What are the Four Stages of Congestive Heart Failure?

Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart does not pump blood effectively. It can happen for various reasons, such as the heart muscle being too weak or when other health conditions prevent the blood from circulating efficiently. Over time, a lack of proper circulation can cause other problems in the body such as organ failure.

In the past, researchers believed that there wasn’t much that could be done to correct congestive heart failure. We now know that this is not the case. With early intervention and healthy lifestyle changes, early heart failure can be treated, managed and even reversed. The outlook is even better for early stages of heart failure.

Below are the four stages of congestive heart failure and the symptoms to be aware of.

Stage A

People with Stage A heart failure have a high risk of developing congestive heart failure but do not yet have dysfunction of the pumping activity. The reason for their high risk comes from other conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and coronary heart disease.

Thankfully, early intervention and healthy lifestyle changes can reverse the risk for heart failure, as there is nothing structurally wrong with the heart However, most people have symptoms from underlying conditions like chronic high blood pressure.

Stage B

During this stage, structural problems with the heart begin. People move into this stage when they fail to make healthy diet and exercise changes to lower their blood pressure and diabetes symptoms. Therefore, these conditions cause damage to the heart. It’s also possible to land in Stage B from a heart attack. Most people feel no symptoms at this point.

Stage C

Once in Stage C, people do begin to notice symptoms like fatigue and being short of breath. At this time in the progression, there are structural changes occurring in the heart that interfere with healthy blood flow. For example, the left ventricle may be enlarged or the pumping chamber may be compromised. Because of the fatigue and breathlessness, most people have seen their doctors by this point.

Stage D

Stage D is the last stage, and this is when people display significant symptoms, even when they are resting. Common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, nausea and lack of appetite.

People in Stage D often require advanced care, such as mechanical circulatory support, a cardiac transplant or hospice care. The treatment plan depends on the individual’s overall health and other underlying conditions.

Congestive heart failure is not the death sentence it once was. There is more that can be done to manage the condition and prolong symptoms. To learn more about congestive heart failure and your treatment options, download this PDF from Doctor’s Choice.

Regaining Lung Function after Pneumonia

The flu virus is relatively common, affecting 8 percent of Americans each year. Many people can fight the flu with rest and fluids, but there are certain groups that have a higher risk for secondary infections like pneumonia.

Typically, flu season ends in April, but it’s not uncommon to see cases linger into May. This is why it’s important to continue practicing healthy habits in the spring, such as by washing your hands, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and seeing your doctor at the first sign of symptoms.

But, what happens if the flu turns into a case of pneumonia, despite your best efforts? Pneumonia can be difficult to get rid of, especially if you have heart or lung problems. Here are some tips to help you regain lung function after pneumonia.

Leaving the Hospital

You will be discharged from the hospital once your temperature, breathing rate, heart rate, blood pressure and blood oxygen levels are normal. You probably won’t feel 100 percent, but you are okay to go home. You should continue resting and getting plenty of fluids in the following weeks and months.

However, it’s possible that your lung function won’t be the same after having pneumonia. This serious infection can damage lung tissue that prevents the lungs from fully expanding, as well as decreases the amount of oxygen getting in. This is why you may feel tired and short of breath. If you have underlying health problems, this can further complicate your recovery.

Tips for Regaining Lung Function

To help you restore healthy lung function, here are some things to try. Of course, talk to your doctor before starting any new regimens, as your body is still in a delicate state.

Practice “belly breathing” exercises
Practice pursed-lips breathing techniques
Quit smoking, if you smoke
Eat foods rich in antioxidants
Get your vaccinations
Exercise more frequently
Improve indoor air quality

Preventing Reinfection of Pneumonia

To prevent reinfection, continue practicing healthy habits like washing your hands regularly, eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables and getting enough rest at night. If you smoke, now is the time to stop. It can significantly improve your quality of life and overall lifespan.

Additionally, stay away from people who are sick when possible. And, if you find yourself experiencing symptoms of a new illness, see your doctor right away. He or she can take a proactive approach to prevent a secondary infection.

To learn more about regaining lung function after pneumonia, check out these informative videos from Doctor’s Choice.

Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc. Ranked as The Most Experienced In Caring For Hip and Knee Replacement Patients In Florida

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Annelise Przywara
(239) 221-2858 | annelise@getpushing.com

Florida-Based, Home Health Agency Receives First Place Ranking from Dexur

SARASOTA, Fla. – Feb. 12, 2020 – Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc. was named the most experienced home health agency in the state of Florida and in the top 50 in the entire country when it comes to handling hip and knee replacement patients by Dexur, a data-driven hospital and healthcare news and research service. Both the statewide and nationwide ranking is based on Dexur’s analysis of Medicare claims data from Jan. 2016 through Dec. 2018.

Dexur performs in-depth data analyses and examines large public and proprietary databases to produce news, articles, and research on hospitals, physicians, and U.S. regions. The company’s insights ultimately help improve healthcare quality outcomes and patient lives. All of Dexur’s analytics and research are supported by a team of data scientists, software engineers, analysts, and reporters.

“This first place, statewide ranking from Dexur is a testament to our commitment in providing patients with excellent home health care,” said Sandy Bell, CEO, Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc. “We’re very proud to be recognized as one of the most experienced agencies in this type of care and we’ll work hard to maintain it.”

For more information about Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc., visit www.doctorschoicefl.com or call 833-AT-DOCTORS (283-6286).

About Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc.

Headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc. is the largest independent home care agency in the state. Led by an experienced group of clinical leaders and trusted professionals, Doctor’s Choice provides expertise in hospital-to-home transitions, recovery, and the management of chronic illnesses. This approach enables individuals to reach their highest level of health in the comfort of their own home. By embracing a strong set of core values and being steadfast in their dedication to excellence in healthcare, Doctor’s Choice has achieved the highest star rating for patient care from the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid (CMS): Five Star rating for Quality of Patient Care. For more information, please visit www.doctorschoicefl.com or call 833-AT-DOCTORS (283-6286).

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Originally posted at https://www.doctorschoicefl.com/doctors-choice-ranked-most-experienced-patient-care-hip-knee-replacement/

Tips for Reducing Diabetic Nerve Pain

Diabetic nerve pain can be incredibly painful. Most people experience it as numbness and tingling, though others report burning and aching pains as well. Diabetic nerve pain is most common in the hands and feet, but over time, it can affect different parts of the body. The pain can be so severe, it negatively impacts your sleep, mood and overall quality of life.

Fortunately, there are medications that can reduce diabetic nerve pain, also called peripheral neuropathy. However, these medications are only about 30-50 percent effective, so they must be coupled with lifestyle changes and at-home remedies for the best results.

Below are some tips for reducing diabetic nerve pain and preventing the condition from getting worse.

Control blood sugar levels

If you don’t manage your diabetes, your blood sugar levels will get out of control. Excess blood sugar can damage your nerves and set you up for long-term nerve damage. So, regardless of whether you have pre-diabetes or diabetes, start making healthy changes to control your blood sugar. These include:

Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and whole grains
Avoid red meat and processed sugars
Exercise most days of the week for at least 20-30 minutes
Maintain a healthy body weight
Manage your stress levels
Take your medications

Take an over-the-counter pain reliever

When diabetic nerve pain sets in, you might try an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol or Advil. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you plan on using these medications regularly or if you are taking any other medications. They are not without risk and can lead to stomach problems, kidney damage and an increased risk for heart attack or stroke.

Soak in the tub

Taking a warm bath is a wonderful way to ease pain and promote circulation throughout the body. For added relaxation, consider adding essential oils or Epsom salts to your bathwater. One word of caution is to make sure the water is not too hot. Diabetes can cause a loss of sensation, so make sure the water is at a safe temperature.

Get enough vitamins

Your skin produces vitamin D when it’s exposed to sunlight. Research suggests that this vitamin is very important for the body and can even protect against nerve pain. Most people should get 600 to 800 IU of vitamin D each day, so make sure you’re meeting this requirement.

Other vitamins to look into are vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. These vitamins play an important role in nerve health. For example, vitamin B6 helps the brain produce chemicals that send information through our bodies. To protect your nerves, you may need a supplement for B vitamins and vitamin C.

