbrush handle.  This way, no grasping is required!

Michelle Phillips RDH is a Registered Dental Hygienist at Norman Dental in Greensboro NC, located at 2511 Oakcrest Avenue, Greensboro NC 27408. Telephone number 336-282-2120. http://www.norman-dental.com/team.html

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Optimal Oral Health for Optimal Overall Health 

Matthew Norman, DDS and Michelle Phillips, RDH

Many correlations exist between periodontal (gum) disease and systemic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and even pregnancy.  The mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body, and it is becoming more and more evident that an infection in your mouth can affect the rest of your body.

Periodontal disease is infection of the gums.  In a healthy mouth, gums are pink, firm and do not bleed when brushed and flossed.  It is very important to brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and to visit your dentist regularly.  At a routine hygiene appointment, the dentist and dental hygienist review your medical history and evaluate your gums to screen for all forms of periodontal disease and gingivitis.  Gingivitis is the lowest classification of periodontal disease, meaning inflammation of the gums.   Remember, healthy gums don’t bleed!

Heart disease is probably the most commonly linked systemic disease to periodontal disease.  Bacteria are present in bodies of all living creatures.  Some bacteria are not harmful and actually help keep the body healthy, but some bacteria are harmful to your body.  This same situation of helpful/harmful bacteria exists in your mouth.  Any bacteria (good or bad) present in your mouth can be transmitted into your bloodstream, especially when the gums are bleeding due to unmanaged periodontal disease or gingivitis.  Once in your bloodstream, bacteria can reach all other areas of your body, including your heart.  When bacteria enter the bloodstream, it attaches itself to the fatty plaques in your heart vessel arteries (coronary arteries) and contributes to the formation of clots.  One with coronary artery disease has thickened walls of the coronary arteries from the buildup of plaques and the blood clots can obstruct blood flow.  This leads to a lack of oxygen needed for the heart to properly function, which can lead to a stroke and even a heart attack.  Those with periodontal disease are more likely to suffer from coronary artery disease than those without periodontal disease.  Also, unmanaged periodontal disease can worsen a preexisting heart condition.

Diabetes is a chronic systemic illness which is becoming more and more prevalent in the United States.  The American Diabetes Associated estimated in 2011 that nearly 26 million people (8% of the total US population) have diabetes and this number continues to grow rapidly.  A person with diabetes is more likely to have periodontal disease than a non-diabetic, especially one who doesn’t have their diabetes under control.   The diabetic patient is more likely to develop infections and because their wound-healing ability is impaired, oral infection is more difficult to treat.  The relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease has also been found to be two-directional, meaning that the worsening of one condition can cause the other to worsen.  Therefore a diabetic patient, who also suffers from periodontal disease which is unmanaged, is more likely to lose control of their diabetes and suffer from diabetic complications.

Respiratory diseases are also directly linked to periodontal disease.  The bacteria in your mouth can be drawn into your lungs to cause respiratory diseases like pneumonia.  When you inhale, the bacteria in your mouth can settle into your lower respiratory tract and cause infection.  Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) have a higher risk of experiencing complications, when unmanaged periodontal disease is also present.

Many people are unaware that a relationship exists between periodontal disease and pregnancy.  When a woman is pregnant, it is common for her to develop a condition called Pregnancy Gingivitis.  During pregnancy, a woman experiences changes in her normal hormone levels.  These changes can cause the gum tissue to become much more sensitive food and plaque levels in the mouth, which lead to inflammation and bleeding in the gums.  The hormonal changes can even make it easier for the bad bacteria that we discussed earlier to grow.   Some bacteria have even been found to cause complications with pregnancy, such as pre-term births.  It is very important for the pregnant patient to see their dentist and dental hygienist for routine hygiene visits to ensure their mouth is in a healthy condition.

In summary, it is crucial for everyone to visit their dentist regularly – especially those who have a systemic disease, which can increase their risk of developing periodontal disease.  Your dentist and dental hygienist should be evaluating your periodontal health on a regular basis to ensure your mouth is in a healthy condition.  Regular dental visits will allow the dental team to check for signs of gingivitis and periodontal disease, and recommend treatment if treatment is necessary.  It is also important to be aware that a cure does not currently exist for periodontal disease.  Those with periodontal disease must maintain their dental health with excellent home care and regular dental hygiene visits.  As with any other disease, early detection is critical.  The sooner the condition is discovered and treated, the better the outcome.

