Monterey, CA Check Out CHOMP’s Diabetes Self-Management Series

A chart of Blood Glucose Optimal Fasting Levels

Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, CHOMP, has a great Diabetes Self-Management Series and the cost of the sessions may be covered by Medicare if you have a referral from a physician.  Learn more about your diabetes and the day-to-day skills needed to live a healthy life and prevent complications.  Registered dieticians and nurses will hold one-on-one sessions with you and talk about monitoring your blood sugar levels, the best diet, medication and non-medication options to keep you healthy.  Call 649-7220 for more information.

Monterey, CA Advanced Healthcare Planning, Polst, Will & Living Trust Workshop At CHOMP

A woman in Floral dress sitting in the chair and smiling

Nobody likes to think about dying, but it is extremely important that you prepare for the inevitable by drawing up an Advanced Healthcare Directive, POLST, Living Trust and Will so that your wishes are carried out.  Join experts at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, CHOMP, on Monday, February 8 from 4-5:30 p.m. or on Tuesday, February 23, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.  Learn how to document your wishes, receive expert medical coaching and submit your documents.  To register, click here www.chomp.org/planning.

 

Monterey, CA Radiation Therapy To Reprogram Deadly Heart Arrhythmias

Those with a fast and abnormal heart rate, a condition called ventricular tachycardia (VT) now have a new option.  Researchers at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in tandem with Washington University School of Medicine have used radiation to repair damaged heart tissue, although it’s still an experimental procedure so insurance may or may not cover it.  The procedure is noninvasive, and doctors have now performed in on a number of people.  For more information, contact the Tyler Heart Institute at the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula or CHOMP.

https://www.templehealth.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/2020-oct-nov-medical-breakthroughs-aarp-magazine.pdf

https://www.chomp.org/services/cardiac-care/#.YBIW9uhKjcs

Monterey, CA Searching For A Cancer Cure

Dr. Hadiyah-Nicole Green has emerged from relative obscurity with a potential cure for cancer.  She is the first doctor to cure cancer in mice by using laser-activated nanoparticles.  A study published by the American Cancer Society estimated 607K people died from cancer in 2020.  Dr. Green’s cure does not require chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.  Following the successful initial research project, she has received a $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to expand the nanoparticle cancer treatment research.  She is fulfilling a lifelong dream after the death of her aunt Ora Lea, and her uncle, General Lee Smith, who both had cancer.  If you or a loved one are struggling with a cancer diagnosis, talk to someone at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula.  CHOMP has a 24,000 square foot Comprehensive Cancer Support Center with a research library, information on clinical trials and support groups.

https://www.ibtimes.sg/meet-dr-hadiyah-nicole-green-first-cure-cancer-successfully-affordable-cost-39932

https://www.chomp.org/services/cancer-center/#.YA9kk-hKjcs

Monterey, CA Coronavirus Update From A Carmel Caregiver : 1,759 New Cases

After being completely silent since January 1, Monterey County reported today that there have been 1,759 new cases bringing the total over 30,000 with 20 new fatalities for a total of 216. Natividad has seven COVID-19 patients, CHOMP 10, and Salinas Valley Memorial has 14.  The hospitals have 2, 3 and 8 open ICU beds respectively.   Nationwide, there were 198K new cases for a total of 20.889 million to date, while deaths rose by 3,127 to 355,524.  In California, there were 30,375 new cases for a cume total of 2.475 million while deaths rose by 382 to 27,020.  Please stay home and stay safe!

https://www.latimes.com/projects/california-coronavirus-cases-tracking-outbreak/monterey-county/

 

Please visit us at www.familyinhomecaregiving.com

Monterey, CA Diabetes Tip : Eat An Early Dinner

vegetables in small buckets with a farmer's market board

An early dinner could help you better manage your weight and your blood glucose.  A recent study in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that, of people chosen to randomly eat dinner at either 6:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m., eating early was better.  The late-night diners burned 10% less fat overnight than those who ate at 6:00 p.m.  And their glucose rose 18% more and remained higher for four hours.  Eat dinner early!  For more information on living a healthy life with Diabetes, talk to Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, CHOMP, which has an extensive program.

