This post discusses the stories of two Connecticut women, one an organ donor and the other a recipient. Only first names and ages are being referenced to protect the privacy of all parties touched in the organ donation process.

In August 2021, Mary read a Facebook post of a local man (a friend of a friend) needing a kidney. Mary has always been on the bone marrow registry and was a surrogate mother, however, she never thought of being an organ donor prior until seeing the social media post.

After being screened, it was determined Mary was a match. Her information was entered into an Organ Exchange, and it turned out by coming forward to be a donor, she helped two people. A better match was found for the person she was being screened for, and Mary’s kidney was given to a local woman in need without a donor.

Mary had strong family support throughout the process, and she stated the procedure was much easier than she expected. “I am blessed, and I want to help others in anyway that I can. It was an amazing experience, and I wish more people would consider donating,” she stated.

In March 2022 at age 57, Mary underwent surgery; she was up walking that day, discharged from the hospital on the following day, and her full recovery took six weeks. She went back to work when cleared medically. She said she never realized the impact of her donation until the person originally intended to receive her kidney reached out at his one-year transplant anniversary. He shared with her his plans to celebrate the day, which he said would not have happened if not for her willingness to be screened to donate.

Organ donation also had a positive impact on Ashley. She was 35 at the time of her kidney transplant. It was a good friend who selflessly volunteered to donate her kidney which was a perfect match!

Since the time Ashley was in her early twenties, her doctors were monitoring high protein in her urine. She was not diabetic and had no other chronic medical conditions. In April 2020, her kidney function declined rapidly, and she started peritoneal dialysis, a daily treatment that can be done at home for those with kidney failure. In June 2021, she received her new kidney. Although she had complications early on in recovery, she is now doing very well. She has two young daughters and is very thankful for all the family support both before and after her transplant surgery. She also went back to work full-time a month after her procedure.

“When possible, I would encourage others to consider being a living donor. My new kidney changed my life. I look forward to spending time with family and friends and watching my daughters’ grow-up. I am extremely thankful every day to my friend who gave me her kidney,” Ashley said.

At National Health Care Associates, our affiliated skilled nursing centers can help individuals following transplant surgery requiring short-term rehabilitation to become a better, brighter, and stronger version of themselves through an interdisciplinary team approach to care. For more information visit, www.nhca.com.

For more information on becoming an organ donor, visit www.organdonor.gov.

Column is written by Laura Falt, director of business development in Connecticut. Laura welcomes the opportunity to be a resource to the community on services for older adults and is often featured in local publications.

The post The Gift of Life- An Organ Donor & Recipient Share Their Stories appeared first on The Pines at Glens Falls Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Over the years, medical professionals have become more cautious on prescribing antibiotics.  So the question for many is when do you need antibiotics?  Antibiotics are needed to fight a bacterial infection such as strep throat, whooping cough, Lyme disease, and symptomatic urinary tract infections or UTI’s.  They don’t fight infections such as the common cold, the flu, or most sore throats and sinus infections.  There are also some respiratory infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis, that may be viral or bacterial in which a physician can diagnose and prescribe the appropriate plan of treatment. 

Even when antibiotics are necessary, they don’t come without risk. Any antibiotic can cause vomiting and diarrhea, a bowel infection, allergic reaction, or affect the health of one’s kidneys or liver.  Always report worsening symptoms to your doctor.  Be sure take your antibiotic as prescribed and finish the recommended dosage.  Many times, people stop taking antibiotics when they begin feeling better, but the prescription is based on the recommended dosage needed to treat the bacteria at the root cause of the infection.

The greater concern is too many antibiotics can make it easier to get a strain of bacteria that has become resistant to antibiotic drugs (superbugs) and can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections.

How does antibiotic resistance happen? In simple terms, as explained by the CDC,   our body has many germs in which are a few are drug resistant.  Antibiotics kill bacteria causing an illness as well as the good bacteria that protect our body from infection.  Drug resistant bacteria are then allowed to take over. 

One superbug is MRSA which is a form of a staph infection that can be easily spread in households, schools, and hospitals.  Symptoms will vary and most infections are mild sores however it can infect the blood, lungs, urinary tract, and surgical wounds. Common signs for a skin infection will include a red painful, bump leaking pus and may resemble a spider bite, pimple, or boil.  Skin around the sore is warm or hot to the touch. Bumps under the skin can be swollen and hard to the touch. 

