WATCH FOR DRUG INTERACTIONS
Medications, food, vitamins and supplements all have the potential to interact with each other. Here’s what you need to know:
- Follow specific directions on the box and space timing of doses.
- Keep all medications at one pharmacy.
- Don’t take anything prescribed for someone else.
- Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before adding any over-the-counter remedies.
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Based on traditional food from countries like Greece and Italy, this diet is considered as
an option for weight loss and to help prevent heart attacks, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Here are the basics:
- Eat dairy in moderation.
- Rarely eat red meat.
- Avoid processed foods and added sugars. 4 Fill up on veggies, fruits, nuts, seafood, whole grains and seeds.
Experts suggest having a glass a day of red wine and making water your go-to beverage. Sounds fabulous!
SKIP THE SHINGLES
With one in three people experiencing shingles in their lifetime (known as chickenpox when you’re a kid), it’s important to recognize the risk of re-activation of the varicella zoster virus in later life. If you’re up-to-date on vaccines, related complications such as skin infections, nerve pain, vision loss and even neurological complications can be avoided. Ask your health provider for more information.
BATHING EVERY DAY?
Even though most of us are used to showering every day, it’s not a requirement for good health. At a minimum, bathing once or twice a week helps most seniors avoid skin breakdown and infections. For comfort, try:
- Using warm washcloths to wipe armpits, groin, genitals, feet and any skin folds.
- Gathering supplies ahead of time.
- Starting with face/head and move down to private parts.
- Making the room toasty warm.
- Playing soft, soothing music and dim the lights.
- Calling it “spa time” instead of bath time.
8 QUICK MEAL IDEAS
Eating alone can be tricky and often results in snacking or poor nutrition. Try making life easier with a few of these simple meals:
- Omelet with cheese & veggies
- One-pot spaghetti
- Chili with whole wheat buns
- Turkey, avocado and tomato wrap
- Chicken salad with melba toast
- Mason jar salad
- Tacos (a treat for family and friends!)
- Chicken noodle soup
When you’re ready to eat, choose a nice bright place to sit down and dig in. Be sure to use a placemat and a napkin. A few flowers might be nice too. Bottom line— the more comfortable you are, the more you’ll enjoy your food.
TALKING TO YOUR EMPLOYER
Discussing your personal caregiving situation can be difficult, but it is generally a wise thing to do if you are trying to balance work and duties related to care for someone else. To reduce your job-related anxiety and help your employer understand your obligations and how your work might be affected, try:
- Making use of workplace supports and flexible hours.
- Meeting with your manager to discuss a plan that could work and revisit regularly.
- To be realistic about potential changes and your own capabilities and health.
- To share caring with family and local resources.
TRIP TIPS
Travel can make us anxious as it often puts us outside our comfort zone. Try these well-researched tips:
- Remember why you’re going.
- Recall your past travel successes.
- Plan rests and slow down.
- Be brave and talk about your fears.
- Stay calm and carry on.
REMOVING MUSTY SMELLS
STEP 1: Remove damp towels or clothing and wash with 1⁄4 cup of laundry detergent and 1 cup of white vinegar.
STEP 2: Set open boxes of baking soda and vinegar-filled bowls around the room.
STEP 3: Wipe down surfaces with pure white vinegar Ideally, let the vinegar stay on the surfaces.
STEP 4: Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter.
DID YOU KNOW?
Most Canadian women have at least one risk factor for heart disease/stroke. Women who have diabetes, come from certain ethnic backgrounds or are menopausal are at even more risk. For more, visit heartandstroke.ca
