Do you have a stash of old or expired medications? Are you concerned about how to dispose of old medications? There are a lot of things you can do with old medications. However, there are also some things you shouldn’t do with unused medications. Let’s look at your options.

What to do With Old Medication?

If you are like most Americans, you probably have a medicine cabinet with medication inside. When is the last time you checked the expiration date for your medications? Everyone is probably guilty of holding on medication past its expiration date.

Many people are probably also guilty of holding onto medication they won’t use before it expires. Maybe you do this because the medicine cabinet is out of sight, and therefore also out of mind. Or maybe you do it because you don’t know what to do with your medications once you’re done with them.

Regardless of why you have old medication hanging out in your medicine cabinet, letting it sit there is not the solution. So, instead of letting it clutter your cabinet, there are some ways you can get rid of your old prescription medications, and even your expired over the counter medications.

Why Should I Dispose of Old Medications?

Disposing of old or unused medications is important for a few reasons. Old medications that are past their expiration date, should be disposed of properly. This is because medication, much like food, has an expiration date. In general, medication should not be used after its expiration date because it could be less effective.

Expired medication can even be harmful because of potential bacterial growth. According to the Food and Drug Administration, expiration dates for medications became a requirement in 1979. These dates play critical part in determining the safety and effectiveness of a medication.

Antibiotics and Expirations for Old Medications

Antibiotics are especially prone to becoming less effective after their expiration date. This can lead to an infection spreading instead of being treated. Moreover, it can also lead to antibiotic resistance. The potency of the an expired antibiotic is reduced. As a result, it allows the bacteria causing the infection to become resistant to the antibiotic.

Finally, when discussing antibiotics, the regime for antibiotics is a critical part in treating infection. Every infection is different, and may require different antibiotics. Relying on unused or expired meds to treat a presumed infection can be dangerous. Always talk to your doctor before starting an antibiotic, and never used expired antibiotics.  

Best Way to Dispose of Old Medicine

The best way to dispose of old medicine is to take it to a drug take-back location. Many hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies have a location where you can drop off old or unused medication. The location will then dispose of the medication properly for you.

The  Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hosts a national drug take-back day at least annually. The DEA sets up temporary drop boxes for drugs to be dropped off. The purpose of this national event is to provide a safe place for people to drop off medication. In addition, they DEA can also raise awareness about the abuse of medications.

Locale Take-Back Sites

While the DEA only dedicates one day to setting up temporary take-back sites, there are a lot of year round, or permanent, take-back sites in the United States.

If you are wondering where to take old prescription medications, you can easily find out if there is a permanent drug take-back location near you by using the DEA website. All you have to do is type in your zip code, or city and state. Then, select how far you’re willing to drive to drop off your medication.

The website will tell you every registered drug take-back location in the radius you selected. If you don’t have a drug take-back location, or if the nearest location is too far for you to drive, there are other options.

Local Law Enforcement Take-Back Days

Occasionally, local law enforcement agencies host take-back days. On these days, they set up a site for the local community to drop off their unused or expired medications. From there, the police department handles the disposal process. You can always call your local police department to find out if they will be hosting a take-back event in your community. In addition, you can always call and ask if they can take unused or expired medications.

How do I Dispose of Old Medications?

If you don’t have a local drug take-back location where you can safely drop off your medication, there are other options. First you need to identify what kind of medication you need to dispose of. There are some medications that require special disposal.

Some medications cannot be flushed or put down drains, this is because they might be harmful to the environment and there might be a better or easier way to dispose of it. It is a common myth that no medications can be flushed though. The FDA states there are some medications that should be flushed instead of thrown away.

MEDICATIONS THAT CAN BE FLUSHED

The FDA provides a list of medications that can be flushed down the toilet. It is important to remember that if the medication is NOT on this list, then it should not be flushed. There are other methods of disposals for medications not on the list. The medications on the flush list are medications that should be disposed of immediately.

Holding onto these medications poses a danger to anyone who was not prescribed the medication or is battling addiction. The FDA has determined the risk of keeping these medications in the house exceeds the potential environmental impact from flushing the medication.

The medications they list can cause death to animals and young children if they ingest even just one dose. Because of the serious risks associated with these medications when they are not taken as prescribed, they are better off flushed if they can’t ben taken to a drug take-back location immediately.  

MEDICATIONS THAT CANNOT BE FLUSHED

The FDA has stated that medications not on the flush list, should not be flushed. If you feel you have a medication that needs to be disposed of quickly and you don’t have a local drug take-back location, there are other ways to dispose of the medication. Check to see if the medication you have has special disposal instructions. Typically, if the prescription medication has special disposal instructions, you will be made away by the pharmacist.

Most medications can be safely thrown in the trash, in 4 simple steps.

• First, mix the medication with an unappealing substance. Something such as kitty litter, coffee grounds, or dirty. This will prevent animals, or people, from being attracted to it if they find it in the trashcan. Do not crush tables or capsules. You should also do this with liquid medications as well, just pour the medication in the unappealing substance.

• Next, place the mixture in a sealable bag. Do not just mix it in a grocery bag or trash bag. Being able to seal the bag prevents it from spilling open and becoming easily accessible. Imagine if your trash can got knocked over and your medication fell out and was ingested by an animal. While some medications may not be deadly, others can have harmful side effects. For this reason, it’s important that the bad you place the mixture into, can be sealed.

