Get Moving!

Angie SzumlinskiNews

For about 2 years I wore a “fitbit” type product to measure my activity level, sleep patterns, etc. What I found is that it stressed me out. I was constantly challenging myself only to be disappointed at the end of the day when I checked my total steps. I got rid of the device and decided to just be healthy …

Sugar a Four-Letter Word?

Angie SzumlinskiNews

“Sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) are a major source of non-nutritional calories and are associated with serious adverse health outcomes, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, gum disease, cavities, and others that contribute to morbidity and mortality.” Just today I heard a discussion on a morning news show about children drinking juice and how it can contribute to children being …

Gabapentin Safety

Angie SzumlinskiNews

In 2019, the FDA issued a warning about serious breathing problems with seizure and nerve pain medicines gabapentin and pregabalin when used with CNS depressants or in patients with lung problems. Gabapentin and pregabalin are FDA-approved for a variety of conditions, including seizures, nerve pain, and restless legs syndrome. Even with this warning, a recent study found that use of …

Urinary Tract Infections

Angie SzumlinskiNews

Last week we discussed the risks of sepsis in residents with pneumonia, but did you know that urinary tract infections (UTI) can often lead to sepsis as well? Although UTIs are common infections in even healthy adults, not all UTIs are treated quickly and can spread to the kidney, causing pain and severe illness. When this happens, the resident is …

General Anxiety Disorder

Angie SzumlinskiNews

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a debilitating condition that is prevalent among older adults. Estimates are that 2.4% to 6.3% of older adults suffer with GAD. What exactly is GAD? It is characterized by persistent, uncontrollable worry that occurs for at least 6 months. It is often associated with decreased quality of life, cognitive impairment, disability, and increased healthcare utilization. …

Wound Care and Gloves

Angie SzumlinskiNews

If you have ever had a state or federal surveyor observe you performing wound care you can relate to the angst most nurses feel. Not only are you responsible for making sure the resident is comfortable, the treatment orders are accurate, your supplies are readily available but now you are also responsible for answering questions from a surveyor. In the …

Respiratory Illnesses

Angie SzumlinskiNews

Yep, here we are again, in the throws of another difficult respiratory illness season! Hopefully you and yours are prepared, are taking precautions and are up to date with your vaccinations! There is a lot of controversy regarding vaccinations, I get it, that said, many of our frail elders will not survive this flu season without these vaccines. As a …

Single Dose Every 6 Months

Angie SzumlinskiNews

Frail elderly people are at high risk of negative outcomes related to medications as their bodies do not process them as quickly as younger people. The risk to these elders includes toxicity, hypotension (low blood pressure), kidney failure, dehydration, etc. So why do we continue to give these medications? Simple, it is the standard of care, and in the event …

Everyone is Doing It!

Angie SzumlinskiNews

I remember growing up my mom used to say “if everyone jumped off the bridge would you jump”? Even back then as a child, I said “no”. But here we are, January, the beginning of a new year and of course, the beginning of new year resolutions! Everyone is doing it, losing weight, dragging themselves to the gym, having alcohol …

Bed Safety

Angie SzumlinskiNews

I bet you think I’m talking about bed rails again, but you are wrong! Not that we shouldn’t beat that drum frequently, however, in several recent studies, one at Cambridge University, the other at Emory University School of Medicine, another culprit was identified as increasing risk to our residents. The studies were conducted to determine whether a hospital bed previously …