One in Four Elderly Americans are Malnourished - Are You Malnourished?

Older Americans with varying degrees of malnutrition are found throughout the community – in their own homes, in long-term care facilities and even in hospitals.  Some reasons for senior malnutrition include loss of teeth, a hard time getting to the grocery store, and lack of money.  In fact, for many older people it’s not a question of eating well, but of eating at all.  For others, disease, medication interference and dependence on others add to inadequate nutritional intake.

For older Americans, malnutrition can lead to lost weight and strength, lessened immunity to disease, confusion and disorientation, and exacerbated frailty and debilitation. Good nutrition plays a crucial role in keeping older people healthy and functioning.

Studies have shown that older adults at nutritional risk see the doctor more frequently, and have more hospital and emergency room visits.  And when in the hospital, their stays are nearly twice as long as those of well-nourished patients, resulting in much higher hospital bills.

For senior women, it is recommended they eat between 1,600 calories a day for low activity levels, and up to 2,200 calories per day for an active lifestyle (walking 3 miles per day).  Senior men should eat between 2,000 calories a day for low activity levels, and up to 2,800 calories per day for an active lifestyle (walking 3 miles per day).  The average daily calorie consumption is 2,000 calories.

So what does 2,000 calories of food look like per day?  Here is a general breakdown:

2 ½ cups of vegetables such as tomatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli and cauliflower, etc.

2 cups of fruit such as one banana, half cup of strawberries and half cup of orange juice

6 oz of Grain foods such as one slice of bread, roll or muffin, or 1 cup of cereal, or ½ cup of rice or pasta.

3 cups of Dairy such as low-fat milk, 1 cup of yogurt or 1 ½ oz of cheese.

5 ½ oz of Protein such as seafood, lean meat and poultry, eggs, beans, peas, nuts and seeds.

6 tsp. of oil, use mainly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated such as olive or canola oil.

At any age, it's important to feed your body a diverse amount of nutrients.  Of course you should always speak to your doctor about any food or diet restrictions they may have for any special conditions or medications that modify your food intake.

The Administration on Aging, through Titles III and VI of the Older Americans Act, administers the largest community nutrition services program for older Americans, the Elderly Nutrition Program.  This program provides nutrition services including meals, nutrition education and other services to mobile and homebound elders 60 years of age and older, with a preference to those in greatest economic and social need.

So where can seniors find assistance obtaining food?  Here are some nutrition resources for older Americans:

Congregate Meals Programs are government subsidized meal programs usually held in local community centers to provide reduced cost meals to seniors, an opportunity for socializing, and volunteer roles, which contribute to overall health and well-being of older adults.  Check with your local recreation center, church or senior center to see if they host senior meal programs in your area.

Meals on Wheels:  http://www.mowaa.org/

Oldest and largest membership organization supporting more than 5,000 Senior Nutrition Programs that operate in all 50 states.  Visit their website to search for a Meals on Wheels service near you.

Netgrocer online grocery store:  www.netgrocer.com

A grocery store online, delivers refrigerated, frozen, non-perishable groceries and health and beauty supplies direct to your door in 3-7 days. (Shipping charges apply)

Schwans: http://www.schwans.com/landing/landingaarp.aspx

A pioneer in the home delivery of food, now with a special program for AARP members!  They also offer modified diet foods such as gluten free, vegetarian, low sodium, heart healthy and more.

King Soopers/City Market Home Delivery:  https://homeshop.kroger.com/sf/servlet/storefront

Your local grocery store now allows you to shop from home and have your groceries delivered to your door.  Standard delivery fee is $10.95.  If you don’t have a King Soopers, check with your local grocer to see if they provide home shopping and delivery services.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program-Elderly – How to Apply:  http://www.fns.usda.gov/csfp/eligibility-how-apply 

Food Stamp Program Information:  http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap.

Sources: http://nihseniorhealth.gov/eatingwellasyougetolder; www.webmd.com/healthyaging; www.aoa.gov/naic/about.html

New Dansko Shoe Arrivals!

Oh, how we love new shoes, and these new Dansko's are no exception! 

