What are Shingles?

6th of April, 2017

What is Shingles?

Shingles (Herpes Zoster) is a virus that occurs in individuals who had chicken pox as children. The chicken pox is dormant in your body, but once in awhile it travels down the nerves in the body and creates a very painful rash called shingles. This can happen to anyone but the likelihood increases with age. Individuals who take immunpsuppressing drugs or have HIV are also at an increased risk for shingles.

Shingles cannot be passed down from person to person, but it can pass on chicken pox to someone who has never had it before.

Shingles is incredibly painful but it presents other signs and symptoms as well. The most common ones are fever, nausea, red rash on body, itching, chills and aches all over the body. As the virus progresses, the blister-like rashes burst and crust over. 

Shingles can last anywhere between 2-5 weeks and although the recovery is not pleasant, most people get better.

The best way to prevent shingles is by getting a vaccine, especially if you are over 60 years old. Talk to your doctor and discuss getting a shingles vaccine. To treat shingles one must take anti-viral medication such as acyclovir or famciclovir. Pain medicine may also be provided to those who experience severe pain from the shingles virus.

The best way to diagnose and treat shingles is by seeing a trusted healthcare professional!

Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

5th of April, 2017

Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention


Diabetes is a disease that involves problems with insulin.  The pancreas releases insulin to help your body utilize and store sugar for energy. Unfortunately in people with diabetes, this does not work the way it should and insulin is either not produced at all, not enough, or the body doesn't respond to insulin. Diabetes can affect people of all ages, races and sizes.  

There are genetic factors that cause diabetes. If a family member has diabetes, then you are more likely to develop it too. Constant weight fluctuations, excess sugar consumption and obesity are also factors that can cause diabetes.

There are several types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs in young adults and children.
Gestational Diabetes occurs in pregnant women who were previously not at risk for diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is more common. This occurs when the body doesn't make its own insulin or does not respond well to insulin that is being made.

Some warning signs of type 2 diabetes are poor eyesight, intense thirst, weight loss, constant urination.
Warning signs for type 1 diabetes are similar and include constant urination, weight loss, nausea, constant hunger, lethargy, numbness in lower extremities,
Gestational diabetes usually does not present any signs or symptoms and must be tested by a professional. A blood test would reveal if a pregnant woman has gestational diabetes.


Although in many cases diabetes is genetic as well as environmental, there are many ways to reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes.
Here are some ways of preventing diabetes before it even happens:

Maintaining a healthy weight/proportional to your height.
Getting regular exercise (cardio and resistant training).
Keeping sweets to a minimum (an occasional treat)
Keeping stress to a minimum.
Making healthy food choices and limiting sugary drinks.

In some cases, diabetes can be reversed with a healthy diet that is limited in animal products and regular exercise and stress management. Seek advice from a healthcare professional in this regard, as results vary for every individual. 

Bunions: what are they and how to fix them.

3rd of April, 2017

Bunion: what are they and how to fix them:

Bunions can occur at any age but usually worsen as a person ages. Bunions are not life threatening but can certainly be very inconvenient during walking, exercising or purchasing footwear.

The medical term for a bunion is Hallux Valgus. There are several causes for bunions. The main cause is the genetic structure of the foot. You may notice that other close family members also have bunions as well. This is because foot shape and structure is determined by your genetics so bunions fall under that category.

Another cause for bunions could be due to arthritis, as inflammation in the joints can change its shape and cause it to protrude.

Sometimes uncomfortable footwear can also rub against a small bunion and cause it to inflame and become bigger.


Some ways to prevent bunions are by wearing comfortable footwear and by watching for growth.

Once a bunion has grown, the best way to treat is through surgery. Please see a health care professional if you feel like a bunion is preventing you from leading a normal, pain-free life. Often doctors will perform surgery if no other option is available. During mild cases of bunions, the doctor might prescribe a pain reliever and some heated foot creams to ease the discomfort.


Seeing an orthopedist is the best course of action if you have questions or concerns about your bunions!

Glaucoma: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

27th of March, 2017


Glaucoma: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment.

Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve of the eye. It can cause loss of vision, pain and blindness in some cases.
There are two types of glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma has the least amount of signs and the damage is permanent. Sadly this is the most common type of glaucoma and gives very little warning. Regular visits to the eye doctor are necessary for early detection. In this type of glaucoma, the eye's drainage angle becomes blocked and due to excess fluid and pressure, the nerve deteriorates.

The second type of glaucoma is Angle-closure glaucoma. It gives a lot more warning and has the following signs and symptoms: blurry vision, severe eye pain or headaches, red eyes, nausea, rainbow/halo type-pattern around bright lights. The drainage angle becomes very narrow and slowly becomes blocked.

Although glaucoma does affect the older population significantly more often, children can also get congenital glaucoma. The symptoms in children usually include photosensitivity, watery and cloudy eyes.

You are likely to get glaucoma if someone in your family had it.  If you are diabetic you also have an increased risk for glaucoma. The chances of glaucoma increase with age as well.

