This is so important. Articles are starting to appear about the dangers for those of us in the northern hemisphere that have diabetes. A lot of the normal sources are dusting off the prior years blogs, articles, and press releases to put out the word. All this is done for a good reason – many people forget lessons learned in prior years and there are new people that have been diagnosed and don't know the dangers.
It is easy to understand why this came out of the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. It is getting much warmer there now, but it will soon spread north to the rest of the northern hemisphere. The tips given are important and need to be heeded.
Because many people new to diabetes are not aware of the dangers, any advice about the dangers of heat and dehydration is good for people with diabetes (please read about heat stroke in my six blogs starting here). Also people need to protect their testing equipment (meters and strips) from the extreme heat and not store them in direct sunlight as this will make them useless. Also included is the medications (pills and/or insulin) that should be stored in cool packs (Frio packs) and not left in direct exposure to the sun. Frio packs can be found through many sources – just use your search engine and enter “Frio packs”.
I encourage you to read some of my previous blogs which can be found here about summer heat and taking care of yourself. Planning for the spring and summer heat and dangers can save you time and prevent lost money when you have to replace equipment, testing supplies and medications accidentally left in the direct sunlight or a vehicle out in the sun.
I also encourage you to read this article from the Mayo Clinic, Arizona.
April 4, 2011
March 31, 2011
Americans with Disabilities Act Gets Amended
This is an insight into what I have been working on the last few days and will take more time to fully digest – I don't like the pieces here and other pieces over there. I knew this was happening, but had not continued to follow it after the comment period was over. There is quite a few changes in the Americans with Disabilities Act that will affect many of us. From people with diabetes to service dogs, there is a lot digest and determine how regulations have changed and affect us.
The American Diabetes Association made this release which kicked my backside into action. The ADA is applauding the changes which provides clear and clear regulations protecting the rights of people with diabetes in the workplace. How far this will go in creating better climates and working conditions for people with diabetes is not as clear as I had hoped.
Some of it is bound to be tested in the courts and possibly to the Supreme Court. But I will leave this to those in the legal profession. Some changes are definitely for the best and hopefully some of these will undergo further definition in the future as there are some gaping holes still existing that need addressing. But I am straying away to areas not covered in the ADA press release.
The ADA boasts about their participation which is all well and good and I am satisfied that they did what they were able considering all the groups participating and demanding this and that regulation. Yet, I do wonder if they left some areas that were in need of action to get other regulations. This is the problem within our political system of compromise which leaves needs on the table.
Employment discrimination is a big issue addressed and for that I am thankful. The new regulations will benefit people with diabetes and employers. It will simplify the determination as to whether an individual is covered under the law and allow attention to be put on the issue of whether a person with diabetes is discriminated against because of diabetes.
I have much more information to work through and it is a time consuming task. I just wanted you to know some of what is occupying my time and why I needed a break from blogging. And I am enjoying some time away from research.
The American Diabetes Association made this release which kicked my backside into action. The ADA is applauding the changes which provides clear and clear regulations protecting the rights of people with diabetes in the workplace. How far this will go in creating better climates and working conditions for people with diabetes is not as clear as I had hoped.
Some of it is bound to be tested in the courts and possibly to the Supreme Court. But I will leave this to those in the legal profession. Some changes are definitely for the best and hopefully some of these will undergo further definition in the future as there are some gaping holes still existing that need addressing. But I am straying away to areas not covered in the ADA press release.
The ADA boasts about their participation which is all well and good and I am satisfied that they did what they were able considering all the groups participating and demanding this and that regulation. Yet, I do wonder if they left some areas that were in need of action to get other regulations. This is the problem within our political system of compromise which leaves needs on the table.
Employment discrimination is a big issue addressed and for that I am thankful. The new regulations will benefit people with diabetes and employers. It will simplify the determination as to whether an individual is covered under the law and allow attention to be put on the issue of whether a person with diabetes is discriminated against because of diabetes.
I have much more information to work through and it is a time consuming task. I just wanted you to know some of what is occupying my time and why I needed a break from blogging. And I am enjoying some time away from research.