A second super bug is Clostridioides difficile, often referred to as C. diff, which is a bacterium that can cause symptoms ranging from diarrhea to life-threatening inflammation of the colon.  Causes of C. diff include overuse of antibiotics, surgery of the GI tract, previous C. diff infection, weakened immune system, and being over the age of 65.  Symptoms can include diarrhea with abdominal pain lasting several days, loss of appetite and fever. 

If you believe you or a loved one may have symptoms of MRSA or C. diff, contact a medical professional. 

If hospitalized with an infection requiring post short-term rehabilitation, National Health Care Associates has affiliated skilled nursing centers in the greater Hartford area with specialized recovery programs.  For more information on our Passport Rehabilitation Program at Bloomfield Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation, please visit www.Bloomfieldhealthcare.com or call 860.242.8595.

The most important way to limit the need to take antibiotics is to prevent infection by taking care of your health and getting vaccines recommended by your medical provider. 

Column is written by Laura Falt, director of business development in Connecticut. Laura welcomes the opportunity to be a resource to the community on services for older adults and is often featured in local publications.

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This column is to provide information on Lewy body dementia (LBD). According to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA), LBD is the second most common type of progressive dementia after Alzheimer’s and affects approximately 1.4 million people in the United States. Lewy bodies are protein deposits found in the brain which disrupt thinking, memory, behavior, and movement.  

According to the Mayo Clinic and other medical sources, symptoms of LBD may include impaired thinking, loss of memory or the inability to process information; changes in cognition, attention, and alertness; problems with movement; visual hallucinations; REM sleep behavior disorder (when a person physically acts out vivid dreams and may include violent behavior); behavioral and mood symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and paranoia; as well as changes in autonomic body functions such as blood pressure, temperature, and bladder and bowel functions.  

Most at risk for developing LBD are men over the age of 60 and those with a family history of LBD or Parkinson’s. 

According to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA), LBD is a variant of Parkinson’s disease. Since both share common symptoms such as hallucinations, rigid muscles, and slow movement/tremors, it can be challenging to get a correct diagnosis.  

When diagnosing LBD, clinicians use the “1-year rule” according to the National Institute on Aging in order to recommend the correct treatment plan to manage symptoms and for a better understanding of the disease’s progression. The following are guidelines used to determine the appropriate diagnosis.  

In LBD patients, cognitive symptoms are present at the same time or at least a year before movement disorders. If cognitive issues appear more than a year after movement symptoms, the conclusion would be Parkinson’s disease dementia (National Institute on Aging).

Correctly identifying LBD is also extremely important as this disease has a sensitivity to antipsychotic medications.  As difficult as the diagnosis may be for the patient and family, having a clear and accurate understanding will allow for those diagnosed to have access to the right care and appropriate medications, receive support from medical professionals and family, as well as maximize their quality of life.

National Health Care Associates has affiliated skilled nursing centers in the greater Hartford area with secured Alzheimer’s/ dementia care communities providing 24/7 care.  For more information, visit www.nhca.com or call 860.263.3800.

For more information on Lewy body dementia or for caregiver support, contact the LBDA at 404.935.6444, the LBDA caregiver link at 800.539.9767 or at www.lbda.org. Another resource is the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.

Column is written by Laura Falt, director of business development in Connecticut. Laura welcomes the opportunity to be a resource to the community on services for older adults and is often featured in local publications.

The post Beyond Alzheimer’s—Understanding Lewy Body Dementia appeared first on The Pines at Glens Falls Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

As with many other chronic health conditions, receiving appropriate treatment is key to managing the disease and optimizing quality of life. This column will look at the symptoms and causes with the hopes that preventive health care and making healthy life choices can reduce one’s risk of developing heart failure.

According to the AHA, heart failure occurs when the heart muscle has weakened preventing the heart from pumping enough blood throughout the body. Over time, the heart wall can also become enlarged. The end result of heart failure is the body does not get enough blood, food, and oxygen.  

Warning signs of heart failure include shortness of breath; feeling tired and weak; confusion; rapid weight gain from fluid retention; swelling in the abdomen, feet, ankles, and legs; coughing, especially when lying down or exercising; nausea and/or lack of appetite.  

It is important to seek immediate medical attention if experiencing chest pain which can also be a symptom of a heart attack, severe weakness/fainting, sudden and severe shortness of breath, or rapid or irregular heartbeat with shortness of breath. 

Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of heart failure. This is when the arteries develop plaque and become narrow affecting the supply of blood to the heart. Other reasons include but are not limited to high blood pressure, a prior heart attack, heart defects since birth, diabetes, obesity, thyroid issues, drug and alcohol abuse, and specific forms of chemotherapy. Other irregularities and diseases of the heart can also contribute to heart failure.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the following can trigger an acute onset of heart failure: allergic reactions, blood clots in the lungs, severe infections, the use of certain medications, a virus harming the heart muscle, or any illness that affects the whole body. 

