High Blood Pressure – The Silent Killer

The Silent Killer That is High Blood Pressure

May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month, meaning this is the perfect time to delve into this important subject matter. AmeriBest is proud to provide service to individuals in the greater Philadelphia area who suffer from high blood pressure. You might have high blood pressure and not even know it. Below, we provide a look at some helpful tips to determine if you have high blood pressure and also explain how blood pressure is measured.

Blood Pressure Risk Factors

Did you know that simply being African-American hikes your chances of having high blood pressure? African-Americans are also more likely to have blood pressure issues that are that much more severe. Additional risk factors include a family history of high blood pressure and age. The older you get, the greater the chance that you will be saddled with high blood pressure. Though few are aware of it, being a man also boosts the chances of having high blood pressure. Insufficient physical activity, an unhealthy diet, consuming too much alcohol, and being overweight are also high blood pressure risk factors. Finally, those who have kidney disease are also that much more likely to suffer from high blood pressure.

The Warning Signs of High Blood Pressure

There is a common misconception that those who experience difficulty sleeping, regular sweating, nervousness, or facial flushing automatically have high blood pressure. Rather, the truth is high blood pressure is a silent killer in that there are not many signs that indicate it is a problem. Contrary to popular opinion, high blood pressure does not spur nosebleeds or headaches.

The Silent Killer That is High Blood Pressure

However, there are a couple of signs that indicate high blood pressure might occur yet these are not surefire guarantees of high blood pressure. As an example, blood spots in the eyes are particularly common amongst those who have high blood pressure. Dizziness and facial flushing also sometimes indicate high blood pressure.

How to Check Blood Pressure

You have the ability to check blood pressure on your own. However, if you do not feel comfortable doing so, one of our Philadelphia home health aides can check your blood pressure for you. If you would like to test your high blood pressure, you can do so at a local Philadelphia pharmacy or on your own at home with the right equipment.

Be sure to sit peacefully for at least five minutes prior to checking your blood pressure. The reading should be taken in a quiet place while seated in a comfortable chair. Do not consume caffeine, alcohol, or other stimulants prior to performing a reading.

AmeriBest is Here to Help

Whether you have high blood pressure or another health problem, AmeriBest can help you live with dignity. We provide home health aide service, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and skilled nursing services. Contact us today at 215-925-3313 or by email at info@ameribest.org to find out more about our services. You can also reach out to our team through our online contact form and we will be in touch at our earliest convenience.

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Mind Your Mental Health This May

Mind Your Mental Health This May

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. If you are like most people, you have been quarantined in your home for over a year. This isolation has undoubtedly taken a toll on your mental health. In particular, Philadelphia seniors and those who live alone are that much more likely to suffer mental health problems. After all, we are a social species with a yearning to bond with others in-person rather than over screens through videoconferencing.

Tips for Caregivers

If you provide care for someone who is elderly or otherwise isolated, go out of your way to engage them in conversation throughout the entirety of your caregiving sessions. Even if you don’t have much to discuss, you can make small talk about the weather or current events to stimulate the individual you are caring for. Keep in mind, those who have no one to talk to have the potential to lose their phonetic abilities, meaning they will struggle to enunciate words following extended periods of silence. It will also help to engage in shared social activities with the patient such as board games, outings around town, and other group activities.

Even taking the senior citizen or other needy individuals in your life to the park or another social space for a picnic will lift his or her spirit, stimulate conversation and potentially lead to a conversation with Philadelphia community members. If the individual you care for expresses an interest in participating in a community activity such as a book club, a movie club, bingo sessions, or anything else involving others, volunteer to drive them to and from that event. Even if these social experiences only occur once every couple of weeks, they will provide the individual you care for with something to look forward to.

Mind Your Mental Health This May

Mental Health Following the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread loneliness and mental illness in Philadelphia, the United States, and the rest of the world. Studies show one-third of those who contracted the virus suffered mental health or brain health issue. However, even those who did not contract the virus are dealing with social isolation. In particular, those with minimal income and savings have suffered severe mental health problems throughout the pandemic. Though the rich also endured mental health issues during the pandemic, those with less money lack the financial means necessary to obtain assistance from a mental health professional. Furthermore, those lacking in financial resources have also spent comparably more time worrying about paying the rent, buying enough food, and paying for the cost of monthly utilities.

Anxiety and depression amongst Americans have doubled from 20% prior to the pandemic to 40% during the pandemic, making it crystal clear that it will take some time for our collective mental health to return to even a semblance of normal. Ameribest is here to help with the assistance of home health aides and other healthcare professionals who are happy to provide assistance including social and mental stimulation that improves your well-being or that of your loved one.