• Next, throw the sealed bag into your household trash can and take your household trash out to the dumpster or place it in your outdoor trash container. You don’t need to take the household trash out immediately, but it might be wise if you have curious kids and pets in your house that like to get into the trash.

• Finally, scratch out all identifying information on the medication bottle and discard the bottle. Prescription bottles contain a lot of personal information, such as your doctor’s name, your full name, the medication you were taking, and possibly even insurance information. Protecting your identity is important, even when disposing of medications.

Can I Donate My Old Medications?

Medication, especially in the United States, is not cheap. Many people might think it would be better to donate the medication instead of throwing it away. Donating medications can be tricky because there are lot of laws that control how medications are distributed in the United States. Some states do have laws that allow for medications to be donated, especially medications used for the treatment of life threatening diseases such as cancer.

Can I give Old Medications to a Friend or Family Member?

Federal law prohibits controlled substances from being distributed by individuals that don’t posses specific licenses to prescribe or distribute medications, such as doctors and pharmacists. For this reason, you cannot just give your unused medication to a friend or family member. However, you might be able to find organizations that are able to take medication and redistribute it to those in need. In these situations though, the medication cannot be expired, and typically has be sealed in the original manufacturer’s bottle, not a prescription bottle.

As of 2018, there are 38 states, and Guam, that have laws pertaining to the reuse and recycling of unused medication. If you are interested in donating your unused medication, you can contact a local pharmacist. They can tell you if there are any programs in your state that accept unused medications.

Conclusions on How to Dispose of Old Medications

Disposing of old medications is a complicated topic as there are many options. Moreover, not all of your options are good and/or legal. This article is a good place to start. However, if you are in doubt of how to properly dispose of a particular medication, please call your pharmacist.

More Reading on Prescription Drugs

The post How to Dispose of Old Medications appeared first on Medicare Life Health.

Caregiver stress and caregiver burnout is real. The sleepless nights, worry and agitation are real symptoms of caring for elderly parents stress.

While you are learning how to care for your aging parents, you must also continue to care for yourself.

Ways to Destress When Caring for an Elderly Parent

Caregiver burnout happens when you begin feeling overwhelmed with the daily tasks of caring for another person. You begin to feel like your whole life is consumed with that one person and you have nothing to yourself.

What can you do when you start to feel this way? First thing you must know is that you aren’t alone, and your mental health is just as important as your loved one’s health.

A Personal Caregiver Stress Story

Jessica’s Story – “My grandma walked slowly into the dining room on Thanksgiving. She had a pecan pie in her hand and a knife. She began cutting it as her hand made an uneven line. She was trying to get the slice out of the pie pan, but the knife was just cutting the pie into mush.

She has always been a very stubborn and independent woman. Asking her if I could cut the pie for her would have been frustrating and embarrassing. We all chuckled and blamed it on the fact that the pie was just the right consistency, and that it would be delicious no matter what it looked like on the plate.

That was the first time I noticed she wasn’t herself. Since then, she has needed more and more help and assistance. The last time she drove herself somewhere she got lost, despite having the GPS on in the car. Sometimes she repeats questions, and sometimes she calls the grandkids by the wrong name.

As we watch her health deteriorate, I know my grandpa must be struggling. As the mother of a child with Cystic Fibrosis, where my daily routine is focused around his medical treatments and medications, I know how easy it is to feel like you’re simply living for someone else. It’s hard. But there are a lot of ways to destress and find yourself again. Your life doesn’t have to only be about caring for another person.”

Caregiver Stress Relief Options

Here are some of your options when it comes to relieving caregiver stress and preventing burnout.

1. Respite Care

To start, one great option for getting a much-needed break is respite care. Respite care is when a qualified individual comes in and takes over the caregiving role for a few hours so you can care for yourself. Many respite caregivers are qualified nurses or medical professionals that can take on medication administration and manage medical equipment.

Depending on where you live, you might be able to find a program that provides respite care to families in need. A simple google search for respite care in your area can help you find this service. You may also be able to get recommendations from your loved one’s doctor.

2. Hospital Social Worker

All hospitals have social workers. Social workers aren’t just for children. Social workers can help navigate difficult situations and gather resources for you. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you can ask to speak with a social worker at your loved one’s next appointment and ask for resources. They might be able to find you local programs and help you find solutions to the caregiver burnout.

3. Help from Family

If you have family or close friends around, ask them for help. Reaching out for help can be difficult for a lot of people, but you can’t expect others to just know you are struggling. Be vocal about your needs and let them know you would appreciate if they could help you manage this difficult time. Having a family member come over and help even just one day a week so you can get out of the house can completely change your mental state. We often tell new moms that they need to ask for help and that it takes a village to raise a child. Caring for an elderly parent is no different. It is hard work, and it can be emotionally and mentally draining. It really takes a village to care for an elderly parent, just like it does for a child.

3. Elderly Groups

Bingo night, a knitting club, a book club, there are a lot of activities and groups for the elderly. Adding in something fun to your routine can help you destress and decompress. It can also bring joy to your parent and yourself. Getting old and becoming sick doesn’t mean that the fun has to stop. The last years of our lives should be spent enjoying as much as possible.

