Wellness Wednesday

Why do we need to talk about the medicines and supplements we are taking? As we get older, we may face more health problems, and we may take more and more medications to treat these conditions. If we are not careful, we may end up with adverse reactions to our prescription drugs or harmful interactions between the drugs and/or other over the counter drugs we are taking.

Most older Americans take at least one prescription, and many take three or more, a medication check-up can reduce your risk of side effects and interactions, and stop you from taking unnecessary pills. Changes in our bodies can change the way prescription drugs work. It’s wise to occasionally review the list of medicines with a healthcare provider to make sure things are working as they should and become aware of any associated side effects. It’s possible that if we are still taking a drug we were initially prescribed several years ago, we may not remember all the information we got from our pharmacist or doctor at the start of the prescription.

Ask for a medication review. The session makes sure the patient has the proper medications for the right time. Pharmacists can help you look for duplicates and drug interactions, and discuss with you less expensive, safer drugs, or even non-drug alternatives. Be sure to ask your local pharmacy whether it offers this service. Some pharmacies and doctors might charge for full reviews, but usually the cost will only be your regular insurance co-payment. Medicare allows free yearly reviews with a doctor, and for many Medicare Part D patients taking multiple meds, a pharmacist, too.

Why do we need a medication review?

The medical world is not static. There are constant changes, reviews, additions and recalls. Patients also change. Medication reviews are beneficial for elderly persons who take significantly more medication than anyone else. A medication review helps identify harmful medicine combinations, remove outdated medicine and add new ones. The assessment can reveal other helpful information, like if the patient is not taking the medication due to uncomfortable side effects.

What happens during your medication review?

During a medication review, the patient will provide their detailed medical information. The patient reveals all present illnesses and any supporting prescription drugs. Patients should also include non-prescription medicines, supplements, and homeopathic treatments. Missing one of these could impact the effectiveness of the review. You may be asked questions about symptoms, side effects and efficacy. This is a good time for patients to ask questions about medications too. Reviews should happen once a year and usually take about 30 minutes.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s Asthma Capitals™ report ranks the largest 100 cities in the contiguous U.S. by how challenging they are to live in when you have asthma. Yes, Detroit is number one (source AAFA Capitals Report)

Why Is Asthma Worse in September?

People with asthma and allergies are exposed to several triggers in September. Weed pollen, especially ragweed, the most common fall pollen allergy, is highest in September in the United States.  Mold counts go up as leaves collect outside. Children return to school and may catch respiratory infections. Extreme weather and wildfires are also a contributing factor. Flu and cold season is starting too.

How Can I Manage Asthma During September (and all year long)?

The best way to deal with asthma attacks is to prevent them before they begin. If your asthma is not under control, talk with your doctor as soon as possible.

• Follow your Asthma Action Plan to keep your asthma under control. If you do not have one, click here to get started: Asthma Action Plan.
• Schedule an appointment with your doctor or asthma specialist. Be ready to talk about current symptoms, medicines, and triggers.
• Take your asthma medicines as prescribed by your doctor.
• Get your vaccines. They take about 2 weeks to take effect in your body, so get them as soon as they are available. Yearly vaccines are usually available in September.
• Take steps to avoid getting sick. Wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose, especially during cold and flu season. Stay away from people who are sick as much as possible.
• Wear a mask. When respiratory illnesses are spreading, wear a good-fitting N95 mask in crowded indoor spaces. Also wear N95 masks if wildfire smoke is in your area or if you are cleaning up after a natural disaster or flood. Masks can also help if you have pollen or mold allergy.
• Good ventilation and air filters can improve your indoor air quality (IAQ). HEPA-certified air cleaners, HEPA filters on your HVAC system, exhaust fans, and open doors/windows can improve the air in your indoor spaces.  
• If you are allergic to ragweed or mold, try to limit your exposure to those allergens.
• Take care of your health. Adequate sleep and water, a healthy diet, and exercise are important. Keep your stress levels down.

How can I make my home asthma-friendly?