https://www.chomp.org/services/diabetes/#.X-0Z1thKjcs

Monterey, CA Senior Diabetics Take Note : Sleep Habits Can Alter Your Circadian Rhythms

A chart of Blood Glucose Optimal Fasting Levels

Getting a good night’s rest is important to seniors, however, sleeping a consistent number of hours is important as well.  A review of studies which was published in Endocrine Review found that a sleep shift of even an hour was enough to decrease insulin sensitivity.  To get more helpful tips on diabetes, visit Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, CHOMP’s, Diabetes and Nutrition website.  You will find useful information about support groups, classes and more.

https://www.chomp.org/locations/location-profile/diabetes-and-nutrition-therapy/#.X9F3p9hKjcs

Another useful resource is Community Health Innovations.  A full 45% of Monterey County residents have Diabetes or pre-Diabetes!

https://communityhealthinnovations.org/what-we-do/diabetes-prevention-management/

Monterey, CA Tips For Seniors With Balance Issues—Particularly If You Have Diabetes

A senior woman sitting and looking out from the window

An article in Diabetes Forecast (September/October 2020, page 40), had a top for seniors who have balance issues—brush your teeth on one leg.  You would be surprised how a series of very short, but powerful exercises throughout the day can help your balance, tight muscles, and soothe aches and pains.  The article says this is particularly important if you have type 2 Diabetes.  To get more information on diabetes, visit Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, CHOMP’s, Diabetes and Nutrition website.  You will find useful information about support groups, classes and more.

https://www.chomp.org/locations/location-profile/diabetes-and-nutrition-therapy/#.X9F3p9hKjcs

Another useful resource is Community Health Innovations.  A full 45% of Monterey County residents have Diabetes or pre-Diabetes!

https://communityhealthinnovations.org/what-we-do/diabetes-prevention-management/

 

Monterey, CA Hospitals, Nursing Homes Struggle With COVID-19

COVID-19 deaths among nursing home residents are surging and hospitals are overwhelmed with new coronavirus cases which is causing staff shortages, particularly in rural hospitals.  Believe it or not, Monterey County is considered rural, with much of the South County spread out and this is where the majority of COVID-19 cases are occurring.  We have had nursing home outbreaks in Carmel, Monterey, Salinas and Watsonville.  “Nursing homes are not isolated from what happens in the community,” Carrie Henning-Smith, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, told The Wall Street Journal. Facilities in rural counties reported 18% of nursing home COVID-19 deaths in the week ended November 1, although they housed only 10% of the overall population.  Please, please, take this season off and call off Thanksgiving with friends and family.  Many health officials are extremely concerned that this holiday season is going to cause a new surge in cases.

Monterey, CA Nonprofit Opens To Provide Dental Care For Veterans At No Charge

A caregiver posing with the old woman in wheelchair

Dr. Hugo Ferlito saw over a year of work come to fruition as he opened his free dental clinic with services for veterans, timed to be open for Veterans Day 2020.  He will work with Dr. George Yellich, an oral surgeon affiliated with Montage Health, and several other volunteer dentists.  It’s not clear why the government doesn’t offer dental benefits to Veterans and Seniors have no coverage either under Medicare.  “Veterans Affairs has done a really good job with medical care but it’s crazy they don’t cover dentistry,” Dr. Ferlito told The Herald.  Letting oral health problems go unchecked can have severe negative consequences on your health.  The office is at the Montage Wellness Center on 2nd Avenue in Marina.  Funding has been provided by Monterey County Gives, Montage Health and local Rotary clubs.  Montage is allowing the dental office to use the office space free of charge, and also paid for construction improvements and is paying for utilities.