Keeping the Family Safe in Winter

Winter is the perfect season to snuggle up inside and watch the snow fall through the winter. But winter also brings some risks associated with the snow and cold. Here are a few easy ways to reduce those risks, keeping yourself and your family members safe.

Keep Fire Safety in Mind

Fire is warm and comforting, but also dangerous. If you use a candle to create ambiance, make sure you put it out before you go to bed. Don’t leave a candle burning alone in a room, either.

Also, be careful with space heaters. Make sure you clear anything flammable away from them. If you use propane for heat, make sure your tank is secure. Establish a regular schedule with your propane delivery team, and have your tank serviced periodically to keep it in good shape.

Avoid Slips and Falls

To prevent slip-and-fall injuries, make sure you keep your walkways clear of snow. Use rock salt or another ice melting agent to get rid of slick ice. If you have an older loved one, make sure they have winter boots with good traction. Consider having your in-home care provider help you get your older family member in and out of the vehicle on slippery days.

Use Medications to Your Advantage

Visit your local pharmacy, and stock up on medications and remedies that are helpful for winter. Get your Rx refills in advance so you don’t run out of medication during a storm.

Purchase some skin cream to treat dry skin, which is common due to the dry winter air. It’s also smart to keep some cold medicine on-hand, and to use some capsaicin or menthol gel to ease muscles that are sore from shoveling snow and tackling other winter chores.

Dress Warmly

Make sure you and your loved ones have plenty of warm clothing on-hand to protect you from the snow and cold. Consider arranging for a dry cleaners nearby to pick up your laundry items so you can get them cleaned without having to leave your house. This way, you can look your best in clean clothing, but still stay warm.

On cold days, it is best to dress in layers. Opt for breathable fabrics, like wool and synthetics, over cotton.

Winter is a beautiful season, but it does bring about some risks. With the tips above, you can mitigate those risks and remain focused on the seasonal beauty and family time.

One Year into the Pandemic

It was back in January last year when the first cases of COVID-19 were reported in the U.S., and in March 2020, the WHO declared the outbreak a pandemic. We are now one full year into the pandemic. It has been a hard year for everyone, but especially for our frontline workers, the elderly and their caregivers. We may be suffering from COVID fatigue but it is important that we remain vigilant and stay safe. I have some tips to share as we find our way through these difficult times.

Plan for Vaccination

Make a plan to get your COVID-19 vaccine, and help older adults in your life make a plan to get their vaccine. Find out if you can get vaccinated at your favorite local pharmacy; many are administering vaccines to at-risk individuals. Your local health department is another good resource to find vaccination sites in your area. If you live in Massachusetts like me, you can go on MA DPH website for clinics/sites that are currently accepting patients for vaccinations.

In Massachusetts, vaccines go to those who are most at risk first. Your elderly family members who are 75+ may get vaccinated in Phase 1 and those who are 65+ may get vaccinated in Phase 2. If your loved one has an in-home caregiver through a home care agency, they should be vaccinated in Phase 1, too.

Keep Your Home Clean

Although COVID-19 is different from the common cold and flu, the same cleaning practices that reduce the spread of those illnesses will also reduce the spread of COVID-19. Wash your bedding and comforters often, and wipe down surfaces daily.

If your dry cleaners offer germ-free laundry services, take advantage of them — and consider using a laundry pickup and delivery service to minimize interpersonal contact.

Take Care of Senior Loved Ones

If you have older loved ones, do their grocery shopping for them so they don’t have to risk catching COVID-19 in public. Pick up their mail, bring them takeout, and run other errands so they can stay home, where they’re safer.

Remember to support seniors’ mental health, too. Chat with them on the phone, play games together, or find a new TV show to enjoy together. If you’re feeling burned out caring for a loved one, consider signing up for senior respite care service.

Stay Informed

Dwelling on the news can be stressful, but you should check the news two or three days a week. This will ensure you stay informed about vaccine plans and safety protocols in your area.

