Angela's Angels Home Health Agency

Angela's Angels Home Health Agency Angela's Angels Home Health Agency is a private agency that is designed around the needs of the geriatric community.

06/25/2018

Quote for the week: Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.

-Robert Brault

03/16/2018

March is Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month

Inhibitors & Other Complications

Having hemophilia and other bleeding disorders can mean coping with various complications that can arise throughout the patient’s lifetime. Some patients have more severe complications, while others have only mild complications. Some of the complications that can occur in patients with hemophilia are discussed below.

Inhibitors

Some patients develop an immune response to the medications used to treat hemophilia. The immune system is the primary defense system of the body against disease and foreign agents. For these patients, the immune system produces antibodies that “inhibit” clot formation by destroying the clotting factor before it has a chance to stop the bleeding. The reason for a patient developing inhibitors is still not entirely clear and the presence of an inhibitor makes treating bleeds more difficult. Standard treatment does not work, and other methods to control bleeding must be used. Here you’ll find information for both consumers and providers on how inhibitors are diagnosed, treated and managed.

Unusual Bleeds

Bleeds beneath the skin can cause large bruises that take time to heal. Bleeding in certain areas—the eye, head, brain, throat or gastrointestinal tract—can be life threatening and require immediate attention.

Joint Damage

Bleeding into joints and muscles can cause swelling, pain and immobility. Bleeds in muscles can cause permanent nerve damage when the trapped blood or swollen muscles put pressure on a nerve. Some sites can become target joints, where repeat bleeds damage the lining of the joint, called the synovium. Synovitis is a condition where chronic inflammation in the joint from recurrent bleeds has thickened the synovium, reducing the joint space and limiting movement. The bones can then become arthritic and develop cysts. Eventually, there may be so much damage that a joint replacement or fusion may be needed.

03/15/2018

March is Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month

What are the possible complications of bleeding disorders?

Most complications associated with bleeding disorders can be prevented or controlled with treatment. However, it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible. Complications often occur when bleeding disorders are treated too late.

Common complications of bleeding disorders include:

- bleeding in the intestines
- bleeding into the brain
- bleeding into the joints
- joint pain

Complications can also arise if the disorder is severe or causes excessive blood loss.

Bleeding disorders can be particularly dangerous for women, especially if they’re not treated quickly. Untreated bleeding disorders increase the risk of excessive bleeding during childbirth, a miscarriage, or an abortion. Women with bleeding disorders may also experience very heavy menstrual bleeding. This can lead to anemia, a condition that occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to your tissues. Anemia can cause weakness, shortness of breath, and dizziness.

It’s important to call your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of a bleeding disorder. Getting prompt treatment will help prevent any potential complications.

03/14/2018

March is Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month

How are bleeding disorders treated?

Treatment options vary depending on the type of bleeding disorder and its severity. Though treatments can’t cure bleeding disorders, they can help relieve the symptoms associated with certain disorders.

Iron supplementation

Your doctor may prescribe iron supplements to replenish the amount of iron in your body if you have significant blood loss. A low iron level can result in iron deficiency anemia. This condition can make you feel weak, tired, and dizzy. You may need a blood transfusion if symptoms don’t improve with iron supplementation.

Blood transfusion

A blood transfusion replaces any lost blood with blood taken from a donor. The donor blood has to match your blood type to prevent complications. This procedure can only be done in the hospital.

Other treatments

Some bleeding disorders may be treated with topical products or nasal sprays. Other disorders, including hemophilia, can be treated with factor replacement therapy. This involves injecting clotting factor concentrates into your bloodstream. These injections can prevent or control excessive bleeding.

You can also get fresh frozen plasma transfusions if you lack certain clotting factors. Fresh frozen plasma contains factors V and VIII, which are two important proteins that help with blood clotting. These transfusions must be done in a hospital.

03/13/2018

March is Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month

How is a bleeding disorder diagnosed?

To diagnose a bleeding disorder, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. They will also perform a physical examination. During your appointment, make sure to mention:

- any medical conditions you currently have
- any medications or supplements you may be taking
- any recent falls or trauma
- how often you experience the bleeding
- how long the bleeding lasts
- what you were doing before the bleeding began

After gathering this information, your doctor will run blood tests to make a proper diagnosis. These tests may include:

- a complete blood count (CBC), which measures the amount of red and white blood cells in your body
- a platelet aggregation test, which checks how well your platelets clump together
- a bleeding time test, which determines how quickly your blood clots to prevent bleeding

03/12/2018

March is Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month

What is a Bleeding Disorder?

