HealthyLife Articles

Tag: independence

  • Helping Kids Make Health Decisions

    FAMILY LIFE

    Couple with young daughter.

    Children can learn how to be a part of their own health care. This can start when children are young, but it’s never too late. Here are some ways to empower them to make medical decisions.

    From ages 5 to 10 years old, kids can talk with the doctor at their appointments.

    Your child’s doctor should talk to your child when it’s appropriate. They can use language the child will understand.

    Once your child is 11 years old, let them do most of the talking at the doctor’s office.

    Ask your child if they want you in the room during appointments. Encourage them to ask the doctor questions about their health.

    Teenagers can take the lead in their doctor appointments. Talk with them about their health conditions and medications so they can discuss them with their doctor.

    Teach your teen how to schedule a doctor’s appointment and call for a medication refill. These are skills they will need when they leave home.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Preparing For College Move-In

    FAMILY LIFE

    Female college student carring in a full bin of stuff.

    It’s time to send your young adult off for their first semester of college. Here are some tips to be sure they’re ready for move-in day.

    *Pack light.Only pack the basics you know they will use and plan to order additional items when needed.

    *Bring cleaning supplies.Have them handy when you first arrive.

    *Limit who helps with the move.College move-in can be chaotic, and the fewer people, the better.

    *Pack seasonally.Your college student won’t need a winter coat in August. Use vacuum seal bags for items that will be needed later.

    *Find the nearest drugstore, grocery store, and restaurants.Make sure your student knows how to access transportation to get there.

    *Bring lots of snacks.Move-in day can be physically as well as emotionally taxing. Make sure everyone stays well hydrated and fed so you can enjoy the day together.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Parenting A Teen

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of mother and daughter talking.

    It’s not easy parenting a teen. Your teen’s brain is still developing until about age 25, according to the National Institutes of Health. These are areas that control judgment, decision making, and impulse control. What’s a frustrated parent to do? NIH News in Health suggests these actions:

    *  Respect your teen’s opinions. Nonjudgmental communication shows your love.

    *  Be honest and direct with your teen when talking about sensitive subjects such as drugs, drinking, smoking, and sex.

    *  Respect your teen’s privacy.

    *  Have meals together.

    *  Help your teen make healthy choices and plan ahead for difficult situations.

    *  Meet and get to know your teen’s friends.

    *  Compliment your teen and celebrate your child’s efforts and accomplishments.

    *  Limit time your teen uses video games, texting, and instant messaging.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • What Our Aging Parents Fear Most

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of eldery man in wheel chair cooking at his stove.

    Seniors fear moving into a nursing home and losing their independence more than death, according to a new research study, Aging in Place in America, commissioned by Clarity and  The EAR Foundation.

    The study looked at the attitudes and anxieties of the nation’s elderly. The children of seniors also fear for their parents, with particular concern about their emotional and physical well-being should they have to enter a nursing home.

    One of the most significant findings of the study is that, when asked what they fear most, seniors rated loss of independence (26%) and moving out of their homes into a nursing home (13%) as their greatest fears. These two possibilities are a much higher concern than death, which was the greatest fear for only 3% of seniors surveyed.

    Other key findings include these:

    *  Most seniors want to age in place. That means they want to grow older without having to move from their homes. More than half are concerned about their ability to do so.

    *  Seniors cited three primary concerns that could jeopardize their ability to live independently: health problems, memory problems and inability to drive or get around.

    *  Many seniors said they are open to or would like to use new technologies that enable independence. More than half would consider the use of technology in their homes-specifically, sensors-to monitor their health and safety.

    *  Most Baby Boomers fear their parents will be mistreated in a nursing home and fear they will be sad. Almost two-thirds of Boomers provide some kind of help or support for their aging parents.

    “These findings tell us that, above all else, older Americans value their ability to live independently,” said Peter Bell, president of National Aging in Place Council. “As a society, we must find ways to help our parents and grandparents live their latter years at home.”

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Aging In Place For Older Adults

    FAMILY LIFE

    Smiling, happy older couple.

    Many people have a loved one who is an older adult. Sometimes an older adult may wish to stay in their home as they get older. This is possible for many older adults with some support from family members or friends.

    Here are some ways to help an older loved one stay in their home:

    *Be sure they can get around.Some adults may need a walker or electric scooter. Sometimes Medicare will help cover the cost of these mobility aids.

    *Help them find things to do.It can be boring and lonely at home alone. Help them learn how to do video calls with family and friends. When it’s safe to do so, help them get involved at a local senior center.

    *Get them daytime help if needed.Some people may need help with personal care, such as washing their hair. If a family member can’t be there each day, consider hiring a trained aide that can help them with everyday needs.

    *Consider an emergency alert system.This can call for help if your loved one falls or gets hurt.

    *Keep nutrition in mind.Be sure your loved one can get healthy food from the grocery store. Consider meal delivery services in your area that may be free or low-cost.

    *Make sure they go to appointments.Regular checkups are important, especially if the person has any health conditions. Drive them to their appointments if needed.

    *Check up on bills.Make sure their bills for insurance, utilities and other needs are getting paid on time. Find out what bills they have and offer to help get them organized and paid. Talk to them about scams, too. Tell them not to give out their social security number or other information to anyone over the phone.

    *Get rid of fall hazards.Consider ramps instead of stairs at the front door. Put grab bars in showers and bathtubs. Put plenty of night lights around their house and remove loose rugs from the floor. Encourage them to wear supportive shoes or non-slip socks around the house.

    Source: National Institute on Aging

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine