Antibiotic resistance is one of the most urgent health threats we face globally.

Why Think Twice, and Seek Advice?
Antibiotics don’t work against common cold and flu viruses and are often unnecessary for some bacterial infections. Despite these facts, inappropriate antibiotic prescription remains common in Canada–estimated at over 30% of all prescriptions, and 50% of prescriptions for respiratory infections.
As drug-resistant infections increase, it is clear that Canadians need to ‘rethink’ and learn about antibiotics. We must consider the risks alongside the benefits of antibiotics. We must ask questions to understand where we can reduce needless antibiotic use.  

What are antibiotics and antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotics are life-saving medications that we rely on to prevent and treat many infections caused by bacteria. But when bacteria are exposed to antibiotics, they adapt and develop characteristics that allow them to fend off or disable antibiotics. Greater exposure to antibiotics accelerates these changes. Bacteria that develop resistance are not killed and continue to multiply. Resistant bacteria are difficult, and sometimes impossible to treat.

What are the consequences of antibiotic resistance?
By 2050, if we continue using antibiotics as we are now, approximately 10 million people worldwide will die from resistant organisms each year--more than the number of deaths caused by cancer. 

In Canada, a growing number of infections are not responding to antibiotics. Tuberculosis, gonorrhea, and urinary tract infections are becoming harder, and sometimes impossible, to treat.  In some provinces, experts estimate that tens of thousands of illnesses per year result from resistant bacteria.
Without effective antibiotics, other treatments will also become risky. Patients requiring surgery and chemotherapy will be poorly protected from the risks of life-threatening infections.

What you can do!
One of the best ways to combat antibiotic resistance is to ask questions—will an antibiotic help? Patients, talk to your prescriber. Practitioners, consult guidelines and experts in optimal prescribing.  ​

Take the quiz below! 

Photo by Curology on Unsplash

You need soap, water and 20 seconds.The single most important thing you can do to keep from getting sick and to stop the spread of disease-causing germs is to wash your hands — often. All it takes is soap and water, 20 seconds of scrubbing hands and wrists, and then a good rinse.

​Viruses that cause colds and the flu most often are transmitted on the hands. People commonly catch colds when they rub their nose or their eyes after their hands have been contaminated with the cold virus. By washing your hands frequently, you wash away germs that you may have picked up from other people or from contaminated surfaces.

Parents can encourage their children by setting an example. Wash hands often in front of children to teach them that hand washing with soap and water is more than a chore — it's an important way to prevent colds, sore throats and other infections. Also, because dirty hands often can carry germs, teaching children to keep their hands away from their eyes, nose and mouth also will help prevent illness. Make hand washing fun for kids by singing “Happy Birthday” twice while they rub their hands together with soap and water. This way, you’ll be sure they washed for a good 20 seconds.

Hand washing takes on an especially important role during the winter months, when infectious diseases such as the flu are in season. (If you haven’t already, consider getting a flu shot.) You also can protect your health during cold and flu season by getting plenty of sleep, exercising, eating nutritious foods and drinking plenty of fluids. Also, remember to cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing and avoid rubbing your eyes and nose. Stay away from crowds when possible, and don't share food or drinks.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner. This practice will help avoid spreading germs to others. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder instead of your hands.

​The bottom line is that hand washing is easy and effective. This season, with proper hand washing, you can protect your health and help prevent the spread of colds and flu to others.

Source: my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17474-a-simple-secret-for-staying-well-wash-your-hands

Photo Credit: City of Burlington

As November 11th quickly approaches, below is a list of Ceremonies and Events happening across Hamilton & Burlington. We would like to Thank our Veterans for their Service to our Country- Lest We Forget. 

