News and Articles

Everyone knows how miserable the flu can be: fever, body aches, dry cough, headaches, and a sore throat that can last anywhere from a few days to weeks.  The 2009-2010 flu season has proven to most of us that influenza is unpredictable. With the H1N1 and seasonal flu viruses no longer making headlines, you may think it is no longer necessary to take precautionary steps to protect you or your loved ones from the flu. This is not true. The peak of influenza season does not typically occur until January or later, and can run through May, meaning it is more important than ever for you to continue to focus on staying healthy and taking the necessary precautions to protect yourself, your family members, and others around you from becoming sick with the flu.

Each year, between five and twenty percent of the population is infected with the flu and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications.  For some people, the flu is a mild illness. Few people realize, however, that in many cases the flu can be deadly, especially for seniors.  The 2009-2010 flu season introduced the additional challenge of the 2009 H1N1 flu virus.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that between April and November of 2009:

• Between 34 and 67 million people were infected with the 2009 H1N1 flu virus[1]
• Approximately 213,000 people were hospitalized as a result of H1N1 complications[2]
• Between 7,070 and 13,930 H1N1-related deaths occurred[3]

There are some simple steps that you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu. While it may appear that the worst is behind us, it is important to keep yourself informed and plan ahead for the 2010-2011 flu season.

1. Getting a flu shot is the single most effective way to prevent the flu. On average, the flu vaccine reduces the risk of death by fifty percent within the senior population. Medicare will pay for the shot, and so will many private health insurance plans. Each year, Maxim Health Systems provides flu clinics nationwide. Don’t forget to get your flu-shot early next year- schedule a reminder now!
2. Keep in mind that even if you received a flu shot this year, you will still need to receive another one next year to remain protected.  Each year the flu strain changes and your body slowly loses its immunity to the flu.
3. Keep yourself informed- go to info.findaflushot.com or h1n1.findaflushot.com for the most up to date information.  You can also receive the latest flu news directly in your e-mail inbox, sign-up for flu updates today!
4. Good health habits like covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze and washing your hands often can also help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu.
5. Remember to wash your hands frequently when you are around someone who is sick and make a point of washing them before eating and touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. If you can, avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are not feeling well, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.This will help stop the flu from spreading.

Still have questions about the flu and the flu vaccine?  Go to info.findaflushot.com to learn more.

Cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke, is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability.[1]  Since 1963, February has been known as “American Heart Month”, providing Americans with a way to join the battle against cardiovascular diseases.  During American Heart Month, the American Heart Association, along with thousands of volunteers, work together to raise funds for research and education and to inform the general public about cardiovascular disease.[2]

What is cardiovascular disease?
Cardiovascular disorders are diseases that can affect your heart, blood vessels, and arteries, and are the number one killer of both men and women in all racial and ethnic groups worldwide.[3]  Cardiovascular disorders include heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, chest pain, and rheumatic heart disease.  They will often go untreated because they do not always have obvious symptoms.  When left untreated, cardiovascular disorders can lead to even more serious health issues, including heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage. [4]

At Maxim Healthcare Services, we understand the obstacles that can arise when dealing with cardiovascular disorders.  Whether you or a loved one was born with a cardiovascular condition or diagnosed with one later in life, Maxim can help. 

How can you prevent cardiovascular disease?
While certain risk factors cannot be changed, it is important to realize that you do have control over many others. Regardless of your age, background, or health status, you can lower your risk of heart disease. Below is a list of small changes, as recommended by the American Heart Association that can reduce all of the modifiable risk factors for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. [5] 

The ABCs of Preventing Heart Disease, Stroke, and Heart Attack[6]:

• Avoid Tobacco. Cigarette smoking accounts for nearly 440,000 deaths each year, of which, more than 135,000 are due to smoking related cardiovascular diseases.  Everyone knows it’s hard, but if you or a loved one smokes, choosing to quit today is one of the best decisions you can make for your future health and well-being.
• Be More Active.  Research has shown that getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity on five or more days of the week can help lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and keep your weight at a healthy level.
• Choose Good Nutrition.  A healthy diet is one of the best weapons you have to fight cardiovascular disease. The type and amount of food you eat can affect other controllable risk factors, including, cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, and weight.