March 24, 2011
Less Than Stellar Results From Gastric Banding
I had a different post ready for today, but it is not April Fools day yet, and I almost got sucked in by some bad information that was both misleading and hyping a poor product. Talk about following a gut instinct. I can only say this is one time I was very happy I decided to do more research. When I get past my anger about these people, I may write something about this, but I cannot see giving them any recognition or space in my blog.
Therefore I decided to do a short blog about a valid study done before the turn of the century that may not be representative of today's results. Gastric banding is done by may obese people with diabetes to assist them in weight loss. I know that the bariatric surgeons are less than happy that this study has been brought back, but people need to be informed about the errors of the past.
The same study has two different articles about the study done in Belgium between 1994 and the end of 1997. It also has comments about the improvements since, but none of this is backed by more recent studies. Just a way of crying foul when some little truth is exposed that might hurt some retirement funds.
I agree that the study was small and may not have been done by today's standards, but who is to know how the agenda would drive a study today. I agree that I have an agenda against the way bariatric surgery is being promoted today and the many facts that are being carefully sidestepped in the name of success and not scaring people away.
Read the articles about the same study here and here.
Therefore I decided to do a short blog about a valid study done before the turn of the century that may not be representative of today's results. Gastric banding is done by may obese people with diabetes to assist them in weight loss. I know that the bariatric surgeons are less than happy that this study has been brought back, but people need to be informed about the errors of the past.
The same study has two different articles about the study done in Belgium between 1994 and the end of 1997. It also has comments about the improvements since, but none of this is backed by more recent studies. Just a way of crying foul when some little truth is exposed that might hurt some retirement funds.
I agree that the study was small and may not have been done by today's standards, but who is to know how the agenda would drive a study today. I agree that I have an agenda against the way bariatric surgery is being promoted today and the many facts that are being carefully sidestepped in the name of success and not scaring people away.
Read the articles about the same study here and here.
March 22, 2011
Are you really prepared if disaster strikes?
With many of our thoughts and sympathies with the people of Japan, I am seeing a lot of blogs about disaster preparedness plans and having one. I think this is a good thing to have regardless of where you live, or what might happen. What ever you do, it is always good to be prepared.
Comment: Everyone talks the talk, but do they really walk the walk. Everyone seems to have a plan, but at best they are incomplete. Nothing is mentioned about replenishing perishable insulin or rotating oldest medications out and fresh in. Even water needs to be refreshed if stored in plastic. Make sure that you have extra batteries for meters, flashlights, and other equipment. If you have other supplies that expire with age, make sure they are rotated out and used and replace with fresh.
Another idea missing from most plans is where is this emergency supply kit to be stored. And think about whether you can get to it in an emergency and before you leave. Insulin requires refrigeration and most kits are probably not stored in the refrigerator. If you are on oral medications, then you may be one step ahead of others. What ever you decide, do not put something together and then forget about it. If any of your medications require refrigeration, you may be locked as to where you store your emergency kit. Have a year-round plan to update medications and not let them expire.
These are just some thoughts that crossed my mind while reading many of the plans.
I am not even saying that what I wrote almost seven months ago is always the best, but it may be worth rereading. The link is here.
Comment: Everyone talks the talk, but do they really walk the walk. Everyone seems to have a plan, but at best they are incomplete. Nothing is mentioned about replenishing perishable insulin or rotating oldest medications out and fresh in. Even water needs to be refreshed if stored in plastic. Make sure that you have extra batteries for meters, flashlights, and other equipment. If you have other supplies that expire with age, make sure they are rotated out and used and replace with fresh.
Another idea missing from most plans is where is this emergency supply kit to be stored. And think about whether you can get to it in an emergency and before you leave. Insulin requires refrigeration and most kits are probably not stored in the refrigerator. If you are on oral medications, then you may be one step ahead of others. What ever you decide, do not put something together and then forget about it. If any of your medications require refrigeration, you may be locked as to where you store your emergency kit. Have a year-round plan to update medications and not let them expire.
