It can be difficult at times to determine the difference between normal memory lapses as we age, and a more serious cognitive decline such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. If you notice your elderly loved one forgetting names, dates, or appointments on a regular basis, it could be cause for concern.

While some memory loss is a common sign of the aging process, it does not necessarily mean dementia is setting in. There are lots of things you can do to keep your loved one stimulated mentally, so their brain function stays sharp as they age. The following ideas are exercises you can do to help improve cognitive function and memory, as well as slowing the effects of conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

These exercises can help improve neuroplasticity, which is a fancy word for how well the brain reacts to changes and adapts to new information and situations. Brain games can be like mental gymnastics and go a long way in preserving good neuroplasticity. The better that is, the faster you’ll be able to recall important information, as well as preserve good memory skills.

There are two types of mental exercises: skill retaining and skill developing. It is important to always be learning new things at any age, in order to keep the brain healthy and functioning well. That falls under the “skill development” category. It is also very important to work on retaining memory by thinking through the skills and abilities that once came easily and talking about them regularly. This would fall under the “skill retaining” category.

Check out the following ideas and exercises you can easily do with your senior loved one as well as yourself, to keep the mind sharp and help prevent memory loss. Remember, the goal is to stay mentally stimulated.

Try your hand at an instrument or a paintbrush

There’s no doubt that one of the best ways to exercise your brain is to pick up a new skill or hobby. Help inspire your elderly loved one to take lessons on something they find interesting, or take lessons in painting, music, cooking, or even knitting. There is a natural sense of accomplishment that comes with learning a new skill, and that alone will keep them motivated to use their brainpower to stay active. Taking a class together is even better! It’s a great way to share time together at the same time you’re keeping the mind stimulated.

Test your recall

Let’s face it—we live in a society where everything we do is digital. No matter what we do, there is an app for everything, so we are not writing things down or making lists the old-fashioned way anymore. One way you can help strengthen memory is to practice recalling the things on your to-do list. Try leaving your shopping list in your purse and recall the things you need to accomplish by memory. Another good way to work on memory is by starting conversations about childhood memories such as pets or homes that the loved one had growing up.

Use your senses

You might not realize it, but the five senses are a critical factor in recalling memories and engaging our minds in the learning process. Engaging in activities with your senior loved ones such as gardening, cooking, or playing music will stimulate the senses as you experience these activities together. Touch, smell, and taste are all wonderful senses to utilize as you talk

Get active

With all the brain workouts, don’t forget the rest of your body needs exercise too! Did you know that staying active helps you feel better, sleep better and have better recall? It’s true! It also goes a long way in stabilizing mood by activating the body’s “happy hormones.” This happens as a result of oxygen to the brain during physical activity. This can also have other benefits such as lowering the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Try going on neighborhood walks or join a free Silver Sneakers class at your local recreation center. If your loved one loves music, get them dancing!

As we have seen, memory loss is a normal part of aging, but it doesn’t have to decrease the quality of life. Trying these ideas will help keep the brain active and increase neuroplasticity, all of which will stave off cognitive decline. For more information on preventing memory loss, contact us today! Our caregivers are compassionate experts in this field.

Home Helpers of the Mid Ohio Valley is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour home care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care. post-operative home care as well as homemaker services in the Mid Ohio Valley including the West Virginia cities of Parkersburg, Williamstown, Vienna, Mineral Wells, Elizabeth, Washington, Belleville, Ravenswood, Ripley, Waverly, Belmont, Rockport, Davisville, and Lubeck, and the Ohio cities of Marietta, Belpre, Newport, Vincent, Little Hocking, Coolville, Athens, The Plains, Reno, and Devola.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article

Moving is stressful when everything goes right! Moving aging parents from the home they have known for years can come with many extra challenges. Not only are you downsizing, but you are also helping them go through memories, special items, etc. For seniors who have been in their house for years and even raised children and grandchildren there, this process requires a special touch with lots of care. Our checklist is designed to help make downsizing easier on both you and your parents when it comes time to move.

First of all, set small and realistic goals. Moving is a great time to go through things and downsize. But it can also be overwhelming. Think about the new space your loved one will be inhabiting, then help them keep what means the most. You will need to work together to determine not only what is important, but what fits.

Careful Planning Means Less Stress

It’s best to do large tasks in small bites. Try to break down what needs to be done in stages, so that moving doesn’t seem as overwhelming. Give your parents time to look at their items, choose what is important, reminisce a bit, and then assure them you are not throwing away things they hold dear. The best way to do this is one room at a time.