The key to preventing heart failure and minimizing risk involves managing any chronic health conditions including high blood pressure and diabetes, eating healthy, getting physical exercise, and decreasing stress.

Additionally, if diagnosed with heart failure, it is advised to limit salt intake, follow your physicians’ recommendations, monitor weight gain for fluid retention (call the doctor if you gain more than 2-3 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week), take all medications as directed, and track daily fluid intake.

(Sources: American Heart Association and Mayo Clinic)

Column is written by Laura Falt, director of business development in Connecticut. Laura welcomes the opportunity to be a resource to the community on services for older adults and is often featured in local publications.

The post Heart Failure—A Leading Chronic Health Condition appeared first on The Pines at Glens Falls Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. Symptoms include being extremely tired, excessively thirsty or hungry, blurry vision, and the need to urinate frequently. With both diagnoses, keeping blood sugar regulated is essential to staying healthy.

In those with Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, a hormone needed to regulate the metabolic process and give the body’s cells energy. This is considered an autoimmune disease. For those who are type 2, the body does not use insulin properly and is considered a progressive disease.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), 7 million people with diabetes are undiagnosed, and 1 in 3 are at risk. The following factors contribute to risk: age (45 and older), family history of diabetes, being overweight, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol or low HDL levels (the good cholesterol). Additionally, if one is prediabetic or had gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy, the chance is greater to develop type 2. If diagnosed with prediabetes, changes in lifestyle can reduce glucose levels and prevent the onset of diabetes. To assess your risk, visit www.diabetes.org/risk-test.

How do maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise directly impact blood sugar levels? Obesity is a key factor contributing to type 2 diabetes as the more fat one has in their body, the more difficult for cells to process insulin. Exercise helps our bodies use glucose for energy.

A balanced diet is essential to regulating blood sugar which includes counting carbohydrates, and those with diabetes should follow the guidelines given by a doctor or nutritionist/dietician. Weight Watchers also has a program for managing type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. Additionally, the Plate Method is a great option recommended by the ADA. Using a 9-inch plate, half your plate should include non-starchy vegetables, a quarter with lean protein, and a quarter with a carbohydrate.

In addition to following a diabetic meal plan, taking medications as directed, checking blood sugar, and talking to your doctor about any changes or concerns will help to minimize potential complications.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the following are potential health problems that may arise especially when blood sugar goes uncontrolled over time. These include cardiovascular disease, nerve damage which can cause tingling, numbness, and/or a burning sensation in the fingers and toes, kidney damage, and vision or hearing loss. Another complication with older adults is an increase in fall risk which can be triggered by low blood sugar, side effects of medication(s), neuropathy (loss of feeling in one’s feet), and poor vision.

It is key to reach out to your healthcare provider or a resource in the community if you are concerned about your health as diabetes can impact people of all ages. “The rate of new cases (or incidence) of diabetes in youths younger than 20 years increased in the United States between 2002 and 2015, with a 4.8% increase per year for type 2 diabetes and a 1.9% increase per year for type 1 diabetes, researchers reported in the February 14, 2020, issue of CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For more information and facts on diabetes visit www.diabetes.org.

Column is written by Laura Falt, director of business development in Connecticut. Laura welcomes the opportunity to be a resource to the community on services for older adults and is often featured in local publications.

The post Diabetes—Potential Risks and Complications appeared first on The Pines at Glens Falls Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

This column will look at the complexity of the condition making CFS difficult to diagnose as many of the symptoms overlap with other illnesses and diseases. 

The National Academy of Medicine’s 2015 diagnostic criteria documents the following as the three primary symptoms of CFS. Fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, and post-exertional malaise (PEM) which occurs after physical or mental exertion. PEM is the exacerbation of CFS symptoms. All three of the above must be present and the level of severity must be moderate to severe at least 50% of the time. Additionally, a person must experience one of the following: worsening symptoms after standing or sitting upright, or “brain fog”- difficulty with memory and focus becoming more severe when tired/stressed. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, CFS additional symptoms may include headaches, sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes in neck or armpits, unexplained muscle or joint pain, or dizziness when standing.

Extreme fatigue is defined by United States Institute of Medicine as being new, not life-long; severe enough that a person can no longer participate in activities they did prior to onset or illness; not improved by rest, and include post-exertional malaise or PEM (which can take days or weeks to recover from).

