Live Free Home Health Care, LLC. - Bristol, New Hampshire

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Doctor referrals to specialists are being ignored

A recent study in the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice finds that a disturbingly low number of patients referred to a specialist actually see that specialist. Only 71% of the patients referred to a specialist were actually scheduled for an appointment, and only 70% of THAT group of patients actually made it to the appointment. Reasons varied: failure of the primary care physician's office to actually make the appointment, failure of the specialist's office to receive that consultation request, failure to confirm the visit with the patient and also some problems on the patient's end, such as the lack of transportation. If you find yourself or a loved on in a similar situation, understand that a home care agency such as Live Free Home Health Care can make sure those specialist appointments are scheduled and remembered, and that transportation is provided. Read more about this issue in our April Live Free Home Health Care newsletter.

Tags:   eldercare, home companion, home health care, private duty agencies

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Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Moving less can protect you from arthritis pain. Wrong!

Exercise keeps joints lubricated, and when done properly, can actually help alleviate some of the pain associated with arthritis. Exercise reduces joint pain and stiffness, builds strong muscle around the joints, and increases flexibility and endurance. It reduces inflammation from arthritis and related conditions and lowers the risk of other chronic conditions. Need another reason to start exercising? Losing as few as 11 pounds can cut the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis by 50 percent! Exercise also helps promote overall health and fitness by giving you more energy, helping you sleep better, decreasing depression, and increasing self-esteem. Check out some of these arthritis-specific exercise classes and get moving to manage your osteoarthritis.

Tags:   Osteoarthritis

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Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Tips to manage osteoarthritis pain

Did you know that there are a lot of ways to help manage the pain of osteoarthritis, and it doesn’t have to be about popping pills constantly to numb the pain? Don’t get me wrong. There are certainly times when medications are helpful and necessary; but there are also many alternative pain management methods that are worth considering. Some ways are more conventional than others, but since not everyone responds to various therapies in the same way, it’s a good idea to try several techniques (under the supervision of a doctor) to find out what works best. Take a look at some alternative osteoarthritis pain management techniques by clicking here.

Tags:   Osteoarthritis

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Tuesday, April 06, 2010

There’s No Need to Suffer in Silence

I recently read about a nationwide telephone survey by Gaeta that I thought showed some stunning results: nearly one in five (19%) persons surveyed had chronic pain like that caused by arthritis. Yet nearly half said they didn’t know what caused their pain. Contrary to popular belief, joint pain is not inevitable with age, and it is not necessary to suffer in silence. Creaking knees, hips, and ankles aren’t necessarily normal aches and pains that come with age. The pain might signify arthritis, which CAN be treated. If you are experiencing:

• Pain or stiffness in joints after periods of inactivity or excessive use

• A grating or “catching” sensation during joint movement

• Bony growths at the margins of affected joints

…an appointment should be scheduled with your physician to discuss the symptoms. A physician evaluation is important to properly diagnose the cause of joint pain, and is the first step towards pain and symptom management. A home care agency can also assist with care for someone with arthritis, and ensure a caring person is there when a helping hand is needed. Click here to learn more about care for arthritis.

Tags:   better quality of life, Osteoarthritis

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