Also, getting your parent some friends and social engagement from their peers is critical for mental health. This may sound like it is just for your loved one, but really when you get out and engage in these groups, you will find yourself meeting people in the same situation as yourself. You will also find yourself having fun and enjoying a moment without the stress and focus on caring for your loved one.

4. Trips Out of the House

Getting out of the house regularly is especially important, and not just for errands or work either. You need to get out and do something fun. With or without your loved one. If your loved one is on hospice and can’t leave the house due to medical devices, then you need to take time for yourself and get out of the house.

Visit a museum, go to a zoo, go do something fun to get your mind off the stress of being at home. Being stuck in a house caring for another person is exhausting, and it can negatively impact your mental health. If your loved one is not on hospice yet, it’s okay to take them with you. Enjoy a change of scenery, it will help you destress.

6. Consider a Nursing Home or Assisted Living for Your Loved One

This can be a difficult conversation, but sometimes it can provide a much healthier environment for you and your loved one. Assisted living is for people who may need some assistance, such as help getting groceries. Whereas a nursing home is a place where the residents require 24-hour attention and medical care.

If your loved one is still mostly independent, an assisted living facility can help them make friends with peers and get them engaged in community events. If your loved one requires around the clock medical attention, a nursing home can be a good environment, as they also provide activities and engagement. If your loved one refuses to go to a nursing home or assisted living facility, ask them why.

Finding out what they want is critical. Some people might be fearful that the home will involve neglect or abuse, which isn’t an irrational fear. They may also not want to be around peers that are nearing the end of their lives because it can be depressing losing friends frequently. It can also be a constant reminder that they are at the end of their life.

If your loved one is fearful, then a nursing home or assisted living home may not be a good option, and that’s okay. Deciding what is best for you and your loved one is very personal. You may choose to visit a few local nursing homes or assisted living homes to get a better idea of the options in your area.

7. Implement Security Measures

It can be stressful caring for someone with dementia. The fear of them leaving the house at strange hours or getting lost can consume your mind. You can help ease the stress of this fear by implementing some simple security measures.

You can put alarms on your doors and windows. You don’t need an expensive security system for this either. Simple magnetic alarms can cost as little as a couple of dollars for each alarm. These alarms are battery operated and work by going off once the magnet is pulled apart. They can go on doors and windows.

This can help you know immediately if your loved one is leaving the house at night while you’re home and prevent them from harming themselves or getting lost. You can also turn on their GPS location on their phone so you can track their whereabouts if they’re still going places on their own.

There are a lot of options for GPS tracking, watches, necklaces, and even small GPS trackers that you can put in a purse, wallet, or jacket, so that you can always have access to their location. These security measures can help you feel more at peace.

8. Support Groups

Connecting with people that are experiencing the same situation as yourself can be very powerful and validating. You aren’t alone, many caregivers are experiencing the same emotions as yourself. Attend a support group for caregivers so you can learn more about how others are coping with similar situations.

You can vent about your situation, then find ways to cope with the difficulties and feelings associated with being a caregiver. Your hospital’s social worker can probably recommend a local support group. You might also be able to find one online.

9. Counseling for Caregivers

There can be a lot of negative emotions associated with being a caregiver. It is normal to feel overwhelmed, stressed, angry, sad, and even guilty. Navigating these emotions can be difficult to do on your own. Counseling can help you deal with your feelings and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

As your loved one ages and you become responsible for their health and well-being, you can feel overwhelmed with the responsibility while also feeling guilty that you aren’t happy with the arrangement. You may also be feeling sad that the person you loved and looked up to is deteriorating.

There is a feeling of loss when your loved one is living with dementia because that person isn’t the same as you remember them. Coping with these feelings is extremely important to your mental health. Seeking out counseling to navigate this difficult time can be beneficial.

10. Make Time for Yourself

While your loved one is very important to you, you still need to make time for yourself. Dedicating a set time each time to destress is important. Whether it’s soaking your feet, watching TV, or just reading a book, it’s important to give yourself time.

Dedicating time to practice selfcare can help your relieve caregiver stress and bolster your mental health. If you need to make time for yourself by not doing the dishes one night, or skipping vacuuming the house, it’s okay to do that. You do not have to do everything, every single day. It is okay to skip a task in order to give yourself a break.

11. Hire Help

If you have the financial ability to do so, hiring a house cleaner, or hiring someone to run errands such as grocery shopping, can decrease your workload and reduce your caregiver stress. If you have distant family members that can’t help in person, ask them to consider helping by paying for some of these services.

Even just being able to delegate one task to another person can give you enough time to do something for yourself. It is extremely difficult caring for an elderly loved one, especially when you are responsible for all of the tasks of their care and your own household.

12. Go for a Walk

Daily exercise and fresh air can positively impact your mental health. Exercise increases endorphins and can help you feel less stressed. Going for a daily walk around the park, or even just your neighborhood, can help you destress. Take your loved one with you and enjoy the walk together. The fresh air and change of scenery will melt your stress away for a moment.