Bleeding disorders are a group of disorders that share the inability to form a proper blood clot. They are characterized by extended bleeding after injury, surgery, trauma or menstruation. Sometimes the bleeding is spontaneous, without a known or identifiable cause. Improper clotting can be caused by defects in blood components such as platelets and/or clotting proteins, also called clotting factors. The body produces 13 clotting factors. If any of them are defective or deficient, blood clotting is affected; a mild, moderate or severe bleeding disorder can result.

Some bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia, can be inherited or acquired. Others can occur from such conditions as anemia, cirrhosis of the liver, HIV, leukemia and vitamin K deficiency. They also can result from certain medications that thin the blood, including aspirin, heparin and warfarin.

Symptoms of a bleeding disorder include:

- Bleeding into joints, muscles and soft tissues
- Excessive bruising
- Prolonged, heavy menstrual periods (menorrhagia)
- Unexplained nosebleeds
- Extended bleeding after minor cuts, blood draws or vaccinations, minor surgery or dental procedures

Treatment

Treatment for bleeding disorders varies, depending on the condition and its severity. For some bleeding disorders, there are clotting factor concentrates that can be infused prophylactically or on-demand at home, to prevent or treat bleeds. For other bleeding disorders, there are topical products, nasal sprays and fresh frozen plasma, which is administered in a hospital setting.

03/09/2018

March is National Nutrition Month

How to Handle Food Cravings

What happens when your cravings become overwhelming and lead to overindulgence and feelings of guilt? When people follow restrictive diets or completely cut out groups of foods, cravings can become more intense and can lead to a vicious cycle of indulging, overeating and guilt. A balanced eating plan that allows foods you enjoy — even high-fat, high-calorie foods — will be easier to maintain since you aren't eliminating those foods outright from your life.

If you sometimes crave chocolate, keep some dark chocolate on hand. Eat it mindfully, enjoy the experience and put it away when you're satisfied. When you always have chocolate on hand, you're less likely to overeat it.

Here are other tips for handling food cravings.

- Schedule your snacks. Plan for nutritious snacks to keep your body biologically fed. Keep portable, nutrient-dense snacks in your desk, backpack or car.

- Take a walk, work on a hobby or call a friend. When an intense craving hits, take a moment to consider what else you might be needing at that moment. Are you actually hungry or are you bored or lonely?

- Keep a craving journal. Note the time of day your craving appeared, how long it lasted, the food you craved and how you handled the situation.

03/08/2018

March is National Nutrition Month

Benefits of Coffee

Wake up and smell the … antioxidants?

If you think your morning cup of joe provides nothing more to your body than a jolt of caffeine, you might be pleasantly surprised to learn that your daily cup (or three) provides some health benefits as well. Drinking moderate amounts of coffee (including decaf) has been linked to lower risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease and some cancers.

And those antioxidants? Although researchers have yet to determine the exact mechanisms behind some of the disease-preventing effects, it is important to keep in mind that these compounds may be exerting other beneficial effects, such as acting as an anti-inflammatory. Coffee also contains small amounts of some nutrients, including potassium, niacin and magnesium.

Making your coffee a vehicle for fat-free milk is one way to ensure your daily calcium and vitamin D needs are met. If your diet does not include dairy, a fortified soy beverage is a calcium-rich alternative.

So how much java is too much? It's wise to stick to no more than 3 to 4 cups per day. Certain groups, such as people with hypertension and the elderly, may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of caffeine.

March is National Nutrition Month  Cruciferous veggies are a diverse group that includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage,...
03/07/2018

March is National Nutrition Month

Cruciferous veggies are a diverse group that includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, bok choy, arugula, Brussels sprouts, collards, watercress and radishes.

03/07/2018

March is National Nutrition Month

The Beginner's Guide to Cruciferous Vegetables

What do kale, arugula and Brussels sprouts have in common? Aside from being the basis for trend-setting vegetable recipes, they’re all delicious cruciferous vegetables and pack a nutritional and inflammation-fighting one-two punch.

Cruciferous veggies are a diverse group that includes broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, bok choy, arugula, Brussels sprouts, collards, watercress and radishes. Fun fact: The name “cruciferous” is an informal classification for members of the mustard family and comes from the Latin cruciferae meaning “cross bearing,” because the four petals resemble a cross.

While these veggies grow in all different colors, shapes and sizes, they share several nutritional benefits. Most cruciferous veggies are rich in vitamins and minerals such as folate and vitamin K. Dark green cruciferous veggies also are an excellent source of vitamins A and C. They’re also rich in phytonutrients — plant-based compounds that may help to lower inflammation and reduce the risk of developing cancer. Cruciferous vegetables also are rich in fiber and low in calories, a combination that will help you feel full and satisfied without overeating.