The legendary Dansko Stapled Professional launched a comfort generation. Loved by millions, this iconic style offers unbeatable all-day comfort and support. Available in an ever-evolving range of upper materials. Go ahead, treat your feet!

Medallion Embossed Patent Leather Professional Clog

Multi Ripple Patent Leather Professional Clog

Pewter Patent Leather Professional Clog

In stock now at Laurel Uniforms & Apparel!

Men's Khaki Scrubs - New!

Our Men's rack has "gone khaki"!  

Now in stock, these EDS Signature scrubs from Dickies features pockets in all the right places and a zip-fly pant!

Starting at just $22.99!

Click HERE to shop now!

Better Living Corner: I need replacement parts for my Nova walker

"I use my Nova walker all day, every day, and now I need a replacement part.  Can you help me find the part I need?"

Mountain View Medical Supply is an authorized retailer for Nova, which means we have Nova parts for walkers and wheelchairs.  From wheels to handgrips, and rail guides to brakes, we have you covered!

Click HERE to shop Nova parts online, or call 303-455-1300 today!

Need Scrubs for your Entire Group?

We Specialize in Group Scrub Sales!

Let us know what you need, along with your preferred budget and we will find the perfect fit for your group!  

Call Laurel Uniforms & Apparel at 303-420-8200 today!

Click to shop Laurel Uniforms NOW!

Introducing Evolution NXT by Dickies

Made of 59 Cotton/ 38 Poly / 3 Spandex Soft Slub Canvas that looks and feels like a million bucks!

Starting at $26.99!  Click HERE to shop now!

Labor Day Store Hours

Difficulty with Stairs?

When stairs become too difficult to navigate either from injuries or declining strength and dexterity, people often think it’s time to sell their home and find a single-level living arrangement.  With a stair lift, you can keep that independence, keep your home, and still access basements and second levels. 

With prices starting at $2,833.33 for an average flight of stairs, stair lifts become an economical solution for staying in your home.    The average cost to move a 4-bedroom home across town can run $2,500 and up, and the average cost to move from one major city to another can run over $10,000!  Of course this is a fair assumption a moving company is needed to help with the household move. 

Stair lifts bring safety and independence on the stairs.  They are a reliable, safe and comfortable alternative and are simple to operate.  At Mountain View Medical Supply we offer Brooks stair lifts because of their slim-line design which enables others to use the stairs as normal.  Also, they do not damage your home as the treads are attached to your stairs and not your wall, an important point to consider in the resale value of your home.

Brooks Stair lifts are built to last, with low maintenance and high reliability. They run on maintenance free DC Power packs, which are automatically recharged at the end of every trip. So even if there is a power failure the Brooks Stair lift glides smoothly to its destination. This type of power also means the stair lift is whisper quiet and incredibly smooth.

Also featured with the Brooks stair lift:

Wireless Remote Control
The lift can be 'called' or 'sent' up or down the stairs whenever it's needed, making it easy for multiple users to control the stair lift.

Safety cut-out sensors on carriage and footrest
If anything is blocking the progress of the stair lift, it will come to an immediate halt. There are 5 sensors: 3 on the footrest, and 2 on the carriage.

Swivel seat, locks in either 45° or 90° position
The seat turns and locks in either a 45° or 90° position, helping you get in and out of your stair lift, easily and safely.

Simple to use controls
Using the lift is as easy as pushing the armrest paddle in the direction of travel.

Soft start and stop system
No sudden jolts to set the user off balance.

Low voltage operation

Eliminates risk of shock

Stair lifts are priced and built to fit your custom stairs, please call 800-873-7121 for pricing.

Sources:  http://www.mymovingreviews.com/move/average-moving-cost

Better Living Corner: "I love taking a bath, but can't..."

From a recent customer:  "I love taking a bath, but can't, and I don't want a walk-in tub where I have to wait for it to completely drain before I can get out."