• Keep windows and doors shut during high-pollen times of the year, including Peak Week.
• Ask everyone to take their shoes off before coming inside.
• Keep your hair covered outside.
• Shower and wash your hair before bed.
• Use a HEPA filter in your HVAC system.
• Pay attention to air quality reports if pollution or smoke triggers your attacks.
• Avoid asthma triggers such

Tobacco: Declare your home smoke- and vape-free. Do your best to ensure no one smokes near you or in any place you spend a lot of time.
Dust mites: Dust mites thrive in humid environments, so keep humidity low. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter regularly on floors, rugs, and carpets, and wash and dry your bedding thoroughly.
Pests: Store food and trash in sealed containers. Clean dishes and food messes right away. Use pesticides as directed, but avoid foggers, as they can trigger attacks.
Mold: Dry wet items promptly and properly and consider using a dehumidifier. Fix water leaks, which can allow mold to grow in hidden places. Avoid harsh cleaners as they can trigger an attack.

Our elders often lose both physical and/or cognitive function as they succumb to the natural process of aging. This renders them in need of guidance and assistance and may need their families and caregivers to completely take over decisions or activities that they can no longer perform. It can be very difficult for the elder to accept from their children the help they need.

It can also be very difficult for adult children to know how to help their parents navigate these life changes and know when and how to support them. Here are a few tips to consider when “parenting your parents.”

1. Give them space to grieve their independence.

Elders mourn the loss of independence, just as they would the loss of a loved one or the loss of a limb. Give the elders in your life space to grieve the loss of their former independent selves. Know that grief is messy and understand that in their denial and bargaining, they may not be open to accepting the help you are trying to give. It’s not personal and it’s not about you.

Be patient. Just like a teenager will fight to gain independence, your aging parent will fight to keep it.

2. Pay attention to driving clues.

Self-limitation of driving is sometimes the first clue to driving impairment in older adults. Statistically, most accidents happen within a 10-mile radius of home, so an elder who says “I don’t drive far” is not necessarily cutting their risk of an accident.

Driving is a complex task that requires all of the following: selective and divided attention, working and long-term memory, gross and fine motor skills, cognitive and physical function, and visual and kinesthetic awareness.

An astute driver needs to be able to react quickly and appropriately to unpredictable occurrences in high-risk situations. Cognitive overload occurs when the complexities of the task overwhelm the older driver and can lead to accidents.

As you would worry about putting an inexperienced teen driver in control of a vehicle, you should consider whether your older parents are truly safe to operate a vehicle. Ask yourself these questions:

• Do you feel safe in the passenger seat with them behind the wheel?
• Do they often need a “co-pilot” when driving?
• Have they had a few minor fender-benders?

3. Offer decision support only when needed.

While a teen needs support and encouragement in making decisions about their own lives, they also come to expect the “space” to do so. Your elderly parents are no different. Just like a teenager, they may not always want or feel the need to have your input.

Offer assistance where needed, especially for big decisions and if you are concerned about cognitive impairment—but do so with respect. Pick your battles and prioritize your involvement in decisions that have the biggest impact, such as major healthcare or financial decisions.

4. Give them grace around the big move.

They say, “home is where the heart is,” which is why it is so devastating for seniors who, because of functional or cognitive decline, can no longer safely live in their homes.

Understand that if your parents are in this situation, you need to expect resistance to any suggestion that they need to move out of their home and into another environment. Aging is fraught with changes that sometimes mean the loss of what is comfortable and familiar; and there is grief in that loss.

Support your parents’ aging in place by being proactive about home safety, fall prevention and additional caregiving when needed. Share with them that the willingness to accept help may be the price they pay for being able to continue to live in their home.

Likewise, accepting the need to move from home to a senior living community may be the price they pay for being able to hold on to some of their independence… which brings us full circle and back to where our discussion began!

Here are 3 sources of information that can help as you navigate providing support for elderly parents and other family members:

• Does The Older Adult in Your Life Need Help? (from the National Institute of Aging)
• Resources for Adult Children Caring for Parents (from Senior Lifestyle)
• Wellness Wednesday 1/15/2025 which lists resources in our area for caregivers

As parents age, a growing number of family caregivers are struggling in an unfamiliar role as parental figure to their own elderly parents. Suddenly, the tables have turned and determining to how accept and settle into this new dynamic can be challenging. There are a few steps that family caregivers can take to help ease the rigors of “parenting” your own elderly parents.

