T.J. Samson | Destination Health | February 2018

February 2018 7 If you— or a loved one—are facing a terminal illness, you might find yourself wondering about hospice care. Is it something that might make sense? What’s involved? These five facts about hospice may help answer those questions. Hospice isn’t a place. It’s a set of specialized services to help people nearing death live as comfort- ably and fully as possible. It helps the terminally ill—and their families—focus on the quality of life, rather than its length. Hospice isn’t only for people with cancer. It’s an option for anyone expected to live for six months or less. But this doesn’t mean that hospice care will automatically end at six months. It can be extended as long as an illness—whether that’s dementia, heart disease, kidney failure or something else—limits life. Hospice care can also be stopped at any point and active treatment started again. Hospice isn’t meant to provide a cure. Rather, its purpose is to improve a dying person’s quality of life by easing pain and other symptoms, such as trouble breathing or swallowing. Hospice also pro- vides emotional and spiritual support for both patients and their families. Hospice care uses a team approach. Many different health care professionals support patients and their families. Among them: doctors, nurses, home health aides, nutritionists, physical therapists and clergy. And help is available around-the-clock, seven days a week. Anyone, at any age, can benefit from hospice. It’s true that most patients in hospice are over 65. But hospice serves people of all ages, including children and their families. Sources: American Cancer Institute; American Hospice Foundation; National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization; National Institutes of Health You can read more about hospice care at tjsamson.org . Or call 270-651-4430 . 1 2 3 4 5 It can happen gradually and under conditions you might not usually suspect, so that you may not realize what’s going on. We’re talking about hypo- thermia, an abnormally low body temperature that can be dangerous, even deadly, if not treated quickly. Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can be replaced, causing a drop in the body’s tempera- ture.That can affect your brain and make you unable to think clearly or move well. Prolonged exposure to low temperatures can cause hypo- thermia. But you can also get it in temperatures over 40 degrees if you become chilled from rain or sweat. Exposure to wind or immersion in cold water can also cause hypothermia. Anyone can develop the condition, but older adults and infants are most vulnerable. Signs and symptoms of hypothermia include: ●  Con- fusion. ●  Drowsiness. ● Poor body control. ●  Shivering. ● Slow reactions. ● Slowed, slurred speech. ●  Weak pulse. Babies with hypothermia may have bright red, cold skin and very low energy. WHAT TO DO If someone has signs of hypo- thermia, the Centers for Dis- ease Control and Prevention recommends that you: ●  ● Get the person to a warm place. ●  ● Remove any wet clothing. ●  ● Use a blanket and skin- to-skin contact to warm the person. ●  ● Offer warm beverages but not alcohol. ●  ● Get medical help right away. Hypothermia Chilly temps pose real risk Shovel snow the right way: Tips for safe snow removal It’s winter, and you know what that means: snow. And while it may be pretty to look at, snow can literally be a pain to shovel. Every year, thousands of Americans are treated at hospital emergency depart- ments, doctor’s offices and clinics for injuries sustained while shoveling snow. Removing snow can be especially hard on back, shoulder and arm muscles because it involves a lot of bending and heavy lifting. It can also be hard on the heart: Older adults face an increased risk for having heart problems while shov- eling. And it’s not unusual for people to slip or fall—or get hit by the shovel—when shoveling snow. REMOVE IT SAFELY When it’s time to tackle that snow-covered walkway or driveway, follow these sug- gestions for safe shoveling: ●  ● Dress appropriately. Wear light, water-repellent clothing; a hat; gloves; and warm socks. Put on shoes or boots with good traction to avoid falling. ●  ● Never use a shovel that is too heavy or too long. ●  ● Clear snow early and often. It’s easier to remove a light covering of snow from the ground than it is to clear packed, heavy snow. ●  ● Take plenty of breaks and drink lots of water. ●  ● If you feel any pain, stop shoveling right away. If you have chest pain, seek medical attention immediately. ●  ● Push snow instead of lifting it. ●  ● Avoid throwing snow over your shoulder or to the side because it can stress your back. If you have any questions about your snow-shoveling fitness, you should talk to your doctor—especially if you’re older than 40, don’t exercise regularly or have a history of heart problems. Sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; National Safety Council 5 things to know about hospice