These are just some thoughts that crossed my mind while reading many of the plans.
I am not even saying that what I wrote almost seven months ago is always the best, but it may be worth rereading. The link is here.
March 20, 2011
Exercise – The Key to Managing Diabetes
I have said this before and will say it again – exercise. I have learned a few morsels to this in the last few years. Some have even told me to get lost as they are not medically able to exercise. Oh, really. A neighbor just reminded me of how false this is, except for a person that is a quadriplegic and others having some types of back injuries. Even another with a prosthetic limb said exercise is encouraged.
A neighbor is confined to a wheelchair with Type 2 diabetes and still exercises. He works very hard lifting five and ten pound or higher weights and once the snow is gone, I will see him out wheeling himself around several blocks in his wheelchair. He lost the use of his legs in an auto accident several years ago and has worked very diligently to build his muscles in his arms and body. He had an operation on one leg this winter and doctors are now hopeful that he may regain partial use of his left leg.
He has talked about this with me and he hopes that his right leg will be operated on next winter, and is hoping that the new procedure will give him full use. He did qualify for a powered chair, and has one for longer trips to the grocery store and other places, but he seldom uses it as he wants the exercise. I have seen him twice this winter and the second time he was standing on his left leg. Even that was an effort, but he wanted to show me the progress. The leg is still very stiff and it is difficult to stand on for lengthy periods, but he is working the leg and has a therapist in three days a week working with him.
So for my more sedentary friends, exercise generally is possible and for many people will require a doctors permission and developing a regimen with the doctors approval. Even lifting small weights can do good things for blood glucose control.
The main key is finding a type of exercise you enjoy and doing it can help. Many think running or jogging is the only exercise for them and if that works – great. Others have found that swimming is good for them and is something that they can do year round even here in the Midwest because the indoor pools are open. Others must use exercise equipment and if they do – good for them.
The idea is to be doing something that you enjoy, can do three to seven days a week and at varying times. Walking is always good for those that can't run or jog. Your management of diabetes will improve and you will not need to rely solely on nutrition (diet) to manage your blood glucose levels. Plus, if you want to reduce your chances of developing the complications of diabetes, exercise is an excellent tool.
I have to end this with an observation about what many people with diabetes seem to think is important. On one of the forums I participate on occasionally, one member was mourning the lost of carbs. In the responses to this, exercise was never mentioned. There were some excellent suggestions about cutting carbs and finding substitutes, but I am also surprised at the lack of nutritional advice as well.
This is an area of weakness in most forums and not just diabetes forums. A few forums have members that practice what they preach and will mention exercise without hesitation while others very seldom even think of exercise.
Most forums would be well advised to have a broad range of medical professionals, dietitians and nutritionists, and people that know exercise available to offer advice and answer questions.
A neighbor is confined to a wheelchair with Type 2 diabetes and still exercises. He works very hard lifting five and ten pound or higher weights and once the snow is gone, I will see him out wheeling himself around several blocks in his wheelchair. He lost the use of his legs in an auto accident several years ago and has worked very diligently to build his muscles in his arms and body. He had an operation on one leg this winter and doctors are now hopeful that he may regain partial use of his left leg.
He has talked about this with me and he hopes that his right leg will be operated on next winter, and is hoping that the new procedure will give him full use. He did qualify for a powered chair, and has one for longer trips to the grocery store and other places, but he seldom uses it as he wants the exercise. I have seen him twice this winter and the second time he was standing on his left leg. Even that was an effort, but he wanted to show me the progress. The leg is still very stiff and it is difficult to stand on for lengthy periods, but he is working the leg and has a therapist in three days a week working with him.
So for my more sedentary friends, exercise generally is possible and for many people will require a doctors permission and developing a regimen with the doctors approval. Even lifting small weights can do good things for blood glucose control.
The main key is finding a type of exercise you enjoy and doing it can help. Many think running or jogging is the only exercise for them and if that works – great. Others have found that swimming is good for them and is something that they can do year round even here in the Midwest because the indoor pools are open. Others must use exercise equipment and if they do – good for them.