Ameribest is on Your Side

Our Philadelphia home health aides are here to provide essential assistance including social stimulation. Our team is friendly, talkative, and more than willing to engage you in conversation. If you suspect or know you or a loved one can benefit from the assistance of one of our home health aides, our skilled nurses, our physical therapy, or our occupational therapy, contact us today. Ameribest can be reached by phone at 215-925-3313 or by email at info@ameribest.org.

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A Caregiving Journal has the Potential to Change Your Life for the Better

A Caregiving Journal has the Potential to Change Your Life for the Better

People are quite fond of diaries yet there is comparably little discussion pertaining to caregiving journals. A caregiving journal will lift your spirit, help you avoid a crippling depression and ultimately regain control, at least to a limited extent. If you were to read a caregiving journal from an altruistic Philadelphia care provider, you would find this journal is quite insightful, even if the daily entries were fairly short.

The Power of Caregiving Journals

Caregiving journals might not seem that important on the surface yet they are quite important for individuals who selflessly provide assistance to others. These journals detail daily challenges in the context of caregiving in Philadelphia, oftentimes delving into the frustrations that inevitably arise when providing care for those in need. Writing journal entries after providing care certainly takes time and effort yet doing so will make a meaningful difference in your mental health, boosting your spirit, and ultimately empowering you to continue to provide care as time progresses.

One Part Therapist, One Part Diary

If you were to ask care providers about the merits of writing a caregiving journal, the majority of them would testify their journal is an outlet to vent. Instead of detailing their challenges to friends and family and ultimately bringing them down while chewing up their limited time, caregivers who journal write down their thoughts. The process of venting through writing really is quite cathartic. In fact, plenty of professional care providers including some physicians journal on a daily basis. 

A Caregiving Journal has the Potential to Change Your Life for the Better

Caregiving journals are not limited to a private airing of grievances. Some such journals are more gratitude-oriented, meaning they serve as a medium to express one’s thankfulness for their health and ability to provide care to others in need. Jot down your challenges as well as your moments of joy, humorous experiences, and other events that occur on a daily basis and you will find you gravitate toward your journal. 

Write Rather Than Edit

The beauty of jotting down entries in a caregiving journal is no one else has to read it, meaning it can be written in your handwriting no matter how sloppy it is. This is your opportunity to write down your daily experiences without worrying about the rules of grammar or punctuation. Just be sure to read your journal entries every now and then so you can reflect on prior challenges and also your accomplishments. Ideally, you will wait a few weeks or even a month to read prior journal entries so you have some time to emotionally distance yourself from the experiences chronicled in your journal.

A Caregiving Journal has the Potential to Change Your Life for the Better

AmeriBest Home Care

If you know or suspect you or a loved one can benefit from home care services, reach out to AmeriBest Home Care today. Our Philadelphia team is here to help you live a rewarding life for as long as possible in the comfort of your home. You can contact our team by phone at 215-925-3313. If you prefer to reach out to our team online, you can do so by completing our contact form or by sending an email message to info@ameribest.org.

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Black History Month – Celebration of Achievements of African Americans in Healthcare

Black History Month is here. This is a time to celebrate the contributions of African Americans to society including the healthcare industry. Though the mainstream media ignored these contributions in decades past, African Americans are finally getting their due attention.

Diversity in Healthcare Matters

Racial diversity in the healthcare industry is important, especially in the context of home care services provided in the melting pot that is Philadelphia. As time progresses, more and more African Americans are entering the healthcare industry and receiving much-deserved recognition for their contributions.

Diverse caregivers with a wide range of perspectives and experiences really do make Philadelphia home care services that much more effective. Let’s take a look at a couple of examples of African Americans’ contributions to the healthcare industry.

Dr. Alexa Irene Canady

Dr. Canady was the first-ever African American female neurosurgeon in the country. She officially started working in this role in 1981. Dr. Canady’s passion for medicine stems back to a summer program centered on the study of genetics specifically created for racial minorities. Dr. Canady’s academic advisers discouraged her from pursuing a career as a neurosurgeon yet she beat the odds, broke through barriers, and became the first female African American neurosurgeon in the history of the United States.

Dr. James McCune Smith

Dr. Smith was the first African American to earn a medical degree. He earned his medical degree way back in 1837 at Scotland’s Glasgow University. Dr. Smith subsequently returned to the United States where he opened the country’s first pharmacy run by an African American.

The Father of the Blood Bank

Dr. Charles Richard Drew often referred to as the father of the blood bank, is worthy of our respect and admiration this February. Dr. Drew’s unique approach for storing blood products relied on the preservation of blood plasma for transfusion. This method has saved thousands of lives. Dr. Drew also worked as a medical scientist and surgeon. In fact, Dr. Drew was the first-ever African American to graduate with a medical doctorate from Columbia University.