Here are some helpful tips to get you started:

• Set a deadline for the project.
• Understand the new floorplan so you can see which large items fit.
• Have a yard sale for things that are no longer needed.
• Set aside items that will be given to special friends or family for safekeeping. Make notes on these items, as well as their recipients.
• Allow plenty of time for the sorting process. Remember, this is a life-altering transition that can make your parent feel like they are losing control. 
• Think about their new lifestyle. For instance, china and silver might be safely stowed or given away if entertaining will no longer be part of their daily lives.

Declutter, Organize and Toss

This can be the hardest part of the job, as there will likely be many years of paperwork bills, tax returns, etc. 

• Decide which paperwork is important to keep. Organize bills, taxes, receipts, etc. into bank boxes to be stored away.
• If at all possible, scan these items to store them digitally so that even more tangible paperwork can be tossed. 
• Free space by getting rid of duplicate items, such as kitchen utensils, etc. 
• Give things away. Passing precious heirlooms to other family is a beautiful way to preserve memories. Now would be a great time to do that. 
• Allow loved ones to come and choose items that need to be gone through, so they can keep what is important to them before the move happens. This is also a beautiful way to keep precious items in the family!
• Donate items that are low in value but in good condition. Good Will or other charities are always looking for these types of things. 
• For items that are still high in value, consider holding a yard sale to bring in as much money as possible. Every dollar helps!
• As hard as it might be, try to make concrete choices and decisions, rather than “maybe” piles. If your goal is to downsize, the decisions need to be made right then. 
• Finally, consider gathering all family photos and scanning them into a computer. They will not only be protected this way but could also be placed onto a DVD for your parents to see any time they wish!

When It’s Moving Day

It’s always smart to help your parents pack an essentials bag, with a couple of changes of clothes, toiletries, and medication. Everything else will be packed in boxes. Here are some helpful tips for that process:

• Be sure to mark boxes fragile if they hold delicate items. Remember—these items belong to someone who has loved and cared for them over many years. 
• Label every single box so unpacking and organizing in the new space will be much easier. 
• Make a list of the things coming with them in the move. This inventory will give peace of mind that nothing important will be forgotten. This can be especially helpful for seniors who already struggle with a cognitive disability such as dementia. 
• Spend quality time! Remember, this can be a beautiful time to share memories, go through items together and talk about the memories attached to them. Your parents will cherish this time with you, so allow them to talk, and ask questions!

Moving seniors out of the place they have known for a long time can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be painful. You can use this list to keep you moving along in the process, but also to help guide you in communication and reminiscing. Your assurance and comfort are the best possible way to help your parents know they will be safe and happy in this new season of life! Don’t be afraid to find out how they’re feeling, and then offer calm in the midst of their storm. Every senior deserves to feel heard and respected. It’s no different during these times of change!

For more information on how to simplify the moving process for aging parents and seniors, please contact us today!!

Home Helpers of the Mid Ohio Valley is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour home care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care. post-operative home care as well as homemaker services in the Mid Ohio Valley including the West Virginia cities of Parkersburg, Williamstown, Vienna, Mineral Wells, Elizabeth, Washington, Belleville, Ravenswood, Ripley, Waverly, Belmont, Rockport, Davisville, and Lubeck, and the Ohio cities of Marietta, Belpre, Newport, Vincent, Little Hocking, Coolville, Athens, The Plains, Reno, and Devola.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article

All adults need 7-9 hours of sleep, no matter our age. However, as we age, it’s common to go to bed earlier and rise earlier than you once did. Even if you were a night owl as a younger person, you may tend to shift to more of a morning person.

Older adults often find themselves feeling frustrated when they can’t get to sleep or sleep through the night. It can happen for a variety of reasons, not the least of which could be medications, pain, or even depression.

Not getting proper rest can cause many issues, including:

• Feeling irritable.
• Feeling forgetful during the day.
• Feeling symptoms of depression.
• Being more prone to accidents or falls.

Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

It’s a myth that just because you age, you will be constantly tired or fatigued. Here are some ideas to help you get the rest you need so you can live life fully!