Being a caregiver for a loved one can be very difficult. It is common to feel overwhelmed with the daily tasks and to feel like you’ve lost part of yourself. You can overcome these feelings through implementing some changes though. Taking time to destress is important can give you more joyful moments during this caregiving role.

Conclusions on Managing Caregiver Stress

The most important thing is to find a way to take care of yourself. No matter what is going on or who you are responsible for, you are always responsible for yourself first. Make yourself a priority so you have the energy and compassion to care for others.

The post Caregiver Stress & Burnout Relief appeared first on Medicare Life Health.

How old is middle aged? It is a bit ambiguous; definitions vary, but is said to between “young adulthood and old age.” This is typically somewhere in the range of 45-65 depending on the source.

Despite the idea that by the time we hit our late 20s we have fully developed; scientists have discovered that we continually change as we experience new things in our lives. This continues throughout our entire lives as we are shaped by these experiences. 

What does it mean to be Middle-Aged?

“Older Americans in a Sea of Youth”

Middle age is an interesting topic, as it is somewhat vague. It gives the sense of not being anywhere, or being anything. You’re not young, but you’re not old or even close to be considered elderly.

Older Americans may fear this time of their lives and worry about finding what’s important to them and if they will still be happy. They are past the time in their youth where they were striving to develop economically, relationally, and personally. But they haven’t yet reached retirement and the relaxation stage as those in old age typically do.  During this stage of life several changes occur. 

Physical Changes in Middle Age

As we reach middle age, visible signs of aging start to increase. Women will typically experience this more rapidly, especially if they have additional health issues such as Osteoporosis. They will begin to experience Menopause and the side effects associated with it.

As older Americans our skin starts to change and our physical fitness and aerobic performance decline. Personal lifestyle choices, activity level, and eating habits play a huge role in the physical changes we see during middle age. It’s never too late to keep yourself happy and healthy through middle age and beyond, by addressing these important areas of your life. 

Cognitive Changes

This is also where older Americans begin to see cognitive changes. Typically, these are not as noticeable as they will be in old age, because we can still compensate for any slight changes in our mental abilities. If these changes are noticed early on in middle age, the symptoms can be slowed and managed going forward. Changes in diet, medication, and lifestyle can play a big role in our cognitive abilities, and can even improve our mental state. 

Social/Personality Changes

As older Americans our focus begins to shift. We are less driven and ambitious than when we were younger, and focused more on finding contentment. This is where people reevaluate their life decisions to align with what they find personally important.

Despite the typical association with a “midlife crisis,” most people find this stage of life rather tranquil, as they align lifestyle with their personal morals and beliefs. By focusing in on what they find important, they find happiness and peace they didn’t experience before. 

Perceptions Throughout the Years

In the past age was viewed as something to be respected. These people after all, had the most experience and knowledge; something that only came with age. In our current culture, youth is celebrated, while signs of aging are viewed as negative. This leaves our largest portion of the population feeling poorly about themselves and trying to hang on to the last of their youth. The perception in today’s society of what it means to be an older American is misguided by advertisements and those selling products to “keep us young.”

These advertisements invoke thoughts of illness, unhappiness, and infrequent sex; however, this couldn’t be farther from reality.  At this age, most parents no longer have children living in the home, and are able to refocus on themselves and each other. This is something they haven’t been able to do in 20 plus years. In fact, most people report being happiest during this time in their life. They feel more in control, connected to those around them, and content with where they are in life. 

Middle Age in Other Cultures

In other cultures around the world, middle age is often seen as something positive. In India elders are seen as the head of the household. They are the ones everyone turns to for advice, due to the experience they have gathered through the years. In many Asian cultures, disrespect of elders is considered socially unacceptable and children are expected to take care of their parents as they age. This is considered a duty, sign of respect, and appreciation to parents for raising them. However, as time and westernization effects these countries, these values are becoming lost. 

In the past, nursing homes would be considered unacceptable, and would make you a “bad child” in China. Now, where the one child policy remains in effect, and life span is longer than ever before, the strain on one child to care for and support their parents is difficult. Nursing homes have become more frequent as a viable option for care. In Korea it’s typical to have a large celebration for both the 60th and 70th birthdays, as children celebrate their parents moving into old age. In the past living beyond 60 was considered a big achievement; while today life-span is longer, this practice of celebration is still maintained. 

Aging in America

Despite what our western culture has told us about aging and the negatives of it. Older Americans are beginning to realize that it’s not that bad after all. In fact, many of them are happier than before and find that this is the most enjoyable time in their lives. They have created financial stability for themselves, cultivated valuable relationships in their lives, and now have the time to focus on what they desire for the rest of their lives. 

Conclusions on How Old is Middle Aged

If you find yourself answering the question, how old is middle aged with “my age!” don’t fear. Moreover, don’t let anyone else tell you how you should feel going into this stage of your life.

Embrace it, love yourself, and enjoy the best this stage of life has to offer. 

Further Reading in Aging

The post How Old is Middle Aged? appeared first on Medicare Life Health.

Baby it’s getting cold out here! Today we will cover simple winter wellness tips for seniors to stay well in cold season and throughout the year.

