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Holiday Heart Attacks: Fact or Fiction?
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It's an unfortunate reality. The number of heart attacks spikes around Christmas and New Year's Day. A research study examined 53 million U.S. death certificates from 1973 to 2001 and reported an overall increase of 5% more heart-related deaths during the holidays. Along with smoking, high cholesterol, and diabetes, seasonal variations trigger heart attacks and heart disease.
Doctors have speculated that holiday heart failures are caused by delayed treatments (due to holiday festivities), which heightens the risk. Other factors include emotional stress, traveling, and overindulgence. Relieve some of the stress during the holidays by getting personal in-home assistance from a home care agency. Read more at: tinyurl.com/holidaycare.
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Dear Katy
By Kate Dougherty, Certified Senior Advisor
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Dear Katy - Why does Dad get agitated in the early part of the evening? L.G., Salinas, CA
Dear L.G. - Your father is likely suffering from something known as "sundowners syndrome." People who experience this have periods of extreme agitation or confusion during the late afternoon or early evening. Typically, sundowners syndrome, or sundowning is a symptom of the early stages of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. No one knows what exactly causes this syndrome. You should speak with your father's primary care physician because there are many things that can help to alleviate his agitation.
Dear Katy - We adore Mom's caregiver. But as Mom's dementia worsens, she accuses her of stealing things. Is this common?
E.B., Provo, UT
Dear E.B. - I wouldn't say that it is common but it happens. I always recommend that when someone has a caregiver coming into the house that they remove valuables. Although reputable agencies run background checks, you will feel at ease knowing that things aren't being taken. Also, you should have an open and honest conversation with the caregiver about never receiving gifts from your mother. Elderly people often forget they give possessions to people they care about and accuse them of stealing. Maintain your active relationship with your mother and get involved. Reassure her that things aren't missing.
(Submit your questions to kdougherty@professionalhc.com. Follow her on twitter.)
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6 Perfect Gifts for Grandparents
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1. Take them out - A night on the town, a museum trek, or going to the movies are cost-effective and great ways to spend time with them.
2. Respond to their interest - Share a hobby or interest with them. Engage in what makes them happy and take advantage of the experience.
3. Travel - Plan a day trip to a special event or travel somewhere nice during the weekend.
4. Collect family history - Help put together a scrapbook or a photo album to pass around the family.
5. Help with new technology - Help a senior configuring a phone or surf the internet. Family members can enjoy spending time together while learning something new.
6. Time - Arrange for a once-a-month date, help with house work, or share family stories.
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Photo Dialer
The "FotoDialer" is a telephone companion developed to instantly call 24 phone numbers with the touch of a photo button.
More Info
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"He who believes that the past cannot be changed has not yet written his memoirs."
Torvald Gahlin,
Comic Strip Creator
(1910-2006)
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