To help keep you motivated to stay on track in your efforts to live a healthy life and reduce the risk of developing a cardiovascular disorder, Maxim has compiled a list of fun and helpful online resources:

• Download one of Maxim’s Healthy Eating Checklists to learn the importance of a healthy diet.  
• Take one of the Healthy Heart Quizzes provided by the American Heart Association to test your health knowledge. 
• Use the American Heart Association’s Cost of Smoking Calculator to find out just how much money you spend on cigarettes. 
• Find tools to help you quit smoking on smokefree.gov
• Print the Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Cardiovascular Disease as prepared by EverydayHealth.com and take them with you to your next doctor’s appointment.

How can you support American Heart Month?
There are many ways for you to support American Heart Month this February. If you’d like to participate in a fund-raising event, visit the American Heart Association’s website to find local and national fundraising events. 

If you or someone you love has been affected by a cardiovascular disorder, contact Maxim Healthcare Services today to learn more about how we can help with activities of daily living and in-home nursing needs. 

Did you know that every two seconds in the United States, someone needs blood? Or that one pint of blood can save three lives? Throughout the month of January, Maxim Healthcare Services is supporting the American Red Cross in their celebration of the contributions of millions of blood donors across the country making the commitment to help those who are in need of blood. Every year since 1970, blood collection organizations have honored people who roll up their sleeves to help save lives by designating January as National Blood Donor Month.

As we pay tribute to these unsung heroes, consider the following facts:

• More than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day.
• The blood type most often requested by hospitals is Type O.
• More than one million new people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.
• A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood.
• Only 38% of the American population is eligible to give blood, and of those, only 8% do.

If you or your loved ones have not donated blood recently, make it one of your resolutions for 2010 to become a regular donor. Donating blood is a safe, simple, four-step process, consisting of registration, medical history and mini-physical, donation, and refreshments. Some simple ways in which you can join Maxim Healthcare Services in celebrating National Blood Donor Month include:

• Donate blood and encourage others to do the same.
• Talk to your loved ones about the ways that donating blood helps others.
• Volunteer at a local blood drive.
• Visit the American Red Cross’s Web site to:
- Read donor stories
- See the impact your own donation could make
- Play fun games
- And more!

By donating blood regularly, you not only make a vital contribution to your local community’s blood supply, but you can also help save a life.

As the added stress of the holiday season begins to fade, most people look forward to the coming year, reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make, and resolve to follow through on those changes. Unfortunately, research has shown that after six months fewer than half the people who make New Year's resolutions have stuck with them.

At Maxim Healthcare Services, we care about the health and well being of you and your loved ones. We also understand that keeping New Year’s resolutions is hard to do without support and encouragement. Make this year the year you make good on your New Year's resolutions.

Take Time For Yourself
About one in three adults in the United States cares for a loved one who is elderly, sick, or has special needs. More often than not, caregivers are raising families and working outside the home in addition to caring for their loved one- placing everyone else’s needs ahead of their own. As a caregiver, it is important to not lose yourself in your efforts to care for your loved ones. If you take time for yourself, you may actually be helping those you care for by ensuring your own mental and physical health. By focusing on you, you will stay healthier, feel better about yourself, and have more energy and enthusiasm to keep giving care. Below are a few ways you can take time out of your busy schedule to focus on yourself.

• Take a few minutes to listen to your favorite song, sip a hot cup of tea, take a bath, or work on a project in the garage.
• Take a long walk around your neighborhood or a local park.
• Turn off the phone and allow your voicemail to pick up your calls.
• Play solitaire, whether it’s on the computer or with a real deck of cards.

Get The Facts
Before starting any new diet or exercise program it is important to consult your physician to make sure you’re taking the right actions. Take time to learn more about the basics of exercise and weight loss to help you set up a more effective program. Maxim Healthcare Services understands the confusion and concerns that can come along with beginning a new diet or exercise program and offers a variety of resources and tips to help you learn the basics and keep you focused on your resolution.

Prepare Yourself For Success
Experts say, having support from others, making and sticking to a plan, and setting reasonable goals are all keys in making New Year's resolutions stick. Everyone knows change is hard and that it's often the best possible thing you can do for yourself, but trying to change too many aspects of your life at once can be very stressful and can undo the good effect it was intended to have. This year, resolve to think small. By setting smaller, more manageable, goals for yourself throughout the year your chances of succeeding will be greater. Sometimes just being aware of your goals will help your friends and family support you as you work towards your goal. Below are a few tips to help you stay focused on your 2010 New Year’s resolutions.