The idea is to be doing something that you enjoy, can do three to seven days a week and at varying times. Walking is always good for those that can't run or jog. Your management of diabetes will improve and you will not need to rely solely on nutrition (diet) to manage your blood glucose levels. Plus, if you want to reduce your chances of developing the complications of diabetes, exercise is an excellent tool.
I have to end this with an observation about what many people with diabetes seem to think is important. On one of the forums I participate on occasionally, one member was mourning the lost of carbs. In the responses to this, exercise was never mentioned. There were some excellent suggestions about cutting carbs and finding substitutes, but I am also surprised at the lack of nutritional advice as well.
This is an area of weakness in most forums and not just diabetes forums. A few forums have members that practice what they preach and will mention exercise without hesitation while others very seldom even think of exercise.
Most forums would be well advised to have a broad range of medical professionals, dietitians and nutritionists, and people that know exercise available to offer advice and answer questions.
March 18, 2011
Do You Feel Guilty About Diabetes?
Are you buying into the myths often laid on us by the medical profession, friends, and family? This is easy to do, but you must not. First, understand that diabetes is not your fault. I have said this before and some need a constant reminder of this. Then be sure you are living in the present as the past is exactly that, the past.
Being able to manage diabetes is now your goal. This is a task that requires attention 24/7/365. There is no vacation and this does present challenges for some. There can be good and bad times, as well as days that can be planned when you can treat yourself to some relaxing time.
People with Type 2 diabetes often give up for several reasons. Often they are tempted and do give in to these temptations. Others get discouraged because they don't obtain the results the doctor had told them to expect. Some believe in the myths about diabetes and therefore do not challenge themselves to do many things that may help them in their management of diabetes. Still others do not follow the instructions of the doctor and wonder why they are not getting better.
A difficult truth for many is there are few people with Type 2 diabetes that can measure their results to another person's results. Therefore, you must become your own science experiment and find out how your body reacts to different foods, different medications, and different levels of exercise.
If you are looking for other views, two bloggers have something to say. David Spero has a blog here about this subject. And Pine Pienaar has has other suggestions here. (The last link is broken - no fix found.) They both have good points and I enjoy reading both.
If you have gotten past the initial shock, anger, and denial, the next step is gaining the knowledge you need to manage diabetes. There are many excellent books and web sites available that can give you much good information. Just a word of caution, there are some very unreliable websites that promise cures, but they are after your money and will promise most everything to get you to pay it over to them.
There are many studies out that criticize many of the sites for their unreliable and misleading information. Just use extreme caution and I have many sites listed in other blogs. A few are blog 1, blog 2, and blog 3. When you find something you like or that you find useful, bookmark it to have it for reference. If something does not work for you, discard it and move on. Occasionally some ideas will work in the future.
Being able to manage diabetes is now your goal. This is a task that requires attention 24/7/365. There is no vacation and this does present challenges for some. There can be good and bad times, as well as days that can be planned when you can treat yourself to some relaxing time.
People with Type 2 diabetes often give up for several reasons. Often they are tempted and do give in to these temptations. Others get discouraged because they don't obtain the results the doctor had told them to expect. Some believe in the myths about diabetes and therefore do not challenge themselves to do many things that may help them in their management of diabetes. Still others do not follow the instructions of the doctor and wonder why they are not getting better.
A difficult truth for many is there are few people with Type 2 diabetes that can measure their results to another person's results. Therefore, you must become your own science experiment and find out how your body reacts to different foods, different medications, and different levels of exercise.
If you are looking for other views, two bloggers have something to say. David Spero has a blog here about this subject. And Pine Pienaar has has other suggestions here. (The last link is broken - no fix found.) They both have good points and I enjoy reading both.
If you have gotten past the initial shock, anger, and denial, the next step is gaining the knowledge you need to manage diabetes. There are many excellent books and web sites available that can give you much good information. Just a word of caution, there are some very unreliable websites that promise cures, but they are after your money and will promise most everything to get you to pay it over to them.