Hamilton Remembrance Garrison Service & Parade
Sunday, November 10, 2019
10:45 am to 11:45 am
Veterans’ Place at Gore Park, 64 King Street East, Hamilton
Join us for a Remembrance Day parade at the cenotaph in Veterans’ Place at Gore Park as we honour Hamilton’s veterans and service men and women.
View event
 
Ancaster Remembrance Day Service
Monday, November 11, 2019
10:30 am to 11:15 am
Ancaster Old Town Hall, 310 Wilson Street East, Ancaster
View event
 
Dundas Remembrance Day Parade and Service
Monday, November 11, 2019
10:30 am to 11:15 am
Dundas Cenotaph at the Dundas Lions Memorial Community Centre, 10 Market Street South, Hamilton
View event
 
Lynden Remembrance Day Service
Monday, November 11, 2019
10:30 am to 11:15 am
Royal Canadian Legion - Beverly Branch 500, 206 Lynden Road, Lynden
View event
 
Mount Hope Remembrance Day Service
Monday, November 11, 2019
10:30 am to 11:15 am
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, 9280 Airport Road, Mount Hope
View event
 
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 163 Remembrance Day Service
Monday, November 11, 2019
10:30 am to 11:15 am
Royal Canadian Legion - Branch 163, 435 Limeridge Road East, Hamilton
View event
 
Stoney Creek Remembrance Day Parade and Service
Monday, November 11, 2019
10:30 am to 11:15 am
Stoney Creek Cenotaph, King Street & Highway 8, Hamilton
View event
 
Hamilton Remembrance Day Service
Monday, November 11, 2019
10:45 am to 11:30 am
Veterans’ Place at Gore Park, 64 King Street East, Hamilton
View event
 
Waterdown Remembrance Day Service
​Monday, November 11, 2019
10:45 am to 11:30 am
Royal Canadian Legion - Waterdown Branch 55, 79 Hamilton Street North, Waterdown
View event
 
For information about roads impacted by Remembrance Day services, visit
hamilton.ca/roadclosures to find the list of temporary road closures for special events.

Burlington:
9 a.m.
Sunrise Remembrance Day Service
This 30-minute ceremony takes place at the Naval Ships Memorial Monument in Spencer Smith Park. For more information, contact the Burl-Oak Veterans at 905-632-3118.
-Spencer Smith Park

10:15 a.m.
Remembrance Day Parade
-The parade starts at Central Public School.
Brant to Elgin Street, Elgin to Locust Street, Locust to Ontario Street, Ontario to Brant, returning to Central Public School after the Service.

11 a.m.
Remembrance Day Service
This 45 to 60 minute ceremony is held at the Cenotaph, on the north side of City Hall. For more information, contact the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 60 at 905-639-6400.
-Cenotaph, City Hall
(426 Brant St.)

 

Photo by Srikanta H. U on Unsplash
Article Written By Tim and Gina Murray - Aging Matters

Even in the closest families, aging parents and changes of a new life season can create discord.
For some families struggling years before a parent needs help, dysfunction escalates issues and even affects the senior’s care.

Defining dysfunction — The weight of caring for an aging loved one can bring challenging family dynamics. Some deal with power struggles around health decisions and finances, and others deal with dishonesty or fractured relationships.

When family issues affect a senior’s care — A spouse may not be ready to relinquish every day duties or may not feel their partner requires the level of care the rest of the family does. Perhaps siblings will communicate only with their parent and not each other, putting Mom in a high-pressure place when she needs to be focused on her own well-being.
These tensions can affect the day-to-day lives of seniors and their care teams, here are a few tips to combat them:

• Set rules and stick to them — Providing compassionate care for seniors is like following a sheet of music; we want everyone singing in unison. It’s important to narrow down and map out the family’s top two or three goals – not 10 or 20 – and share them with the client and their family. You won’t be able to accommodate everyone’s opinion, and sometimes family members will try to undermine what’s happening. Stand your ground; prioritize and stick to the agreed-upon plan.
• Find a spot for everyone — Bringing in help can shake up a family’s roles, and that’s often unsettling for adult children and seniors alike. We recommend finding a “job” for everyone, whether that’s playing a favourite game or music with a parent, bringing out old photographs or discussing cherished memories. When everyone feels like a part of the team, they’re more likely to cooperate and support the care plan.
• Recognize when people are doing their best — A common issue is the fight to have each child contribute equally in time, finances and support.