Mary Eliza Mahoney

Mahoney was the first African American to become a licensed professional nurse. Mahoney’s nursing degree was awarded in 1879. This was quite the accomplishment as Mahoney was subjected to considerable racism throughout her career. In 1908, she went on to co-found NACGN, an acronym short for the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses.

Aside from serving as a trailblazer in the nursing field, Mahoney also contributed to the women’s suffrage movement. In fact, Mahoney was one of the first women to register to vote following the 19th Amendment’s ratification in 1920.

Contact AmeriBest Home Care Agency Today

If you or a family member need home care, we are here to help. We provide the industry’s best home health services. Our full range of services is custom-tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Contact us today at 215-925-3313 or by email at info@ameribest.org to learn more about how we can help. You can also reach us by filling out our online contact form.

COVID-19 Vaccines: What You Need to Know

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When it comes to the subject of COVID-19 vaccines, there are plenty of mistruths, and even some bald-faced lies. If you don’t invest your time learning about the vaccines used to combat the coronavirus, you will end up underinformed or misinformed. It is time to separate fact from fiction.

COVID-19 Vaccines Are Worthy of Your Trust

There is a common misconception that vaccines developed to stop the spread of coronavirus are unsafe as they were rushed. Though the global scientific community certainly ramped up their efforts to develop vaccines as quickly as possible, this does not mean the end results are in any way unsafe. The bottom line is the world’s top scientists did not take shortcuts when developing coronavirus vaccines.

Though this is the first time messenger RNA or MRNA for short, is being used for a vaccine the general public will receive, this strategy has been carefully developed across the prior three decades with patient safety squarely in mind. So don’t believe those who insist the rush to create vaccines makes them inherently unsafe.

Those Who Have Already Contracted the Virus Should Still Take the Vaccine

It is quite possible natural immunity to the virus lasts a couple of weeks, a full month, several months, or even longer. However, our top scientists are unsure as to exactly how long natural immunity lasts. Sadly, it appears as though it is becoming increasingly common for people to contract the virus several times over. Medical experts in Philadelphia and beyond insist even those who have contracted the virus should still receive the vaccine to ensure they are fully protected.

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Masks and Social Distancing Must Continue After Receiving the Vaccine

One of the most pervasive myths about the vaccines being dispersed across the world is their implementation eliminates the need to continue social distancing and mask-wearing. The medical community is adamant that everyone who receives the vaccine should continue wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, washing their hands with regularity, and proceeding with caution.

Receiving the initial vaccine shot does not immediately make someone immune to coronavirus. It takes upwards of an entire week to 10 days for the human body to start developing antibodies. These antibodies gradually increase across the weeks to come, meaning masks and social distancing will be the norm in Philadelphia and elsewhere until herd immunity is achieved through the widespread dispersal of the vaccine.

Comprehensive Expert Reviews Indicate the Vaccines Are Safe

Though the Russian vaccine administered to its populace did not undergo a thorough review to ensure safety and efficacy, the vaccines provided to those in the United States have undergone comprehensive analysis. The experts who have studied these vaccines insist they are completely safe. As an example, nearly 44,000 people enrolled in Pfizer’s clinical vaccine trial. The results of the trial were studied in-depth by medical experts who concluded the Pfizer vaccine is safe.

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AmeriBest Home Care Philadelphia Is Here to Help During This Trying Time

Do you have a family member or friend in the greater Philadelphia area who could benefit from home care assistance? AmeriBest Home Care is available to help your loved one or friend enjoy a dignified and comfortable life. Reach out to AmeriBest Home Care today at (215) 925-3313 to learn more about our services and coordinate home care.

All About Caregiving: Numbers, Facts, and Meaning

AmeriBest Home Care - All About Caregiving: Numbers, Facts, and Meaning

You’ve got questions and we’ve got answers!

Individuals with older parents, neighbors, friends, or family may be acting as unpaid caregivers without even knowing it. Read on to find out what caregiving is, what it means to be a caregiver, and what you can do about it.

All About Caregiving

Caregivers are individuals who care for others- friends, family, patients.

Caregiving is what they do.

Caregivers dedicate hours of their time and energy to help care for the medical, emotional, mental, and physical needs of older adults. Caregivers make it their mission to help elderly live their best lives, as happily and healthily as possible.

Caregiving is usually done in a facility or at home, with many seniors now opting for at-home services more and more.