At Mountain View Medical Supply we carry the Lumex Splash Bath Tub Lift because it adapts to most any standard bathtub and is a fraction of the cost of walk-in tubs. 
Plus, NO REMODELING IS REQUIRED!  
The Splash Bath Lift is a lightweight, affordable bath lift with all the basic elements needed to safely lower and raise the user in the bath tub.
The Splash bath lift has been designed to offer exceptional value at a great price.
Weighing only 14.3 lbs, the Splash Bath Lift is the lightest battery-powered bath lift available. The suction cup feet have easy release tabs for releasing the suction cup from the tub floor.
Splash has a 280-lb weight capacity.

LX5033A-1 - $699.92

Click HERE for more information.

Attention Students! Back to School FREEBIES at Laurel Uniforms!

In honor of back to school, we have a promotion during the month of August just for students!  Any student of healthcare, culinary arts, special trade or any other type of education is eligible! 

Simply bring your student ID to Laurel Uniforms today!

Don't forget to Shop LaurelUniforms.com for your school supplies and uniforms!

What you should know about seniors and driving

In the United States, there are 23 million drivers aged 70 and above, and it is estimated that by 2020, more than 40 million licensed drivers will be aged 65 and older.  While older drivers are considered safer drivers because they use seatbelts, rarely speed, and are the least likely to drive while impaired, their abilities may be affected by decline in vision, hearing, cognitive function, physical changes and the effects of medications. 

A new survey of 1,000 seniors aged 75 or older from Liberty Mutual Insurance, found that 78 percent who said they drive regularly admitted to declining physical abilities.  Sixteen percent said they tired easily or had slow reaction times, 13 percent said they had trouble seeing or hearing, and nine percent reported getting lost and even feeling confused.  It’s no wonder that seniors are worried about their driving skills and maintaining their driver’s license.  Sixty-four percent feared losing their independence, 47 percent worried that being unable to drive would cause them to be less active,  45 percent were concerned that not driving would lead them to feeling isolated, while 45 percent also worried about the logistics of their transportation needs should they give up driving.

Interestingly, eighty-four percent of seniors surveyed by Liberty Mutual said they would be open to conversations about how much they should or shouldn’t be driving, but only 6 percent said they’ve actually had that kind of discussion with a relative, loved one or doctor.

If a person’s continued fitness to drive is in doubt by others, their concerns can usually be reported, confidentially, to the states licensing agency.  States typically have medical review boards composed of health care professionals who advise on licensing standards, and on individual cases in which a person’s ability to drive safely is in doubt.  After reviewing a person’s fitness to drive, the agency may allow the person to continue driving as previously instated, refuse to renew the license, suspend the license, or restrict the license.  Typical restrictions may include prohibiting of nighttime driving, requiring additional mirrors on the vehicle, or limiting driving to specified places, or a limited radius from the driver’s home.

Most states have a regular renewal period for all drivers that range from 4 to 10 years, with the exception of Arizona, where all drivers’ licenses are valid until the age of 65.  About half of the States require older drivers to renew their license more frequently, usually every 2 to 5 years.  Where the renewal cycle is not shorter for older drivers, licensing agencies have the authority to shorten the renewal cycle for individual license holders if their condition warrants.  The age at which more frequent renewals is required varies anywhere from 60 years old to 85 years old.

Identifying challenges that senior drivers face is the first step toward driving as long, and as safely possible.  AAA has a website dedicated to senior drivers at www.seniordriving.aaa.com, where you can research licensing laws for your state, find refresher course classes, get feedback on how certain medications can effect driving, and how your choice of vehicle fits your abilities.  This website also has resources for Family and Friends to help keep seniors safe when it comes to driving.

Sources:  http://editorial.autos.msn.com/blogs/post--most-seniors-admit-to-driving-with-impairments; National Conference of State Legislature/Traffic Safety Trends: State Legislative Action 2012; www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/laws/olderdrivers; www.seniordriving.aaa.com

Top Customer Picks for skin cream and cleansing

Here are a few products that are our customers top picks!

This long lasting formula helps protect and prevent chafed, chapped and cracked skin. 

SQ3248-09, 8oz bottle - $5.23

This cleanser has low foam for easy rinsing and an exceptionally mild formula that won't irritate the eyes. 