• Go to sleep at the same time each night. It might be challenging, but your body will thank you if you can go to bed and get up at the same time, including travel days and weekends. 
• Try not to take naps too late in the day. Taking long naps in the afternoon will definitely keep you awake at night.
• Create a routine for bedtime. Reading, taking a soothing bath, listening to calming music are all ways to prepare your mind and body for nighttime rest. 
• Avoid having a TV or computer in the bedroom. Your body needs quiet and darkness to sleep deeply. The light and noise from these devices can interrupt your sleep patterns.
• Keep the thermostat at a cooler temperature that is comfortable at night. 
• Use soft lamps and cozy lighting at night as you prepare for sleep.
• Make sure your exercise routine doesn’t take place within 3-4 hours of bedtime.
• Don’t eat heavy meals at night.
• Avoid caffeine.
• Resist the temptation for alcohol—it doesn’t help you sleep any better.

Older Adults Commonly Have Insomnia

For older adults over age 60, insomnia is the most common problem they experience. This means that they may struggle with falling or staying asleep at night. It can often become chronic and can include the following issues:

• Lying in bed a long time before falling asleep.
• Waking up frequently.
• Waking up too early and being unable to drift back to sleep.
• Waking up feeling tired.
• Struggling to stay awake during the day.

Sometimes, insomnia just becomes habitual after we struggle with it for any length of time. It can cause anxiety before bedtime, which compounds the problem.

Older adults may want to try over-the-counter sleep aids before talking to their doctor about possible prescription medicines that help insomnia. These medications are good for short-term use, but not generally recommended for extended use.

The biggest way to help reverse insomnia is to develop good, consistent routines at night so your body will know what to expect at the same time each night.

Remember, your bedroom is the only place that should be used for sleeping. If you have laid down in the dark for more than a half-hour without falling asleep, go ahead and get out of bed. Read a book or do a quiet activity until you begin to feel sleepy and try again to go to bed.

If you find that you are struggling with insomnia for weeks on end, it’s time to talk to your doctor. He may recommend a sleep study to find the cause of the problem, such as snoring or being unable to enter REM sleep. Most sleep issues can be addressed successfully.

Use your bedroom only for sleeping. After turning off the light, give yourself about 20 minutes to fall asleep. If you’re still awake and not drowsy, get out of bed. When you feel sleepy, go back to bed.
If you feel tired and unable to do your activities for more than 2 or 3 weeks, you may have a sleep problem. Talk with your doctor about changes you can make to get a better night’s sleep.

For more information on helping seniors fall and stay asleep, please contact us today!

Home Helpers of the Mid Ohio Valley is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour home care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care. post-operative home care as well as homemaker services in the Mid Ohio Valley including the West Virginia cities of Parkersburg, Williamstown, Vienna, Mineral Wells, Elizabeth, Washington, Belleville, Ravenswood, Ripley, Waverly, Belmont, Rockport, Davisville, and Lubeck, and the Ohio cities of Marietta, Belpre, Newport, Vincent, Little Hocking, Coolville, Athens, The Plains, Reno, and Devola.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article

Research shows that seniors today have more access than ever to the internet. This includes the use of smartphones, tablets and even computers. As technology becomes easier to use, there have been many devices that have specifically marketed to the senior generation, in hopes that they will not feel left out of the information age. With this, however, comes risk. As seniors dive into the world wide web, their identity information is at risk for hackers and thieves. So, how do we keep seniors safe from identity theft? Read on!

1. Keep All Devices Updated
Seniors may not be familiar or aware of the importance of things like regular system updates. Help them to understand the best practices of staying safe by showing them what to do when an update request pops up on the screen. They could either learn to do it themselves or perhaps they could just bring it to a loved one or caregiver to help them through this process. 
Keeping updates flowing will ensure the safety and security of things like identity theft, MUCH better than without! Cyber threats are real, and the cyber thieves who are lurking are preying on the senior generation, assuming that they don’t know how to avoid risk factors for identity theft.

Most devices nowadays come with security features like unlocking the screen with fingerprint scanners or facial recognition. You should also have an app for them that helps locate the device if it’s lost or stolen.

2. Look Out for Scams.
Personal information is stolen or hacked in many ways, and the bad guys are getting sneakier all the time. Teach your senior loved one the basics of staying safe, such as not clicking on any link they don’t recognize. If they aren’t sure if it’s a fake website or not, the address should be typed manually into a web browser to see if it comes up. Clicking on links in emails is never a good idea, as the link itself will take them to a computer virus or other malware. The key here is to not click on links, even if the source looks legit, like a bank or medical office.