It doesn’t take much to reap the benefits. Adults need at least 2½ cups of vegetables a day. One cup of raw and cooked veggies, such as broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, is equivalent to a 1-cup vegetable serving. Two cups of raw leafy vegetables, such as kale and bok choy, are the equivalent of a 1-cup vegetable serving.

Ready to add more cruciferous veggies into your diet? These tips will make packing in your vitamins and minerals easy and enjoyable.

Cauliflower

This versatile veggie is delicious in many ways beyond steaming. Try roasting florets or “steaks” of cauliflower to release its pleasant flavor. When pureed, it’s a great substitute to cream sauce. Other creative cauliflower options? Mash into a pizza crust, grate into a substitute for rice or pickle for a low-calorie salty, crunchy snack.

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts practically beg to be in the oven. For a melt-in-your-mouth side, roast and toss with something sweet, such as dried fruit or maple syrup, as well as something savory — anything from Parmesan cheese to sliced olives.

Kale

The almighty kale is a wonderful green for salads. Remove the tough stem, slice into thin ribbons and toss with toppings, dressing and all. Best of all, this hearty green will not wilt for days, making it a great option for packing ahead. To balance the bitter bite, pair it with something sweet such as roasted carrots, diced apple or dried fruit. Kale also is a great addition to smoothies and can even be baked into crisp chips.

Arugula

Arugula is one of the easiest greens to grow in your garden or in a planter. Enjoy this spicy leaf pureed into a pesto with a kick, tossed onto whole-wheat pizza once it emerges from the oven or used in a variety of tossed salads. For a classic combination try fresh arugula paired with feta cheese, cubed watermelon and a balsamic dressing.

03/06/2018

March is National Nutrition Month

Prebiotics and Probiotics: Creating a Healthier You

You've probably heard of prebiotics and probiotics, but do you know what they are? Nutrition research has pinpointed specific functional components of foods that may improve health, and prebiotics and probiotics are two such substances.

Although they are available as dietary supplements, it is not necessary to use special pills, potions, cleanses or other concoctions to incorporate prebiotics and probiotics into your diet. These "nutrition boosters" are natural ingredients in everyday food

While research continues in this area of nutrition — investigating how effective and safe these substances are and how much we need to obtain health benefits — here's what we know now.

What Are Prebiotics and What Do They Do?

Prebiotics are natural, non-digestible food components that are linked to promoting the growth of helpful bacteria in your gut. Simply said, they're "good" bacteria promoters. That's right, not all bacteria are bad! Prebiotics may improve gastrointestinal health as well as potentially enhance calcium absorption.

Prebiotics in Your Diet

Prebiotics include fructooligosaccharides, such as inulin and galactooligosaccharides. But rather than focusing on these lengthy words, include more prebiotics in your diet by eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains such as bananas, onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, artichokes, soybeans and whole-wheat foods.

What Are Probiotics and What Do They Do?

Probiotics are the "good" bacteria — or live cultures — just like those naturally found in your gut. These active cultures help change or repopulate intestinal bacteria to balance gut flora. This functional component may boost immunity and overall health, especially GI health. For instance, probiotics have been used for management of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.

Probiotics in Your Diet

To obtain more probiotics, look to fermented dairy foods including yogurt, kefir products and aged cheeses, which contain live cultures (for example, bifidobacteria and lactobacilli). Be sure include plenty of non-dairy foods which also have beneficial cultures, including kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, tempeh and cultured non-dairy yogurts.

What Makes Prebiotics and Probiotics the "Dynamic Duo?"

Ultimately, prebiotics, or "good" bacteria promoters, and probiotics, or "good" bacteria, work together synergistically. In other words, prebiotics are breakfast, lunch and dinner for probiotics, which restores and can improve GI health. Products that combine these together are called synbiotics. On the menu, that means enjoying bananas atop yogurt or stir-frying asparagus with tempeh is a win-win.

The bottom line: At a minimum, prebiotics and probiotics are keys for good gut health, which affects many other areas of the body.

Incorporating health-promoting functional foods, such as foods containing prebiotics and probiotics, into the diet aids in creating a healthier you.

For specific advice on obtaining prebiotics and probiotics for your own specific health needs, especially if you have GI issues or a weakened immune system, contact a registered dietitian nutritionist.

Address

296 Kinderkamack Road Suite 200
Oradell, NJ
07649

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12014836750

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