There are many studies out that criticize many of the sites for their unreliable and misleading information. Just use extreme caution and I have many sites listed in other blogs. A few are blog 1, blog 2, and blog 3. When you find something you like or that you find useful, bookmark it to have it for reference. If something does not work for you, discard it and move on. Occasionally some ideas will work in the future.
March 16, 2011
Low Carbohydrate Mistakes Many Make
Are you thinking about starting a low carbohydrate lifestyle? Are you prepared? Will this be planned to be sustainable? Most people do not make it for many reasons, but the most common problem is that the way they have chosen is not sustainable. First, they have chosen a diet and do not balanced it for nutrition.
Here is a dozen problems or mistakes people make.
Not sustainable: Most people do not realize this when they start because they don't do any advance planning and then do not actively adapt when things go wrong. Mistakes do happen and people must be either adapt or change to stay low carb. If you are not in this for the long-term, then you are doing this for the wrong reason and need to stop.
Not starting it correctly: The problem here is that many start off immediately and do not realize that sometimes it is best to start out slowly and work your way down to get adjusted. Some have success the other way, but they have done the planning ahead of time. Over eating protein is not a solution and is not balanced for nutrition.
Not adjusting as needed: When a mistake is made, many people give up and do not adjust or correct for the mistake. For success, people should be prepared to make mistakes and at least learn how to correct for these.
Stopping too early: This is a common mistake. Some people are not prepared for the cut in carbohydrates and decide that they are not cut out for this lifestyle change. If you are serious, recognize this and adjust your carbohydrate intake up for a period of time to see if that will work and then attempt to adjust downward.
Not including enough vegetables and fruit: This is one of the largest mistakes people make. A balanced low carb way of life must include a variety of vegetables. Add low carb fruit for a more balanced nutrition.
Not including enough fiber: This is a big mistake by many people. Eating good amounts of vegetables and fruit adds fiber, but not always enough. Do your research to keep fiber amount in the healthy range.
Not limiting your intake: Most make this mistake. The food tastes good and a second helping is taken. People must learn that one serving size is all that can be eaten. No seconds or thirds are allowed and a good nutritious low carb meal is only what should be eaten. Do not forget to keep track of the calories in your food. This can wreck the best low carb plan.
Poor planning: People, do your planning to minimize mistakes. Learn nutrition and how to have nutritious low carb meals that are balanced for the food groups you planned for.
Not planning any variety: This is a common mistake area. A variety of food makes low carb eating more enjoyable and not boring.
Not analyzing foods: Analyze the foods to make sure that the number of carbs does not exceed what you want in total for the meal and the day.
Not analyzing amount of carbohydrates: Know the number of carbohydrates in each food and the serving size. There are carbohydrate and calorie programs available.
Not including exercise in the mix: Many people do not put exercise into their low carb plans. This is essential to control variations in total carbohydrates and allow for controlling other factors. Plus this is good for reducing insulin resistance and greater control of blood glucose.
Finally, plan, plan, and adjust as needed. There is no harm in starting slowly and working down gradually. Other people start out great, but then want to up the number of carbs. If this is done for a purpose and you have an upper limit as part of a plan, then realize what you are doing and avoid getting over the upper limit. There is no harm in deciding to increase the number of carbohydrates if you determine that you are too low in your carb count.
Some people can plan and do this on their own and have a well balanced low carb meal. Others will need the following assistance.
Most people would be well advised to spend some time with a nutritionist or dietitian in the initial planning to assist with nutrition and balancing your diet. Talk with your doctor to get assistance for insurance coverage. Please discuss this with your doctor and listen to any advice he/she may give you. Also be careful with your approach to the nutritionist and/or dietitian so that they know that you want their help and be careful if you see one that is stuck on a carb limit.
Be prepared for this to happen, by talking to the doctor beforehand and maybe he/she can prepare who ever you will see or will be willing to make several referrals if needed. Often the doctor can make the right referral in the beginning. If the person is not going to consider low carb and help you, do not waste further time with them and let the doctor make another referral.
