As beautiful yet cold as our Canadian winters are, we must remember that our elderly loved ones are more sensitive to winter weather. It is important to keep in mind the following tips so we can adjust and prepare their homes as needed for the winter weather that is soon to head our way. 

• Seal windows and doors with weather stripping and caulk cracks to keep out the cold air. 
• Have the chimney cleaned or sealed off if it is not being used.
• Call a local professional to service the furnace and make sure to change filters at least twice per year.
• Make sure all smoke and house alarms have new and working batteries if not hardwired. 
• Set up a winter mudroom inside the front door to prevent tracking in snow and or salt, creating dangerous, slippery areas. Keep gloves, hats, scarfs in the same general location so your loved one can easily find them.
• Keep extra blankets handy for additional warmth in the event of a power outage.
• Make sure there is a battery radio with extra working batteries.
• Stock the pantry! Crackers, trail mix, canned soup, fish and fruit, protein bars, bottled water are always good to have on hand in the event of a winter power outage.      
• Contract a local snow removal company to ensure your loved ones walkway, sidewalk and driveway are kept clear and clean to prevent slips and falls.
• Clean out those closets! It’s important to dress in layers during the winter months as the cold fluctuates. Help by putting away late summer/fall clothing and organizing simple winter wardrobe selections as not to make winter dressing overwhelming.
•  Turn off any exterior water valves. To avoid possible expensive damage and frozen pipes, make sure the valves are turned off and drained.
• Clean out the gutters from fall foliage to prevent build up.  

  
 At Alert Best Nursing & Home Care, we are here to help. Please give us a call if we can be of any assistance getting you or your loved one's home winter ready. 

If you suffer from Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD), simple tasks can start to feel larger than life. While there is no cure, there are steps you can take to improve your health and quality of life.
​

• Avoid cigarette smoke. If you smoke, quitting is the most important step in treating your COPD. It is also important to avoid second-hand smoke and other air pollutants.
• Practice proper hygiene – especially during cold and flu season. Cold and flu are common COPD triggers. It is important to avoid those with respiratory infections, get your flu shot and wash your hands often and correctly.
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle. Talk to your doctor about how you can adjust your diet and exercise routine to improve your overall health.
• Take your medication properly. Make sure you are adhering to your medicine regime and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. Using a chamber with your inhaler may help you get the most out of your medication

Tests to Diagnose COPD

Spirometry
Spirometry is the most reliable way to diagnose COPD. It is a simple breathing test that measures the speed and the amount of air you are able to blow out of your lungs. If you are short of breath doing simple tasks, ask your health-care provider about sending you for a spirometry test. Your health-care provider may also refer you for other pulmonary function tests.

Chest X-ray
A chest x-ray may be useful to show some signs of COPD and to rule out other disorders, but should not be used to confirm the diagnosis of COPD.

Oximetry
This test measures the amount of oxygen in your blood using a clip that goes on your finger, toe or earlobe

If you have any questions or concerns about how to best manage your COPD, check out the links below or talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
The Lung Association
Living Well with COPD
Global Initiative for COPD

Top Tips for Winter Walking:

• Be prepared with reflective gear, warm clothing, and non-slip footwear.
• Have your eyes checked yearly. Give your eyes time to adjust to the change in light going from outdoors to indoors. 

• Be aware of and take extra precaution when walking over ice, wet leaves, rain, and snow. Try to walk on clear paths, ask for help, or choose a different route.

During the winter months, many factors can cause a slip, fall, or injury such as fracture. Be safe this winter with these tips and tricks.

​Physical activity is an important part of healthy aging. Walking is just one winter activity to get you moving! Regular physical activity during the winter months could include walking, snow shoeing, or shoveling. Get creative and have fun this winter!
It is important to be prepared for winter walking conditions. Many things can impact your safety while you walk including footwear, balance, medication, distractions, and environmental factors such as temperature and snowfall.

Benefits of walking:

• Improves mental, social, and physical health; balance, posture, muscle strength. 
• Reduces the risk of heart disease, developing high blood pressure, diabetes, and improves bone health to reduce the risk of fractures from falls.
• A good way to spend time with others

Before walking:

• Monitor the forecast and plan ahead. Dress in layers so you are prepared for changing winter weather. Stay warm by wearing a hat, scarf, and gloves. 
• Wear bright or reflective gear so you can be seen by drivers, cyclists, and other walkers.
• Choose warm, stable footwear -- look for well-insulated and lightweight footwear with a 
  non-slip tread sole. 
• Consider a cane or walking poles, use ice grippers on footwear and assistive devices when outside.