Tips for Newbie Pet Owners on Caring for Dogs

Dogs are a great companion for seniors, kids and practically people of all ages. If you’re new to pet ownership, it may seem a bit overwhelming. But even if it sometimes hard work, caring for a dog is SO worth it. Here are some tips for caring for dogs.

Prepare for Dog Hair. EVERYWHERE

It’s just part of being a dog owner. Dog hair gets everywhere. You get used to it. But there are also ways to cut down on the hairiness. Taking the bedding, throws, blankets and other household items to the local dry cleaners every so often is certainly a big help. But you could also invest in a special brush for your fur baby. Brushing a dog at least weekly will cut down on shedding. Long-haired breeds may need monthly trips to the groomer as well.

woman practising yoga with dog at her side. — Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

Check Out Local Dog Parks

Dogs go nuts with the hoops, hurdles and tunnels in dog parks. They are the perfect way to get them to work out some energy and socialize with other dogs. Most dog parks have certain requirements like registration, updated vaccination records, and a clean bill of health. Make sure you check your town’s community parks website for more information. They may require a special tag before entering.

Special Health Concerns

It’s common for some dogs to develop special health concerns like skin rashes or even GI issues. Sometimes your vet will prescribe meds that can be picked up at a pet compounding pharmacy. For skin concerns, you may want to try special shampoos for sensitive skin. These may have to be specially ordered online, but always check with your local pharmacy or pet store first. Never use products made for people on your dog.

Have Plenty of Safe Toys for the Puppy Stage

Puppies love to chew. It’s what they do. So it’s best to stock up on safe toys specially made for young dogs. Just like babies, dogs go through a teething stage. If they don’t have a toy to chew on, they’ll find something else, like your shoes or clothes. Most vets recommend a combination of soft and hard toys, so your dog will always have a safe option when they get the urge to chew.

With a little preparation and know-how, dog ownership can be lots of comfort and fun.

Taking Care of Your Dry Skin in Winter

The winter weather can wreak havoc on our skin. It can be even worse if you have sensitive skin to begin with. It’s important not to ignore the beginning signs of dry skin, since it can quickly become flaky and cracked if ignored. Cracked skin can lead to pain, bleeding and even skin infections. Here are some ways to take care of your dry skin in the wintertime.

Stock Up on Good Quality Lotions, Creams and Moisturizers

Lotion is an absolute must in the winter. You’ll find that you need to moisturize much more often than you do the rest of the year. Having several bottles of good quality moisturizer or cream in your house, in your car and in your purse or backpack will keep you prepared. Apply it on your hands and forearms several times a day, as those are the areas that tend to get the driest. But also apply to your whole body right after a hot shower, that will ensure your skin will stay moisturized longer. The pharmacy near me has a great selection of lotions, creams and moisturizers, and I can also consult the pharmacists there for the products that suit my skin. If needed, they also offer skin compounding service, providing compounded medications with specific strengths, dosages and forms for skin conditions such as eczyma and psoriasis.

Don’t Forget About the Kiddos

Kids tend to get incredibly dry skin in the winter, and may not think or be able to tell you. Be sure you’re applying lotion daily to sensitive areas. Always check the ingredients and try to use unscented or undyed when possible. And don’t forget the diaper cream!

Beware of Irritants

Dry flaky skin can be especially sensitive to irritants. So it’s important to be aware of what kind of products you’re using on your laundry in the winter time. If you use a wash and fold service, or take items to the dry cleaner, be sure to let them know about your sensitive skin and allergies.

Aging Skin Can be Particularly Dry and Sensitive

If you are caring for an elderly family member, be sure to keep their skin moisturized in the winter time as well. Any home caregivers or medical help should be aware of any sensitivities or allergies your loved one has. Keep an eye out for reactions from certain products.

Dry skin can be a nuisance, but by taking a few extra steps in the winter, you can keep your skin soft and moisturized.

