Good health care requires good communication between the patient, family and physician.

Many times, we have plenty of questions in our heads but forget to ask them when we are with the doctor because we are processing the information the doctor is telling us. If you plan ahead of medical appointments, and be open and honest when discussing care, you will get the most out of each visit.

What to do before your visit

As previously stated writing down questions and concerns beforehand can be very helpful. Bring the list to your appointment. If you get home and realize you still have questions, call the doctor or his nurse to discuss them.

Give details

Make notes about changes in behaviors, routines or eating habits. Be as specific as you can. When does it happen? How often? Does something seem to trigger it?

See the doctor right away if your family member is:

• Is suddenly more confused
• Has a major change in memory or mood
• Faints or falls
• Is suddenly unable to speak, move part of the body or has a facial droop
• Has a high fever or has pain or difficulty while urinating
• Is suddenly incontinent (having 'accidents' or wetting the bed)

Bring medications or write down each medication taken including dose and times of administration. 

Many people may be under the care of more than one doctor and may be taking medications for multiple health conditions. It is important that everyone on the health care team knows about all prescription and over-the-counter medications, including any vitamins or herbal supplements being taken. Bring medication containers or a complete list (including dosages) with you to each appointment.

Ask questions

Your doctor is an important source of support and information. If you don't understand something, ask questions until you do. Don't be afraid to speak up and to share your opinion. If your doctor doesn’t have the time and you are still struggling to understand ask to speak with the nurse she may have more time to help explain it.

Talk about treatment goals

Are medications working? Do dosages need to be changed or monitored? For those struggling with Memory loss or other chronic diseases that may be progressive, the goals of treatment will change. Make sure you understand all treatment options, as well as the risks and benefits of each new medication.

Keep good records

After each appointment, make sure to update your records with any test results or changes to medications or care plans. It's important to keep a personal record so care can be coordinated between doctors and information is accessible in an emergency. There are many ways to organize and store personal health information, use the method that will be easiest for you to maintain and others to access in an emergency.

Leave with a plan

At the end of your appointment, ask the doctor to recap the most important points. Write them down. Note any changes to the treatment plan and any follow-up steps needed (such as scheduling the next appointment or having tests done). This may also be a good opportunity to review supportive services in your community. Those services may range from home care services to assisted living services in your area. Companies like Senior referral agencies which do not charge for assistance can help you look at the various services in your area such as referrals to local home care agencies, Assisted living facilities, Memory care facilities and group homes. If you would like more information from contact www.acaringhandformom.com their staff are all licensed healthcare professionals.

1. Be Active and Stay Active

Regular exercise is one of the best keys to physical and psychological wellbeing. Living an active life will help you stay fit enough to keep your liberty to go where you wish to and perform your pursuits.

Tips: The secret is to stay active, so do something you will enjoy. If you aren't the kind of person who'll adhere to a regular gym routine, go on a walk or ride your bicycle every day instead. Attempt to incorporate aerobic, equilibrium like Tia chi water aerobics, and muscle strengthening, activities to your routine. Consider what works best for you, consult your doctor, and get moving! 

2. Eat Healthy Foods

The majority of adults in America eat more than twice the recommended daily allowance of sodium, which can result in hypertension and cardiovascular disease; the majority of this high sodium intake comes from pre-packaged foods, restaurants and fast foods.

Avoid sweet, salty, and processed foods. Remember that each person has different dietary requirements -- follow your doctor's suggestions regarding dietary restrictions

3. Keep Your Mind Active by Staying Sharp

Studies have shown that a lifestyle that includes cognitive stimulation through active learning slows cognitive decline.

Tips: Never quit learning and challenging your mind! Take dance lessons, learn a new vocabulary, attend lectures at a local college, learn to play a musical instrument, or read a novel or newspaper, do a crossword puzzle.

4. Cultivate Your Relationships

Twenty-eight percentage of older adults live alone, and living alone is the most powerful risk factor for solitude and loneliness. Frequent life changes in older adulthood, such as fertility, health problems, or even the loss of a spouse, may result in social isolation.

Tips: Maintain communication with your loved ones and friends, particularly after a significant loss or lifestyle change. Schedule regular time to meet with friends and family -- over java, during a weekly shared meal, or around a common interest.  Consider a move to a retirement community or an Arizona assisted living community where you can start out independent but get services when you need it.  Don’t be afraid to consider new living options it will help you stay independent by giving you things to do and the ability to make new friends which will keep you healthy and active.

5. Get Enough Sleep

Older adults want as much sleep as younger adults -- seven to nine hours each night -- but frequently get less. Deficiency of sleep can lead to depression, irritability, increased fall risk, and memory issues and increased anxiety.

Tips: Develop a regular schedule with a bedtime routine. Keep your bedroom dark and noise-free-- prevent watching television while in bed or turn off the TV at a certain time at night once relaxed in bed. Have something that will relax you as part of your nightly routine.

6. Reduce Stress

As we age, our stressors change and so will our ability to deal with stress. Long-term stress can harm brain cells and lead to depression. In reality, it is projected that over 90 percent of illness is either caused or complicated by stress.  So as they say don’t worry be happy relax and smell the roses, you can only change what you have control of at the end of the day.  Be proactive and be positive!

Tips: We can't entirely avoid stressful situations but we can learn better techniques to deal with stress. Manage yourself when you are worried by having enough sleep, exercising, and eating nutritious foods. Talk to a loved one or counselor about your anxiety, and try some relaxation techniques, such as going for a walk, relation breathing, yoga, or meditation. Never forget to keep things in perspective and adapt to what you can control.  

7. Practice Prevention

Many injuries, illnesses, and frequent geriatric health care ailments, such as falls, chronic illness, depression, and frailty, are also preventable.  So talk to a friend review our home safety page on our website to give you ideas on how to keep your home safe and get regular check-ups with your doctor.

Tips: To prevent disease, get a yearly influenza vaccine, consider pneumonia and shingles vaccines and wash your hands after using the restroom and before handling food. To prevent a fall, complete a home safety checklist, use assistive devices, wear proper footwear, get your vision checked, take vitamins with enough vitamin D and calcium, and get some type of exercises into your routine.

8. Take Charge of Your Health

The majority of our health isn't controlled by the health care system but by our own actions throughout our lives, our environment, our genes, and societal factors. Additionally, physicians are not perfect; and may miss signs and symptoms of a more serious disease. The more individuals take part in their healthcare, the more satisfied they tend to be together with the care they receive.

Tips: Think about the ways your health can boost by changing your lifestyle, and make these changes. Get in touch with your primary care practitioner for a yearly physical or whenever you've got a concern about your health, and go to all those appointments with a list of what you are concerned about and the symptoms you may be experiencing. Bring a list of your current prescription and nonprescription drugs, including herbal supplements; maintain a list of your health concerns; and, above all, ask questions!

9. Get out of the House  

Older adults who take part in meaningful community activities like volunteer work, participating in a local senior centers programs report feeling healthier and less miserable. Remember that participating in activities should be fun, not stressful!

If you would like more information call us today to speak with a healthcare professional who can answer your questions or visit the A Caring Hand for Mom (and Dad) website at www.acaringhandfromom.com