Remember that this is your decision and the level of carbs or range you set is up to you. Some find out that medium carb or lower medium carb is better. Generally low carb is considered less than 80 grams per day. Medium is 80 to 140, and high is over 140. Some people have different ranges.
Here is a dozen problems or mistakes people make.
Not sustainable: Most people do not realize this when they start because they don't do any advance planning and then do not actively adapt when things go wrong. Mistakes do happen and people must be either adapt or change to stay low carb. If you are not in this for the long-term, then you are doing this for the wrong reason and need to stop.
Not starting it correctly: The problem here is that many start off immediately and do not realize that sometimes it is best to start out slowly and work your way down to get adjusted. Some have success the other way, but they have done the planning ahead of time. Over eating protein is not a solution and is not balanced for nutrition.
Not adjusting as needed: When a mistake is made, many people give up and do not adjust or correct for the mistake. For success, people should be prepared to make mistakes and at least learn how to correct for these.
Stopping too early: This is a common mistake. Some people are not prepared for the cut in carbohydrates and decide that they are not cut out for this lifestyle change. If you are serious, recognize this and adjust your carbohydrate intake up for a period of time to see if that will work and then attempt to adjust downward.
Not including enough vegetables and fruit: This is one of the largest mistakes people make. A balanced low carb way of life must include a variety of vegetables. Add low carb fruit for a more balanced nutrition.
Not including enough fiber: This is a big mistake by many people. Eating good amounts of vegetables and fruit adds fiber, but not always enough. Do your research to keep fiber amount in the healthy range.
Not limiting your intake: Most make this mistake. The food tastes good and a second helping is taken. People must learn that one serving size is all that can be eaten. No seconds or thirds are allowed and a good nutritious low carb meal is only what should be eaten. Do not forget to keep track of the calories in your food. This can wreck the best low carb plan.
Poor planning: People, do your planning to minimize mistakes. Learn nutrition and how to have nutritious low carb meals that are balanced for the food groups you planned for.
Not planning any variety: This is a common mistake area. A variety of food makes low carb eating more enjoyable and not boring.
Not analyzing foods: Analyze the foods to make sure that the number of carbs does not exceed what you want in total for the meal and the day.
Not analyzing amount of carbohydrates: Know the number of carbohydrates in each food and the serving size. There are carbohydrate and calorie programs available.
Not including exercise in the mix: Many people do not put exercise into their low carb plans. This is essential to control variations in total carbohydrates and allow for controlling other factors. Plus this is good for reducing insulin resistance and greater control of blood glucose.
Finally, plan, plan, and adjust as needed. There is no harm in starting slowly and working down gradually. Other people start out great, but then want to up the number of carbs. If this is done for a purpose and you have an upper limit as part of a plan, then realize what you are doing and avoid getting over the upper limit. There is no harm in deciding to increase the number of carbohydrates if you determine that you are too low in your carb count.
Some people can plan and do this on their own and have a well balanced low carb meal. Others will need the following assistance.
Most people would be well advised to spend some time with a nutritionist or dietitian in the initial planning to assist with nutrition and balancing your diet. Talk with your doctor to get assistance for insurance coverage. Please discuss this with your doctor and listen to any advice he/she may give you. Also be careful with your approach to the nutritionist and/or dietitian so that they know that you want their help and be careful if you see one that is stuck on a carb limit.
Be prepared for this to happen, by talking to the doctor beforehand and maybe he/she can prepare who ever you will see or will be willing to make several referrals if needed. Often the doctor can make the right referral in the beginning. If the person is not going to consider low carb and help you, do not waste further time with them and let the doctor make another referral.
Remember that this is your decision and the level of carbs or range you set is up to you. Some find out that medium carb or lower medium carb is better. Generally low carb is considered less than 80 grams per day. Medium is 80 to 140, and high is over 140. Some people have different ranges.