• Make a list of what you want to accomplish each day. Having specific daily goals instead of just relying on one long-term goal will help you stay focused.
• Reward yourself. After setting and meeting your daily goals, plan a little something nice for yourself. Having something to look forward to always makes it easier to do the hard things.
• Create accountability. Find someone in your circle of family or friends to whom you can be accountable and make periodic reports on your progress. This is a great way to involve your friends and family in your journey.
• Get professional assistance. Everyone needs help and sometimes a friend just isn't enough. Sometimes you need the help of a trained professional. Don't feel that seeking help is a weakness, especially when it comes to your mental and physical wellbeing.

If you think you could use some assistance in caring for a loved one or family member in the home, contact Maxim Healthcare Services today for a free assessment.

The holiday season is a time to rejoice, give thanks, and remember happy occasions from years past. While celebrating with friends and family can be fun and exciting, it can also be hectic and overwhelming, resulting in additional stress for you and your loved ones.

Because you can’t avoid stress completely, Maxim Healthcare Services encourages you to remember to pay special attention to your health and safety during this time of year. Follow these tips to provide relief and help ensure a safe and happy holiday season.  

Practice time management.
Plan ahead and set reasonable expectations. Be realistic about what you can do and expect from the busy holiday season. Allow enough time for shopping and running errands. Planning smaller, more manageable trips can help prevent you from becoming overwhelmed and allows you to maintain a healthy work, home, and social life.

Travel safely.
Be a smart holiday host or guest. Whether you are traveling across town or to another state, take measures to ensure your trip is safe. Always follow the laws of your state as well as those in which you plan to travel. When driving to your destination, wear seat belts, follow the posted speed limits, and be well-rested, alert, and aware of other drivers on the road.

Drink responsibly.
Be sensible about alcoholic drinks. Individuals often leave holiday parties intoxicated and become a danger to others on the road. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), more than 1,000 people die every year from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day in car crashes related to drunk driving incidents. About three in every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some time in their lives[1].  This holiday season, don’t drink and drive. There is no reason for you or a loved one to drive while under the influence.  Plan ahead. Designate a driver for the evening, if possible, spend the night where you are, or call a cab to help you arrive home safely.

Eat healthy, and be active.
With balance and moderation, the holidays can be enjoyed in a healthy manner without over-indulging. Eat a healthy snack to help control your appetite before going to a holiday gathering and never starve yourself the day of a big party or meal. Find the time to stick to an exercise and activity routine. Staying active can help reduce stress and bolster your immune system.

Prevent injuries.
Injuries from falls and fires often occur around the holidays. When hanging holiday lights and decorations, use step stools instead of furniture, and have someone spot you during the process. Keep lighted candles away from flammable items such as trees, boughs, and curtains. Never leave fireplaces, stoves, or candles unattended, and keep a fire extinguisher handy should an incident occur.

Stay warm.
Cold temperatures during the winter months can cause serious health problems, particularly in infants, individuals with compromised immune systems, and older adults. Stay dry and dress warmly in several thin layers of loose-fitting, tightly woven clothing. Keeping a fleece blanket or throw handy to cover your feet or shoulders can also be particularly useful in keeping you warm.

Remember your aging loved ones.
The holidays can be unusually stressful for the elderly. If there has been a death in the family, serious illness, or concerns about aging, the holidays can often magnify feelings of isolation, loss, and loneliness. Be supportive and caring during this time. Involving your elderly loved ones in holiday preparations reminds them how important they are to you and your family during the holiday season.

Most importantly, take a moment to appreciate all that you have this holiday season. Celebrate the moment, and ring in the New Year with friends and family by your side. Maxim Healthcare Services wishes you and your loved ones a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season and a wonderful New Year!

Many people are affected by cold weather and winter storms, but staying warm and healthy during the winter months is especially vital for our elderly loved ones.  Seniors are not only at risk for broken bones from falls on ice and breathing problems caused by cold air, they are also at serious risk for hypothermia and frost bite.  Older adults often make less body heat because of a slower metabolism and less physical activity, thus putting them at risk for these serious conditions. 

At Maxim Healthcare Services, we care about the health and safety of you and your loved ones.  We also understand that winter brings with it increased concerns and dangers. 

Safety First
With cold weather comes ice and snow, increasing your loved one's chance of falling. To avoid slips and falls, make sure boots are non-skid, and if your loved one uses a cane, be sure to replace the rubber tip before it is worn smooth or it will become slippery, especially when wet.  Use rock salt, sand, or another chemical de-icing compound to keep steps, walkways, and driveways free of ice. 

Outdoor winter tasks, such as shoveling snow, require more energy than many seniors think, especially because cold weather puts an added strain on the back and heart. Because of the added risks shoveling snow presents, it is not recommended that older adults take this task on themselves.  You should encourage your loved one to let you help, by either shoveling the snow yourself or hiring someone who can. 

