How Lift Chairs Can Benefit Nurses and Caregivers
Posted by admin in Nursing Homes on December 24, 2011
Using a lift chair is one way in which seniors can increase safety in their home and improve independence. These lifting aids are used to make it safer and easier for the senior to stand-up on their own, while also making sitting safer. However, it is often overlooked the benefit these devices can have on the caregiver.
It is common knowledge that caregivers, including nurses and workers at nursing homes, are at an increased risk for developing joint issues and back pain. Back and neck injuries, as well as hip, knee, and wrist issues often result and are more common among those that provide care for the elderly. These are many times long term concerns, such as an increased risk for osteoarthritis, but can also manifest in disorders like carpel tunnel syndrome.
The increased risk for mobility related disorders among nurses and long-term patient care providers can be caused by many factors, but are often as the result of directly moving and lifting a patient. These factors not only put the caregiver themselves at an increased risk of injury, but also increase the risk that they will injure the patient during lifting or other movements. Preventing these factors and improving the health of caregivers is, therefore, quite important. Read the rest of this entry »
What To Do When You Have The Stomach Flu
Stomach flu has got to be one of the worst bugs out there. Combine vomiting and the flu, and you have a recipe for total misery. Can you avoid getting a stomach bug? Probably not, but you can sure boost your immune system to improve your chances of dodging the bug before it bites you.
If You’re Already Sick
Stomach flu treatment is important so you don’t get dehydrated. Constant vomiting, along with diarrhea, is hard on your body. Your stomach gets sore and inflamed, which can make keeping anything down nearly impossible. Plus you’re losing vital electrolytes like sodium and other minerals. Stopping the vomiting is essential, or you may be making a trip to the ER for an IV to replace fluids and electrolytes.
Sucking on ice chips can help. Don’t overdo it. When you’re sick, even an ice chip can start you to vomiting again if you suck it down too fast. When you can suck on an ice chip and keep it down, try mixing a teaspoonful of sugar and a teaspoonful of salt into a glass of water. Take tiny sips, very slowly. The sugar and salt help settle your stomach, while replenishing your electrolyte supply. Read the rest of this entry »