MI4502-48, 8oz bottle - $3.08

Shop more top picks HERE

Nurses’ top 10 songs to unwind

Nurses’ top 10 favorite songs to unwind to after a long shift

1. Bob Marley, “Three Little Birds”…“Don’t worry ‘bout a thing, ‘cuz every little thing gonna be alright.” Sometimes that little reminder is just what I need…and it makes me think of being on a beach, worry-free.
—Meghan D.

2. “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar…with dance moves and all!!!
—Lisâ A.

3. Well, I’ve been retired for a while, but back in the day during my 20-some-mile drive home, I fell in love with ACDC ‘cause it was wild and raucous enough that I could crank it up, sing at the top of my voice, thump the beat out on the steering wheel and just “get it all out” so that I was once again sane when I got home to my family! LOL!
—Susan K.

4. Peace and quiet leaving and “Welcome to the Jungle” arriving.
—Pamela E.

5. Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy.” The funny thing is…I work in a mental hospital and, until now, never even associated the two!
—Patti Ann W.

6. “Nah nah nah nah, nah nah nah nah, hey hey hey, goodbye!”
—Clo V.

7. Janis Joplin’s “Me and Bobby McGee.” I actually got pulled over by the police one night after a long shift for blaring it too loud…ha ha ha…such a great stress-reliever song!
—Kelley R.

8. Johnny Paycheck, “Take This Job and Shove It.” Just kidding! I love my job, but some days…
—Rhonda S.

9. “I Will Survive.”
—Myra P.

10. Um, is the sound of wine hitting the glass considered a song?
—Nurse Natty P

Source:  http://scrubsmag.com/nurses-top-10-favorite-songs-to-unwind-to-after-a-long-shift/

Better Living Corner: "My compression socks need help staying up"

I seems surprising that a garment that is meant to be "tight" would have trouble staying "up", but sometimes they do!  Blame it on anatomy:  Everyone is built differently!  Fortunately, there is a fix for that.  It Stays is a body adhesive that helps keep your compression garments "up", urological leg straps in place, or general clothing issues from becoming an embarrassing story. 

SI581I300 - $9.85  Clear 2oz bottle is airline travel approved size, washes off with water and is flexible and pliable.

More dogs are lost on the 4th of July than any other time of year

Be sure to take a current picture of your pet just in case they are lost during 4th of July celebrations!

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

Less Exercise Associated with Male Statin Use

Adapted from Author David Stauth, published June 11, 2014 on www.disabled-world.com/news 

Almost one-third of older Americans take statins, usually to reduce their cholesterol levels, but a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine raise concerns about a decline in much-needed physical activity among men. To be fair, the research did not identify why men who took statins exercised less, it just confirmed they did. Possible causes could include side effects of statins such as muscle pain and disruption of the mitochondrial function in cells, which could contribute to fatigue and muscle weakness.
In an analysis of 3.071 community-living men in the United States, age 65 or older, researchers found that men who took statins averaged about 40 minutes less of physical exercise per week, compared to those who weren’t taking the medication.
“For an older population that’s already pretty sedentary, that’s a significant amount less exercise,” said David Lee, an associate professor in the Oregon State University/Oregon Health & Science University College of Pharmacy, and lead author of the study.  That would equate to the loss of 150 minutes a week of slow-paced walking, Lee said.
“We’re trying to find ways to get older adults to exercise more, not less,” Lee said.  “It’s a fairly serious concern if use of statins is doing something that makes people less likely to exercise.”
Muscle pain is found in 5-30 percent of people who take statins, Lee said, and some people also report feeling less energetic, weak or tired.
Of some significance, the study also found that new statin users had the largest drop in physical activity.  An increase in sedentary behavior, which is associated with all-cause mortality and also death from cardiovascular disease, was also observed in statin users.
This research followed men for almost seven years after initial baseline studies were done, and compared changes in physical activity among users and non-users of statins.  In parts of the experiments, men wore accelerometers for a week to track by the minute their level of activity.
“Given these results, we should be aware of a possible decrease in physical activity among people taking a statin,” Lee said.  “If someone is already weak, frail, or sedentary, they may want to consider this issue, and consult with their doctor to determine of statin use is still appropriate.”  Lee said.  “This could decrease the benefit of the medication.”