Senior Living Guide

Healthyhabits Faintingspellsforelderlylinkedtobloodclots CertainriskfactorsputpeopleatahigherchanceforDVT and PE.These include: • Prior surgery • Certain cancers • Cardiovascular disease • Bed rest that causes blood to pool • Sitting for long periods of time • Smoking • Being overweight F alls are one of the great- est risk factors for injury among the aging popu- lation. When falls are attributed to fainting spells, people may be very eager to get to the source of the fall. Doctors have found that blood clots may at- tribute to fainting in the elderly. Information published in the journal Clinical Geriatric Medicine found that the elderly are at a higher risk of blood clots because of their reduced mobility. Blood clots may result in deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, and could lead to a pulmonary embolism if left untreated. DVT is a common problem involving the veins of the legs. Blood pooling in the legs may cause a blood clot to form in the deep veins of the lower leg, impairing blood flow back to the heart. A pulmonary embolism, or PE, occurs when a clot dislodges from the leg veins and travels through the bloodstream to reach the heart and lungs. While swelling in the legs, cramping in the lower legs, skin color changes, and warmth of the skin where the clot is located can signal a problem, symptoms of a PE may vary greatly. Shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, and rapid or irregular heartbeat can all occur, says The Mayo Clinic. Researchers are finding that, in some cases, fainting episodes also may be indicative of a PE. People who are experiencing fainting spells should be on the radar for other symptoms of PE, advises the American College of Chest Physicians. However, it's important to note that fainting can be attributed to dehydration, a drop in blood pressure and heart-rhythm disturbances. Use of compression stockings to move blood more efficiently, physical activity, leg elevation, anticoagulants, and pneumatic compression can help prevent the formation of clots. Because PE can be life-threatening, people experiencing fainting or other symptoms are urged to speak with their doctor. n (415) 457-2256 • www.HealthCareConnectionLLC.com Dignity•Respect Personal Care • Safety Allservicesmanagedbyowner Nancy Mack, RN, PHN, GCM A Licensed Homecare Agency offering Home Care Aide Services: Agency is employer; insured, bonded, Employees registered with the state Geriatric Care Management: RN resource specialist and advocate for seniors and their families Celebrating20yearsofservice New Book Release! EveryNight'sFridayNightby Andrea R. Huff Andrea'sjoyfulnewbook explores all that the third stage of life has to offer without ignoring the challenges. It provides a process to prepare for an active retirement whether you're 40 or 60 and helps you make decisions on how to best spend your time. Time and Freedom for the Rest of Your Life SpeakingEngagementJune23rd,1:00p.m. Book Passage, Corte MaderaJoin us! For more info www.EveryNightsFridayNight.com A Marketing Supplement of the Marin Independent Journal | marinij.com Senior Living June 10, 2018 11

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