Health And Safety Begins At Home

By Dottie Evans

Danielle Mauborgne, RN, of the Danbury Visiting Nurse Association spoke to several seniors at the Newtown Senior Center on May 26 about ways to make their homes as safe as possible.

She noted that though many people are able to live independently in their 70s and 80s and beyond, it is always best to think and act proactively.

“As we get older, our senses are not as acute. Our hearing may be diminished, our eyesight may be impaired, and our reflexes are not what they were when we were 20,” Ms Mauborgne said.

Then she explained several small adjustments that older people could make around their homes to offset or at least take into account any physical and mental changes they were experiencing.

Prescriptions: “Many of you may be going to several doctors and you may have a number of different prescriptions. It’s important that you let your primary care doctor know about all the drugs you are taking. Make a list. Or have someone close to you make a list for you and show it to your doctor.”

She also mentioned that it is best to get medications through one pharmacy because pharmacists are trained to know which drugs may or may not go together.

“Some drugs potentiate [make each other stronger if used together] and some counteract. Always follow the rules set out on the label.”

Household Adjustments: “Use good lighting during the day and use a night light to prevent falls. You’d be surprised how important it is that you not break your hip. A broken wrist is so much better than a broken hip,” she added.

“Be careful of throw rugs without rubber backings and too-slippery floors. You can catch a foot on the edge of a rug and go down all too easily.

“Install grab bars in the bathroom and hand rails on both sides of the stairs, for going up and coming down.”

Maintain Your Health And Be Aware Of Warning Signs: “If you ever feel dizzy, light-headed, or have chest pains, call 911. That’s what they are there for. You are the best judge of how you feel, so if something is not right, trust your instincts and ask for help.

“Be a dental fanatic like me,” Ms Mauborgne said, and she commented that she even brushes her dog’s teeth once a day.

“Even if you don’t have dental insurance, keep up with your check-ups.”

Lack of dental insurance often presents a cost barrier to seniors who are on a fixed income, she said, but they should try, nevertheless, to keep up with regular cleaning.

“Healthy teeth and gums are so important. Your overall health can be directly affected if an infection sets in.

“If you wear glasses, keep them clean. If you’re carrying something, keep it close to your body and bend your knees.

“Finally, keep in good shape and walk as much as possible.”

Regular Blood Pressure Checks Advised

Ms Mauborgne reminded the group that regular blood pressure (BP) checks are an excellent way to monitor health.

“It tells you about your heart. How efficiently it pumps, how much it pumps, and what is the condition of what it’s pumping against –– which would be your blood vessels, arteries, and the heart valves.”

Each senior should have in his or her possession a personal blood pressure card to record the date and BP reading each time it is taken.

“This helps offset what we call white coat syndrome, when patients go to the doctor and are so nervous about getting their blood pressure read, it automatically goes up.”

“Showing the primary care physician a personal BP card is one way for the doctor to know what’s normal for you,” she said, “and when they take it at the doctor’s office, don’t forget to ask what your reading is. Speak up. You’re entitled to that information.”

One senior asked why the blood pressure sleeve is always wrapped around the upper arm above the elbow.

“That’s because the radial artery is closer to the skin surface there,” she answered.

Finally, Ms Mauborgne explained that new guidelines about blood pressure have just been issued.

“They’ve moved the numbers down. Now the recommended level is 120/70 or below; 140/90 is considered high normal.”