Caregiving At-Home

At-home caregiving services have become increasingly popular over recent years. With at-home caregiving, seniors are able to age comfortably in the familiarity and calmness of their own homes. Whether with a family caregiver or a professional health aide, seniors are able to continue to live their “regular” schedules with just a bit of help.

Caregiving services include:

  • Light housekeeping
  • Meal prep
  • Oral hygiene
  • Showering
  • Dressing
  • Repositioning in bed

More medical at-home services include:

  • Skilled nursing
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Medial social work

Caregiving Statistics

Although there is great meaning and reward to a job like this, it’s not all roses and rainbows for caregivers. Many caregivers work unpaid, simply helping friends and family. This means doing the work of a full-time job, without the pay. And, 24% of caregivers even care for more than one senior at a time.

Unfortunately, the time restraints and stresses of caregiving can have a real negative effect on health and wellbeing. In fact, 21% of family caregivers view their health as fair to the poor.

Over the past five years, the number of American citizens providing unpaid care for others has increased significantly. In 2015, stats showed that approximately 43.5 million Americans acted as family caregivers. Now, in 2020, the statistics show a mighty 53 million. That’s a 3% increase in just 5 years. Meaning, that around one in five Americans acts as some kind of family caregiver.

What this Means for You

For friends:

If you think one of your friends, neighbors, relatives, or acquaintances might fall under the category of unpaid caregivers in America- offer them support. You may think there’s not much for you do to, but as a friend, you can lend emotional and physical support. And, that support may just make the difference between a happy caregiver and an overwhelmed caregiver.

For seniors:

It can be hard to rely on others for help. But know: your family, friends, and aides are helping because they want to because they deeply care about you. So, say thank you, accept the help, and appreciate the time and effort they are putting into their relationship with you.

For caregivers:

If what you’ve read here rings true- you might be functioning as an unpaid caregiver. Ease the stress, and get paid for the work you’re already doing! Contact us today, with us you can get paid to be a caregiver. You’ll even get paid training, a flexible schedule, benefits, bonuses, and other great employment opportunities!

Coronavirus Holiday Safety for Seniors

Coronavirus Holiday Safety for Seniors

With a vaccine nearly here, health officials are still strongly encouraging mask wearing and social distancing. In fact, many states have recently added new safety precautions – including limiting indoor gatherings to 10 people at a time.

This makes holiday planning a little tricky for seniors this year.

But, not to fear! Seniors can still celebrate and partake in all the holiday cheer. They just have to do it smartly and safely.

In this article, we’ve included tips on how to keep your senior safe throughout the holidays, as well as suggestions on how to help your seniors make the most of their celebrations this year.

How to Keep Seniors Safe This Holiday?

As a word to the wise, here are some basic safety precautions to take this holiday season. You may be tired of hearing these tips, but it’s always good to have a reminder every so often. Especially, when it comes to the health and wellbeing of seniors we love. And, make sure your senior is following all CDC health guidelines.

  1. Avoid large parties.
  2. Social distance.
  3. Wear a mask.
  4. Wash hands frequently.
  5. Keep some hand-sanitizer nearby.
  6. Find out the health status of your guests.
  7. Sit 6-feet apart when eating.

How to Make the Most of the Holidays This Year?

Just because there are extra rules and regulations this year, doesn’t mean the holidays are ruined. In fact, you may find that some of these safety precautions actually have some positive impacts on the holidays. 

1. Focus on What Matters

Over the years, the holidays have become so commercialized, that we’ve easily lost sight of what truly matters. The real meaning behind the holidays.

Now, we have a chance and a reason to get away from the huge parties and instead stay home with family. The stricter safety regulations this year have given us a chance to spend quality time with our seniors and the people we truly love.

2. Send Gifts Ahead of Time

Sales have already begun. This means, that you can easily start your holiday gift shopping now.

If you can’t spend the holidays in-person together, sending gifts ahead of time to your senior is a sweet way of showing that you care. You can also make it an activity over the phone, and help your senior send his or her gifts to friends and family.

3. Learn How to Entertain Virtually

If you’ve got a big family, video calls will be your best friend this holiday season. Put your senior on a video call to keep him or her safe, but included. You can unwrap gifts together, watch holiday movies together, sing together, play games together, or even just sit and chat.

Video calls are a wonderful way to spend time with everyone this holiday season, while still being cautious.

4. Send Some Holiday Cards

Phone calls and video calls are nice, but there’s something extra special about a hand-written card. It may sound old-school, but sending a hand-written holiday card or thank you card, will really show your senior how much you care about them and how much you miss them. You may even want to help your senior write out some cards as well! 

Ready to provide caring and capable Home Health to a loved one in the comfort of their very own home? AmeriBest Home Care can help you! Call us today by number: 215-925-3313!