Common Causes of Medication Errors
Reported medication errors affect at least 1.5 million people each year. Adverse reactions may be fatal or result in a drug-related injury requiring extensive treatment. Frequent enough to be considered a public health concern, an estimated 6,000 to 10,000 Americans die annually from medication errors. These mistakes can occur at multiple treatment stages. What Are…
How Older Adults Can Manage Extreme Cold Weather
Extreme cold weather affects everyone but for older adults with declining muscle mass, freezing temperatures can make it hard to retain body heat and increase hypothermia risks. There are other perils of winter weather to contend with, including slippery surfaces that can increase slip and fall risks. Here’s what you should know. Hypothermia Risks When…
Warm Weather Safety Tips for Seniors
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion, dehydration or heat stroke, especially in seniors. With age, the body becomes less effective at regulating its internal temperature. Coupled with chronic health conditions and medication side effects, seniors may find it hard to keep cool or sweat excessively, leading to heat-related illnesses. Understand how…
When Should Older Adults Stop Driving?
Driving your own car represents freedom, mobility and independence. Yet age-related changes, physical health conditions and medications can alter how older adults respond when they’re behind the wheel. These factors can lead to an accident, getting lost or disregarding traffic signals, which puts themselves and others at risk. If you’re concerned about yourself or a…