Also, it’s not a good idea to click on pop-up ads, as they too may contain malware that is designed to steal sensitive information from the device.

3. Keep Your Medical Information Protected.
Most criminals in the cyber world will go after medical info before they attempt anything else. Most hospitals and other institutions will identify their patients through a social security number. These numbers are of immense value to the scammer who knows it can be linked to just about any financial or medical information connected the number. Although it’s very easy and convenient to rely on digital records through a patient portal, etc., you should ask for proof that it is being properly secured and protected.

It could even affect the treatment received in an emergency if the medical records have a cyber-criminal mixed in with the actual patient.

To keep the risk of identity theft as low as possible, teach your senior loved one a couple of helpful tips:

• Always look at medical bills and make sure they aren’t being charged for a service or treatment they did not receive. 
• Know what the benefit limit is with their insurance. If they suddenly reach that limit before it’s expected, that should be investigated. 
• Don’t just accept it if they are denied coverage for a common or familiar condition that should be covered. Always check with the insurance company to be sure!

Unfortunately, seniors are often targeted by identity thieves because they are easy prey. They often have good credit ratings, financial security, or simply due to the fact that cybercriminals know that seniors are the least likely group of people to actually know what to look for and how to avoid being scammed. In other words, the bad guys are banking on the technology-based ignorance of the older population.

Always shred sensitive information and go with automatic deposits whenever possible. This cuts down on the number of paper documents that store private info. There are many companies now who specialize in identity-theft monitoring just for seniors!

For more information on keeping your senior loved one safe from identity theft online, contact us today!

Home Helpers of the Mid Ohio Valley is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour home care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care. post-operative home care as well as homemaker services in the Mid Ohio Valley including the West Virginia cities of Parkersburg, Williamstown, Vienna, Mineral Wells, Elizabeth, Washington, Belleville, Ravenswood, Ripley, Waverly, Belmont, Rockport, Davisville, and Lubeck, and the Ohio cities of Marietta, Belpre, Newport, Vincent, Little Hocking, Coolville, Athens, The Plains, Reno, and Devola.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article

Sights, Scents, and Sounds Help Bring Memories to Mind

Everybody complains of memory loss as we grow older. Whether we’re looking for car keys, important paperwork or trying to remember someone’s name, it seems we have had to accept that memory loss just comes with the aging process. When older adults suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s, memory loss can be much more pronounced and difficult to deal with. There are some ways to help make it better, though. Let’s look at some tips!

If you are a caregiver for a dementia patient, you already know that they depend on you to be their memory. By spending time talking about stories from the past, various family members, and momentous occasions, you will be able to help spark those memories in your loved one. Here are a few ways to help trigger those good memories.

1. Smells Can Trigger Memories
Of all our senses, smell is the most pronounced and also the most commonly connected to memories. It’s amazing how even distant memories can become crystal clear when you smell something that reminds you of that time. For those with dementia, smells can be a powerful stimulant.

Studies have shown that the sense of smell can trigger our memories and take us way farther back in time than visual or verbal cues. Certain smells brought many participants in the study an instant memory all the way back from childhood. Something as simple as baking cookies or a favorite meal can be a wonderful way to not only trigger happy memories but also open up the door to have meaningful conversations.

2. The Power of Music
Memories have two types—implicit and explicit. When you think about past memories and attempt to deliberately go back to a certain time or place, this is called explicit memory. Implicit memories are unintentional and tend to be more reactive. However, it’s the explicit memory that is so often damaged by dementia and Alzheimer’s Implicit memories can be strongly connected to music due to the emotional nature of those memories.

Music can bring us back to favorite memories, so it’s a wonderful tool to help seniors recall memories that they may not think of often. It can evoke strong emotions and become very personal, which is very comforting to most seniors.

3. Aiding Memory with Puzzles
Memories can develop atrophy just like other muscles that require exercise. We have all heard “use it or lose it.” The more we can stimulate the brain, the more “exercise” the memory part of the brain gets. Using games, crossword puzzles, etc., can be very helpful with keeping the mind active and able to problem solve and process information. If your loved one can still write and read with no difficulty, consider acquiring some logic-type games with either letters or numbers. These puzzles don’t require math skills; just the ability to think. This is easy to do with puzzle books online games or even the crossword puzzles in the newspaper.

