Holiday Program Helps Lackawanna County Seniors Struggling With Poverty and Loneliness

Be a Santa to a Senior^®, the popular campaign that in last year delivered more than 1,800 gifts to local needy seniors, is being planned again this holiday season as older adults continue to face financial challenges and loneliness.

Janet Zaleski, Oakwood Terrace and Jessica Engel,

Home Instead Senior Care prepare gifts for local seniors

The area office of the Home Instead Senior Care^® network, the world’s largest provider of non-medical in-home care and companionship services for older adults, is joining Compassionate Care Hospice, Gino Merli Veterans’ Center, Golden Living Center, Highland Manor, Meals on Wheels of NEPA, Oakwood Terrace, and Serving Seniors, Inc. together with Abington Community Library, Geisinger Community Medical Center, Gertrude Hawk Chocolates, Keystone College, Marshalls, Peebles, Walgreens, and Wal-Mart to provide gifts and companionship to seniors who otherwise might not receive either.

“Seniors faced with medical bills and the escalating cost of living typically find they have little or nothing left at the end of the year,” said Bob Vielee, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office serving Lackawanna County. “That’s not the only issue, though. Worries become magnified for so many living alone with no one to share their problems.”

Here’s how to help these struggling seniors: Pick up ornaments with the first names of seniors and their gift requests from Christmas trees, located at:

·         Abington Community Library (1200 W Grove Street, Clarks Summit)

·         Marshalls (1118 Commerce Boulevard, Dickson City)

·         Peebles (89 Brooklyn Street, Carbondale and State Routes 435 & 502, Moscow)

·         Walgreens (330 S. Main Street, Scranton)

·         Wal-Mart (900 Commerce Boulevard, Dickson City)

Jessica Engel, Home Instead Senior Care and a 2011
Be a Santa to a Senior gift recipient.

The trees will be up now through December 10. Buy the item(s) on the list and return it unwrapped to the store, along with the ornaments attached. A gift-wrapping party, hosted by the Sports Management and Recreation Team at Keystone College, will be held at the school on December 12.

“Helping a needy older adult can bring joy to the giver as well as the receiver – it does make a difference,” Vielee said.

For more information about the program, visit www.beasantatoasenior.com or call Jessica Engel at 570-687-4755.

Power Grip

Having a strong hand grip can positively impact the everyday lives of seniors.  Try this exercise with your client to help improve hand strength:

1.       Ask your client to hold a tennis ball or other small flexible ball in one hand.

2.       Slowly squeeze the ball as tightly as possible, hold for 3 to 5 seconds, then slowly relax the squeeze. 

3.       Repeat 10 to 15 times in each hand. 

Seniors can do this squeezing exercise while sharing stories or watching TV.  You can also help your client keep her hands and fingers limber by encouraging her to open jars or fold laundry.

How About a Movie Matinee?

Eighty percent of seniors fear isolation and loneliness.  What could be more fun than an afternoon at the movies?  Check the movie listings online or in your local newspaper and make a date.  Have your client invite a friend to join you at the theater.

If your client is confined to her house or facility, rent her favorite movie and invite one of her friends to enjoy a cinematic afternoon with great company. 

Don’t forget the popcorn!

September is Cholesterol Education Month

High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S. 

A variety of factors affect cholesterol levels.  Some factors cannot be controlled, like age, gender and family history, but others, including diet, weight and physical activity, can be managed with some simple lifestyle changes.  Limiting foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol can help lower levels, as does incorporating regular, age-appropriate physical activity.  

If your client has high cholesterol, you can help her manage her condition by paying close attention to her weight, diet and physical activity.  And if you have a family history of high cholesterol, be sure to take care of yourself!    

Senior Scams to Watch Out For

Because seniors are the most likely to have a nest egg, own their own home and have excellent credit, they’re an attractive target for scam artists.  Knowing common senior-related scams can help you recognize when your client is a target. 

According to the National Association of Triads, the top six scams involving seniors are:

1.       Telemarketing fraud - when a senior sends money or provides personal or financial information to unknown solicitors over the phone, through email or on the internet.   

2.       Charity fraud - when someone misrepresents charitable causes – fictitious or real – to steal money from donors.   

3.       Sweepstakes fraud - when a senior is told she has won a major prize, but must pay taxes, shipping or other fees either before receiving the prize or after receiving and cashing a fake check. 

4.       Health care fraud - misuse of insurance or Medicare cards to bill seniors, their insurers or Medicare for equipment, supplies or services not provided or needed. 