New Year, New You

It’s a new year! That, of course, doesn’t mean that the hardships and uncertainty of 2020 will disappear. However, we can make a conscious effort to declutter our minds by simplifying our lives. So, to maintain that “New Year, New You” mentality, here are some great tips that are easy to implement.

Take Care of Your Health

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we need to focus on our health and the health of our loved ones. This doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It can be as easy as starting to take a multi-vitamin every day, if you don’t already. Talk to your doctor about any nutritional supplements that might be beneficial for your specific health concerns. Your local pharmacy should carry everything you need. And you may even be able to get a nutritional consultation from your pharmacy as well.

Don’t Stress About the Little Things

We all have daily chores that can get ahead of us if we let them. It’s silly to stress about things like housework and laundry. If clothes are piling up, and it’s just adding too much stress to your life, consider hiring a laundry service. Having someone pick up your dirty laundry, wash, dry and fold them and deliver them back to you can be quite a lifesaver. There’s no reason to feel guilty about spending money on something like that if it’s within your budget. Checking things off your list that add to your stress is a good thing.

Make an Effort to Improve the Lives of Others

There’s no better way to improve your own life than by improving the life of someone you love. This past year has probably been especially tough on your elderly loved ones and neighbors. Be sure to check in on them often. Even if they have a home health aide or caregiver, they may be missing that personal contact from their loved ones. Nothing can replace a phone call from someone you love. This goes for friends with little ones at home too. Parents have played both caregiver and teacher roles for the last year, and it can be incredibly stressful. Just ordering a meal or sending over a gift basket to a mom or dad in your life would be an incredible gesture.

Doing these simple things can lead to a new you in this coming year!

Fighting the Winter Blues

2020 was a tough year. And as much as we wish it were true, the clock turning to 12:01 on New Years Day doesn’t make all of that hardship disappear. Sure, we’re going into the New Year with a sense of optimism and hope, but that still doesn’t mean we all can’t get bogged down with a case of the winter blues. That term in itself has a deeper meaning this year. Luckily, there’s plenty of easy things we can do to make things a bit simpler.

Clean House

Did you know that studies have shown that keeping your house tidy and eliminating clutter can actually decrease anxiety and lessen depression? Executing a little action on the things we can actually control in our life keeps us from dreading the things we can’t. So winter is the perfect time to do those chores you’ve been putting off all year. Clean out that crawl space, organize that closet, rearrange that pantry. All these things can create a little order in a chaotic time. Take those blankets and comforters to the dry cleaners or consider a laundry service for those piles of laundry that just can’t figure out how to wash themselves.

Stay Healthy

When you’re experiencing the winter blues, it’s even more important to take care of your physical health. Eat lots of healthy, fresh whole foods. Take a daily multi-vitamin. Pick up your prescribed medications on time, and talk to your doctor about any health changes or concerns. Your local pharmacy has everything you need to keep up with your health. And don’t forget your flu shot!

Stay Warm

Winter brings lots of unexpected weather. Be sure you have plenty of backup methods of keeping warm in preparation for winter storms. Space heaters are great, but if the power goes out, they’re not going to be much help. Consider a propane heater for Plan B. Check out the nearest propane tank refill service to ensure your supply.

Think of Others

If you’re experiencing the winter blues, think of how hard it might be for those that don’t enjoy the independence you do. Elderly loved ones can feel especially isolated and lonely this time of year. Consider hiring a home care aide for your loved one that could use a little extra help around the house.

Fighting the winter blues can be a team effort if you consider all the resources already at your fingertips in your community.

Fun Activities for Winter During COVID

Like other parts of the country, the state of Massachusetts is preparing for another surge of COVID cases after the Christmas and New Year holidays. There will be further restrictions including higher capacity limits at restaurants, theaters, performance venues, personal services, casinos, offices, places of worship, retail, golf facilities, libraries, gyms and museums, etc. and new gathering limits at private homes outdoors and indoors. With COVID fatigue, it is particularly difficult to fight the winter blues under these circumstances. Nonetheless, we should pick ourselves up, bundle up, and grab some sunshine and fresh air outside to cheer ourselves up!