Allow yourself to mourn the “loss” of your parent.
Although they have not passed away, the person that you knew as your mother or father may be changing rapidly. It is okay to feel sad or angry about your relationship changing, and to allow yourself to mourn the loss of your previous relationship.

Maintain respect in your communications.
Elderly parents may be stubborn as well as embarrassed that they require assistance from their children for what was once a simple task, like bathing or getting to the grocery store. While caregiving in and of itself can be stressful, it is imperative to talk to your parents respectfully and ask them to do the same.

Set boundaries in your caregiving duties.
Regardless of how much you love your mother or father, neither of you may be comfortable with having to assist him or her with bathing or toileting. However, taking the time to establish boundaries of what you are capable of, and comfortable doing, will allow you to create a care plan for your parents with which all parties are confident. Remember, outside help, like that of a home care provider, can assist with tasks that are outside of your comfort zone.

Plan ahead to ensure security.
Long-term care can drain a family’s financial resources. However, by taking time to plan ahead, children may still be able to talk with their parents about available resources in the estate to pay for care, as well as their desires for long-term care. A realistic plan may help you feel as though there is some roadmap for your parents’ future, as well as yours as a caregiver, and provide relative peace of mind in an otherwise unnerving situation.

Get support.
Finding support as you transition into the role of caregiver is imperative to avoid harming your own mental and physical well-being. An overload of stress can quickly lead to medical conditions such as high blood pressure and depression, as well as overall feelings of anxiousness and fear. Support from siblings and friends and turning to online forums and local support groups are some healthy ways to cope. Transitioning from the role of child to parent is a major change in the parent-child relationship. Regardless of your previous relationship with your parents, it’s important to recognize your emotions about the transition and allow yourself to grieve in the process.

From the State of Michigan Proclamation:

Michigan has established the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline coverage statewide to provide an easy-to-remember way for people experiencing behavioral health-related distress to access a strengthened and expanded network of crisis call centers, which has answered 242,486 calls since July of 2022.

• In 2023, the national suicide rate was 14.1 per 100,000 and the Michigan suicide rate was 14.9 per 100,000, with 1,530 Michigan residents dying by suicide
• In 2023, Michigan firearm suicides accounted for 54.8% of suicide deaths
• In 2022, 170 Michigan veterans died by suicide, a rate of 31.9 per 100,000
• Resources are available in Michigan. Please go to the state's Health and Human Services for information: MDHHS Suicide Prevention Resources

The Center for Disease Control has on its website many resources that can be used. Be sure to check it out: CDC Suicide Prevention. It addresses suicide prevention, risk factors, health disparities, and resources.
 

Guns are the number one killer of children and teens in the United States. Almost every other day, a child gets their hands on a gun and unintentionally kills or wounds themselves or someone else in the United States. Research shows that the most effective way to prevent children from accessing firearms is by making sure all guns are stored unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition.

More than half of gun owners don’t lock all of their guns securely, and an estimated 4.6 million children live in a home with at least one unlocked and loaded gun in the US. When guns are not securely stored, tragedy can strike ― whether it’s a child finding a firearm and wounding or killing themselves or someone else, or someone accessing it and using it to commit a crime.
 

There are steps we can all take, gun owners and non-gun owners alike, to make sure kids cannot access guns and put themselves and others in danger. State lawmakers passed the Secure Storage Law for Firearms in Michigan. This legislation requires firearm owners to safely store their firearms when someone younger than 18 years old is, or is likely to be, present. That means keeping unattended firearms unloaded and locked with a locking device or stored in a locked box or container.

All families need to have a conversation with children about firearm safety. Also, if your child is going to someone else's home, don’t hesitate to ask if firearms are present and how they’re stored.

Be SMART about gun storage and safety:

• S: secure all guns in your home and vehicle
• M: model responsible behavior around guns
• A: ask about the presence of unsecured guns in other homes
• R: recognize the role of guns in suicide
• T: tell your peers to be SMART

Additional Resources:

Project ChildSafe

Information on how to obtain a FREE gun safety kit and where to obtain a FREE gun trigger lock in 230 cities in Michigan.