Quit smoking

Smoking is bad for you in every way. Not only does it lead to certain cancers, but also it causes your blood vessels to constrict. As a result, it’s much harder for blood to move through your arteries. This means your peripheral nerves get less blood and nutrients, which can heighten pain.

Use capsaicin cream

Capsaicin cream can help relieve burning and stinging associated with nerve pain. For a higher-strength dose, you’ll need to get a prescription from your doctor. Some doctors prescribe capsaicin patches to wear over the affected area. But, even over-the-counter capsaicin cream is helpful at reducing pain levels.

It’s not easy to live with diabetic nerve pain. Some days will be harder than others, but it’s never too late to make healthy changes in your life. The best way to stop pain is to prevent it by controlling your blood sugar levels.

Doctor’s Choice has several great videos on our site specifically related to understanding diabetes and managing it. Be sure to watch them!

Originally posted at https://www.doctorschoicefl.com/tips-for-reducing-diabetic-nerve-pain/

Doctor’s Choice Participates In Salvation Army’s “Angel Tree” Program, Sponsors More Than 100 Angels

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Annelise Przywara
(239) 221-2858 | annelise@getpushing.com

Doctor’s Choice Participates In Salvation Army’s “Angel Tree” Program, Sponsors More Than 100 Angels

Home Health Agency Gives Back to Communities Throughout the State During the Holidays

SARASOTA, Fla. – Jan. 27, 2020 – Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc. participated in the Salvation Army’s “Angel Tree” program this holiday season to support local individuals and families in need. With participation from various branches throughout the state, the company sponsored a total of 105 angels, consisting of both children and seniors in Lee, Hendry, Glades, Alachua, Highland, Manatee, Sarasota, Pasco, and Pinellas counties.

Doctor’s Choice has participated in the Angel Tree Program since 2016. Each year, the program provides an opportunity for employees to come together and support families and individuals in need during the holidays, as well as give back to the communities that they serve every day.

“At Doctor’s Choice, we’re committed to giving back to our communities, especially during the holidays,” commented Sandy Bell, CEO, Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc. “I’m very proud of our entire team’s generosity. It’s truly heartwarming and humbling to be able to help so many local families and individuals during what can be an especially hard time of the year.”

The Angel Tree program is an annual, nationwide initiative coordinated by the Salvation Army. It provides new clothing and toys to individuals and families in need through the support and generosity of local individual donors, as well as corporations and organizations.

For more information about Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc., visit www.doctorschoicefl.com or call 833-AT-DOCTORS (283-6286).

About Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc.

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Download a PDF Version of the Press Release here

4 Daily Practices for a Healthy Heart

By now, you probably know that exercise and a good diet can keep your heart strong and healthy. But, did you know that there are other things you can do to help your heart work most efficiently? It’s never too late to incorporate these four daily practices into your life to promote good health and wellness.

Don’t sit for too long.

Recent studies show that sitting for long periods of time is bad for your health, even if you get enough exercise for the day. After looking at 800,000 people, researchers found that those who sat the most had a 147 percent increase in cardiovascular disease and a 90 percent increase in death.

So, what if you have a sedentary job that requires you to stay seated most of the day? Find ways to sneak in activity throughout your day. Park farther away from the office, take a few short walks throughout the day and try sitting on an exercise ball or standing while you work. Most importantly – take your breaks!

Get enough sleep.

Sleep is important for health – not just your energy levels. If you don’t get enough rest at night, you increase the risk for cardiovascular problems regardless of your health and exercise habits. It’s believed that when a person doesn’t get enough sleep at night, there are disruptions in underlying health conditions and biological processes like inflammation and blood pressure.

Bottom line: Make sleep a priority. Aim to get 7-8 hours every night. If you’re not sleeping well, talk to your doctor about getting tested for sleep apnea. Not only does this condition interfere with a healthy night’s rest, but also it is linked to heart disease.

Eat healthy fats.

Fats are important for your diet, including some unsaturated, saturated and polyunsaturated fats. However, there is one type of fat you don’t need and that’s trans fats. Trans fats clog your arteries by raising bad cholesterol and lowering good cholesterol.

To avoid trans fats, stay away from margarines, fried fast foods and baked goods. Also, read the labels on your food products so that you know what’s in them. It’s amazing how many foods have added sugars, fats and sodium.