Here are a few extra tips to stimulate memory:

• Keep a folder full of pictures of the life and friends of your loved one so they can see them often and keep the memories strong through visual stimulation. 
• Make a scrapbook together. You can gather items that represent different eras of your loved one’s life such as concert tickets, passport stamps, driver license, love letters, etc. 
• Record your loved one on video talking about the things that are dear to them. They can tell you stories about family members, favorite memories and life events. This is a wonderful legacy of love!!

For more information on how you can stimulate the memory of your older adult, contact us today!

Home Helpers of the Mid Ohio Valley is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour home care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care. post-operative home care as well as homemaker services in the Mid Ohio Valley including the West Virginia cities of Parkersburg, Williamstown, Vienna, Mineral Wells, Elizabeth, Washington, Belleville, Ravenswood, Ripley, Waverly, Belmont, Rockport, Davisville, and Lubeck, and the Ohio cities of Marietta, Belpre, Newport, Vincent, Little Hocking, Coolville, Athens, The Plains, Reno, and Devola.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article

As the fourth leading cause of death in America, stroke statistics are frightening, to say the least. Someone will die from a stroke every five minutes. So, it pays to know more about stroke, how it happens, who is at risk, and what to do should one occur. If you are a senior or a caregiver for a senior loved one, you need to know the facts on strokes!

What Is a Stroke?

We’ve all heard of a heart attack, but have you heard of a “brain attack?” That is essentially what a stroke is. It happens when the brain has a sudden interruption of blood flow, quickly causing neurological damage. In some cases, it can cause total paralysis on one side of the body, and in others, it can be a sharp change in speech, memory or movement. Bodily movements can be severely impacted due to stroke, especially when the stroke isn’t treated very quickly.

What are the Types of Strokes?

Strokes happen in one of two ways: 

• Ischemic strokes, which make up more than 80% of all strokes, happens when there is a major blockage of blood flow to the brain, causing a blood clot. The presence of fatty acids or plaque can also cause these blockages. 
• Hemorrhagic strokes are far deadlier and more severe. The good news is that these are much more rare. Only 30% of stroke victims will die from this type of stroke. This type of stroke happens when there is a hemorrhage in the brain, caused by a ruptured blood vessel.

Here’s What We Know

Senior adults and caregivers alike should be educated on strokes and be aware of the risk factors. Here are a few points to remember:

• More men than women experience a stroke.
• Women have higher odds for dying from stroke-related complications.
• The African American population has a risk twice as high as their Caucasian counterparts.
• Even though strokes usually happen to older people, 25% of them happen to people 50 and under. 
• Strokes account for the highest rate of physical disabilities in the United States.
• If someone has had a stroke, even a minor one, their risk for having another one is exponentially higher, and could likely happen within a five year period after the first one.

Risk Factors for a Stroke

While it may seem very sobering to learn about the risk factors for stroke, it’s vital that we prepare for a stroke event and know what to do should it happen. Some risk factors cannot be prevented. Some of those include:

• Age. After the age of 55, each decade thereafter doubles a person’s risk for stroke. 
• Family History and Genetics. If you have a member of your immediate family who has had a stroke, your risk is much higher for having one yourself. 
• Race. African Americans are the race with the highest potential for strokes.

So, now for some good news! It is completely possible to lower your risk by 80% or more, simply by making lifestyle choices that help prevent a stroke from ever happening. As with so many other health risks, smoking, obesity, and high alcohol consumption are all big risk factors for stroke and should be stopped immediately if you’re already at risk. The reason for these particular risk factors is that they can cause high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, all of which can cause a stroke.

For more information on strokes and what to do if one does happen, please contact us today!

Home Helpers of the Mid Ohio Valley is a locally-owned, trusted home health care agency and offers quality, compassionate senior in-home care services including home care assistance, personal care, companion care, respite care, 24-hour home care, Alzheimer’s & dementia care, Parkinson’s care. post-operative home care as well as homemaker services in the Mid Ohio Valley including the West Virginia cities of Parkersburg, Williamstown, Vienna, Mineral Wells, Elizabeth, Washington, Belleville, Ravenswood, Ripley, Waverly, Belmont, Rockport, Davisville, and Lubeck, and the Ohio cities of Marietta, Belpre, Newport, Vincent, Little Hocking, Coolville, Athens, The Plains, Reno, and Devola.

Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about medicine, health, and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare workers.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which may have been mentioned or linked to in the article