There are many medical conditions that can trigger symptoms of CFS including, but not limited to, sleep disorders, anemia, diabetes, cancer, many autoimmune diseases, hormonal imbalances such as an overactive or underactive thyroid, depression and anxiety. 

Unfortunately, there is not one test or procedure to diagnose CFS. The causes of CFS can come on suddenly following a viral infection, surgery, injury, or emotional trauma. Following the Coronavirus pandemic, many COVID long-haulers experience CFS symptoms.

If you believe you have symptoms of CFS, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. Be sure to list all symptoms being as specific as possible as to when they began, the severity, and the impacts it has caused on your quality of life. Also, communicate any updated health and personal information with your physician. Blood work as well as additional diagnostic testing may be needed to rule out other medical conditions. Your physician may refer you to a specialist if there is concern the symptoms are related to a specific medical illness. 

If other medical conditions are ruled out, managing the most debilitating symptoms is key to feeling better. This may include over the counter medications to manage pain or prescriptions to treat anxiety and depression. However, counseling, support groups or exercise may also be part of the individual care plan. 

Column is written by Laura Falt, director of business development in Connecticut. Laura welcomes the opportunity to be a resource to the community on services for older adults and is often featured in local publications.

The post Understanding the Complexity of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome appeared first on The Pines at Glens Falls Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

This column will look at the resources of medical specialties that can be utilized to address chronic pain. 

There can be multiple reasons that a person suffers from ongoing pain which directly impacts quality of life. Normal aging, traumatic injury, incapacitating migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, cancer, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia are among the conditions that may compel someone to look into pain management non-pharmacologic choices. Bone, joint, back and neck pain, a compression fracture, or nerve damage that fails to heal properly can all cause debilitating pain which may require multidisciplinary medical care.

Pain management specialties include rheumatology, orthopedics, neurology, physiatry or rehabilitation, acupuncture, osteopathic, and chiropractic medicine. Many of the above can provide non-invasive therapy options to treat chronic pain, and new medical advances continue to give patients a sense of hope.  

One subspeciality performing a variety of minimally invasive treatments is interventional radiology. Procedures done by an interventional radiologist to heal pain include, but are not limited to, treating tumors, spine and back fractures, as well as administering nerve block injections to reduce pain in cancer patients. 

Robert Gordon, MD with Jefferson Radiology and Chairman of Radiology and Interventional Radiology at Eastern Connecticut Health Network (ECHN), stated “Interventional radiology can provide minimally invasive, well-tolerated options by treating the underlying source of the pain.”  

The goal of supplemental treatments is to give patients back their quality of life by healing the source of their pain and taking patients off opioid medications.

According to Dr. Gordon, receiving appropriate treatment at the onset of symptoms is especially important. For example, if a patient has acute back pain, it is important to schedule an appointment with a primary care doctor, have an x-ray or MRI, and if applicable, be referred to the appropriate specialty provider. 

Procedures done by interventional radiologists are usually performed in an outpatient setting not requiring hospitalization. 

If hospitalized for a surgical procedure and needing short-term rehabilitation following hospitalization, a pain management evaluation is completed upon admission as part of the standard of care in a skilled nursing center. For information on National Health Care Associates’ affiliated skilled nursing centers, go to www.nhca.com.

For additional resources, please visit The American Chronic Pain Management Association at https://www.theacpa.org or speak to your medical provider for recommendations.

Column is written by Laura Falt, director of business development in Connecticut. Laura welcomes the opportunity to be a resource to the community on services for older adults and is often featured in local publications.

The post Managing Chronic Pain appeared first on The Pines at Glens Falls Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the AHA have published the following guidelines recommended to prevent heart disease. These strategies include taking low-dose aspirin daily when advised by one’s medical provider; maintaining blood pressure below 130/80 and a healthy cholesterol level; refraining from smoking; managing weight and diet by including more fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, nuts, fish, and whole grains; controlling blood sugar if diabetic, and participating in 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week.  

According to Supriya M. Tigadi, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center at UConn Health, “it is important to know your numbers. Having annual exams, checking cholesterol levels, controlling blood pressure, and taking prescribed medications as directed are very important to help prevent a heart attack or stroke,” Dr. Tigadi stated.

If your blood pressure is high, it should be monitored regularly. A diet low in salt and limiting alcohol will help to maintain healthy blood pressure. Additionally, replacing animal fat (red meat) with plant-based fats is recommended, as well as limiting refined sugars. 

According to the AHA, cholesterol levels should be checked between ages 9 and 11 and again between 17 and 21, plus every four years after age 20. This guideline may change based on family history. High cholesterol does not discriminate based on age or sex. Furthermore, those who are not overweight, and exercise, can still have unhealthy cholesterol numbers.  

