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CARING IN DuPage
APR 2019
630.260.5300 www.brightstarcare.com/wheaton
WHAT TO THINK ABOUT WHEN SPR ING COMES AROUND Spring-Cleaning Your Health
W hen most people think of spring- cleaning, they think of dusting their baseboards, getting all their useless junk out of the garage, or maybe tidying up their garden. However, what comes to my mind when I think of spring-cleaning are all the ways you can spring-clean your health. Just as spring is a time to look at ways to improve the state of your home, it should also be a time to consider how you can improve your health. Spring-cleaning your health is something we recommend for both our patients and their families. Some ways you can do this are scheduling your annual physical, reviewing your medications, and following up on any tests or screenings you had scheduled. Your family can help you do this, and we at BrightStar Care have the resources and staff to make sure that those processes go smoothly. If a family member wants to help a loved one manage his or her medications, we have a list of helpful tips on our website (www.brightstarcare.com/central-dupage- wheaton/blog/medication-management- for-seniors) along with a free medication chart that they can use. You’ll want to keep a list of all medications, dosages, and times. Keep in mind that some over-the-counter medications could interfere with prescription meds. Talk to your loved one’s primary care physician about their medications and find out if they see any potential issues. You will also want to store their medications in a cool, dry place.
While it is great if you have the freedom to take care of a loved one this way, not
everyone has that freedom. BrightStar Care has plenty of caregivers and professionals to not only handle medication management, but other medical
needs too. Spring is in full swing, and if you want to get out for just a weekend or an extended vacation, we can help. Our care
pros can take your loved one to their doctor's appointment, ensure prescriptions are fufilled, and perform medication reminders or wellness checks on your behalf.
ULTIMATELY, OUR GOAL IS NOT ONLY TO ENSURE THAT OUR CLIENTS GET THE CARE THEY NEED, BUT ALSO THAT THEIR FAMILIES GET THE SUPPORT THEY NEED. SPRING-CLEANING YOUR HEALTH IS NOT JUST FOR YOUR ELDERLY FAMILY MEMBER; IT’S ALSO FOR YOU.”
Ultimately, our goal is not only to ensure that our clients get the care they need, but also that their families get the support they need. Spring-cleaning your health is not just for your elderly family member; it’s also for you. If you want to form healthier habits by eating more fruits and vegetables, trying a new outdoor activity, or just spending time outside, we think you should have the freedom to do that. This spring, BrightStar Care is here to give you peace of mind. Know that you can pursue your own health spring-cleaning because we have your family member’s spring-cleaning under control.
—Diane Thorson irector of Nursing & Compliance
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SMOKY THE WORLD WAR II CANINE HERO YORKIE DOODLE DANDY
Considering the stress of combat, it’s no wonder military dogs tend to be tough breeds known for their size and strength. German shepherds, boxers, and various bully breeds are well-acquainted with the battlefield. But in World War II, the most famous military dog weighed only 4 pounds and stood a mere 7 inches tall. Smoky the Yorkshire Terrier wasn’t exactly what most people associated with Shakespeare’s “let slip the dogs of war,” but her small size is part of what made her such a hero. In 1944, after being discovered beside a foxhole in the jungles of New Guinea, Smoky met Corporal William A. Wynne, an American soldier from Cleveland, Ohio. The two quickly became inseparable, and she stayed by Wynne’s side the entire time he was stationed in the South Pacific. Smoky is credited with going on 12 combat missions, surviving 150 air raids, parachuting 30 feet, and earning eight battle stars. Smoky’s sensitive hearing allowed her to alert Wynne and other soldiers of incoming air raids. Smoky’s most famous act of heroism occurred when she went where no man could go at an air base at Lingayen Gulf, Luzon. The engineers needed help, so Wynne tied a strand of telephone wire to her collar and Smoky ran through a 70-foot-long pipe in a matter of minutes. Without Smoky, it would have taken three days to lay the wire. Her work kept over 250
Success Stories
"For me, having BrightStar Care there helps the most with communication. The caregiver adjusts her schedule on occasion to take Mom to appointments and lets me know what’s going on when she’s there. Even though it was difficult for my mom to meet new people, the caregiver took it really slow and my mom just loves her now. She goes to the store for my mom, makes her meals, and, most importantly, keeps her company. I know that the person who comes out to help her is excellent, communicates well, and helps out a lot." -Diane P ., daughter of client, Wheaton, IL
"BrightStar Care is compassionate and high-quality. Our caregiver has a high standard of excellence. We had another caregiver who did not work out, and when we gave BrightStar Care feedback, they changed that. The caregiver is very punctual and is there every day, and he goes above and beyond to help. The caregiver has a kind heart and pays attention to detail. The nurse case manager is great about keeping us informed of any changes in conditions or schedule. She made sure that my uncle had a good substitute when our caregiver had to leave town." -Therese W. , niece of client, Glen Ellyn, IL
Have You Heard the Good News?
Romans 3:23 — "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." 1 John 1:9 — "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Romans 5:8 — "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Matthew 28:20 — "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE THE SAME QUALITY CARE, GIVE US A CALL AT 630-260-5300 AND SPEAK WITH ONE OF OUR PROFESSIONALS.
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Does My Child Have Autism?
ground crewmen and 40 fighter and reconnaissance planes out of danger from enemy bombings.