Here’s what we know:

• Staying healthy is important in any year and in any time of the year.
• Staying healthy is even more important in a pandemic year. Moreover, in the winter when we are all stuck indoors.
• This is all especially true if you are entering into, or already are in, your Medicare years.

Let’s talk about what you can do to protect yourself and keep your body as healthy as possible during these ever changing times and seasons.

Beyond the Basics

In this article we will go beyond our day to day healthy practices (which we certainly need to be following carefully) laid out by the CDC, and into what we can be doing now that will have a positive impact on our health and wellness into the next days, months and years.

Some of these will be obvious, but important, reminders for maintaining good health, especially during flu / cold season and winter. However, others might be ideas you have not considered before, but are no less important or powerful.

Cold Season Protective Health Tips for Seniors

To start, I am writing this article during the 2020/2021 pandemic. The infamous COVID-19 virus is reported to affect many of the body’s systems including the respiratory system (including the lungs) and the circulatory system (including the heart). So, what practical things can we do to protect our body from viruses?

Let’s look at two obvious, two not so obvious (but still simple) steps, and one bonus suggestion.

• Eating Healthy, Natural Foods
• Exercising Regularly
• Getting Enough Vitamin D
• Getting Enough Omega 3’s
• Bonus: Using the Sauna

Eating Healthy, Natural Foods

Diet goes a long way in protecting your immune system. Good foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals bolster your body’s health. We need a variety of nutritious foods with varying amounts of proteins, carbohydrates and fats to fuel our immune system and keep us healthy. Nutrition science has shown us …

The immune system protects versus illness. Exposure to contaminations, stress, malnutrition and other factors that impact on immune dysfunction has increased in the modern lifestyle hence paying attention to adequate amount of calorie, protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants is necessary.

http://immunopathol.com/PDF/ipp-1-e04.pdf

One instant way to improve your diet is to include whole foods, fruits and vegetables whenever possible. Filling your plate with these foods will begin to inch out less nutritious foods that are hard for our bodies to digest. (For example – eating less sugar, processed foods and fast foods.)

Eating healthier foods will not only help you to improve your immune system and overall health, but will also help you to save money in the long run. Read more about saving money with our number one health hack here.

Need help kicking a sugar habit? Start here.

Exercising Regularly

Even just a small increase in your activity level can help keep your body healthier. Moreover, exercise helps strengthen your lungs, your heart and even your immune system. Your lymph system (which is like your body’s garbage collection and removal system) works much more efficiently with exercise.

Just Start Moving

Wherever you are in your exercise routine, start small with any changes, and consult your physician with any personal health questions. It is important to find exercise you enjoy and will continue to do regularly.

If you are stuck at home, there are still resources available to you:

• Silver Sneakers or other programs like Renew Active may be available to you through your Medicare Insurance Options. If you have a Medicare Advantage Insurance Program, they typically come with a fitness option, and these options have at home programs in addition to their gym options.
• Also, the National Institute on Aging has a YouTube Channel with at home workouts.

If you are needing to lose some extra weight.
We can suggest this free online weight loss program here.

In addition to diet and exercise, there are a few additional health practices that have the potential to enhance your immune system over time.

Cold Season & Vitamin D

One of the simplest steps you can take to protect yourself during cold season and bolster your winter wellness is to make sure you are getting an adequate amount of Vitamin D.

To start, Vitamin D is very important to your body. In fact, it is actually more than just a vitamin – it is a steroid hormone your body needs for proper functioning. However, more than 41% of the U.S. is getting deficient levels of Vitamin D and perhaps up to 70% of Americans are getting insufficient levels of Vitamin D.

Most of us know that vitamin D helps our body regulate calcium to keep our bones, teeth and muscles strong. Interestingly, recent studies have shown that Vitamin D might have a protecting factor against lung injury. This is big news in this time where our world is fighting a virus that can damage our lungs.

According to Science Daily, reporting on a study done by the University of Queen Mary London, Vitamin D can protect against respiratory infections including colds and flus.

“Daily or weekly supplementation halved the risk of acute respiratory infection in people with the lowest baseline vitamin D levels, below 25 nanomoles per litre (nmol/L). However, people with higher baseline vitamin D levels also benefited, although the effect was more modest (10 per cent risk reduction). ”

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/02/170216110002.htm

Dr. Rhonda Patrick (who has a PhD in Biomedical Sciences) has a very through and insteresting video on Vitamin D available here. The video addresses how “Vitamin D may reduce susceptibility to COVID-19-associated lung injury.”

Am I Getting Enough Vitamin D?

You may now be wondering if you are vitamin D deficient or insuffient. Typically, the only direct way to tell is with a blood test. During this time, it might be prohibitive to get a blood test.

We get vitamin D from the sun’s UVB rays during certain times of the year (and based on where you live relative to the equator) and we can get it in small amounts through some foods. However, most of us are not getting enough through these avenues and might have to consider supplementation.

We suggest talking to your doctor about vitamin D supplementation. If you would like to read more about “How much vitamin D do I need?” then I also suggest reading this article from the Harvard Medical School website.

Getting Enough Omega 3’s

Omega 3 fatty acids work together with Vitamin D to keep your immune system functioning at its highest capacity.