Gun Safety and Children - C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital | University of Michigan Health

• Gun Storage
• Guns at homes of others
• Teaching children about what to do in the presence of a gun
• Adolescents, teens, and guns
• Non-powder guns, BB guns, and toy guns

Parents' Guide to Home Firearm Safety (umich.edu)

Information regarding firearms safety among children and teens. Great resource for families.

https://mifrp.org/prevention-tools/firearms/

The Michigan Fatality Review and Prevention, provides information regarding Prevention Resources, and Firearm Storage resources.

Holding onto Life Toolkit (michigan.gov)

The holding onto life toolkit is discusses firearms and focuses on suicide prevention

Michigan - American Firearms Training (concealedcarryonline.com)

This course reviews the fundamentals of safety and gun handling, including transportation, storage, and firing in defensive situations. The course includes easy-to-understand safety instructions and is filmed in a professional production, with a state-certified instructor. The course takes 90 minutes to complete and is free of charge.

Online Learning | Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention (umich.edu)

• The University of Michigan has provided free online courses about the Firearm Safety Among Children and Teens, Injury Prevention for Children and Teens, and Preventing Gun Violence.

This is a day of remembrance and action to raise awareness, reduce stigma and empower people with the knowledge and tools they need to respond to opioid overdoses effectively. Overdose rates continue to rise throughout the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 100,000 people died from drug overdoses in a recent 12-month period, with opioids involved in nearly 75% of those deaths. (For more information about Fatal Drug Overdose go to CDC SUDORS Data).

Behind each statistic is a person — a loved one, a neighbor, a friend, a student. Overdose can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, income or background.

An overdose happens when the body is overwhelmed by a toxic amount of substance or combination of substances. It’s possible to overdose on many substances if they are abused, including alcohol, illicit drugs, and even prescribed medication. The physical and psychological signs of a drug overdose can vary depending on the type of drug taken and whether the drug was taken in combination with other substances.

Resources: Find Help in Michigan and State of Michigan Proclamation: Overdose Awareness Day in Michigan

You need a day to relax. Let us help you with some ideas and reasons why it's important to take time to  slow down and unwind. It's a day to focus on taking care of ourselves and take a moment to relax. We all need a break from the fast-paced and often hectic lifestyles we live. Taking time to recuperate and rejuvenate our tired minds and bodies may help prevent many health risks, too.  Doctors agree that finding ways to relax and thus reducing stress will improve overall health.

This video offers 8 tips for relaxation.

Other ideas are:

Taking time away from the screens

While social media and the internet have many benefits in this modern age, you can also quickly feel overwhelmed and stressed by constantly being bombarded with news and posts about other people's lives. Put your phone or computer away, and do something that relaxes you, such as reading, painting, or cooking. Make sure to especially avoid any screen time before bed, as it can mess with your sleep patterns.

Treat yourself to a spa day

What better way to relax than by having a massage, or sitting in a nice sauna? You can go one step further and book yourself into some beauty treatments, such as a haircut, a facial, or a manicure.

Green Tea

Green Tea is an excellent remedy to lower your stress. It contains L-Theanine which helps to reduce stress and improve your mood and sleep.

Stare and Do Nothing

Sometimes, you can enjoy and relax by simply sitting near your window and staring outside at the trees, people, parks, and just nature. While staring at your phone screens all day has a negative impact, looking outside at nature helps to make you calmer and more relaxed.

It’s important to pay attention to your sun exposure when you spend any amount of time outdoors. You can minimize your risk of sunburn by taking steps to protect your skin every day.