Whether someone truly cannot or just doesn’t want to be hands-on, encourage the family members to recognize that people can only give what they can. How else could they contribute? Twice-monthly phone calls? Increased financial support? Showing that you care is pivotal, but recognizing when others are doing the same can turn a strained situation.

If we can’t meet everyone’s goals, we step back and figure out what else we can do for a family as. often, dysfunction is a result of a new and unfamiliar situation.

Link for Original Article:
​www.urbanacitizen.com/opinion/columns/72793/when-family-dysfunction-disrupts-in-home-care?fbclid=IwAR2-VG_oXhPL392UNiMN-_lR87-_dNakI5t6kab7dA2WsP9QfKc5KJWOx1E
 

Photo by David Menidrey on Unsplash

Halloween is just around the corner yet as fun as it is, it increases safety concerns for the elderly- especially those with mental and/or physical complications, such as Dementia and increased risk of falls.
Some factors that contribute to these concerns include:

• Decorations
• Costumes
• Wet pavements
• Falling leaves
• Less daylight hours
• Changing weather conditions

Consider the following tips to help alleviate these concerns for your elderly loved one, friend or neighbour:

• Keep all floors, entry ways and porches free of decorations.
• Add night lights to hallways, walkways and rooms, and keep well lit.
• Avoid window decorations that block light or view of front or side doors.
• Use only safe pumpkin carving tools, light pumpkin with flame-less votive.
• Place carved pumpkins outside to keep decaying smell and bugs outside.
• Spend the evening with them, be available to help answer door, keep them safe.
• When done with candy, or at dusk: Put a sign on door, “Sorry No More Candy”.
• There is debate on turning off porch light, which can increase security risk

Don’t leave an elder with Dementia or physical limitations home alone on Halloween…

• Take them to a community event or family home, and return home after dusk.
• Send a companion to be with them from 4:00pm-10:00pm or overnight if needed.
• Help them answer the door and hand out candy if they wish.
• Watch a movie or listen to music in another room away from front door if possible.
• Be prepared; books, albums, crafts, favourite foods, etc. to enjoy and distract.
• Follow dietary instructions; avoid over indulgence of chocolate or sugar.
• Remember Halloween may not be a happy time for our elderly with Dementia and they may be scared from the added stimulation of doorbell, knocks, noise outside. Be sensitive to what they can tolerate and do your best to keep them safe and enjoy the evening with you.

Photo by Steven HWG on Unsplash

At some point, we may have had to help a loved one or even a perfect stranger when they have run into trouble with their wheelchair. Today we are sharing a great guide about transferring in/out and how to navigate those curbs.  

Assisting to transfer into the wheelchair

1.     Make sure that both of the brakes are ‘on’, and the front casters are swivelled forwards.
2.     Fold up both footplates and swing them to the sides and out of the way.
3.     If possible, get another person to hold the handles of the wheelchair so that it will not move. If this is not possible then stand behind the chair and hold the handles yourself.
4.     Ask the person to stand then, with both hands on the front of the armrests, get them to lower him/herself onto the seat.
5.     Swing the footrests to the front and fold down the footplates. If required, assist to place their feet on the footplates, with their heels well back.
6.     Ensure that their elbows are not sticking outside the wheelchair when going through doorways. Also ensure that their hands are on their laps and not hanging outside the chair where they can catch in the spokes.