 
During your walk:

• Be aware of your surroundings and scan for hazards. Black ice is often not visible to the eye.
• Watch for ice, cracks, and uneven or changing surfaces. Be safe! Walk on designated, and clear paths. Try walking with a friend. Take your time and ask for help if needed. 
• Keep your hands out of your pockets to help stay balanced.
• Give time to let your eyes adjust when going from outdoors to indoors or vice versa.

 
After you walk:

• Assess how you feel. If you are sore, switch to shorter walks and gradually increase your walking time.
• Enjoy a glass of water. Dehydration can make you dizzy, which increases the risk of falling. Drink 6-8 glasses of water each day to stay hydrated.

Helpful Tips:

• Keep your doctor informed of your physical activity level. Medication could increase your risk of falling!
• If you find yourself walking on ice, move slowly and think about your next move. Keep knees loose, shorten your strides, and shuffle your feet. Wet leaves, rain, and snow drifts can be as risky as ice. 
• Once it gets dark outside, you may not be able to see dangers as easily - and dangers such as cars may not be able to see you. Be aware and wear reflective clothing if out at night.
• Take extra care when stepping off the last step of stairs. This is a common place for a fall. Use the hand rail when available for extra support.

 
Enjoy winter walking and be safe!
 
This resource was developed as a collective effort by the Southwest Region (Ontario) Falls Prevention Network (SWRFPN) and may be reproduced for other winter walking fall prevention resources. 

By: Urology Care Foundation

November is Bladder Health Month! While many of us are not always thinking about our bladder health, this month serves as a  reminder to get the facts about common bladder health problems and to take an active role in taking care of our health.

Two common health problems affecting the bladder are urinary incontinence and overactive bladder (OAB).

Urinary Incontinence

• Urinary incontinence touches more than 25 million people in the U.S. The severity of urinary incontinence ranges from leaking urine when you cough or sneeze to having that strong "gotta go" urge or feeling. For most, simple lifestyle changes or health care treatments can ease your symptoms or stop urinary incontinence.

Overactive Bladder

• Our bladder serves two roles

1.  Store urine
   
2.  Empty urine. With OAB, these functions are not as effective and can cause strong, sudden urges to go to the bathroom and, for some patients, result in urinary incontinence or leakage.

OAB isn't a disease - it's the name given to a group of troubling urinary symptoms. With more than 33 million adults in the U.S. with OAB symptoms, it's very common.

Bladder Health Tips
-While bladder health is not often top of mind, there are ways to keep your bladder healthier year-round. Below are a number of tips to help keep your bladder in good shape.

• Drink plenty of water
• Strive to drink 6 to 8 cups of water each day 
• Cut down on the amount of caffeine and alcohol you drink - these may upset your bladder 
• Limit your intake of coffee, tea or cola as these can heighten bladder activity and lead to leakage
• Use good bathroom habits 
  
• It is normal to go to the bathroom 4 to 8 times a day and no more than twice a night
  
•  Women should sit to go to the toilet - they should not hover over the toilet seat
  
• Take your time when on the toilet so that your bladder can empty - if you rush, and do not empty your bladder fully, over time, you could get a bladder infection
  
• Stay away from foods that bother the bladder. Some foods can worsen incontinence. Skip foods like chocolate (also a source of caffeine), as well as spicy or acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits
  
• Look after your pelvic floor muscles 
  
• Keep your pelvic floor muscles strong with pelvic floor muscle training
  
• Stop smoking. It is of great value to stop smoking for your bladder health - using tobacco is a major cause of bladder cancer. Cigarette smokers are two to three times more likely to be told they have bladder cancer, than nonsmokers.
  
• Speak freely. Tell your healthcare provider about your symptoms. You may feel embarrassed; but keep in mind, your healthcare provider is used to hearing about all kinds of problems. They are very common and there are a number of treatments available.

Many bladder conditions can be handled through simple lifestyle changes, behavior modifications, medication, bladder retraining or surgery. If you feel you may have symptoms of OAB or urinary incontinence, be sure to talk to your doctor about which treatment is right for you.

 Use antibiotics with caution.  If you have a cold treat the symptoms first.
Generally if you get a secondary infection your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. 
Remember to take all the prescribed medication. Even if you start feeling better, your physician should have you tested at a lab to determine which bug is making you sick. 
Different antibiotics are used for different types of infections.
The use of full spectrum antibiotics has contributed to resistant types of infections.
Overuse of antibiotics has caused resistance to many to types of bacteria.

For more helpful tips or information on World Antibiotic Awareness Week, please visit World Health Organization: www.who.int/who-campaigns/world-antibiotic-awareness-week