In addition to saving lives on the battlefield, Smoky is also considered to be the first recorded therapy dog. She learned a number of tricks to cheer up troops and would visit injured soldiers at the hospital in New Guinea. After World War II, Smoky and Wynne visited veteran hospitals across the United States. “Corporal” Smoky lived for another 10 years after the war before dying on Feb. 21, 1957, at approximately 14 years old. Wynne would go on to write a memoir about his time with Smoky titled “Yorkie Doodle Dandy.” Almost 50 years after her death, a life-sized bronze statue of Smoky was erected at her final resting place in
RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS
While the exact numbers are difficult to track, various surveys estimate that between 1 in 40 and 1 in 59 children in the U.S. has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), more commonly referred to simply as autism. Signs of autism can be identified in children at as young as 18 months, and it never manifests in the exact same way. Some children might exhibit certain signs of autism but not have it, while others appear normal until 1 or 2 years old before they begin to show signs. The bottom line is that it is nearly impossible to tell with certainty that your child has autismwithout the help of a pediatrician or other health care professional. However, if you learn to identify some of the signs, you can get your child a professional analysis and give him or her a head start on working through any developmental issues. Symptoms of ASD vary widely, but some common signs are easy to watch for. Making limited eye contact or failing to reciprocate joyful facial expressions on a regular basis are some of the earliest signs. Infants with autismmight lack other communication skills, such as responding to their name or making noises to get your attention. They also might not make any sort of communicative gestures (waving, pointing, etc.) or shun different types of physical touch. As children with autism grow, symptoms become more diverse. Your child might exhibit unusually acute pickiness with regard to food, vehemently disliking different textures or tastes. They might also have trouble talking about feelings or prefer to be alone for extended periods of time. When they play, they might order their toys in a very specific way or become fixated on unusual objects, such as keys or wheels. These symptoms are just a few your child might experience if he or she has autism. If you think there is a chance, there is no harm having them checked out by a health care professional. Depending on what you find out, know that even though caring for children with autism comes with extra challenges, BrightStar Care has a number of caregivers on staff with experience caring for children with autism. If your child needs specialized care, or if you have questions, please give us a call.
Lakewood, Ohio. Her statue is dedicated to the bravery of all war dogs, and it is a reminder that heroes come in all shapes and sizes.
ROASTED RADISHES WITH RADISH GREENS Inspired by Food & Wine magazine
INGREDIENTS
• 3 bunches radishes with greens attached • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Heat oven to 500 F. While heating, trim radishes and wash greens. Pat both dry using a paper towel. 2. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat oil over high heat until shimmering. Season radishes with salt and pepper, add to skillet, and cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Transfer entire skillet to oven rack and roast for 15 minutes. 3. Once removed fromoven, return skillet to stove. Over mediumheat, stir in butter and add greens. Cook until they are wilted, about 2 minutes. 4. Finish with lemon juice and additional salt if desired. Serve immediately.
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PRSRT FIRST-CLASS MAIL USPOSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
416 EAST ROOSEVELT ROAD, SUITE 105 ● WHEATON, IL 60187 630.260.5300 WWW.BRIGHTSTARCARE.COM/WHEATON
CARING IN DUPAGE SUBSCRIPTION
INSIDE
Making Sure Your Loved Ones Are Healthy This Spring 1 Never Judge a Dog by Her Size Success Stories Have You Heard the Good News? 2 Roasted Radishes With Radish Greens Learning the Signs to Get the Help Your Child Needs 3 The Many Wonders of Omega-3s 4
If you know someone in need of home care or more e-learning materials, contact monica.labrot@brightstarcare.com.
THE MANY WONDERS OF OMEGA-3S
One Little Pill That Can
Do Your Body Good
Because fish oil is said to improve everything fromheart health to chronic dry eye, it may sound a bit like, well, snake oil. But this brilliant little supplement packs a big punch, especially for older adults.
cognitive recovery in extremely elderly subjects who already suffer fromdementia, evidence indicates that taking fish oil on a regular basis may prevent or postpone the onset of cognitive decline. Omega-3 consumptionmay also improve the quality of life for individuals suffering fromdepression or anxiety at any age. Which Omega-3 Supplement Is Right for Me? If you eat fatty fish several times a week every week, youmay already get enough omega-3s, but it can be difficult to get a therapeutic dose of fish oil from food alone on a regular basis. A fish oil supplement can provide additional fatty acids. Look for an ingredient list that specifically shows EPA and DHA; some brands use misleading labeling that only shows the total amount of fish oil rather than the actual omega-3s. Recommendations vary, but most sources indicate that a dosage of 1,000–2,000 milligrams (1–2 grams) of combined EPA and DHA provides benefits. If the smell or “fish burps” bother you, choose enteric-coated capsules, which dissolve in the small intestine rather than the stomach. Omega-3 caps also come in vegan options sourced from seaweed and algae.
Heart Health Benefits The omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) have been shown to support heart health inmultiple ways. The Mayo Clinic cites research suggesting that higher levels of EPA are associated with a reduced risk of congestive heart failure in older adults. Studies also report that people withmoderate to severe hypertension typically see a positive effect on their blood pressure if they regularly take omega-3s. Joint and Eye Benefits Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce pain, stiffness, and swelling associated with osteoarthritis and other joint disorders by lubricating the joints and acting as an anti-inflammatory. As we age, our ability to produce tears diminishes. Fish oil’s lubricating and anti-inflammatory properties also make it a great treatment for and defense against chronic dry eye. Cognitive Function Benefits Several studies have concluded that regularly consuming omega-3 fatty acids can helpmaintain cognitive function. While research shows no
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