Assisting in transferring out of a wheelchair

1.     Back the wheelchair so that the front casters swivel forwards.
2.     Make sure that both the brakes are on.
3.     Fold up both footplates and swing them to the sides, out of the way.
4.     If possible, get another person to hold the handles of the wheelchair so that it will not move. If this is not possible then stand behind the chair and hold the handles yourself.
5.     Ask the person to move forwards on the seat.
6.     Ask to place both feet firmly on the ground, slightly apart and with one foot further back.
7.     Ask the to place both hands on the front of the armrests, then get them to lean forwards with their head and shoulders over their knees to give balance. From this position they should be able to push themselves to standing. Always encourage the client to take their time with each step of the procedure.

Assisting in transferring sideways from a wheelchair to another form of seating

1.     Place the wheelchair alongside, and at 45°, to the chair/toilet/bed/car that they wish to transfer to.
2.     If possible back the wheelchair up slightly so that the front casters swivel forwards.
3.     Ensure that both the brakes are on.
4.     Fold up both footplates and swing them to the sides out of the way.
5.     Remove the armrest on the side to which the client is transferring.
6.     If possible, get another person to hold the handles of the wheelchair so that it will not move. If this is not possible then stand behind the chair and hold the handles yourself.
7.     Ask the person to place one hand on the remaining armrest and the other palm down, on a stable area of the surface they are transferring to.
8.     Ask the person to move forwards on the seat.
9.     Ask the person to lean slightly forwards, push up and slide their bottom across to the other surface.

Negotiating curbs

Whenever possible, it is best to avoid curbs. Instead, always try to use dropped curbs or ramps. If a curb is unavoidable then the following precautions should be taken.

Pushing an occupied wheelchair down a curb

It is safer to go down a curb backwards. It requires less strength and gives a gentler ride. Care should, however, be taken due to the weight of the chair and because the task involves stepping backwards into a road.
1.     Practise with an empty wheelchair first.
2.     Always keep the wheelchair user informed about what you are intending to do.
3.     Make sure the road is clear, and then back the wheelchair to the edge of the curb.
4.     Ensure that the chair is lined up at 90° to the curb.
5.     Slowly roll the rear wheels down from the kerb and onto the road surface, making sure that both wheels touch down at the same time.
6.     When the front casters are at the edge of the kerb, push down and forward on the tipping lever with your foot while gently pulling back on the handles and at the same time. This will balance the wheelchair and its occupant on the rear wheels. Do not tip the wheelchair back more than necessary.
7.     Carefully pull the wheelchair further back into the road and, when the occupant's feet are clear of the kerb, gently lower the front to the road. Check that the road is clear before turning around and crossing.

Pushing an occupied wheelchair up a curb

It is safer to go up a curb forwards; it requires less strength and gives a gentler ride.
1. Practise with an empty wheelchair first.
2. Always tell the person in the wheelchair what you are about to do.
3. When the occupant's feet are nearly touching the kerb, push down and forwards on the tipping lever with your foot while gently pulling back on the handles and at the same time. This will balance the wheelchair and its occupant on the rear wheels.
4. When the front casters are just clear of the kerb, push the wheelchair forwards until the casters rest on the pavement. Do not tip the wheelchair back more than necessary.
5. Push the wheelchair forwards until the back wheels just touch the kerb and then lift up on the handles as you continue pushing forwards to place the rear wheels on the pavement. The occupant can help with this stage by pushing forwards on the hand rims (if they are capable of doing so.

Thank you to the University of Western Australia for putting this very informative guide together. Link to original article:
www.safety.uwa.edu.au/incidents-injuries-emergency/first-aid/wheelchairs/assistance
 

Photo Credit: iStock

Dear Candid Caregiver: My dad is in the middle stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Meanwhile, my mom is recovering from cancer surgery, and the prognosis isn’t good. I’m trying my best to be a good caregiver for both of them and stay positive while doing it, but it’s hard.

