65+ in the United States – Census Report Paints Challenging Picture

General Posted by anthony Date October 3, 2014

65+ in the United States – Census Report Paints Challenging Picture 65+ in the United States: 2010, a special report released by the Census Bureau under the auspices of the National Institutes of Health highlights trends among AmericaÛªs older population, expected to more than double by mid-century, growing to 83.7 million people and one-fifth of the U.S. population by 2050. A key aspect of the report is the effect that the aging of the baby boom generationÛÓthose born between 1946 and 1964ÛÓwill have on the U.S. population and on society in general. are projected to grow more rapidly than in any other decade since 1900. Rates of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption have declined among those 65 and older, but the percentage of overweight and obese people has increased. Between 2003-2006, 72 percent of older men and 67 percent of older women were overweight or obese. Obesity is associated in increased rates of chronic disease and higher death rates. The cost of long-term care varies by care setting. The average cost of a private room in a nursing home was $229 per day or $83,585 per year in 2010. Less than one-fifth of older people have the personal financial resources to live in a nursing home for more than three years and almost two-thirds cannot afford even one year. Medicare provides coverage in a skilled nursing facility to older and disabled patients for short time periods following hospitalization. Medicaid covers long-term care in certified facilities for qualifying low-income seniors. In 2006, Medicaid paid for 43 percent of long-term care. Read the full report hightlights here.

One Third of Knee Replacements Inappropriate

General Posted by anthony Date October 1, 2014

Replacement not always necessary.

One Third of Knee Replacements Inappropriate New research reports that more than one third of total knee replacements in the U.S. were classified as ÛÏinappropriateÛ. The study, published in Arthritis & Rheumatology, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), highlights the need for consensus on patient selection criteria among U.S. medical professionals treating those with the potential need of knee replacement surgery. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reports more than 600,000 knee replacements are performed in the U.S. each year. In the past 15 years, the use of total knee arthroplasty has grown significantly, with studies showing an annual volume increase of 162% in Medicare-covered knee replacement surgeries between 1991 and 2010. Some experts believe the growth is due to use of an effective procedure, while others contend there is over-use of the surgery that relies on subjective criteria. The present study led by Dr. Daniel Riddle from the Department of Physical Therapy at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, examined the criteria used to determine the appropriateness of total knee arthroplasties. There were 175 subjects who underwent total knee replacement surgery, and were classified as appropriate, inconclusive, or inappropriate. The mean age of knee replacement patients was 67 years and 60% of the group was female. Analyses show that 44% of surgeries were classified as appropriate, 22% as inconclusive, and 34% deemed inappropriate. The characteristics of patients undergoing surgery were varied. ÛÏOur finding that one third of knee replacements were inappropriate was higher than expected. These data highlight the need to develop patient selection criteria in the U.S.,Û concludes Dr. Riddle. Dr. Jeffery Katz from the Orthopedic and Arthritis Center for Outcomes Research at Brigham and WomenÛªs Hospital in Boston, Mass. calls for an update to the criteria used to determine which patients are good candidates for total knee arthroplasty. For the consumer, it’s simple, question your doctor. We are still in a fee for service environment so the more procedures providers do, the more they make. And that does not always translate to better quality for you.

Better Sleep – Here’s an Infographic to Help

General Posted by anthony Date September 30, 2014

Source: Top-Nursing-Programs.com Better Sleep – Here’s an Infographic to Help

Cocoa-extract May Prevent Alzheimer’s

General Posted by anthony Date September 29, 2014

Cocoa-extract May Prevent Alzheimer’s Talk about a mouth-watering study. Cocoa-extract may reduce damage to nerve pathways seen in AlzheimerÛªs. Researchers have found that a specific preparation of cocoa-extract called Lavado may reduce damage long before people develop symptoms. A study conducted at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and published June 20 in the Journal of AlzheimerÛªs Disease (JAD).åÊ suggest that Lavado cocoa extract prevents the protein ë_-amyloid- (Aë_) from gradually forming sticky clumps in the brain, which are known to damage nerve cells as AlzheimerÛªs disease progresses. Lavado cocoa is primarily composed of polyphenols, antioxidants also found in fruits and vegetables, with past studies suggesting that they prevent degenerative diseases of the brain. The Mount Sinai study results revolve around synapses, the gaps between nerve cells. Within healthy nerve pathways, each nerve cell sends an electric pulse down itself until it reaches a synapse where it triggers the release of chemicals called neurotransmitters that float across the gap and cause the downstream nerve cell to ÛÏfireÛ and pass on the message. The theory is that these sticky clumps physically interfere and disrupt mechanisms that maintain memory circuitsÛª fitness. In addition, this triggers immune inflammatory responses, like an infection, bringing an on a rush of chemicals and cells meant to destroy invaders but that damage our own cells instead. Evidence in the current study is the first to suggest that adequate quantities of specific cocoa polyphenols in the diet over time may prevent AlzheimerÛªs disease. Research suggests that turning cocoa-based Lavado into a dietary supplement may provide a safe, inexpensive and easily accessible means to prevent AlzheimerÛªs disease, even in its earliest, asymptomatic stages.

We Need Better Nursing Home Staffing Levels – You Can Help

General Posted by anthony Date September 26, 2014

We Need Better Nursing Home Staffing Levels – You Can Help The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care recently launched a campaign to advocate for better nursing home staffing levels. Their contention, which I agree, is that higher staffing levels result in higher quality of care and can be seen in resident health outcomes to include: lower mortality rates; improved physical functioning; less antibiotic use; fewer pressure ulcers, catheterized residents and urinary tract infections; lower hospitalization rates; and less weight loss and dehydration. Increasing staff levels increases staff interaction with residents, reducing the need for psychotropic drugs that not only are expensive but also increase falls leading to more hospitalizations. In addition, low staffing levels have been linked to high staff turnover rates. Read about their campaign in this about.com article.