Accurate treatment for glaucoma should come from a doctor. Glaucoma is diagnosed through the dilation of pupils and examination of the eye by a medical professional. Treatment may include prescription eye drops, laser eye surgery, and microsurgery to drain the eye of excess fluids.

Please refer to your health care professional if you feel you may have glaucoma. Don't wait until it is too late!

Recognizing Dementia

21st of March, 2017

Recognizing Dementia:


Dementia can affect people from all walks of life. The likelihood of getting dementia increases with age but there can be early on-set of dementia as well. Occasional forgetfulness happens to everyone and does increase with age. It can be a normal part of life.
However dementia signs and symptoms are a lot more than just forgetfulness. Recognizing the early signs and symptoms is important to keep your loved ones safe.

Here are some early signs and symptoms of recognizing dementia:

Learn to notice sudden fluctuations in mood and personality. If your loved one becomes angry or frustrated more than normal, it may be a sign of dementia. They may have these sudden drops in mood due to their inability to make sense of their thoughts or their environment. They may also become aggressive or paranoid.

Notice any changes in their short-term memory but not long term memory. Long term memory, especially childhood memories, stay intact for a long time. Short-term memory is often disrupted during dementia.

Pay attention to your loved one having trouble wording ideas in speech or in writing. An individual experiencing dementia may stop their speech in the middle of a sentence of an idea. The pattern of speech may become disrupted.

Be aware that depression and dementia often go hand in hand. A dementia patient may frequently become depressed and lose interest in their usual activities. They may not want to interact as much with you or with other people around them.
These kinds of symptoms often worsen during evening time and therefore it is called "sun-downing."


*It is always recommended to see a professional to officially diagnose any kind of change in behavior.*

Staying Safe During the Storm

13th of March, 2017

Staying Safe During the Storm:

Winter time can be challenging for everybody. It can cause mood disorders due to decrease in daylight, traffic jams and holiday stress. However, winter time can also wreck havoc on the elderly or disabled who live alone and rely on someone to help care for them. Many older adults rely on their caregivers to arrive but the caregivers are not able to due to the storm.


Here are some tips for the elderly and their families to follow to survive the winter flurries or the rain:

First, prepare all the groceries in advance. As everyone braces for the storm - grocery stores will be jam packed with people. Be smart and get there first - stock up enough food for several days to make sure you don't need to leave the house and have all the food you need. Make sure to prepare water and warm drinks as well (such as coffee, tea or hot chocolate).

Second, purchase flashlights, candles and enough batteries to last for a minimum of 4-7 days. Although unlikely, sometimes the power does go off during an intense storm. It is better to be safe than sorry - which is what will happen if you're stuck in the dark for such a long time. Prepare to light your own way through the house just in case the power goes out.

Third, have a first aid kit prepared for yourself and loved ones in advance. Most likely you will not need it - but is better to have it if you do, in case of emergency. Here are some things that must be in a First Aid Kit, courtesy of the Red Cross (this can also be found on their site):

• 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
• 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
• 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
• 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
• 5 antiseptic wipe packets
• 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
• 1 blanket (space blanket) 
• 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
• 1 instant cold compress
• 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
• Scissors
• 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
• 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
• 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches) 
• 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
• Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
• 2 triangular bandages
• Tweezers

Some additional tips: 

• have the batteries in your hearing aides replaced so you don't run out. 
• charge your cell phones in advance
• enough pet supplies and food
• ample heating methods such as personal heaters or fireplace
• enough medication especially if you have an existing condition

Most importantly, stay warm and safe!

What Home Care Costs?

What Home Care Costs?

As you investigate the different options available to you, you want to choose the type of care that fits into your lifestyle. One of the first things on your mind is how you care decisions will affect your bank account. You are not alone: many people searching for care are apprehensive about the potential financial burden of paying for long-term care. What will home care cost for you? It maybe more affordable than you think.

The Average Cost Of Care

The cost of non-medical home care varies depending on where you live and the amount of care you will need. According to the "Cost of care Survey" an annual report by Genworth, home care costs less than other options like adult day care, assisted living and skilled nursing. The national average cost of home care per hour ranges between only $ 10 to $ 36. By comparison, the average resident at an assisted living community pays $3,600$ per month. Nursing homes can cost up to $250 per day. In the past five years, the costs of assisted living and skilled nursing have risen by 3,5%.

Preventing Costly  Accidents 

In addition to being an affordable option, home care can prevent the accidents and injuries that lead to hospital stays and visits to the doctor. ComForCare Companion  Caregivers help with activities of daily living: they can help prevent falling and promote a healthier living environment. Falls can lead to head injuries and broken bones, and having a steady hand helps many seniors be more sure on their feet.

Keeping track of prescription  is also a challenge  for many people using home care services. Medication reminders given by a ComForCare Companion caregiver  can prevent our clients from forgetting to take their medication or overdosing, both of which can lead to more serious health concerns.

ComForcare Companion Care is proud to provide the services that lead to a higher quality of life for many people and their families. Contact our ComForCare Companion Care office in Brooklyn     New York to find out more about what home care cost for you.