Take care of your teeth.

People who have periodontal disease often have the same risk factors for heart disease. It’s not exactly clear why this is the case, but researchers think it has to do with the bacteria in the mouth. This bacteria can move into the bloodstream and cause an increase in certain proteins that cause inflammation. As a result, the blood changes and poses a higher risk for heart disease and stroke.

Fortunately, you can take charge of your dental health by brushing and flossing daily and seeing your dentist every six months. If you do have gum disease, talk to your dentist about ways to reverse the symptoms.

A healthy heart will keep you feeling great and living longer. And, it’s never too late to make these healthy changes that will improve your life in other areas. Be sure to watch our Health Video series on Healthy Aging and Nutrition.

https://www.doctorschoicefl.com/

DOCTOR’S CHOICE HOME CARE, INC. RECOGNIZED WITH HIGHEST RATING FROM THE CENTERS OF MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES

Florida-Based, Home Health Agency Achieved 5-Star Rating for Patient Care

Author: Doctor’s Choice Home Health Care

Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc., with home offices in Sarasota, FL, achieved a five-star rating for quality of patient care from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This is the highest rating attainable and includes CMS reporting on eight of the 23 outcome and patient care quality measures.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services created the five-star quality rating system to help consumers and their families, friends, and caregivers compare home health agencies, as well as choose a quality agency more easily. The majority of home health agencies nationwide rank in the middle with three to 3 ½ stars being the average rating. Agencies rated five stars are considered to provide above average quality care.

“This five-star rating is a testament to Doctor’s Choice’s commitment to providing patients with excellence in home health care,” said Sandy Bell, CEO, Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc. “We’re very proud to have achieved this significant recognition and will work hard to maintain it.”

For more information about Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc., visit www.doctorschoicefl.com or call 833-AT-DOCTORS (283-6286).

About Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc.

By embracing a strong set of core values and being steadfast in their dedication to excellence in healthcare, Doctor’s Choice has achieved the highest star rating for patient care from the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid (CMS): Five Star rating for Quality of Patient Care.

Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc. has offices to provide senior care services throughout Florida including Bradenton, Fort Myers, Naples, Miami, and Stuart.

For more information, please visit www.doctorschoicefl.com or call 833-AT-DOCTORS (283-6286).

Media Contact: Annelise Przywara

(239) 221-2858 | annelise@getpushing.com

This content was originally posted in July 2019.

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7 Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating

The holiday season is here! This means that temptation is everywhere, and holiday gatherings and traveling disrupt daily routines. You don’t want all your hard work to be lost over the next few weeks, so it’s important to continue making healthy choices. By eating just 200 extra calories a day, you could pack on 3 to 5 pounds over the holiday season. Yikes!

Here are seven tips for healthy holiday eating.

Track your calories using an app.

Calorie tracking apps are a great tool to have on hand. If you don’t own one already, we recommend downloading an app for the holidays. Examples include MyFitnessPal, MyPlate and Fooducate. Using an app of this sort, you can track what you’re eating and spend your calories wisely.

Take a break in between meals.

It takes time for your stomach to catch up to your brain. Eat slowly and truly enjoy your meals this holiday season. Also, take a 10-minute break in between meals. You might find that you don’t need seconds after all.

Don’t stand next to the snack table.

It’s easy to consume hundreds of extra calories just by standing next to the snack table. Avoid this mindless eating by standing away from high-calorie snack foods. If you are prone to snacking, pop a piece of gum in your mouth.

Eat before going to parties.

It may sound counterproductive, but it can be helpful to eat something before going to a holiday party. Choose something that is low in calories and high in protein so that you are less likely to snack. Examples include an apple with peanut butter or hummus with fresh veggies.

Swap casseroles for fresh foods.

Offer to bring a side dish to your event if you’re not hosting. Instead of high-calorie casseroles, prepare fresh vegetables. For example, sautéed green beans are a much healthier option to green bean casserole. Other options include roasted brussel sprouts, oven-roasted sweet potatoes and baked zucchini.

Pace your drinks.

It’s not just food that can lead to excess calories but holiday drinks, too. A glass of eggnog can have as many as 500 calories in it! To avoid getting too many calories this way, pace yourself with plain water or seltzer water in between drinks.

