Category: News

According to the World Health Organization, a majority of the diseases that elderly people suffer are from an improper diet. It’s common for many seniors to lack essential micronutrients as they age, but it can lead to a variety of health issues, including osteoporosis and diabetes.

There are a number of age-related challenges that may hinder the elderly community from getting all the nutrients they need to stay healthy, including decreased sensitivity, medication side effects and physical difficulties. In a recent article, Aging.com discusses the foods that seniors should be eating to ensure they are getting balanced nutrition. Some of these foods include:

• Foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids like tuna, salmon and flaxseed
• Calcium-rich foods like dairy products and leafy green vegetables
• Foods high in fiber like nuts, brown rice and fruits
• Potassium-rich foods like bananas, prunes and potatoes

It’s important to make sure each meal is balanced and full of foods that will benefit your body. Ensuring you’re getting the proper nutrients your body needs will have a major impact on your health as you age and reduce the risk of future health complications and diseases.

Read the full article here.

While E. Coli is often not reported because it has very similar symptoms to gastroenteritis, (the stomach flu) it should not be taken lightly. In fact, E. Coli infects 73,000 people and causes 61 deaths per year.

Luckily, E. Coli is not spread as easily as the stomach flu and there are a number of ways to prevent contamination. In a recent article, Everyday Health talks about different preventative methods to stop the spread of E. Coli, including:

• Thoroughly wash all produce prior to eating
• Make sure all meat is cooked thoroughly
• Do not consume unpasteurized foods or beverages, including juice, cider, dairy products and raw milk
• Always wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom, changing a diaper or touching any animal whether they be from a farm or petting zoo.

One of the best ways to avoid the spread of E. Coli is understanding the symptoms and knowing when you have a serious infection. Some of these symptoms include severe diarrhea, nausea, intense stomach cramping, fatigue and low-grade fever. Keep in mind that some people do not experience symptoms until days after they have come in contact with the infection. Taking the proper measures to prevent future infections is the best way to avoid E. Coli from reaching you.

Read the full article here.

Valentine’s day isn’t just about romance – it’s also the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones. As a caregiver, it may be difficult to think of activities that you and your loved one can enjoy together. Regardless of your age, there are plenty of fun and festive ways to spend the special day.

With the holiday coming up, Care.com put together a list of easy, fun and unique ways to make the day special for everyone, including:

• Write your loved one a heartfelt message
• Make them a tasty treat
• Look through old photos together
• Rent their favorite movie

Making the most out of the holiday is a great way to show your loved one how important they are. Putting in a little time and effort will go a long way in showing your love this Valentine’s day!

Read the full article here.

If you’ve filed a workers compensation claim, you may be asked to complete an independent medical examination. This exam is conducted by a physician who will give you an expert opinion on your injuries and make clarifications for your case. The doctor will solidify any proof you need for your workers’ compensation, including if your injury is actually work-related, whether any medical treatments are necessary and if/when you can return to work.

Independent medical examinations can have a significant impact on your case, so it’s important to be prepared with information and questions. In a recent article, NOLO talks about what you should do before, during and after the medical examination to ensure you will receive the best results for your case, including:

• Learn the information your company has already provided the medical examiner
• Be familiar with your medical history
• Review how the accident happened before arriving at the examination
• Be honest about your symptoms and do not exaggerate them

After the examination, make sure you write down any important information about your visit, like any tests or questions the doctor may have asked. By properly preparing yourself and following a few guidelines during the examination, you will be on the right track for getting the most out of your workers’ compensation case.

Read the full article here.

It’s important for everyone to stay active all year round, even when winter weather makes it difficult to spend time outdoors. For seniors especially, remaining active can prevent disease and keep their bones, muscles and hearts strong and healthy.

Finding ways to stay active during the cold months may seem daunting. However, there are plenty of creative, fun and safe activities that seniors can enjoy without facing the risks that winter weather creates. In a recent article, DailyCaring provides a few ideas that caregivers and seniors can accomplish this winter, including:

• Cooking delicious, hot meals
• Knitting, crocheting or quilting
• Low impact exercises like yoga or swimming

Discovering new hobbies is a great way for caregivers and seniors to bond and spend quality time together. Finding ways to battle the cold can have a real positive outcome and help make the most of the winter weather.

Read the full article here.

While many people never plan to become a full-time caregiver, thousands across the country are quitting their jobs to take care of loved ones in need. The transition from a full-time job to caregiver can be stressful and even life-changing. In order to counteract the negative emotions that come with big change, it is important to focus on personal growth and new ways to better yourself.

In a recent article, AgingCare discusses different strategies for honing your career skills while caregiving, including:

• Narrow down your interests and become proactive in learning through new reading materials or online classes
• Discover new job opportunities that offer remote work
• Fine tune your communication skills

While your current career may be put on hold while taking care of a loved one, there are a variety of new career paths up for exploration that will fit into your caregiving schedule. Keeping your skills sharp and continuing to pursue your interest will help smooth out this transition.