5.       Identity theft - when someone assumes a senior’s identity to perform criminal acts such as taking out loans or opening credit accounts. 

6.       Financial fraud - predatory financial transactions such as mortgage scams, Ponzi schemes, or unrealistic long-term investments. 

If you suspect your client is the victim of fraud, contact your local franchise office immediately.

Signs Your Senior is not Eating Well

Does your client’s diet fit the bill?  These warning signs may signal a potential nutrition problem:

1.       Loss of appetite - If your client has been a hearty eater but no longer has a strong appetite, find out why. 

2.       Depression - A change in appetite can signal depression.  Encourage your client and his family to follow up with a physician.

3.       Sudden weight changes - If your client gains or loses 10 pounds in six months, a trip to the doctor is in order.   

4.       Expired food - Ensure your client isn’t “saving” expired food.  Label food expiration dates in large letters and numbers. 

5.       Lethargy - Encourage a doctor’s visit if your usually-active client suddenly becomes lethargic.

6.       More than three medications - Medication can affect appetite and weight.  Suggest your client and his family discusses potential side effects, like unexplained weight loss, with his physician.

Inform the franchise office staff if your client experiences any of these warning signs.

How about a game of “Crazy 8s?”

Card games are a great way to improve your client’s sense of well-being.  How about a game of “Crazy 8s?”

1.       Deal five cards to each player.  

2.       Place remaining cards face down, turning the top card face up to create the discard pile. 

3.       Take turns discarding by matching the rank or suit of the top card in the discard pile.

4.       If you are unable to match the rank or suit and do not have an eight, draw cards from the stockpile until you can play.

5.       When a player discards an eight, she must declare the suit the next player will play and that player must play the named suit or an eight. 

The first player to discard all of her cards wins, and other players score penalty points according to the cards remaining in their hands.  Meaningful conversation while playing will boost your client’s outlook.

Tips to Protect Your Client from Scammers

In addition to the negative financial effects seniors face as a result of scams, they’re often incredibly ashamed and embarrassed.    Because of that shame and embarrassment, only 25 percent of seniors who have been scammed report the crime to authorities. 

Help scam-proof your clients with these 10 tips:

1.       Shred sensitive documents like bank statements, bills and other financial information.

2.       Point out suspicious mailings to your client and her family.  Show them what to look for, like envelopes mimicking letters from government agencies.

3.       Encourage your client to add her telephone numbers to the Do-Not-Call Registry.

4.       Tell your client not to provide personal information (address, bank account numbers, PINs) to uninitiated callers. 

5.       Make sure charities are registered with appropriate state agencies before she agrees to a donation.

6.       Post a “No Solicitation” notice on your client’s front door.

7.       Educate your client about email/Internet scams and phishing tactics.

8.       If an unknown individual befriends your client, let a family member know.

9.       Look for changes in lifestyle or unusual financial activity.

10.   Find trustworthy people to protect your client when you and her family cannot be with her.

If you suspect someone is scamming your client, contact your franchise office staff immediately.

Senior Fraud Steals Peace of Mind

Senior crime victims often experience long-lasting emotional and financial effects.  According to the National Association of Triads, victimized seniors frequently suffer:

Physical and emotional distress - Seniors recuperate more slowly, and life-threatening illnesses can follow.

Inability to recover financially - Seniors who lose income resulting from scams and other crimes often struggle more when living on a fixed income.

Loss of independence - Crime is a catalyst to decreased emotional and financial independence.

Decreased quality of life - Senior scam victims are often embarrassed, distressed and struggle to recover.  Some also withdraw socially to avoid being scammed again. 

Vicarious victimization - Vicarious victimization is the fear of becoming a victim.  This fear is common in homebound seniors who get the majority of their news information from television.  Senior crime victims often alter their lifestyles by withdrawing from society and breaking their ties to friends, church and other activities.

If your client has been the victim of a scam or other crime and you notice these behaviors, please call your local franchise office.

Beating the Summer Heat

As we age, our bodies are less adaptable to hot weather.  These steps can help your client remain safe and comfortable on the warmest of days. 

·         Avoid outings during mid-day heat.

·         Seek air-conditioned environments.  The risk of heat-related illness can be reduced by spending a little time in air conditioning.  If your client doesn’t have air conditioning, plan trips to the library, shopping mall or other air-conditioned places.

·         Encourage your client to take a cool shower or bath.

