Category: Medication Management

 November 19, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

It’s here! The holiday season is in full swing, filled with laughter, decorations, and of course, family gatherings. But let’s be real: it can also be packed with stress, tempting treats, and a hectic pace that leaves everyone a little frazzled. If you’re caring for an older loved one, you know how quickly the holidays can turn from “merry and bright” to “chaotic and overwhelming.” And if hypertension is a factor, it can be even more of a challenge. Between extra salty holiday meals, busy schedules, and unexpected stressors, holiday hypertension management can be daunting. But never fear; with some thoughtful planning and small adjustments, you can help keep their health in check while still enjoying all the festive cheer.

Here’s how to enjoy the season while protecting the heart health of an older loved one.

• Be mindful of holiday foods. Holidays and food go hand in hand, and it’s easy to be tempted by rich dishes, sweets, and salty snacks. However, for someone managing high blood pressure, these foods can pose risks. Instead of focusing on what the person can’t have, think about ways to adapt traditional dishes into healthier versions. Swap out salt for herbs and spices like garlic, rosemary, or thyme. Instead of heavy mashed potatoes loaded with butter, consider mashed cauliflower or baked sweet potatoes seasoned with a touch of cinnamon. If the person has a sweet tooth, fresh fruits can be a satisfying alternative to high-sugar desserts.
• Keep stress levels in check. The holidays can be emotionally taxing, and stress is one of the biggest contributors to high blood pressure. Instead of trying to make everything perfect, focus on what truly matters: time spent together. Delegate tasks, whether that means asking family members to help prepare dishes or arranging a potluck where everyone contributes. This reduces the burden on you and allows the person you love to participate in the celebrations without feeling overwhelmed. Mindfulness exercises can also help an older loved one manage their stress. Set aside ten minutes in the morning for some quiet time together to breathe in deeply, exhale slowly, and let go of the stress that tends to build up during this busy season.
• Don’t neglect physical activity. Cold weather and busy schedules often mean less physical activity, but staying active is a key part of keeping blood pressure under control. You don’t have to plan an intense workout. Gentle, regular movement can make a big difference. If the person is able, consider a daily walk, even if it’s just around the neighborhood for 15-20 minutes. If going outside isn’t an option due to the weather, there are plenty of ways to stay active indoors. Try a gentle stretching routine or even a seated exercise video designed for older adults. Dancing together to holiday music can also be a fun way to stay active while enjoying the festive spirit.
• Stick to a medication schedule. In the midst of the holiday excitement, it’s easy to forget the daily routine, including medications. But keeping up with blood pressure medications is crucial, especially when the holidays can present extra health challenges. Set reminders on your phone or mark it on a calendar to ensure that your loved one’s medication is taken on time. If travel is part of your holiday plans, make sure you have enough medication packed, along with an easy-to-access schedule so that nothing is missed. A simple pill organizer can also help keep everything in order during this busy time.
• Watch the holiday drinks. The holidays are a time for toasting and celebrating, but alcohol can raise blood pressure and interact with certain medications. If alcohol is a part of your family’s holiday celebrations, help your loved one limit their intake or opt for non-alcoholic alternatives. You could make festive mocktails using sparkling water, a splash of cranberry juice, and fresh fruit garnishes. If their morning routine includes caffeine, try to limit it, especially during particularly busy or stressful days. Too much caffeine can also spike blood pressure, and with the holiday hustle, it’s easy for these small things to add up.
• Prioritize rest. Between family gatherings, holiday preparations, and changing routines, sleep schedules can easily get disrupted. Lack of rest can increase stress, which in turn affects blood pressure. Make sure the person you’re caring for has the opportunity to get enough sleep each night. Encourage regular bedtimes and make the bedroom a calm, inviting place, free from distractions like television or bright lights. If afternoon naps help them feel rested, make time for them. Sufficient rest can keep their blood pressure in check and ensure they are able to fully enjoy all of the festivities.

Need a Helping Hand?

With At Home Independent Living, our caregivers make the holidays brighter, safer, and healthier for the older adults we serve. We can plan and prepare nutritious meals, provide engaging activity ideas to reduce stress and instill joy, and allow family members to take necessary breaks from care. Call us at (315) 579-HOME (4663) to learn more about our home care in Syracuse, Fayetteville, Salina, and the surrounding areas in Central New York.

 March 22, 2023 by Dean Bellefeuille

The benefits of chemotherapy are without question and can save someone’s life. Yet, during the process of destroying harmful cancer cells, noncancerous cells can also be in the crossfire, creating challenging side effects. The physician will provide recommendations on what cancer patients should do to reduce these effects, and an empowered patient can help support the goal by knowing what to avoid during chemo treatment. (more…)

 January 25, 2023 by Dean Bellefeuille

There’s frequently nothing “routine” about a routine checkup. You may arrive to your appointment perfectly fine but leave with orders for blood work along with other medical tests the doctor recommends to keep you as healthy as possible. These tests might be nothing more than a minor inconvenience for most adults, however for older adults, they may be challenging, for several reasons: transportation problems, thinner skin, mobility issues, cognitive difficulties, fragile veins, health worries, and much more. (more…)

 September 16, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille

We all have bad days and good days, and we are all entitled to a bit of crankiness or negative thinking occasionally. If you’re taking care of a loved one who appears to have fallen into a routine of continuous negativity and complaining, however, it’s worth exploring whether a health problem may be the root cause. A physician can help you determine if a loved one’s mood is being affected by common health problems in the elderly. (more…)

 June 10, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille

There was one point where you’d hear, “take two aspirin and call me in the morning.” But now, it’s more like, “take two of these…and two of these…and maybe one of those, too!” Nearly 40% of seniors are taking at least five different prescription medications each day – not to mention OTC meds, vitamins, and supplements. It’s not difficult to see how seniors can become overmedicated and how adverse medication reactions have become such a common issue. (more…)

 September 16, 2021 by Dean Bellefeuille

Disorientation. Confusion. Memory loss. While these are certainly hallmark symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease as well as other types of dementia, they could also come about from taking particular medications. Rather than immediately assuming an inevitable diagnosis of dementia, review the following list of medications that may cause similar effects that can be mistaken for dementia symptoms. (more…)