Important Facts to Learn During Arthritis Awareness Month
About 25% of U.S. adults have arthritis. This painful chronic health condition affects more than 58 million people. May is Arthritis Awareness Month. It’s a good time to learn the facts and ask your dad how well he manages when arthritis flares up.
There Are Dozens of Types of Arthritis
In-Home Care Orlando, FL: Arthritis Awareness Month
There are more than 100 inflammatory joint conditions under the general umbrella of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the type you’re going to know best. It’s caused by excessive use of joints as you age. Other types of arthritis include gout, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and fibromyalgia.
Around Half of Older Adults Have Arthritis
The older he gets, the more likely it is that your dad’s doctor will diagnose him with arthritis. In people 65 or older, 49.6% have been diagnosed with arthritis.
Arthritis Increases the Risk of Falling
When an adult has arthritis, the pain and inflammation can impact balance and stamina. Arthritis doubles the fall risk. People with arthritis are 2.5x more likely to fall two or more times in a year. Those falls can lead to severe head injuries or bone fractures.
Gout Is More Common in Men
Men are more likely to develop gout, an inflammatory arthritis that typically appears in the joint of the big toe. If your dad has gout, the pain can be excruciating. He won’t want to wear a sock or shoe. He might find that a sheet and bedding cause pain.
Dietary changes can lessen the risk of a flare-up. He needs to avoid red meat, alcohol, and shellfish.
There Is No Cure
You cannot cure arthritis, but you can manage the pain and inflammation with exercise, medications, weight loss, and hot and cold compresses. Over-the-counter NSAID medications like ibuprofen are commonly used to treat the pain.
Exercise is Key
While it seems counterproductive to exercise when arthritis pain is flaring up, it’s exactly what your dad needs to do. He needs to walk at least 30 minutes per day. If he can tolerate other activities, such as Tai Chi and Yoga, that’s even better.
Smoking Can Worsen the Pain
If your dad has rheumatoid arthritis, smoking worsens the pain. Smoking can also increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. If he’s a smoker, he needs to quit the habit. A good place to start is by talking to his doctor.
Support Your Dad’s Desire to Age at Home
In-home care aides make a big difference when it comes to your dad’s independence. He may not be able to do everything around his home, but the tasks he can’t manage are completed by in-home care aides. It helps him remain independent as he ages at home.
To arrange in-home care, call an agency. Ask questions, get prices, and book the services your dad needs.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering In-Home Care in Orlando, FL please contact the caring staff at Winter Garden Senior Home Care today. (407) 347-2050
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/communications/features/arthritis-awareness.html
https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/arthritis-related-stats.htm
Founder / Owner
Jennifer Talbot is the Co-Owner of Winter Garden Senior Home Care in Winter Garden Florida.The business opened on Plant Street in October of 2007 (formally known as Age Advantage).
Jennifer remains active in the business and enjoys personally meeting with families looking for professional, classy caregivers. She prides herself in taking the time to listen and appreciate the personalities and life experiences of people who wish to “age in place”.Her unique ability to match people with their ideal caregiver, combined with a strong sense of service is what makes her business so successful.
Mrs. Talbot is a current member and past president of the Winter Garden Rotary Club, past president of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, active West Orange Chamber member, Recipient of the “Spirit of West Orange” Award 2017, Past Business Networking International Growth Coordinator, Past Committee member and founder of South Lake’s HINT, sustainer member of the West Orange Junior Service League, past board member for AGED, advisory board member for Elder Advocates, a United States Air Force brat, and proud mother of two college graduates.
Rebecca Lanterman
Owner
Rebecca has worked in the Central Florida medical community for over 10 years.She is a native of Winter Garden, Florida andhas a driving passion to serve our seniors.It has been said that Rebecca never meets a stranger.Her experience has been in Hospice, Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Communities where she faithfully served as a community liaison helping residents and families understand the myriad of long term care and healthcare options.
Rebecca is the mom of a little guy who is the twinkle of her eye.She can often be heard telling stories of traveling all around the country pulling her camper.To Rebecca, to live life is to touch it and experience it.Growing up in Central Florida afforded her some unique experiences like being a part of the “Magic” at Walt Disney World where she was a Walt Disney World Spirit Ambassador.She feels that this early indoctrination by The Walt Disney Company helped her understand the true value of serving others.To this day, she still has some of that Pixie Dust.Rebecca has also accomplished countless marathons and triathlons. After the sudden loss of her dad, her training partner, in 2012 she stepped away from the sport.But, as time has passed and healing has taken place, she is back to pursuing their dreams again.This time, her dad, her trusty training partner is keeping pace in her heart.It is from that willingness and drive that Rebecca has a keen understanding of the arduous and often treacherous course that our families are on.And, she is here to come along beside you and be with you each step, each stride, and each hurdle.It’s the old adage “life is a marathon and not a sprint”.She is here along with the team at Winter Garden Senior Home Care to be a part of your journey.
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