I recognize that we’re fortunate in that my parents are able to hire an agency that supplies a rotation of in-home caregivers. The other side of it is that I have a brother and a sister, both living hundreds of miles away from our parents and me, so they can’t help out much. They try to be sympathetic and appreciative of what I’m doing, but their suggestions usually feel like criticism. It’s never overt, but they simply have no understanding of what it’s like to have the responsibility that I have, so their attempts at “helping” by offering simplistic, sometimes insulting, advice hurts me.
I love my parents and I want to help them but I have a hard time not sliding into general negativity. How do others stay positive when they see caregiving going on for years? – Gloomy Suz

Dear Gloomy Suz: I’m sorry for what’s happened to your parents and for your own understandable struggle. Two parents who need care at the same time is difficult, and your mom’s poor prognosis must color each day that you have together. Nearly anyone in your situation would be struggling to stay positive, but I can suggest some tools that might help.

Let’s start with the fact that it’s unrealistic to expect yourself to be a positive caregiver every minute. You are trying to help your dad live well with his Alzheimer’s diagnosis as well as looking at the fact that your mom may not survive her cancer for any length of time. Give yourself credit for persevering under these difficult conditions, and even striving to make caregiving a happier time.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) maintains that caregivers have both positive and negative responses to their role. This shouldn’t be surprising because most of us do experience both emotions. Their goal seems to be to show that family caregiving isn’t just a burden; it’s worthy and can also be uplifting.

I feel that while well-meaning, this data might best be ignored by individual caregivers who are going through a hard time. It would be easy to take this information to heart and simply feel more burdened and guilty for not being “positive” about your caregiving experience all the time.
Taking steps to care for yourself is key and can improve your outlook.
 
That being said, one aspect that is highlighted by the NIH is how much difference perceived social support received by the caregiver can make. This is an absolute truth. Thus the effectiveness of both online and in-person caregiver support groups.
AARP offers an article on positive caregiving by clinical psychologist Dr. Barry J. Jacobs. In his article titled Repeat After Me: I Am A Good Caregiver, Dr. Jacobs offers some suggestions such as guarding against shame and eliminating old messages that we torture ourselves with. His tips are timeless and guilt reducing.
I’ve found some additional methods helpful for refreshing my own caregiving attitude, so I’ll offer these ideas to you as a potential way forward:

• Learn to cope with negative input from outsiders by seeking support from other caregivers. Yes, I touched on this above but it bears repeating. Having the loving support of other caregivers can help you learn steps that work for you when you have to face down ignorant or cruel input from outsiders. Search out a support group, or in your case, you might benefit from two; one for cancer caregivers and one for Alzheimer’s caregivers. Time-consuming, yes, but even online groups can be an enormous help and they are quite convenient.
• Absolve yourself of the need for perfection. Caregivers seem to be repositories of unearned guilt. In my mind, one of the most effective ways to have a more positive attitude toward caregiving is to understand that guilt is counterproductive. If necessary, see a counselor. It’s important that you work at erasing that burden from your thought process.
• Adjust your expectations to reflect reality. We can’t fix our loved ones who are living with terminal diagnoses. We can only try to make their lives as good as they can be given their circumstances.
• Learn to say no to outside demands that add to your burden. If your friends don’t understand that you can’t drop everything to meet for coffee, that is their problem. It would be nice if they could learn to be a better friend to a caregiver, but if they can’t, it’s their loss.
• Create a journal. It’s a way to make order out of chaos. For some people that just seems like more work. A formal journal can be, but my approach to journaling is broad. If you love the idea of a beautiful book to write in, please splurge and buy yourself one. However, for many, a Word document on their computer desktop works fine.
• Structure your journal as you’d like it, but keep that structure fluid to reflect your own growth. I’d suggest at least two categories. One is to list and explore your frustration, depression, and, yes, anger (your parents’ health struggles are bound to make you angry). Then, make a page where you can list each positive emotion about caregiving. These might include noting a rare, beautiful moment of clarity experienced by your dad, or his joyful reaction to your offering of music. Quality time making memories with your mom would certainly qualify, as well.
• Engage in outside activities that you enjoy. Your last statement led me to believe that you are looking at the future as solely one of caregiving. I understand the feeling of being too exhausted to even think of going out, but you do need to work on finding a balance. Look for activities that you enjoy, whether they are solitary, such as reading or taking a walk in a park, or social such as lunch with friends. You are high risk for caregiver burnout so self-care is vital. Part of self-care is finding something in life outside of caregiving that is satisfying to you.