Norman Dental is located at 2511 Oakcrest Avenue in Greensboro NC 27408  Telephone :336-282-2120

http://www.norman-dental.com/doctorMN.html

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Lungs and Tobacco Use

By Carissa Stella

It has been well documented that smoking presents health hazards in many different forms, but the biggest issue with smoking is the damage it can do to a person’s lungs. The tar and approx. 4,000 carcinogens present in tobacco smoke can decrease the ability of the lungs to provide oxygen to the blood. Additionally, 20 of those carcinogens have been identified as those that cause lung cancer as well as throat cancer and other diseases.

Tobacco smoke – A dangerous enemy

In addition to lung cancer, tobacco smoke is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke as well chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and high blood pressure. It has been shown that a person who smokes as many as 20 cigarettes a day is more at risk to contract tuberculosis and other infectious diseases.

Additional complications of smoking include:

• Emphysema
• Bronchitis
• Common cold
• Increased HIV susceptibility

The effects of smoking

Long-time smokers may display some of the same symptoms as those with COPD accompanied by wheezing and what is termed smokers’ cough. As tar builds up in the lungs, their capacity is diminished and they will experience being out of breath much faster than non-smokers. They will also display some of the same symptoms as those who suffer from asthma.

Each cigarette smoked causes damage

When a person breathes, air is drawn in through the mouth and nose and moves through the trachea into the lungs through the bronchi. This carrier is similar to a tree with branches that gradually become smaller as the air moves into the lungs until it reaches the alveoli and its small air pouches lined with cilia.

The cilia in the lungs are small hairs that help move oxygen into the blood stream. These tiny hairs become coated with tar and other chemicals in tobacco smoke and can no longer function properly. In addition to helping move air into the blood, the cilia also helps filter the air so it is clean when it reaches the blood stream. If the air is not clean the lungs become irritated and can cause the bronchi to shrink. This promotes phlegm and makes it much harder to breath and causes coughing. Additionally, carbon monoxide can form in the blood while smoking, displacing oxygen in the blood.

Smoking promotes COPD

When the bronchi become irritated, an excess of mucus is produced that causes coughing and often leads to bronchitis. As smoke continues to irritate the alveoli they are destroyed leading to emphysema. The bronchi will also become narrow, making it much harder for the smoker to exhale. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD is a degenerative disease and its effects are permanent but studies have shown that quitting smoking can stop the progression of the disease.

Smoking causes more than lung cancer

It isn’t just the lungs that are affected by smoking. As tar and the other carcinogens are carried into the lungs they can cause mouth and throat cancer as well as cancer in the esophagus and larynx. It had also been shown that the use of alcohol may increase the chance of contracting these forms of cancer.

Tobacco smoke is also a major trigger for those suffering from asthma, causing extreme difficulty in breathing for asthma sufferers, even when they aren’t the ones smoking. Additionally, it has been shown that pregnant women exposed to cigarette smoke have a higher risk of giving birth to babies that are susceptible to developing asthma. So it’s important to understand the health risks inflicted on others from smoking.

Sources: Wedmd.com, MayoClinic.com, Cleveland Clinic

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Listen to Your Heart: Signs of a Heart Attack

 By Carissa Stella

The heart is an amazing muscle in that it provides nourishing blood and oxygen to the entire body and if something is wrong, it can almost seem to talk to you, provided you know what to listen for. A heart attack is a life-threatening emergency during which quick action can save a person’s life or at the very least minimize damage done to the heart muscle.

Signs of a heart attack

When a person suffers a heart attack it is due to a blood clot in one of the blood vessels leading to or from the heart and is typically announced by pain somewhere in the body.

While each person is different, the common signs include:

Chest pain: Located in the center of the chest and may last a few minutes and go away, often returning. It may feel as though the heart is being squeezed and is sometimes accompanied by the feeling of fullness in the chest or severe pain.

Upper body pain: During a heart attack the pain may radiate down one or both arms and often includes discomfort in the neck and jaw.

Trouble breathing: When a person is having a heart attack they often experience a shortness of breath. However, this feeling may occur before they feel any pain in the chest.

Additional Symptoms: In addition to these common signs, the person may experience nausea or the feeling of being light headed and breaking out in a cold sweat.

While a heart attack among women is just as likely, the warning signs are often ignored longer, not recognized for the danger they represent, making it more likely for a woman to delay seeking treatment. Since men are more prone to a heart attack many women do not recognize the typical symptoms, refusing to believe they are having one, causing the delay in treatment.

