The seasons are beginning to change, and leaves will be turning different colors before we know it. Autumn is so many people’s favorite season for multiple reasons. The weather is the perfect mixture of warm with a cold breeze, but there is also so much to do! Harvesting is in full swing and local orchards begin offering apple picking. With the abundance of zucchini in gardens, baking breads are a must.
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Labor Day is right around the corner and we want to thank all of our amazing workers for their continued dedication and hard work this year. We could not have gotten through this pandemic so far without every single one of you. Everyone should give themselves a pat-on-the-back for keeping all of our clients and caregivers healthy and safe!
                                                 ~ Golden Horizons Office Team

Prostate cancer plagues millions of men every year.  Some risk factors include family history, genetics, race, diet, and lifestyle. Although scientists don’t have an explanation why, men from African decent are 76% more likely to develop prostate cancer. Some diet and lifestyle factors include high fat and high processed foods, lack of vegetables in diet, and obesity.

​Doctors recommend having a “prostate cancer screening schedule” as early as 40 years old. They will assess your risk factors and family history and develop a plan for early detection and prevention. We know that usually the earlier you can detect it, the better the prognosis. Just like how women get regular breast exams, men must get regular prostate exams. Doctors will typically perform lab work and perform a digital rectal exam. Right now there is not any specific urine based test or imaging that could better screen, however the Prostate Cancer Foundation said “are on the horizon”. For more information about prostate cancer, please visit www.pcf.org.­­

​September 22, 2020 is the 13th annual Fall Prevention Awareness Day, led by the National Council on Aging. It is a campaign aiming to raise awareness, nationwide, on how to prevent injuries due to falls among the elder population. In 2018, national, state, and local events and media reached some 154.7 million people. The Connecticut Falls Prevention Coalition is in development through the State Department of Aging and will be participating locally. For more information, visit the National Council of Aging’s website at https://www.ncoa.org/healthy-aging/falls-prevention/falls-prevention-awareness-day/.

Natural disasters can be extremely stressful for anyone, but it could be especially troubling for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. It is important to create a preparedness plan for situations like tornadoes, hurricanes, and even heat waves. Your plans should include emergency kits and an evacuation plans. For those living in a residential building, know the facility’s plans in case of an emergency. Make sure that everyone that is involved in your emergency plan knows their roles and are confident in executing them. For more information about emergency preparedness please visit www.alz.org for more information.
Source: www.alz.org 
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The Alzheimer’s Association reports that dementia does not increase risk of COVID-19, however the dementia-related behaviors could increase the risk of contraction. This is due in part because many will forget to wash their hands and take other important precautions. Here are some tips to help care for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
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- Place signs next to sinks to remind them to wash for 20 seconds with soap. You can also have pictures to show proper technique.
- Hand sanitizer is an easy and effective alternative to hand-washing if getting to a sink is challenging.
- When possible, ask pharmacists to maximize prescription refills to reduce number of trips as possible.
- Avoid visitors as much as possible. The more people that come in the house the greater risk of transmission.
- Create alternative plans incase primary care or other health services become closed.                                      
​Source: www.alz.org

July is here - the month we celebrate our independence. In 1776, our Founding Fathers set the course for a grand experiment - a nation “of the people, by the people, for the people.” The United States of American was founded on the idea of independence for the people especially the freedom of the individual to pursue life, liberty, and happiness.
 
These are some of the driving principles behind our mission at Golden Horizons. We provide care in the home so that our clients can live independently. Our goal is to create an environment of help and support, so they can continue to pursue their passions.
 
This month, as we celebrate the birth of our nation, let us remember to never take our freedoms for granted. Have a safe and happy 4th of July!
~ Lisa Gradzewicz & Megan Gradzewicz

​I cannot believe we are halfway through 2020! Connecticut has begun its plan to reopen the state. Currently outdoor eating, retail stores, and outdoor recreation areas are open. Salons and barbers are hoping to open back up on June 1st. Phase two is set to begin June 20th. At that time gyms, libraries, and social clubs will be open. Indoor seating for restaurants is tentatively scheduled to open on June 20th as well. Please continue to stay safe by using masks and gloves when appropriate and wash your hands. Although the state will be open, it does not mean the risk of COVID-19 goes away! To stay up to date on the current state guidelines, you can visit ct.gov/coronavirus. 

Summer is upon us! May is Melanoma (Skin) Cancer Awareness Month and National Water Safety Month, and June is National Safety Month. As we head into summer, here are some safety tips to help you enjoy the season and stay safe and healthy:

•  Beat the heat! When we are overexposed to heat, we risk        developing heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Symptoms might include hot skin, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and profuse sweating etc. If someone is experiencing this, move to shaded area, drink cool water or sports drinks, apply wet towels/ice packs, and seek medical attention if needed.
• Swimming! Make sure to swim with someone to help if something goes wrong.
• If a senior is a fall risk, schedule swim time with a caregiver present and able to help.
• Stay hydrated! Drink lots of water or sports drinks with electrolytes.
• Wear sunscreen with UV protection.
• Wear light, colored, loose clothing to reflect the sun’s rays rather than absorb them and heat you up. Wear a hat.
• Wear sunglasses on sunny days to protect your eyes. - Avoid being outside during the hottest parts of the day, between 11am and 3pm.
• If you spent time in the sun in the past, get checked regularly by your doctor to make sure there is no evidence of skin issues ie. cancer.

Practice good sun and water safety as you enjoy all the outdoor activities summer has to offer!
*Sources: National Safety Council, www.nsc.org, American Red Cross, www.redcross.org, Swimming Safety for Seniors, www.guardianpoolfence.com  

As the weather warms, the sun’s rays become stronger. The sun is a good source for our vitamin D - helpful in reducing inflammation, boosting immune systems, aiding cell regeneration. But, we must be careful when in the sun. Wear appropriate sunscreen and protective clothing. Wear your sunglasses and a hat. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. 

​Eat your vitamin C boosting citrus fruits such as oranges, mangoes, and kiwis. Vitamin C is needed to boost our immune systems and help fight/prevent cancer, heart disease, the common cold, age-related macular degeneration and more. Stay safe and enjoy this spring!

May is national blood pressure month. High blood pressure (HBP), also known as hypertension, is a condition where “the force of your blood flowing through your blood vessels is consistently too high”. The issue affects about one out of every three adults over age 20. There are no overt symptoms, many don’t know they have it. If left undiagnosed and untreated, it can lead to other problems like heart attack, stroke etc. HBP can do significant damage to your circulatory system. One must be tested in order to be diagnosed and appropriate treatment prescribed and pursued.  Some of the most effective help is simply to change habits - eat healthy, exercise regularly and see the doctor for their prescribed treatments. Throughout May 2020, CDC Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention and Million Hearts are teaming up to educate Americans on how to manage risk factors for HBP and stroke, how to be healthier. Check out their info in sources below.
*Sources: Million Hearts, www.millionhearts.hhs.gov; American Heart Association, www.heart.org­­­