Is my family member at risk for delerium?
Some people have a higher risk of delirium, especially if they:
• Are 65 years old or more
• Already have problems with memory or understanding, or already have dementia.
• Have a broken hip.
• Have a serious illness that’s getting worse or is at risk of getting worse.
• Have had delirium before.
• Have significant alcohol or substance use.
It’s important to know and share with your family member’s medical history with their care team.
Sleep meds may not be good for you
Sleeping pills, also known as sedatives or benzodiazepines, may be prescribed when you have trouble sleeping (insomnia). There are many different types of meds and all have the same side effects. Canadian guidelines recommend that sleeping pills should be used to treat insomnia for no more than four weeks. Below are examples of these side effects:
1) May affect memory or concentration.
2) May increase your risk of falls.
3) May increase your risk of a car accident.
Consult you doctor before taking anything, they may react with your current meds.
Disability in Canada
Statistics Canada conducted a survey on disability to evaluate the demographics, employment and income of disabled Canadians age 15 and older. Here are just a few…
• 22 per cent had more than one disability.
• Women are more likely to have a disability than men.
• People with severe disabilities 25–64 years of age are more likely living below the poverty line than those with mild or no disabilities.
• Less than 10 per cent of disabilities are caused by workplace or auto accidents.
Alcohol and diabetes
Consider the following questions when deciding what is best for you.
Answer Yes or No
1) Is my diabetes under control?
Yes – No
2) Do I know how to prevent and treat low blood sugar.
Yes – No
3) Am I free from health problems that alcohol can make worse such as disease of the pancreas, eye disease, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, liver problems, nerve damage or stroke?
Yes – No
If you answered “No” to any of these questions, you should speak to your diabetes educator or health-care professional before drinking alcohol.
Source: Diabetes Canada
Are you low on BI2?
With symptoms like fatigue, pale skin and dry lips you may have a vitamin B12 deficiency. This could have a heavy impact on your body and well-being. A daily allowance varies between men and women and can be effected by certain medications for IBS and celiac disease. A vegan or vegetarian diet is also a factor.