It’s admirable and even sensible to try to find the positive in most situations, Suz. Considering the fact that you’ve spent years as a caregiver and are likely looking at more years of the same, taking steps to care for yourself is key and can improve your outlook. Everyone's mental and physical health can benefit from finding a more positive outlook, however, no one can stay in that place constantly, so don’t put that expectation on yourself. If you find yourself becoming too negative, please do see a counselor. If anyone can use some compassionate guidance, caregivers can.
 
The Candid Caregiver

The Candid Caregiver (TCC) is a safe place for all caregivers, of any condition area or caregiving level, to go for candid yet professional guidance. Questions will be answered, tough topics will be discussed, and the caregivers will ultimately have a place where they, themselves, feel cared for. No topics are off the table. Ask your questions and share your stories on social media using the hashtag #TheCandidCaregiver.

​TCC's lead caregiver and author is Carol Bradley Bursack, a veteran family caregiver with more than two decades of experience.


 
 

As we get older it is normal that our vision changes. Our eyes may find it harder to read small print, take longer to adjust from light to dark and be more sensitive to glare from sunlight or unshielded light bulbs. There’s a decline in depth perception that can make it hard to judge distances, and perceiving contrasts and colours may become more difficult. Sight provides much pleasure, but it’s also an important part of staying safe and independent. Because our eyes do so much for us, they deserve good care and attention. Be kind to your eyes!
 
Turn on the lights. Seeing better can sometimes be as easy as changing a
light bulb! Putting 100 or 150-watt bulbs in your lamps can reduce eye strain
(but make sure your fixture is designed for that wattage!). Brighter lighting in stairways can help prevent falls.
 
Don’t smoke. Studies show that tobacco smoking is an important risk
factor in the early onset of an eye disease called age-related macular
degeneration (AMD). This disease causes serious and permanent loss of
central vision.
 
Reduce glare. There are many ways of reducing glare, including good
lampshades, glare shields on computer monitors, and sunglasses. Wear
sunglasses that provide 99 to 100% UV-A and UV-B protection when you
go outside during the day. They will protect you from UV rays that can harm
your eyes even on a cloudy day.
 
Protect yourself. Many people suffer vision loss because of accidents in the
home. Here are some ways to prevent damage to your eyes:
• put a grease shield over frying foods
• make sure that spray cans and bottle
nozzles are pointed away from you
• wear safety glasses in the workshop
and when opening and using
chemical products like ammonia
• when using bungee cords, be careful of recoil
Eat your carrots. Studies show that a daily dose of the vitamins and minerals found in melons, citrus, carrots, spinach and kale may help slow the progress of age-related eye diseases such as macular
degeneration, glaucoma or cataracts.
 
Get an eye examination. Many changes to vision happen so slowly that you may not realize you have a problem. If you are over 45 years of age, the most important thing you can do to protect your vision is to have an eye exam on a regular basis. Finding problems early may make the difference between maintaining good vision and vision loss.

Vision changes
 
 Here are the most common changes that come with age:
 
Presbyopia is the inability to focus on close objects or small print. Reading glasses usually solve the problem. The usual age of onset is 40.
 
Cataracts are a gradual clouding of the natural lens of the eye that prevents light from reaching the retina. If the central part of the lens is cloudy, you may not be able to read or drive unless the cataract is removed. This is one of the most successful surgeries done in medicine today.
 
Floaters are tiny spots or specks that float across the field of vision, that are often normal. If a floater appears right in your line of vision, sometimes moving your eye around will make it shift out of your central vision. If you notice a sudden change in the number or types of spots you see, or if they come with light flashes, see your eye doctor as soon as you can. These may be signs of a serious problem.
 