If you take on the task of shoveling the snow yourself, stretching beforehand, taking frequent breaks, and using proper form are essential to preventing injuries from occurring.  Below are a few tips help prevent injury while shoveling snow:

• Pace yourself by taking frequent breaks to stretch your back, arms, and legs.
• Push the snow, do not lift it.
• Shovel safely by gripping the shovel with your hands at least 12 inches apart, slightly bend your legs at the knee, keep your back straight, and do not bend at the waist; this will reduce strain on the heart and back.
• Use a shovel with a small scoop and keep loads light and small.

Winter weather also presents added risks within the home.  Because of increased use of fuel-burning heaters and the fact that seniors’ bodies can’t eliminate carbon monoxide as quickly as younger adults, it is important to make sure that all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work in the home.   

Keeping Warm
Exposure to cold temperatures can cause serious or life-threatening health problems.  As people age, the ability to feel a change in temperature decreases, making it extremely important for seniors to dress in layers, both indoors and outside. 

When outdoors, make sure your loved one covers all exposed skin including the head, face, ears, hands, and feet.  Mittens are a good alternative to gloves because they allow the fingers to touch which generates warmth.  It is important to make sure that when headed outside, clothes are loose fitting; tight clothing can keep blood from flowing freely and lead to loss of body heat.  By wearing several layers of loose clothing, the warm air gets trapped between each layer, keeping the entire body warmer. 

When inside, take extra care when using fireplaces, wood stoves, candles, and space heaters as they can cause fires and fill your loved one’s home with smoke or carbon monoxide. To conserve interior heat keep windows and doors closed, this includes the doors to other rooms in the house not being used.  You can also seal windows and doors by placing towels along the cracks and openings, preventing drafts and keeping the warm air inside. 

Eating Right
Eating well-balanced meals and avoiding alcoholic and caffeinated beverages will help your loved one stay warmer this winter.  Caffeine and alcohol cause the body to lose heat more rapidly than other beverages. Instead, you can offer warm, sweet beverages or broth to help maintain body temperature. 

Other good meal choices are vegetable-laden stews and soups made with reduced sodium broths.  Soups will not only warm your loved one up on a cold day, but they also provide the body with beneficial nutrients.

It is also important to make sure your loved one is drinking at least six to eight glasses of liquid a day, especially in dry cold weather, to avoid dehydration. Drinking plenty of water can also help prevent dry skin problems.

If you think a family member may be in need of homecare or caregiving services this winter season, contact Maxim Healthcare Services today for a free assessment.

Having an elderly parent with healthcare issues is one problem many of us hope we never have to face. However, having to deal with these issues over hundreds or thousands of miles can make this an even more stressful situation.

The time may come when you will need to ask yourself whether a loved one is still able to care for him or herself independently. Despite the distance, the process of obtaining qualified care for your loved one does not have to be difficult.

When searching for in-home care for your loved one, Maxim Healthcare Services, a leading home health provider, recommends the following steps:

• Start by performing an assessment with your family member’s doctors. An assessment may identify any special needs a patient may have, and evaluate physical function and mobility. Further assessments may include evaluation of living and self-care skills by occupational therapists and identifying speech and/or swallowing issues by speech/language pathologists, especially following medical complications like a stroke.

• Next, determine what level of care your loved one may need and its accompanying cost. For many seniors in need of care, this could start with care from a home health aide, who can provide assistance with daily living activities, such as personal care and grooming, and perhaps even some light cooking and cleaning.

• You may need to consider a higher level of care for cases that require closer monitoring. Work with a Physician to determine if skilled nursing care might be needed for conditions such as medication and pain management, cardiac and respiratory assessment, cancer care, diabetes care, wound care, and IV therapy and/or catheter care.

• You might also consider using the growing technology of home health and home safety monitoring services that families can use, in conjunction with a nurse or homecare agency, in order to provide your family with peace of mind.

• Finally, you can learn more about home healthcare through Maxim Healthcare Services’ online resource center, which includes access to our monthly E-mail Newsletter, Homecare and Home Safety Checklists, and links to Association Web sites and additional resources.

If you’re about to decide on a long distance homecare provider, you’re not alone. Maxim Healthcare Services is here to guide you with information and provide you with the resources you’ll need to ensure that your loved one is receiving the best possible care.

If you think a family member may be in need of homecare or caregiving services, contact Maxim Healthcare Services today for a free assessment.