According to “Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Immune Cells,” a peer reviewed study you can read all of here, “Both omega-3 and omega-6-derived metabolites have important immune-regulatory functions.” To get specific and scientific, Omega 3s regulate cellular membrane properties and can be signaling molecules to cells. This means they help cells figure out what is good and what is bad to let into cells – for example, viruses.

Since Omega 3’s are important to immune function, it would be a good idea to make sure you are including these into your diet – especially during flu season. So where do you get them?

Ways to Get Your Omega 3’s

According to the National Institute of Health, you can find Omega 3’s:

• Fish and some seafoods such as salmon, sardines, tuna
• Nuts / Seeds like chia, walnuts and flax, including their oils
• Fortified foods like some milks and eggs
• Supplements like fish oil caplets

A varied diet including these Omega 3 rich foods will help to bolster your immune system. You can always ask your health care practitioner about supplementation if you think that is needed.

How Much Omega 3’s Do I Need?

According to the NHI, “recommended amounts of EPA and DHA have not been established.” On the other hand, ALA recommended amounts have been established, but the amount needed by each person depends on their age and sex. You can see ALA recommended amounts here.

Bonus: Using the Sauna

Ok, I understand that this final winter wellness suggestion is not an option for everyone. As a result, I am including it as a “bonus” suggestion. However, the benefits of sauna use are very tied to a healthy immune system and can be an effective way to stave off the unwanted viruses of cold season.

When we are talking about “saunas” we are talking about the small, wooden rooms with either a Finnish, hot rock heater or an infrared heated sauna. Both of these sauna methods can be effective in training your immune system to be more effective through timed exposure to high heat.

The benefits of sauna use include:

• Strengthening immune responsive
• Better heart health
• Decreased inflammation
• Reversal of cognitive decline
• And even mood lifting (Click for Source.)

If you are interested in learning more about sauna benefits and use, I suggest you start with this very detailed article from Dr. Rhonda Patrick.

Conclusions

In summary, there are several good first steps to taking care of your immune system during cold season. Your winter wellness regimen should include:

• Eating Healthy, Natural Foods
• Exercising Regularly
• Getting Enough Vitamin D
• Getting Enough Omega 3’s
• And as a Bonus: Using the Sauna

By following these suggestions, you should give you immune system a head start during the winter months (and all year).

The post Cold Season & Winter Wellness Top Tips appeared first on Medicare Life Health.

Hearing aids are expensive. We are talking thousands of dollars, sometimes even with insurance. In addition, they may be overkill for the amount of hearing support you require.

Fortunately, there are hearing aid alternatives. You just need to know where to look and what to look for.

Hearing Aids are Not Covered by Medicare

One of the main problems is that hearing aids are not covered by Original Medicare. (Read this article to learn more, and how they are sometimes “covered” or subsidized by select Medicare Advantage plans.

Just as a refresher, Medicare Advantage Plans are private insurance plans (Medicare Part C) that are available to Medicare Beneficiaries in certain geographic areas. Some of them do have hearing care benefits.

So, What is a Low Cost Hearing Aid Alternative?

Before 2009, the only solution for procuring a hearing aid was through a doctor. In addition, to make matters worse, these solutions were (and still are) thousands of dollars.

Enter the PSAP…

What is a PSAP?

However, in 2009, a court decision finally allowed sales of OTC (over the counter) hearing aids. They changed the name of these “hearing aid alternatives” to Personal Sound Amplifier Products or PSAP.

What is the Difference Between a Hearing Aid and an Amplifier?

To be frank, the main difference between a hearing aid and a hearing amplifier is FDA regulation. To get a hearing aid, you will

• Need to see a doctor
• Go to follow up doctor visits
• Get a prescription
• Pay a lot of money, or have great insurance to help cover the cost.

To get an amplifier (PSAP), you just need to purchase one online. No doctor or prescription required. However, you may want to see a hearing specialist just to be sure your hearing loss is not connected to another condition.

How do Amplifiers Work?

Personal Sound Amplifiers are basically over-the-counter hearing aids. They “manage” noise around you and help you hear what is important, like the sound of voices directed at you. Some of them even have noise cancelling technologies. (Affiliate Link)

Our PSAP Brand Recommendation

One of the first, and still very popular, brands of PSAP’s is Otofonix. We recommend this brand, and our links for them are affiliate links. The company was started by an ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctor and the company has many different options and price points.

Otofonix has some limited time offers for our readers. They are listed here:

• Get up to 50% OFF | Shop Hearing Aids @ Otofonix Now!

• Free Two-Day Shipping on Orders Over $75!

Otofonix is known for having great customer service, a 1 year warranty and a up to 45 day return window.

Hearing Health Tips for Improving and Protecting Hearing

Finally, we are ending our hearing aid alternatives article with a few tips for naturally improving hearing. They might not be a substitute for an amplifier or hearing aid, but they might make a difference.

To Start, Keep Your Ears Unclogged

There are multiple ways your ears can get plugged up. You could have an infection, allergies, pressure build-up (like from a plane ride), or even too much war wax.

I remember when my mom spent months not being able to hear and thinking she needed hearing aids. However, when she went to the doctor, they found out she just had a prolific amount of ear wax! After they drained her wax out, she could hear again.