March 14, 2011
Important Information for Elder Caregivers
It is important to talk to parent(s) while they are legally able. Talk with your parent(s) while they are able to make decisions and prepare the way legally for their care. If you are the only child or the trusted family member, make sure that you have copies of any medical records they want you to have and that if you do not, make sure that they have legal documents in place so that you can obtain copies if necessary.
Caring for your parent(s) or other close relatives can be very stressful. If they are living in their home, there are many problems to be anticipated and activities to be ready for in order to take action. If your parents have a power outage, what will need to be done. Natural disasters such as tornadoes and hurricanes, floods are very hard to prepare for but plans need to be made. A car hitting a power pole or a lightening strike taking a transformer out can be more than an inconvenience, but these can be handled.
These problems mean actions that must be taken if a parent is on oxygen systems or a ventilator. These machines can produce life threatening circumstances. Some oxygen systems require electrical power to produce oxygen. Ventilators require electrical power and a generator backup to continue functioning.
For oxygen, having a spare backup tank can save the day, but the people assisting need training in switching over the tank. Oxygen should never be used near an open flame and smoking must be prohibited in the residence. Backup generators run on gasoline and must be outside the house in a covered place. Placement is an important consideration as is access. I would seriously consider a battery operated electric starter. All caregivers must be familiar with the operation of equipment and emergency operations.
Know the laws in your state for the operations of equipment and requirements for placement and operation. Contact the utility companies for cooperation and to notify them of power or gas needs and what equipment is being used. They can sometimes offer special rates and have other suggestions for assistance.
Then there is other electrical equipment, such as electric beds, air-loss mattresses, and air-mattress toppers that use electricity for the pumps. The beds generally don't have problems in power outages as they have hand cranks for use. The other systems can have built in battery backups and their use needs training to know their use. Another essential activity is surprise emergency drills that need to be in place to test the caregivers and equipment.
Then there is suction equipment, IV pumps, and other electrical devices that may be used in the patient's home. Most have battery backups and again caregivers need to be trained in switching in the event of a power outage and for all associated safety precautions.
These indicate a lot of plans to be made and how complicated the situations can be when caring for a parent or close relative. Don't get me wrong, this is something that often needs to be done and a family member is often an excellent solution.
Caring for your parent(s) or other close relatives can be very stressful. If they are living in their home, there are many problems to be anticipated and activities to be ready for in order to take action. If your parents have a power outage, what will need to be done. Natural disasters such as tornadoes and hurricanes, floods are very hard to prepare for but plans need to be made. A car hitting a power pole or a lightening strike taking a transformer out can be more than an inconvenience, but these can be handled.
These problems mean actions that must be taken if a parent is on oxygen systems or a ventilator. These machines can produce life threatening circumstances. Some oxygen systems require electrical power to produce oxygen. Ventilators require electrical power and a generator backup to continue functioning.
For oxygen, having a spare backup tank can save the day, but the people assisting need training in switching over the tank. Oxygen should never be used near an open flame and smoking must be prohibited in the residence. Backup generators run on gasoline and must be outside the house in a covered place. Placement is an important consideration as is access. I would seriously consider a battery operated electric starter. All caregivers must be familiar with the operation of equipment and emergency operations.
Know the laws in your state for the operations of equipment and requirements for placement and operation. Contact the utility companies for cooperation and to notify them of power or gas needs and what equipment is being used. They can sometimes offer special rates and have other suggestions for assistance.
Then there is other electrical equipment, such as electric beds, air-loss mattresses, and air-mattress toppers that use electricity for the pumps. The beds generally don't have problems in power outages as they have hand cranks for use. The other systems can have built in battery backups and their use needs training to know their use. Another essential activity is surprise emergency drills that need to be in place to test the caregivers and equipment.
Then there is suction equipment, IV pumps, and other electrical devices that may be used in the patient's home. Most have battery backups and again caregivers need to be trained in switching in the event of a power outage and for all associated safety precautions.
These indicate a lot of plans to be made and how complicated the situations can be when caring for a parent or close relative. Don't get me wrong, this is something that often needs to be done and a family member is often an excellent solution.
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