·         Provide your client with plenty of drinking water.  Seniors are less sensitive to thirst sensation than younger adults. 

·         Prepare light foods, such as salads and sandwiches, to energize and aid hydration. 

·         Offer your client lightweight, breathable clothing and a broad-brimmed hat.

·         Avoid overexertion, and take frequent breaks during physical activity. 

Chronic illness, obesity and medications can also contribute to heat sensitivity, so keep a close eye on your client when the temperature soars.

AC Maintenance Tips

Will your client’s air conditioner keep up during the dog days of summer?  These simple maintenance tips will help your client enjoy summertime comfort, lower utility bills and prolong the life of his air conditioning unit. 

Check and change air filters frequently.  Nothing damages an air conditioner more than a dirty air filter.  Inspect the filter monthly by holding it in bright light.  If little light penetrates, it’s time for a new one.   

Keep the outdoor unit clean.  Inspect the outdoor A/C unit and remove obstructions like plants or grass clippings.  Use a soft bristle brush to gently clean the comb-like fins while rinsing with water. 

Find the thermostat’s sweet spot.  Try starting at 78°F and adjust accordingly.  Each degree a thermostat is set above 72°F can save as much as 3 percent on electricity bills.

If your client’s air conditioner appears damaged, excessively worn or is not working correctly or efficiently, contact your local franchise office for assistance.

National Safe at Home Week is August 22 – 26

Home-related injuries can adversely affect a senior’s quality of life and threaten her ability to remain at home.  The main causes of in-home injuries and fatalities are slips, trips and falls.  Use the following tips to keep your senior safe at home:

·         Install grab bars in the tub or shower, if possible.

·         Place nightlights at the top and bottom of all staircases and in all bathrooms, bedrooms and other dark places. 

·         Tape small rugs to the floor.

·         Clean up spills immediately.

·         Encourage your client to wear non-slip shoes or closed-back slippers in the house.

·         Keep hallways and stairs clear of misplaced objects.

·         Inspect all handrails to ensure they are secure, and repair loose or missing handrails.

Study Says Alcohol May Trigger Dangerous Palpitations

A study of a clinical group with an average age of 59 builds a stronger link between alcohol consumption and serious heart palpitations in patients with atrial fibrillation, the most common form of arrhythmia. A study in 1978 first discovered such patients experiencing a common and potentially dangerous palpitation after excessive drinking.

The term “holiday heart syndrome” was coined after the 1978 study because excessive drinking is common during the winter holiday season. The symptoms usually went away when the revelers stopped drinking.

Now research from University of California, San Francisco builds on that finding, establishing a stronger causal link between alcohol consumption and serious palpitations in patients with atrial fibrillation, the most common form of arrhythmia. The researchers report that people with atrial fibrillation had almost a 4.5 times greater chance of having an episode if they were consuming alcohol than if they were not.

“One of the remaining big unknowns is why or how this happens,” said senior author Dr. Gregory Marcus, an assistant professor of medicine at the UCSF division of cardiology. “In a previous publication, we suggested that there was an effect on the electrical activity of the atrium that leads to these arrhythmias, but we do need additional studies to prove that.”

For more about the research, go to http://ctsi.ucsf.edu/news/about-ctsi/link-between-alcohol-and-atrial-fibrillation

Heart Disease, Stroke Death Rates Drop for Many Seniors With Diabetes

Death rates for people with diabetes dropped substantially from 1997 to 2006, especially deaths related to heart disease and stroke. That information comes from researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health, and it is encouraging news for seniors, the most common victims of type 2 diabetes.

Deaths from all causes declined by 23 percent, and deaths related to heart disease and stroke dropped by 40 percent, according to a recent study published in the journal Diabetes Care. CDC estimates that 25.8 million Americans have diabetes, and 7 million of them do not know they have the disease.

Although adults with diabetes still are more likely to die younger than those who do not have the disease, the gap is narrowing. Improved treatment for cardiovascular disease, better management of diabetes and some healthy lifestyle changes contributed to the decline. People with diabetes were less likely to smoke and more likely to be physically active than in the past. Better control of high blood pressure and high cholesterol also may have contributed to improved health.

For more about the research, go to http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/35/6/1252.full.

Trial Finds Two Drugs Effective In Restoring Vision for Elderly with Macular Degeneration

There is encouraging news about the treatment of age-related macular degeneration at the conclusion of a two-year clinical trial. The study concluded the two widely used treatment drugs – Avastin (bevacizumab) and Lucentis (ranibizumab injection) – are both effective in producing “a robust and lasting improvement in vision” in battling the leading cause of blindness in seniors.