Find ways to stay active.

Find ways to sneak in activity when you can. Enjoy a walk around the block with the grandkids. Or, find activities in your community that get you out and moving, such as caroling or looking at holiday displays.

Get enough sleep.

Not getting enough rest at night can make it harder to control your blood sugar. When you’re sleep deprived, you’re also more likely to prefer high-fat, high-sugar foods. Make a full night’s rest a priority, even when traveling.

Although food is a big part of the holiday season, remember what the true spirit of this time of year is: spending time with friends and family! Be sure to visit our videos on positive and healthy nutrition!

Originally posted at https://www.doctorschoicefl.com/7-healthy-tips-holiday-eating/

Alzheimer’s Early Signs

Early Signs of Alzheimer’s You Do Not Want to Ignore

Alzheimer’s is a common disease, affecting 5.8 million Americans. Even though there is plenty of information out there, not all cases of Alzheimer’s are easy to spot. Sometimes, the disease creeps up out of nowhere. Other times, the person hides their symptoms so as not to upset their family.

Early intervention can be helpful in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s symptoms. So, it’s important to be aware of the early signs of Alzheimer’s. Here are some red flags that you should not ignore.

Memory Loss

Memory loss due to Alzheimer’s is different than age-related memory loss. You can use this chart to compare normal aging vs dementia. In general, memory loss from dementia is more profound and affects the ability to remember names, events and recent information.

Trouble Following Processes

People with dementia have a difficult time following regular processes. They might get confused following a recipe or understanding directions to the doctor.

Daily Tasks are Difficult

Having trouble with daily living tasks is another possible sign of Alzheimer’s. Things that were once easy and familiar – getting dressed, making meals, driving to a book club – become difficult.

Loss for Words

Individuals with dementia often have a hard time following a conversation. They might forget common words or lose track of where they were in a discussion.

Poor Judgement

People aren’t always aware that poor judgement is a sign of dementia. Older adults are sometimes categorized as being “silly” or “unaware,” but this isn’t a reason to skip bills or not shower. Pay attention if your loved one is making poor choices.

Isolation

In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, people are often aware that they are changing. Because of this, they might isolate themselves from others or drop out of activities.

Mood and Personality Changes

Dementia makes it difficult to have a consistent, positive mood. A person with the disease might be anxious when they’re out with others and depressed when home alone. It can be hard to tell the difference between Alzheimer’s and age-related personality changes, but speak up if you feel that something is different or wrong.

Could it be Something Other than Alzheimer’s?

The above signs are not a guarantee that a person has dementia. Many other things can create similar symptoms, such as late-onset depression and certain medications. This is why it’s important to talk to a doctor. If it’s not Alzheimer’s disease, you can address the problem and improve the person’s quality of life. If it is Alzheimer’s, early detection can relieve symptoms, increase independence and delay progression.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and how to make informed decisions, visit Doctor’s Choice for a full collection of healthy aging videos.

Originally posted at https://www.doctorschoicefl.com/early-alzheimers-signs/

Doctor’s Choice Home Care Hosts Back to School Backpack Brigade

Sarasota Area Companies that Care

Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc. hosts Sarasota Area Fundraiser for Kids

Author: Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc., Sarasota, FL

Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc. participates annually in the Tiny Hands Foundation’s Back-to-School Backpack Brigade. This year, the agency donated more than 1,000 school supplies to benefit local children.

Doctor’s Choice embraces the communities they serve as an integral component of their core values of ”courage, compassion, commitment, caring and community.

At their most recent fundraising event in Florida, Doctor’s Choice hosted an internal “Core Values” fundraiser raising nearly $4,000 that was donated to local charities throughout Florida.

Doctor’s Choice also participates in Toys for Tots and the Angel Tree program as a way to help local needy children.

Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc., is proud to be the largest independent home care agency in the state of Florida. They are a certified Medicare and accredited home health care agency. The team of caring and trusted professionals provide expertise in hospital-to-home transitions, recovery, and the management of chronic illnesses, helping individuals achieve their highest level of health at home. Learn more at Doctor’s Choice Home Care, based in Sarasota, FL, and offices throughout Florida, including Bradenton, Stuart, and Naples, FL.