Dry eyes are a common problem, especially with aging. Your eyes may feel gritty, itchy or burning. Your doctor may suggest using a humidifier in your home, or special eye drops that act as tears. In a few serious cases, surgery may be needed to correct the problem.
 
Tearing (watery eyes) is another common problem. It may be because you are more sensitive to light, wind or changes in temperature. Simply protecting your eyes by shielding them or wearing sunglasses may solve the problem. The condition can also be a result of an eye infection, eye irritation or blocked tear duct, all of which can be appropriately treated. See your doctor to find the exact cause and treatment.
 
Vision loss
 
Here are the most common reasons for age-related vision loss:
 
Glaucoma is an eye problem that develops when the pressure within the eye starts destroying the nerve fibres within the retina. If not treated early, glaucoma can cause vision loss and blindness. Because most people have no early symptoms, it is very important to have regular eye exams. Treatment may include eye drops, medication or surgery.
 
Age-related macular degeneration is an eye disease that occurs when the macula (the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision) is damaged. This damage can be the result of many factors, including aging, and causes permanent loss of central vision. Regular eye exams can detect the disease early on and laser treatments can slow down central vision loss.
 
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye problem linked to diabetes. Changes to blood vessels can cause the retina to become oxygen starved. Symptoms include cloudy vision and seeing spots. This condition goes through many stages and can result in blindness. If you have diabetes, have regular examinations and inform your eye specialist that you are diabetic. Treatment can slow down vision loss. Laser treatment in the early stages often proves successful.
 
Visit your eye doctor (ophthalmologist) if you or someone else notices that you:
• squint – you may have a greater sensitivity to light and glare
• choose bright over dull coloured objects or clothing
• spill food or drinks because you misjudge where objects really are
• find it hard to copy from written texts
 • are getting “clumsy” – you have a hard time threading a needle, buttoning a shirt or finding food on your plate
• see flashes of light or rapid movement from the corner of your eyes
 • experience difficulties with sharpness and contrast while driving at night
• experience uncontrolled eye movement
 • make driving mistakes – you miss street or traffic signs. This is important for your safety and the safety of others. Older drivers with vision impairment are more likely to be involved in a car accident
• have fallen because of a missed step or an object on the floor that you didn’t see.
 
For most seniors, normal age-related vision loss can be corrected or stopped
with glasses, medication or surgery. For others, using vision aids and making changes to their homes and routines help them stay safe and independent. For those who have more serious vision loss, there are many services available to help you through this difficult period of adjustment.
 
For more information...
If you want to have your eyes checked or treated, look under Optometrists in the Yellow Pages or ask your family physician if a referral to an ophthalmologist is suitable.
 
To learn more about eye problems, falls prevention, vision and driving, or on how to live an active life with vision loss, call the following organizations or visit their web sites:
 
Eye conditions and vision loss:
Canadian Ophthalmological Society
www.eyesite.ca
 
Canadian National Institute for the Blind
(416) 486-2500; www.cnib.ca
 
Canadian Association of Optometrists
www.opto.ca
 
Falls prevention:
Public Health Agency of Canada Division of Aging and Seniors
(613) 952-7606 www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/seniors-aines
This web site offers publications on home safety, assistive devices, falls prevention, etc.
 
Driving:
Contact your provincial ministry of transportation, who can provide tips and advice to improve driving safety. The following Ontario web site provides excellent information:
www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/pubs/ yourdriving.htm
 
Our thanks to the Canadian Ophthalmological Society and the National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) for their help in the preparation of this info-sheet. Division of Aging and Seniors Public Health Agency of Canada
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/seniors-aines
 
Link to online publication:
http://publications.gc.ca/collections/Collection/H30-11-8-7E.pdf
 
 

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
 
Every day, an average of 58 Canadians are diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is the most common cancer among Canadian men. If detected early, survival is now close to 100 per cent. It is important to spread awareness about this disease as men over age 65 account for nearly 60% of all prostate cancer diagnoses. (Prostate Cancer Foundation: Patient Guide) 
 
About Prostate Health:
Men have prostates, which are small glands located near the bladder. Prostates can develop problems like infections or inflammation. Cancer cells can also form in the prostate, which can develop into tumors. Prostate cancer is a disease where some prostate cells have lost normal control of growth and division. They no longer function as healthy cells.
A cancerous prostate cell has the following features:
•    Uncontrolled growth
•    Abnormal structure
•    The ability to move to other parts of the body (invasiveness).
 