Even if taking medications for high blood pressure or to regulate cholesterol, it is important to eat a healthy well-balanced diet, lead an active lifestyle and maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.  

Dr. Tigadi further commented that women can have warning signs of heart disease at a young age.  Specifically, those who had pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, gestational diabetes, or early menopause are at greater risk of a heart attack.  “Education at 30 can prevent heart disease at 60,” Dr. Tigadi stated. 

In review, risk factors for heart disease and stroke include but are not limited to having a family history of cardiac disease, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and chronic inflammatory conditions.

Speak with your medical provider if you have any concerns about your heart health. Additionally, the American Heart Association’s website, www.heart.org, is a great resource for information on heart disease including healthy living, caregiver support, and more.

Column is written by Laura Falt, director of business development in Connecticut. Laura welcomes the opportunity to be a resource to the community on services for older adults and is often featured in local publications.

The post Understanding and Preventing Heart Disease appeared first on The Pines at Glens Falls Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Who is at risk for developing sepsis? Anyone can get sepsis but at greater risk are the very young, older adults 65+, those with a chronic illness (such as lung disease, diabetes, and cancer), and anyone with a weakened immune system. Additionally, those with COVID-19 can be at risk of developing sepsis, according to the CDC.

The most common types of infections that can lead to sepsis are bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, MRSA, and bacterial pneumonia. However, anyone with a viral, fungal, or parasitic infection can be vulnerable.

Common early warning signs include confusion, fatigue, pale or discolored skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, chills, fever, low blood pressure, increased heart rate, and an overall feeling of being extremely sick. The acronym to remember is TIME- T stands for temperature, I for infection, M for mental decline, and E for extremely ill. It is important to watch for a combination of the above. 

Unfortunately, sepsis cannot always be prevented, however, one can reduce the risk by practicing good hygiene, staying up to date on vaccinations, and seeking medical attention if you have an infection. 

When a person goes from sepsis to septic shock, it is severe and potentially fatal as one has dangerously low blood pressure. According to the Sepsis Alliance, every hour sepsis is untreated, the risk of death increases by 8%. Sepsis is a medical emergency. If you suspect sepsis, call 911 or go to the hospital. Be sure to let any first responders know that you “think it may be sepsis.” Treatment for sepsis includes identifying the source of infection, administering antibiotics, and maintaining blood flow to the organs. 

Column is written by Laura Falt, director of business development in Connecticut. Laura welcomes the opportunity to be a resource to the community on services for older adults and is often featured in local publications.

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There are different housing and care options available to meet the needs of older adults. The following will help you better understand the core differences between independent living communities, assisted living facilities, and skilled nursing centers.

Skilled nursing care is for those who may be medically complex, need assistance with activities of daily living (ADL’s), and require 24/7 nursing care. One needs to qualify for skilled nursing based on an assessment completed and signed off by the person’s physician to meet the level of care required. Although many centers offer short-term rehabilitation following hospitalization, which is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and Managed Medicare plans, long-term care is not covered by insurance. Options for compensation include private pay, long-term care insurance, or Medicaid /Title 19. 

For those not requiring skilled nursing care, understanding the distinctions between an independent living community versus assisted becomes important. Independent living mirrors that of assisted living in many ways, providing social engagement, program activities as well as meals; however, there are a few key differentiators. Independent living does not provide care to assist residents with bathing, dressing, medication reminders, and other ADLs in the monthly cost. Any of these services can be contracted with an outside agency. In some communities, these services are located conveniently on-site. Meal options are offered three times a day with assisted living (typically twice a day in independent), and the monthly fee is usually more expensive. Additionally, long-term care insurance can be used to offset costs when in assisted living if one meets the criteria to receive this benefit. Even if an older adult is independent and does not require additional services, they can reside in an assisted living facility with peace of mind knowing care amenities are available if needed down the road. 

Assisted living or skilled nursing centers offering secured memory care and specialized programming may be appropriate choices when researching care options for loved ones diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia. However, if having a loved one stay at home is a goal, 24/7 or hourly care can be brought in at an additional cost, and some long-term care policies do provide a homecare benefit for reimbursement. There are also programs available for those with a financial need to help defray these costs; for more information contact the town’s senior services department.

Additionally, subsidized HUD housing may be an option for those who qualify, however, amenities such as meals, transportation, and daily recreational activities are not included. Availability may also be limited.

Column is written by Laura Falt, director of business development in Connecticut. Laura welcomes the opportunity to be a resource to the community on services for older adults and is often featured in local publications.

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