Read the full article here.

Driving in winter weather conditions can be dangerous for everyone on the road, especially those maneuvering big vehicles like tractor-trailers. Traveling on snow-covered, icy roads requires undivided attention and proper safety precautions to avoid any accidents.

For truck drivers, frequent stopping, poor visibility and traction and the unpredictability of other drivers on the road all pose as threats when driving in the winter. Since large trucks and tractor-trailers are often fully loaded, carrying around extra weight can make stopping and turning on icy roads even more difficult.

In a recent article, Smart Trucking shares essential tips that truckers should follow when traveling in winter weather conditions, including:

• Keep a safe driving distance from other vehicles
• Don’t travel as part of a pack
• Keep the tractor-trailer lights clean for visibility
• Try to avoid overusing the foot brake

Through proper judgment and taking necessary safety precautions, you can put forth your best efforts to staying safe on the roads this winter.  

Read the full article here.

For many people, the flu is generally a mild illness, bringing on a fever, chills, and muscle fatigue. While these symptoms are unpleasant, they are generally manageable. However, for seniors and those with compromised immune systems, there are serious risks at stake.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 90% of flu-related deaths are adults over the age of 65. As we age, our immune systems weaken and leave us more vulnerable to disease. Chronic health conditions intensify the flu, which can lead to serious complications.

In a recent article, AgingCare discusses the medical conditions that increase the risk of flu-related complications, including:

• Diabetes
• Asthma, chronic lung disease and COPD
• Heart disease
• Kidney disorders

To effectively reduce the risk of contracting the flu and related complications, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) recommends that elders and their family members receive annual flu vaccinations. Taking proper preventative measures are important to stay healthy during the flu season.

Read the full article here.

During the winter months, exposure to the cold can create many problems for workers, from slips on ice to hypothermia and frostbite. However, with the right precautions and preventative measures, both employers and employees can avoid these workplace injuries.

It is incredibly important to adopt and enforce safety protocols to ensure all employees are as careful as possible. Encouraging a strong safety culture within your company will help to significantly reduce seasonal workplace accidents.

In a recent blog post, EHS Today offers simple but important tips to implement into your workday to prevent winter-related accidents, including:

• Keep walkways, stairways and other work areas clear of snow and ice
• Know the signs of hypothermia, including lack of coordination and slurred speech
• Limit accessibility to higher-risk areas
• Provide appropriate footwear or personal protective equipment

Providing a comfortable and safe work environment takes planning and time. However, with the right safety plans in place, winter-related workplace accidents can often be avoided.

Read the full article here.

Andrea Conjerti, an attorney here at Brown Chiari, has been appointed to the Richard C. Failla LGBTQ Commission by Chief Judge Janet DiFiore. Andrea says she’s “grateful for the opportunity to promote equality and have a positive impact in the community.”

The commission works to promote equal participation and access throughout the court system for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The commission’s goal is to protect diversity and shed light on the presence of the LGBTQ judicial and non-judicial personnel within the court system.

Through Andrea’s years on the Brown Chiari team and her extensive devotion to practicing law, we know she will make a great addition to the Richard C. Failla LGBTQ Commission.

Caregivers are responsible for creating a comfortable environment for whomever they look after. In order for this to be accomplished, a sense of trust and positive relationship needs to be established. The hiring process can be challenging, but with proper research and help from professional home care companies, finding the right fit can be easy.

The interviewing stage is an essential part of the process. This is the opportunity to get a feel for potential candidates and find the best fit for the patient. In a recent blog post, AgingCare highlighted qualities to look for when hiring a professional caregiver, including:

• Experience: Caregivers provide a number of different services. So, it is important to ask specific questions regarding previous services, to ensure they have the proper credentials.
• Compassion: When interviewing, ask questions regarding why they chose this profession, what interests they have, etc. This will provide insight into the caregiver’s empathy and attentiveness.
• Patience: Ask about tough experiences they’ve faced in the past. Their answer will reveal how they may react to certain situations in the future.

It is important to look for specific characteristics and qualities in caregivers in order to find the right fit.

Finding the caregiver who best matches what you’re looking for will ensure your loved one is in good hands.

Read the full article here  

As winter quickly approaches, safety on the roads will become a top priority, especially when driving through work zones. Construction zones can be a major hazard that causes drivers to put themselves, workers and other drivers at risk.

Although construction workers may seem more vulnerable to danger, drivers are still at a large risk. Driving carelessly through work zones can lead to serious consequences. In a recent blog post,  Safety+Health discusses important tips drivers should follow when passing through work zones, including:

• Pay attention behind the wheel
• Avoid changing the radio station, eating, drinking or using a cell phone while driving
• Be mindful when changing lanes
• Slow down and abide by the speed limit provided for work zones/construction areas

Roadway workers and drivers alike should remain mindful of their surroundings to avoid accidents. It is important to take necessary safety precautions when driving through construction zones that may have congested, blocked or narrowed roads with hazardous conditions.

Read the full article here