Tag: #caregivertips

Hair Loss in Men: What You Need To Know

By Roz Jones

Why do men lose their hair? In some cases, baldness which occurs naturally in men is genetically inherent in families. While baldness is considered a natural process, it is nonetheless a problem most men have to grapple with. Hair loss in men can be viewed as a sign of aging, however, this is a false assumption. 

Today, unlike years ago, men can have their hair replaced using three specific methods.

One is taking a medication such as Propecia, which has been FDA approved. The second option would be to have hair replaced surgically, and the third option is purchasing a hairpiece.  Propecia seems to be the method of choice, but it is not for everyone. Sexual side effects of using this drug have been reported. 

Surgery would involve shifting sections of the scalp or transplanting plugs of hair. However, an infection may result. The last option, purchasing a hair piece is certainly viable; especially today that advanced technology has made hair pieces more natural and accessible.

Other likely causes for hair loss are stress; alopecia areata; surgery or chemotherapy; poor diet; thyroid disease; certain medications; scalp ringworm; and chemical treatments. 

The condition alopecia areata occurs when the immune system shuts down because it assumes the hair follicles are antibodies. This condition usually causes patchy loss. 

It is estimated that men typically lose 50 to 100 hairs a day, which is part of the hair renewal process. Fortunately, or unfortunately, as the case may be, most people lose hair at one time. While the loss may be temporary, other losses are more permanent.  One of the most common causes of hair loss for men occurs from the front to the crown and is considered a hormonal imbalance. To treat this condition, there are certain medications that can offer a preventative alternative.   

Hair loss in men can be devastating; especially when at a young age. For some, the hair grows back; for others, they have to decide whether to take medication, have surgery or buy a hair piece. While there are three options to remedy hair loss in men, it would be a good idea to research each method to determine the best course of action for you. Check with your doctor, especially if you are inclined to take Propecia. While some men view baldness as sexy; others find receding hairlines and loss of hair distasteful. Thankfully, there are choices.

Are you an Overwhelmed Caregiver? Check out my most recent podcast where we discuss ‘The Mindset of a Caregiver’!

We all know caregiving is hard. It is physically, mentally, and emotionally draining. As caregivers, we are constantly being told we need to find time to take care of ourselves. 

We know that taking care of ourselves is essential for being a good caregiver. But most of us have a difficult time experiencing the ‘caregiver’ mindset.

In this episode, Dr. Herbert highlights how vital it is to have a positive mindset as a caregiver.

We talk about;
Self-care for caregivers
Focusing on what you can control
Getting over the guilt
Generational Gaps
Listen now!

A Caregiver’s Guide to Telehealth: Tips & Limitations of Telehealth for Your Clients & Loved Ones – Part 2

By Roz Jones

ATTENTION: MY INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT HAS BEEN HACKED!!!


I hate to inform you, however, my Instagram page, @rozjonesenterprises, has been hacked! These hackers have also created a FAKE duplicate Instagram Page, @rozjonesenterprise. If you receive or have received a message from either of these accounts, PLEASE DO NOT CLICK THE LINK provided nor engage with them! I kindly request for you to report the @rozjonesenterprise fake account.  I am in the process of working towards rectifying this situation, once it has been rectified I will be sure to let you know. I apologize, in advance, for any inconvenience it may cause you.

Telehealth has grown almost sevenfold since COVID-19 began to spread. While virtual doctor visits and remote monitoring devices could make medical care more convenient and accessible for any patient, your clients or Loved Ones may have the most to gain.

In March 2020, Medicare temporarily expanded coverage of telehealth services for most beneficiaries for office visits, preventive health screenings, and mental health services. At least some of these provisions may become permanent thanks to proposed legislation.

Find out how telehealth can help you, as a Caregiver, assist your clients or Loved Ones to maintain their independence and take care of their mental and physical health. Study this quick guide for those who want to see a doctor without leaving home.

Tips for Using Telehealth:

  1. Master technology. Virtual visits can be as simple as using the phone. Your client or Loved One may need some additional devices and apps. However, if they need help with the necessary technology, and you are unable to assist, ask the local senior center for assistance.
  2. Book an appointment. Maybe your client or Loved One already has scheduled visits through the patient portal at their doctor’s office or local hospital. If you need instructions, visit their website or call for assistance. Then, your client or Loved One just needs to log into the system a few minutes before their appointment starts.
  3. Provide information. Their doctor needs their input whether they see them online or face-to-face. Your client or Loved One may have to fill out forms and describe their symptoms. They may also be asked to send a picture of their rash or stick out their tongue on a video call.
  4. Ask their insurer. Medicare and private insurance have increased coverage for telehealth procedures. Still, it’s wise to double-check their insurance coverage first to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Limitations on Telehealth:

  1. Maintain continuity. You may have heard the term continuity of care, which refers to your client or Loved One’s relationship with their health provider. Experts recommend that your client or Loved One consider telehealth a supplement rather than a replacement for conventional visits.
  2. Report unusual symptoms. New and sudden symptoms are another reason to call the doctor. Early diagnosis will help your client or Loved One to receive the correct treatment and increase their chances for recovery.
  3. Seek urgent care. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room when your client or Loved One needs immediate attention. That would include any signs of a heart attack or stroke.
  4. Prevent fraud. Telehealth can be safe and effective, but the usual rules for online safety apply. Guard your passwords and use secure internet connections.

Telehealth can help your client or Loved One to continue social distancing while receiving the medical care they need. Ask your client or Loved One’s doctor about which options are appropriate for them.