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer:
Symptoms are not always present especially in the early stages of the cancer. If detected and treated in its earliest stages (when cells are only in the prostate), your chances of survival are greatly increased. Early detection is key. For many men, having to experience a rectal exam is the main reason for avoiding prostate cancer screening. Remind senior men that their health (and genes) can affect their loved ones. Any temporary discomfort is worth it and could save a life. 

Common signs and symptoms of prostate cancer may include:

• Difficulty urinating
• Urgent need to urinate
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Burning or pain when urinating
• Inability to urinate or difficulty starting or stopping urine flow
• Painful ejaculation
• Blood in the urine or semen

Screening for Prostate Cancer:
There are two main options for screening for prostate cancer. Men can receive a blood test, which is called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. A physical rectal exam may also be conducted. If a doctor suspects a patient has prostate cancer, a biopsy is almost always involved in the diagnosis. 
 
Treatment of Prostate Cancer:
 The most common treatments for prostate cancer include radiation, surgery to remove tumors, and drug-based therapies. (Prostate Cancer Foundation: Patient Guide)
 
No studies to date have definitively proven a prostate cancer prevention strategy. However, some prevention strategies are believed to reduce the risk of cancer overall, and may improve the body’s ability to fight any kind of cancer. Try:
• Eating a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet • Maintaining a healthy weight • Staying active • Attending regularly scheduled doctor appointments (Mayo Clinic)
 
 The obvious reason for screening older men for cancer is that early detection increases the odds of survival. There are other reasons for getting screened, though: • Men with prostate cancer may have genes that predispose both their sons and daughters to forms of cancer. • Data about prostate cancer, even if it is non-aggressive, can be used by researchers to prevent and treat all cancers. • Early detection can reduce the intensity of treatment required, as well as the side effects. • Doctors may be able to begin with the less invasive blood test if a senior’s risk level is low. (Prostate Cancer Foundation)
 
For more information, speak with your Physician.

​To find a local support group or for more online information visit: www.prostatecancer.ca/ and www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/prostate/prostate-cancer/?region=on 
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Photo Credit: www.chemist-4-u.com/

For many seniors, doctor’s visits are stressful. There are sometimes complex health issues that need to be addressed and your loved one is unsure where to start. You can use this checklist to help ease anxiety and ensure a smooth visit.
Arrange for transportation to and from prior to the appointment. If you are unable to attend, companion/PSW services can be arranged through Alert Best Nursing & Home Care to accompany your loved one. 

Check if the appointment or associated tests require seniors to contact their insurance company ahead of time for pre-certification or other purposes. Check if fasting will be required or if there are certain foods your senior needs to avoid.
Pack everything needed for a successful appointment:

• Insurance cards
• Health Card
• Payment for co-pays or other charges
• Contact information for other doctors
• List of current medications
• List of allergies/medical conditions
• Medical records, if needed
• A list of questions for the doctor
• A notepad or device for note-taking

Verify at checkout after the appointment: 

• If further testing or labs are required
• When new prescriptions should be picked up
• If there are instructions or treatment notes seniors can take home with them
• When follow-up appointments are scheduled
• If any payment is due 

Keep an eye out for the expiration date on the health card. If you need to renew an expired card and are in the Province of Ontario, you can visit www.ontario.ca/page/health-card-renewal-replacement-and-cancellation for up to date renewal information.