Signs of a heart attack in women

The symptoms a heart attack in women are similar to those in men including:

• Pain in the center of the chest.

• Pain also in the arms, jaw, neck or stomach.

• Shortness of breath or a feeling of being light headed.

When any of the warning signs of a heart attack present, it is imperative to seek emergency medical care. If a person in your care shows signs of a heart attack it is important to take the appropriate action.

What can I do?

1. Call 9-1-1 for emergency care. Do not try to take the person to the hospital in a private vehicle. Emergency Medical Technicians have the experience and equipment to administer proper care while travelling to the emergency room.

2. Above all, remain calm. Have them sit or lie down and talk calmly to them to help reduce their anxiety.

3. Ask if they take medication for heart problems. They may have a heart history and take medications such as nitroglycerine. If so, try to obtain their medication and follow the label directions. If you can determine they are not allergic to aspirin, have them chew one.

4. If the person in your care stops breathing, administer CPR, if you know how, until emergency responders arrive.

Better safe than sorry
A heart attack is a serious medical emergency and there are a few other medical issues that often present with similar symptoms that may not be life-threatening. The person should be treated as though they are having a heart attack. It is always better to be safe than ignore the symptoms and find out later you were wrong. Remember to keep your medical appointments and see your doctors regularly.  Be proactive with your loved one’s and your own health care!

 Sources: Wedmd.com, MayoClinic.com

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The Importance of Respite for Caregivers

By Carissa Stella

As with any job, everyone needs time away from their responsibilities to take care of personal affairs, ease the stress of their position as well as to renew their energy. Being an in-home caregiver incorporates some additional stress of being responsible for someone’s health. This makes it more important for you, as a caregiver, to be able to provide quality care and attention to the patient. Whether you are caring for a family member or are a paid professional, taking a break from your responsibility will prevent you from getting burned out from the job.

Caregivers need to care for themselves too

If you are a caregiver, the job can lead to feeling overwhelmed and even episodes of depression if you are not able to take some time off and have time for yourself. Many in-home caregivers who remain on the job 24/7 will find it hard to take a break but the stress and negative emotions build up over time and could possibly hamper the quality of the care they provide.

Fortunately, there are options available for respite from the every day duties. You can have others in your care network such as other family members and friends spend some time with your loved one. You can hire an in-home care service to help keep a normal routine or use one of the many adult day care programs that can provide a different environment. All options can be therapeutic for both your loved one and   for you, the caregiver.

Bringing in some additional help

When you are considering finding help to care for your loved one it is important to understand the type of help that is needed. Once you know the type of help you require, make a list of those who can provide that help and the cost if you need to bring in professionals.

You should look around the home to determine what preparations are needed for an outsider to come in and help out. Also remember any medications that will be required will have to be readily available, at least until the temporary caregiver is familiar with the surroundings.

In-Home Care Services. If your loved one prefers a comfortable and familiar environment while you are not with them, in-home care services is the best option. These services can be tailored to fit your loved ones needs fulfilling the day to day of medication management, personal care and companionship. It’s important to make sure you use a licensed home care agency to ensure you are receiving professional, reliable and the highest quality service for your loved one. It’s important to take the time for yourself and knowing a caring professional is looking after your loved one will allow you to enjoy your time away.

Adult Day Care Services. These are designed for individuals with a wide range of needs. Many communities have established programs that allow the individual to become part of their community. Typically, they are run by professional caregivers and are available weekdays, giving in-home caregivers a break during the day to allow for them to take care of their own business. It also can relieve some of the stress of caring for your loved one by knowing they are in capable hands.

Here are some of the benefits from of these respite programs:

•  Time out of the house that they can spend with others.
• An opportunity to be part of a group of people closer to one’s own age.
• A chance to learn some new skills through activities in a friendly encouraging environment.
• Regaining a sense of independence
• Improved self-esteem

Getting away from the environment

As a caregiver, it is not only important to have someone else come into the home to give you a break. It is important that you get out of the house, even if just for a few hours. In the beginning it may only be for an hour or so, until you are comfortable with the caregiver’s abilities and the patient’s feeling of confidence. When you start to feel more comfortable, you can gradually increase the amount of time you spend away from home and your loved one. If you are a caregiver, we’d love for you to share with us and those reading how you take time for yourself. Where do you go for rest and relaxtion? How do you rebuild your energy?

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