Don’t forget that there are plenty of heating options to make fun activities possible, such as patio heaters, hot tubs, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits. So stock up on firewood or schedule for regular propane deliveries so that you never run out. Here are some suggestions for fun outdoor activities for winter.

Playing with Snow

This is not only fun but also great exercise for the whole family. Making a snow man is classic, but you can go further by building a snow fort, a whole family or village of snow people, organize a snowman competition with neighbors, etc. Start a snow fight to spice up the fun!

When you begin to feel the cold, make some hot chocolate and warm up near a fire. Toast some marshmallows and add into your hot chocolate – hmm, yummy!

Bird and Animal Watching

With the foliage gone, winter is a great time for bird and animal watching. Set up some birdfeeders to draw birds to your backyard or garden. You may spot some red cardinals and bluebirds quite easily, but goldfinches, sparrows, doves and wrens are also common. There are squirrels, chipmunks and depending on where you live, you might even spot a deer.

If you love taking pictures, birds and animals are great subjects, but not easy to photograph. However, you can readily capture stunning winter scenes such as snow-covered landscapes, icicles on trees, frozen lakes and rivers, you name it.

Stargazing

On clear nights, enjoy stargazing while relaxing in a heated pool or soaking in a bubbly hot tub or heated pool. Play some festive music or romantic music, depending on your mood.

Stay healthy while you enjoy the outdoors. Keep off-the-counter cough and cold medicines, skin care and pain relief products in the house just in case. Watch for snow stains on your clothes and remove them before throwing the clothing into the washing machine. If you use a laundry service in Boston, it would be a good idea to put a note about the stains in the laundry bag.

Winter can be fun even during the pandemic. Stay active and upbeat. With the help of vaccines, we can look forward to a healthier and happier Spring!

Tips For Caring For Your Elderly Loved Ones at Home

As our loved ones age, they feel most comfortable at home. That’s why if it’s safe for them to stay home, with some help, that’s usually the best option. But it definitely can be overwhelming for us to transition into becoming a caregiver, even if it’s not full time. Here are some tips for caring for your elderly loved ones at home.

Make the Home Safe

As we age, it becomes tricky to navigate certain spaces. Adding grab bars in the bathroom, shower and sitting areas is an easy way to give your loved one a little extra help and prevent falls. Consider reaching aids like grab claws kept in convenient places like under cabinets or in pantries.

elderly woman in the kitchen — Photo by CDC on Unsplash

Make Moving Around Easy

Canes and walkers are a helpful way to give your elderly loved ones some independence when moving around. There are even foldable walkers that can be stored away in closets or under furniture.

Prescriptions and Medical Reminders

If your loved one takes medication regularly, there are several ways to remind them to either refill prescriptions or pick up meds. You could set alarms, have them set up for monthly refills, or have the pharmacy set up reminder calls.

Companionship

If your elderly loved one is still in good health, a pet may be an option for companionship. Cats are generally less maintenance than dogs. However, some small dog breeds make great companions. If pets aren’t an option, consider hiring a sitter for the elderly a couple of days a week.

Delivery Services

There are so many grocery delivery services today, and some of them even offer special services for its elderly and high-risk clients. You can even download an app and order the groceries yourself, from your own home or office, and have them delivered to your loved one at their home. Some Boston dry cleaners and online laundry apps provide laundry delivery services as well.

Local Services

Get with your community park services. They may offer special hours or programs for elderly citizens. Even if that’s not an option, regular walks to the park or in the neighborhood are always a great idea.

Using these easy tips, caring for your elderly loved ones can be a rewarding experience for everyone.