The drugs improve vision when administered monthly or on an as-needed basis, although greater improvements in vision were seen with monthly administration for the common eye disease, according to researchers supported by the National Institutes of Health. The average age of the patients tested was over 80 years of age.

In its advanced stages, the wet form of age-related macular degeneration spurs the growth of abnormal blood vessels, which leak fluid and blood into the macula and obscure vision. The macula is the central portion of the retina that allows us to look straight ahead and to perceive fine visual detail. Without treatment, most patients are unable to drive, read, recognize faces or perform tasks that require hand-eye coordination.

“The dramatic and lasting improvement in vision with these two drugs is extraordinary. At two years, two-thirds of patients had driving vision. With previous treatments, only 15 percent of patients retained similar visual acuity,” said Maureen Maguire, Ph.D., principal investigator, CATT Coordinating Center at the University of Pennsylvania.

 For more about the two-year trial, go to http://www.nei.nih.gov/news/pressreleases/043012.asp

Omega-3, Curry Spice May Help With Spine Pain Relief

Recent research indicates that combining a popular omega-3 fatty acid with an ingredient of curry spice may offer millions of seniors some relief from cervical myelopathy and other spinal damage. Cervical myelopathy is the most common spine-related walking problem for people over 55, and it can lead to disabling neurological symptoms, such as difficulty walking, neck and arm pain, hand numbness and weakness of the limbs.

UCLA researchers said a diet with the two supplements preserved the walking ability in rats with spinal-cord injury. The findings suggest that the supplements help repair nerve cells and maintain neurological function after degenerative damage to the neck.

“Normal aging often narrows the spinal canal, putting pressure on the spinal cord and injuring tissue,” said principal investigator Dr. Langston Holly, associate professor of neurosurgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. “While surgery can relieve the pressure and prevent further injury, it can’t repair damage to the cells and nerve fibers. We wanted to explore whether dietary supplementation could help the spinal cord heal itself.”

What are these specific supplements? DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid shown to repair damage to cell membranes. Curcumin is a compound in turmeric, an Indian curry spice, and it is a strong antioxidant that previous studies have linked to tissue repair. Both reduce inflammation. “Our findings suggest that diet can help minimize disease-related changes and repair damage to the spinal cord,” Dr. Holly said.

To see more about the study, go to http://www.uclahealth.org/body.cfm?id=561&action=detail&ref=1935.

Elderly Women with Irregular Heartbeatat Higher Risk for Stroke Than Men

According to research, it’s possible that older women who have been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat are at higher risk of stroke than men.

A recent study led by the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre shows that warfarin, the most common anticoagulant therapy used to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, may not be as effective in women, 75 years or older, as in men.

 “Our results suggest that elderly women with atrial fibrillation may need to be targeted for more effective stroke prevention therapy,” said Dr. Louise Pilote, corresponding author of the study and researcher in epidemiology at McGill. “Knowing the stroke risk is higher in women is something that both physicians and patients should be focusing on,” said Pilote, whose study results were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, a condition involving an irregular heart rhythm. Generally, the risk of developing atrial fibrillation increases with age and with other risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure and underlying heart disease. People with atrial fibrillation have a risk of stroke that is five times greater than those in the general population

For more about the study, visit http://muhc.ca/newsroom/news/elderly-women-irregular-heartbeat-higher-risk-stroke.

Combating the Rise of ‘Polypharmacy’ – Tips for Seniors on the Risk of Many Medications

In the past 10 years, research has shown that the percentage of people over 60 who take five or more medications has jumped from 22 percent to 37 percent. More than 30 million Americans take five or more prescribed drugs regularly, often called “polypharmacy.”

Each year, about one-third of seniors experience serious adverse effects as a result of drug interactions, so it’s necessary to be cognizant of the risks and dangers, according to a CVS pharmacy spokesperson. There are a number of measures a senior can take to avoid the health risks associated with polypharmacy. Papatya Tankut, vice president, professional pharmacy services, CVS/Pharmacy, notes:

·         Developing a relationship with a pharmacist can help better manage medications and prevent potential and harmful drug interactions. A patient’s relationship is more effective if all medications are at one “pharmacy home.”

·         Medication adherence is a growing concern as more Americans neglect to fill prescriptions and take medications as directed. These mistakes will decrease the effectiveness of the medication and may lead to the persistence of problems.