10 Tips for Stronger Mental Health – Part 2

By Roz Jones

To stay fit and healthy as a Caregiver, it’s important to take care of your mental health as well as your physical health. There are little things you can do each day that can contribute to your mental wellness.

Add these items to your daily routines and feel the difference:

  1. Make time to exercise. Regular exercise helps to boost the production of chemicals in your brain that improves your mood. This helps to eliminate low mood, anxiety, and stress.
  1. Have fun. Even if you are busy with caregiving, be sure to set some time aside for fun. Fun is actually very important to your mental health, life satisfaction, and a healthy outlook on life.
  1. Be sociable. Having a few good friends is great for your mental health. They can support and encourage you in good times and bad, giving you inspiration and motivation to live your best life.
  1. Volunteer. Helping others can be good for you too, as well as those you are helping. A little community spirit can go a long way to making you feel good about yourself.
    • Find a charity that speaks to your heart and volunteer your time to help others.
  1. Ask for help. Learn to recognize the signs that you aren’t feeling good and need to ask for help. There’s no need to feel ashamed about having to ask for help. We all go through tough times, but if you have support around you, you’ll be able to make it through to the other side.
    • If you feel as though your friends and family cannot help, or if your mental health issues have started to get too much for you to cope with, make an appointment to speak with your doctor.

Your mental health is important and, if not looked after, it may start to affect your physical health as well. Do the little things regularly that can help you to build strong mental health. You’ll love the difference in the way you feel.

A Caregiver’s Guide to Telehealth: Benefits of Telehealth for Your Clients & Loved Ones – Part 1

By Roz Jones

Telehealth has grown almost sevenfold since COVID-19 began to spread. While virtual doctor visits and remote monitoring devices could make medical care more convenient and accessible for any patient, your clients or Loved Ones may have the most to gain.

In March 2020, Medicare temporarily expanded coverage of telehealth services for most beneficiaries for office visits, preventive health screenings, and mental health services. At least some of these provisions may become permanent thanks to proposed legislation.

Find out how telehealth can help you, as a Caregiver, assist your clients or Loved Ones to maintain their independence and take care of their mental and physical health. Study this quick guide for those who want to see a doctor without leaving home.

Benefits of Telehealth for Your Clients/Loved Ones:

  1. Enjoy more convenience. How far do you have to drive to the doctor’s office for your client/Loved One? With a virtual visit, you can forget about traffic and parking. Plus, if the doctor is busy, you can entertain yourself and your clientor Loved One at home instead of being stuck in the waiting room.
  2. Treat chronic conditions. Almost 80% of seniors have at least one chronic condition, according to the National Council on Aging. Telehealth is ideal for the ongoing care needed to manage the typical symptoms of diabetes, cancer, and other chronic issues.
  3. Access specialists. Depending on where your client or Loved One lives, they may be in for a long wait when a specialist is needed. Online care is more efficient, so it may speed up the process.
  4. Support caregivers. Telehealth is great for caregivers and can also assist you with daily needs. Monitoring devices can free up your time by performing some routine tasks, and counseling services can help reduce stress.
  5. Be proactive. Virtual care also empowers your clients or Loved Ones to play a greater role in staying healthy. For example, your client or Loved One has the ability to take their own blood pressure daily and upload the results.

Telehealth can help your client or Loved One to continue social distancing while receiving the medical care they need. Ask your client or Loved One’s doctor about which options are appropriate for them.

10 Tips for Stronger Mental Health – Part 1

By Roz Jones

To stay fit and healthy as a Caregiver, it’s important to take care of your mental health as well as your physical health. There are little things you can do each day that can contribute to your mental wellness.

Add these items to your daily routines and feel the difference:

  1. Get enough sleep. A lot happens in your brain while you sleep – for both your physical and mental health. Sleep helps to regulate the chemicals in your brain that manage moods and emotions. When you don’t get enough sleep, you may start to experience feelings of depression or anxiety.
    • Most adults thrive with 7-9 hours of good quality sleep each night. Experiment and see how many hours work best for you.
  1. Eat nutritiously. Good food is good for our bodies, plus it’s good for our mental health too! A deficiency in certain minerals, such as iron or vitamin B12, can negatively affect your mood during the day.
    • Eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, lean meat, and healthy fats like avocados. Avoid processed foods with unnatural chemicals. A healthy diet helps both your body and mind feel good.
    • Limit caffeine, as this can increase feelings of anxiety.
  1. Avoid alcohol, smoking, and drugs. These items can affect your mental health also.
    • Drinking too much alcohol can leave you with a thiamine deficiency, which can cause challenges with your memory, coordination, and confusion.
    • Withdrawal symptoms of smoking and drugs can lead to a host of issues. For example, you may feel irritable or anxious without having smoked, while withdrawal effects of drug use may include low moods and anxiety.
  1. Get some sunlight. Your body needs sunlight because it is a good source of vitamin D. This vitamin helps our brains release chemicals like endorphins and serotonin. Chemicals that help improve our mood.
  1. Try to reduce stress. Stress can sometimes be unavoidable but learning what triggers it and how to cope with it is key for your mental health.
    • You can learn to better manage your worries by making a list or schedule of what needs to be done. Prioritize the most important items and do those first. When you get used to doing this each day, you’ll soon realize that your tasks are manageable, and you’ll feel less need to worry.
    • Once your important tasks are taken care of, find relaxation methods that work for you and let the stress of the day melt away.

Your mental health is important and, if not looked after, it can start to affect your physical health as well. Do the little things regularly that can help you to build stronger mental health. You’ll love the difference in the way you feel.