There are ways to “irrigate” your own ear canal, but that also might be something to consult your doctor about. It is always a good idea to be safe and gentle your ears. (And stay away from putting things in your ears like cotton swabs.)

Finally, Prevent Further Hearing Loss

Hearing Loss Prevention is the Key to hearing health! Make sure you are protecting your hearing by:

• Wearing ear plugs when you know you will be experiencing loud sounds. For example, at a concert or fireworks show.
• Give yourself some quiet time. Your ears and brain work hard together to interpret sounds. Make sure to give them a break every once-and-a-while.
• Turn down the volume on the TV and on your music.
• Take care of your whole self. Exercise and a healthy diet will help to keep all your body’s systems in proper working order, including your ears.
• In addition, foods rich in magnesium may help bolster hearing health. Studies have been inconclusive in how other vitamins and minerals help hearing health.

The post Best Hearing Aid Alternatives appeared first on Medicare Life Health.

There is nothing worse than getting a hospital bill with an unexpected number on it. So, if your doctor says you need an MRI, you might be wondering, just how much does an MRI cost?

First, MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. An MRI machine can scan the inside parts of your body and create pictures for medical professionals to use for diagnostics. Moreover, it is considered “noninvasive” as it uses magnetic fields, radio waves, and computer technology to create images.

MRI’s are commonly used to discover issues in your brain, neck, arteries and spine. (Among many other uses.)

So, let’s look at cost estimates for an MRI with and without insurance, including Medicare options.

How Much Does an MRI Cost Without Insurance?

There is not a national “set price” for an MRI. The U.S.A. has a private healthcare system, so costs vary state-to-state and even facility-to-facility. For this reason, you will see estimates varying on the question of how much does an MRI cost in the United States.

Estimates for How Much does an MRI Scan Cost

• According to Money.com, the average MRI cost is $2,611.

Cost Estimates for MRI as an Inpatient vs an Outpatient

• However, MRI costs also vary significantly between inpatient and outpatient facilities.
  • According to this website, the national average for an MRI is $1,325, but the outpatient average is $650, while the inpatient average is $2,250.
  • That is over a $1,500 difference in price if you have the procedure done while you are admitted as an inpatient, versus being an outpatient.

The Cost to Get an MRI Scan Varies by State

• As mentioned, the estimated cost of a MRI also varies across the country. The United States uses private hospital systems and they can set their own prices based on their expenses.
  • According to American Health Imaging, the most expensive state for an MRI is Alaska (at $3,200).
  • And the least expensive state for an MRI is Mississippi (at $97).

What is the Cost on an MRI with Private Insurance?

Private insurance may reduce the cost of your MRI if it is considered a covered service. It may reduce the cost of your service more if you get your procedure done at an in-network facility vs an out-of-network facility.

According to Money.com, insurance companies, on average negotiate MRI costs down to $511 to $2,815. After that, your costs for an MRI will depend on your insurance co-pays, deductibles and max out-of-pocket expenses.

How Much Does an MRI Cost with Medicare?

Depending on what type of Medicare Plan you have, and it your MRI is considered a “covered service,” you may have different costs associated with getting an MRI. Let’s look at each Medicare option and what costs might be associated with each.

Original Medicare

Medicare is a national healthcare system that negotiates with facilities to accept Medicare Beneficiaries as patients, and it negotiates prices. You just have Original Medicare and not a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Supplement on top of Medicare, then you can find the price of your MRI scan on the Procedure Price Look-up page on Medicare.gov.

This page lists off 54 different MRI procedures that are covered by Medicare and how much they may cost you and Medicare. For example,

• A simple “MRI Scan” (Code: 76498) is listed at a total cost of $32 (patient pays $6, Medicare pays $25) at ambulatory surgical center or $62 (patient pays $12, Medicare pays $49) at a hospital’s outpatient center.
• While a “MRI of heart before and after contrast with stress imaging” (Code: 75563) can have a total cost of $356 (patient pays $71, Medicare pays $285) at ambulatory surgical center or $691 (patient pays $138, Medicare pays $553) at a hospital’s outpatient center.

However, most people on Medicare do not just have Original Medicare. They also have a Supplement (which is also called a Medigap plan) or a Part C, Medicare Advantage Plan to help them cover the costs that Medicare does not pick up.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans

If you have a Medicare Supplement plan, then an MRI might not cost you any additional money, depending on your supplement. Plans like F (or G after the Part B deductible) cover all expenses that Medicare does not pick up.

There are different Medigap Plans available listed out by letter names, and Medicare Beneficiaries get to choose which one fits their needs best. To learn more about Medigap plans, click here.

Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage Plans (also called MA or Medicare Part C) are bundled plans that replace Original Medicare and offer more coverage than what Original Medicare offers. They often have co-pays or a co-insurance for listed covered services.

For example, a plan might have a set price co-pay for an outpatient service or an inpatient hospital service. If you have an MA Part C, you will need to consult your plan information to see how much an MRI costs with Medicare Advantage.

Why are MRI’s so Expensive?