Sunburn is red, painful, damaged skin from being out in the sun for too long. Sunburn is inflamed, painful skin that feels hot to the touch. It often appears within a few hours of being in the sun too long. When you get a sunburn, ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or a tanning bed burn your skin. You don’t have to spend the day at the beach or pool to get a sunburn. Some people get sunburns doing everyday things without using sunscreen, like taking a lunch break outside, gardening or walking the dog. Preventing sunburn year-round by wearing sunscreen or using other skin-protection habits is important for everyone. It is especially important when you're outdoors, even on cool or cloudy days. Any exposed part of the body — including the earlobes, scalp and lips — can burn. Even covered areas can burn if, for example, clothing has a loose weave that allows ultraviolet (UV) light through. The eyes, which are extremely sensitive to the sun's UV light, also can burn.

You can get sunburn relief with simple self-care measures such as taking pain relievers and cooling the skin. But it may take days for the sunburn to fade.

How to Treat a Sunburn (short video)

See your provider if you have any concerns about your sunburn or how it’s healing. Seek medical treatment immediately if you have:

• Blisters over more than 20% of your body (such as a whole leg, your entire back or both arms) or severe swelling.
• Develop blisters on the face, hands or genitals.
• Show signs of infection, such as blisters with pus or streaks.
• Experience worsening pain, headache, confusion, nausea, fever or chills.
• Get worse despite at-home care.
• Have eye pain or vision changes.
• A fever over 103 F (39.4 C) with vomiting.
• Sunburn in a baby younger than 1 year old.
   

Stop On Red Week in August is to educate the public about the number and severity of intersection crashes. This awareness provides a great opportunity to promote safe driving and remind drivers of the dangers of running stop signs, amber and red lights.

Every day, millions of Americans head out on the road—driving to work, taking children to school and activities, or simply running errands. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, few consider the possibility of being involved in a motor vehicle crash.

Why Stop on Red Week Matters

Red-light running is one of the most dangerous — and preventable — traffic violations. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

• On average, 116 lives are lost and more than 6,500 individuals are injured in traffic accidents every single day in the United States.
• More than 1,000 people are killed every year in crashes involving red-light runners.
• Over 100,000 are injured annually.
• Nearly half of those killed are innocent — pedestrians, cyclists, or other drivers.

These aren’t just numbers — they represent real people, families, and futures. Help stop the heartbreak before it happens by making a commitment to STOP ON RED.

Download the 2025 Automated Enforcement PDF
 

it's important to find time to have fun with your family. Many of us get caught up in the daily activities of children, work, and family obligations.  Research shows that healthy family relationships encourage security and love. Spending time with family offers the benefits of forming unbreakable bonds.

Here are some publications you can use to find events: Metro Parent, Oakland County Moms, Hour Detroit, Little Guide Detroit, Pure Michigan.  Local newspapers and television stations also feature events.

— Picnic in a Pretty Spot
There are so many great picnic spots all around Michigan. How about a breakfast picnic to get outdoors before it gets too hot and at the same time allows you to avoid crowds.

— Enjoy the Water

We are the Great Lakes State so find a beach, municipal pool or a splash pad. Take advantage of the recreational activities you can do on the water.

— Visit Animals at a Local Zoo or Farm
Kids love visiting animal life. These places provide so many learning experiences, too.  Animals tend to be more active in the early morning or early evening.

— Get Artsy
Head out to a local museum or view some awesome public artwork for inspiration, then make your own creations at home!  Get out your own clay, paints, pencils and supplies to create a masterpiece together.

— Attend Local Concerts
Many municipalities offer concerts in the park for free. Look at community websites for areas close to you and schedule a night out. It's a great way to expose your family to different musical genres.

— Take a Family Hike or Bike Ride
You can’t beat fresh air and some nature exploration! We know it can be hot but you can take a stroll in the early morning or at dusk (take lots of water with you) and pick a spot that takes you near water to cool down.

— Take a Local Family Field Trip
Pop over to Belle Isle or one of the 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks for some hands-on learning mixed with tons of fun! If you have passports in hand, cross the river to visit another country.

— Go Out for Sweet Treats
Nothing beats a nice cold treat on a hot summer day. Going out for milk shakes, ice cream sundaes or snow cones offers guaranteed smiles for youngest to oldest.

— Plan a Family Game Night
Playing games is a great way to get away from the screens and lead to personal interactions with one another. Choose board games that are appropriate for the entire family. Don't forget outdoor activities such as tag or hide and seek.