·         Pharmacists can offer advice on supplements as well as tips for maintaining overall health and well-being. Be sure to consult a pharmacist before adding any vitamins or supplements to avoid interactions.

·         If a senior is unsure about a medication or is experiencing a side effect, tell the pharmacist or a trained health expert. The fix may be as simple as shifting the dosage or even taking the medication with food instead of on an empty stomach.

For more about specific medications and supplements, including interactions with other drugs, check out http://www.nlm.nih.gov/services/drug.html.

Researchers Excited About Aspirin’s Potential Ability to Prevent Cancer

Here’s encouraging news. A recent report by American Cancer Society scientists says new data shows aspirin’s potential role in reducing the risk of cancer deaths.

The report, published online in Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology, says even a 10 percent reduction in overall cancer incidence beginning during the first 10 years of aspirin treatment could tip the balance of benefits and risks favorably in average-risk populations.

Guidelines for the use of aspirin in disease prevention now consider only its cardiovascular benefits, weighed against the potential harm from aspirin-induced bleeding. While daily aspirin use also has been convincingly shown to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and recurrence of adenomatous polyps, these benefits alone do not outweigh harms from aspirin-induced bleeding in average-risk populations.

But recently published secondary analyses of cardiovascular trials have provided the first randomized evidence that daily aspirin use also may reduce the incidence of all cancers combined, even at low doses of 75 to 100 milligrams daily.

“The accumulating data from randomized clinical trials provide an exciting opportunity to reconsider the potential role of aspirin in cancer prevention,” write the authors. They say several important questions remain unanswered, such as the exact magnitude of the overall cancer benefit and which individual cancer sites contribute to this benefit.

For now, proper exercise and a nutritious diet can go a long way toward helping to prevent cancer, experts note. Home Instead CAREGivers^SM could be a motivating source of help by providing meal preparation assistance and encouragement to live a healthier lifestyle.  Contact your local office today.

For more about aspirin and cancer prevention possibilities, visit http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/news/News/study-aspirin-can-lower-cancer-risk.

Should Coffee Receive Credit for Seniors’ Longevity?

According to research from the National Cancer Institute and AARP, seniors who drink coffee – caffeinated or decaffeinated – have a lower risk of death.

Coffee drinkers are less likely to die from heart disease, respiratory disease, stroke, injuries and accidents, diabetes and infections, the researchers said, although the association was not seen for cancer. Researchers admitted, however, that they can’t be sure whether these associations mean that drinking coffee actually makes people live longer.

The results from a large study of older adults were observed after adjustment for the effects of other risk factors on mortality, such as smoking and alcohol consumption. The results of the study were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Neal Freedman, Ph.D., Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI, and his colleagues examined the association between coffee drinking and risk of death in 400,000 U.S. men and women ages 50 to 71 who participated in the National Institutes of Health-AARP Diet and Health Study.

 “Although we cannot infer a causal relationship between coffee drinking and lower risk of death, we believe these results do provide some reassurance that coffee drinking does not adversely affect health,” Dr. Freedman said.

For more about the study, visit http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/pressreleases/2012/CoffeeProtectiveDCEG/print.

Walking Helps Seniors Alleviate Fatigue After Cancer Operation

As strange as it sounds, you might be able to overcome the exhaustion and shorten your recovery time by walking a little bit each day and gradually increasing the length of your walks. Researchers, in studying a group of people who underwent surgery for pancreatic cancer, affirmed recently that cancer patients can literally take a step-by-step approach to combat fatigue. The study was published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.

Furthermore, the National Cancer Institute reports that chronic fatigue affects up to 96 percent of people being treated for cancer. It’s so common that “sometimes it’s overlooked as normal, and people tend to write it off,” said the study’s lead author, Theresa P. Yeo, Ph.D., MPH, MSN, associate professor of nursing at the Thomas Jefferson University School of Nursing, Philadelphia.

“This is not the normal ‘I-stayed-up-too-late’ fatigue. It’s really being exhausted, and it doesn’t go away with sleep. This can lead to anxiety and depression.”

Dr. Yeo and her colleagues recruited 102 patients for their study, most of whom were 66 or 67 years old. The patients also had similar rates and types of chronic conditions, such as hypertension or diabetes, but no conditions that could severely limit mobility.