Getting Ready for Winter

The colder weather is coming, and we’re still in a pandemic. Putting a little effort into preparing now will make the winter a whole lot easier to handle. Here are some great tips to keep in mind while you’re getting ready for winter.

a house in winter snow. — Photo by Kelly Lacy on Pexels.com

Stay Healthy

Winter is already smack dab in the middle of cold and flu season, and now we have COVID-19 to worry about as well. Stock up on hand sanitizers and cleaning supplies, but don’t hoard! Just pick up one or two extra each shopping trip until you have a small supply to get you through the winter months. Don’t forget to get your flu shot at the local pharmacy. Now it’s even more important than ever to keep up on your vaccinations.

Stay Warm

Even with lots of preparation, unexpected problems may occur like a broken furnace or power outage. You don’t want to be without heat in subzero temperatures. Your local pharmacy or supermarket might carry small space heaters. Also, consider buying a power generator, if you don’t have one yet, in case of power outages. If it’s a propane generator, then make sure you get a reliable propane supplier. Now is also a perfect time to take all your winter coats and down comforters to the dry cleaners, so they’re fresh and clean when you need them. Your summer clothes should be cleaned and put into storage too, if you still haven’t done so.

Prep You and Your Family’s Skin

Harsh temperatures can wreak havoc on the skin. It can even cause some pretty gnarly diaper rash for your little ones. My local compounding pharmacy in Newton makes a fantastic diaper rash cream called Baby Ease, which you can buy online. Make sure you have plenty of body lotion and rash cream, which, of course, can be found at your local pharmacy.

Check on Your Loved Ones

If you have elderly parents or loved ones who live alone, make sure you check in often during the winter. You may even want to consider getting companion care services from a home care agency. Even if your elderly loved ones are still healthy, the cold months can bring in the winter blues. A professional caregiver can keep an eye on your loved one’s behavior as the nights get longer, watching for mood changes. Home caregivers are also trained to provide meaningful conversation and engage seniors in activities at home. A little extra help and companionship will keep your loved one mentally and physically healthy.

Hope these simple tips will help you and yours be ready for a safe and healthy winter.

Dealing with Stress and Anxiety At Home Due to COVID-19

This is a tough time. COVID-19 has shifted our entire world. Things aren’t back to normal yet, and we have no idea when they will be. If you’re already prone to stress and anxiety, this time may be especially hard on you. Or it may be triggering your anxiety or depression. Know that you’re not alone. We’re all in this together. Don’t be afraid to get help, or speak with your therapist about new issues that are coming up due to the pandemic. In the meantime, I have a few ideas to take some of the stress out of everyday activities. Every little thing helps, especially now.

Don’t Worry Too Much About Home Chores

Since we’re home a lot more than usual, there could be some extra pressure to keep your home clean and tidy. But in reality a lot of people have a messy home right now! To take some pressure off, consider hiring a maid service, and taking your laundry to the dry cleaners nearby. They probably offer more services than you realize. If you care for your elderly parents or family members, now is a perfect time to consider hiring an in-home caregiver. Any service that can check some chores off your daily to-do list would be a huge help.

Herbal Remedies

There are plenty of natural remedies to help with anxiety. Herbal teas are always a great way to get a little downtime during the day. Even the ritual of making a cup of aromatic herbal tea and sitting somewhere quiet to drink can be a huge stress reliever. Remember, increased caffeine intake can actually increase anxiety symptoms, so look for caffeine-free teas. If the tea ain’t cutting it, consider some herbal supplements. I know that the pharmacy near me has a wide variety of natural stress and anxiety aids. Your pharmacy may do the same, too. Check them out and ask the pharmacist for suggestions while you’re there.

Don’t Forget About Your Pets

Animals can sense when things are off. If your schedule is different now, and your pet’s routines have changed as a result of the pandemic, they may be feeling some anxiety too. It wouldn’t hurt to check with your vet about possible antidepressants for dogs. Also, making a few extra trips to the dog park during the week can help both of you get some stress relief.

Remember, we’re all feeling the effects of the pandemic right now, and it’s important to take care of each other.