Referring to the study, Dr. Yeo said: “If people could walk for only three minutes, we said start with that and work your way up. If patients felt any discomfort or shortness of breath while walking, they were instructed to slow down or stop. The goal was to increase walking time 90 to 150 minutes each week by the end of the three-month program. The beauty of this program is that we’re not asking for high intensity aerobics or a target heart rate.”

Though the study authors acknowledge that more research is needed, patient discharge instructions have already been changed at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital to encourage walking or some form of aerobic activity as patients recover.

For more about the research, check out http://www.facs.org/news/jacs/fatigue0412.html.

Lifestyle Changes Program Reduced Type 2 Diabetes Risk by 58 Percent

Programs to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes in high-risk adults do result in fewer people developing diabetes. Researchers said a program involving lifestyle changes, which was particularly effective for those 60 and older, reduced the rate of diabetes in high-risk adults by 58 percent.

The Diabetes Prevention Program funded by the National Institutes of Health, which appeared in a recent issue of Diabetes Care, showed that lifestyle changes – reduced fat and calories in the diet and increased physical activity that lead to modest weight loss – reduced the rate of type 2 diabetes in high-risk adults by 58 percent, compared with placebo. A medication, metformin, reduced diabetes by 31 percent. At present, metformin is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for diabetes prevention, but it is used by diabetics.

For more about the research, check out http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/35/4/723 and www.nih.gov/news/health/oct2009/niddk-29.htm.

Experts Say Popcorn Has More Healthful Antioxidants Than Fruits and Vegetables

Popcorn that has a minimal amount of salt and butter – many seniors love it – and there are more reasons to feast on it. Popcorn’s reputation as a snack food that’s healthy popped up a few notches recently as scientists reported that it contains more of the healthful antioxidant substances called “polyphenols” than fruits and vegetables.

Joe Vinson, Ph.D., a pioneer in analyzing healthful components in chocolate, nuts and other common foods, explained that the polyphenols are more concentrated in popcorn, which averages about 4 percent water, while polyphenols are diluted in the 90 percent water that makes up many fruits and vegetables.

In another finding, the researchers discovered that popcorn hulls – the part that gets caught in teeth – has the highest concentration of polyphenols and fiber. “Those hulls deserve more respect,” said Vinson, who is with the University of Scranton (Pa). “They are nutritional gold nuggets.”

The overall findings led Vinson to declare, “Popcorn may be the perfect snack food. It’s the only snack that is 100 percent unprocessed whole grain. All other grains are processed and diluted with other ingredients. One serving of popcorn will provide more than 70 percent of the daily intake of whole grain. The average person gets only about half a serving of whole grains a day, and popcorn could fill that gap in a very pleasant way.”

Vinson cautioned, however, that the way people prepare and serve popcorn can quickly put a dent in its healthful image. Cook it in a potful of oil, slather on butter or the fake butter used in many movie theaters, pour on the salt; eat it as “kettle corn” cooked in oil and sugar — and popcorn can become a nutritional nightmare loaded with fat and calories.

For more about the research, go to http://www.scranton.edu/news/articles/2012/03/popcorn-study.shtml.

Study Finds Nearly Half of People With Stroke Symptoms Not Calling 911

Despite efforts to inform the public of the urgency for rapid treatment for stroke victims and the effective treatments available, the number of patients using an ambulance for rapid transportation to a treatment center has not changed since the mid-1990s.

In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center said their research highlights the need for even more education about strokes.

The study, led by Dr. Hooman Kamel, a neurologist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell and assistant professor of neurology at Weill Cornell Medical College, analyzed data collected by the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey between 1997 and 2008. “People do not always recognize the seriousness of stroke symptoms, or instead of calling 911, they may call their primary care physician for an appointment and lose valuable time as the damage becomes irreversible,” Dr. Kamel said.

The study found that 51 percent of adults diagnosed with stroke in emergency departments nationwide arrived via ambulance, with no significant change during the 11 years. Dr. Kamel said recovery is possible with early treatment. “We have drugs and surgeries that can minimize brain damage from a stroke,’’ he said, “but they can be used only within a few short hours.”

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a 911 call should be made if any of these symptoms are experienced:

·         Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body;

·         Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding;

·         Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes;

·         Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination;

·         Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

For more about  the study, check out http://nyp.org/news/hospital/study-stroke-symptoms-hooman.html. The Home Instead Senior Care network’s 2012 Family Caregiver Support Web Seminar Series features monthly seminars for family caregivers on a variety of topics that can help them care for their aging loved ones.  Learn more about the topics and preregister at Caregiverstress.com/familyeducation.