Here is why MRI Scans are Expensive:

• Research and Development Costs: MRI Machines have life-saving technologies that took years to develop. The development costs alone makes them expensive.
• Little Competition: In addition, there are only 5 companies that make MRI machines.
• More Power = More Money: MRI machines come in different sizes and strengths. Scientists measure their imaging power in “Teslas”. The more Teslas, the more power, the more the machines cost. Each machine can cost from $150,000 to $3,000,000.
• Expensive Housing: Finally, the rooms that hold the MRI machines are also expensive because they must be safety proofed and large.

Ways to keep your MRI costs down:

1. Have the MRI done in an outpatient facility. This is the #1 way to keep your costs down as the price difference (on average, up to $1,500) is significant between in and out patient MRI procedures.
2. Use insurance and stay in network. Learn what and how your insurance covers an MRI. In addition, if you have a network of medical providers and facilities provided by your insurance, then use them. It is much cheaper to use “in-network” providers because your insurance company has contracted with them and negotiated with them lower prices.
3. You might also wonder, how much is an MRI if you pay cash? Is there a discount? Sometimes, yes! If you do not have insurance, pay in cash and negotiate your price upfront when possible. We know some MRI’s are done in emergency settings, but when possible, see if you can negotiate your price.
4. Even if you are not paying cash, see if you can negotiate the price down. The insurance companies do the same thing with hospitals. You can also attempt this after the fact, but it is easier to do upfront.
5. Call around. Shop your procedure to see where your least expensive options exist. Call all your “in-network” options if you have insurance, or call all your local options if you are uninsured. As mentioned, private healthcare systems set their own costs, so not every facility will be the same.

Healthcare Further Reading

• The Number One Thing you can do to keep your health care costs lower in the future.

The post How Much Does an MRI Cost? appeared first on Medicare Life Health.

Does it sometimes seem like Medicare and Insurance companies are trying to make things as complicated as they possibly can? Just when you think you have Medicare Advantage down, something else comes up! For example: Renew Active vs Silver Sneakers.

Not so very long ago, there was one main senior fitness program when you joined a Medicare Advantage Plan: SilverSneakers®. Then, in January 2019, one carrier dropped SilverSneakers and replaced it with Renew Active. Many people were concerned when this first happened. However, it now seems like Renew Active is a reasonable replacement.

Who is Affected?

The people affected by the change to Renew Active are those that are a part of a Medicare Advantage Plan that has the program as a benefit. (In addition to those people considering whether or not to join their plan.) The majority of the other Medicare Advantage plans still use Silver Sneakers as their main plan.

How to Make a Decision?

If you are trying to decide on a Medicare Advantage Plan in your area, Renew Active vs Silver Sneakers may play a part in your decision. Exercise is very important for staying healthy and reliving stress during your Medicare years.

Let’s take a quick look at the two programs, how they are similar or different, and whether or not there are advantages to either one.

What is Silver Sneakers?

SilverSneakers® is a fitness and wellness program for seniors age 65 and up. It includes free gym memberships across the country, and it is included with many Medicare Advantage Plans.

Click here to read our article: What is Silver Sneakers?

What does a SilverSneakers Membership Include?

• LOCAL GYM MEMBERSHIPS: Silver Sneakers has an extensive list of gyms that participate in their program that offers free gym memberships to seniors. Their website boasts having more gym facilities than there are Starbucks locations in the U.S. (at over 16,000).
  • If you are a part of a Medicare Advantage (MA) program that uses Silver Sneakers, then you can access the gyms in their network at no cost. You can use as many of these facilities as you like while you are a part of your MA plan.

• ONLINE FITNESS CLASSES: If you prefer to workout at home, or do not have a physical location close to you, SilverSneakers offers online fitness classes.

• APP: They also have an app to help you track your fitness goals and schedule your fitness plans. The app can also help you locate participating locations.

What is Renew Active?

Renew Active is another program offered by a carrier with select Medicare Advantage plans. It also offers access to gyms and fitness places across the country.

What does a Renew Active Membership Include?

• GYM ACCESS: When we looked into all the benefits offered by Renew Active, we found the standard access to local gyms.

• BRAIN TRAINING: Interestingly, they also offered a unique feature of online brain training. The company partnered with BrainHQ to offer an app to keep your brain sharp with games and tools available on a PC or mobile device.
  • The BrainHQ service is available for purchase from $8-$14 a month, so getting this included with your Renew membership does seem like a good deal.

Renew Active vs Silver Sneakers: How are they Similar?

When comparing Renew Active vs Silver Sneakers, you will find they are very similar in their main functions.

• To start, both programs offer free gym memberships at local fitness facilities.
• In addition, you can sign-up for multiple fitness locations with both memberships.
• Both plans offer at-home options for people that are too far away from any participating facilities.
  • For at home options with Renew Active you must call their customer service phone number. Apparently, you can find this on the back of your health plan member ID.
  • You can find SiliverSneakers at home programming information online here.
• Finally, Medicare Advantage Plans include one of these programs at no additional cost to plan members.
  • (Some Medigap plans in certain states may have access to some sort of fitness benefit, but that is all dependent on the insurance company and the service area. This is not near as common. Mostly fitness plans are an extra benefit of Medicare Advantage plans.)

How They are Different: Renew Active vs Silver Sneakers

• The first difference we see at this time is Silver Sneakers seems to be in more facilities.
  • SilverSneakers boasts over 16,000 locations.
  • At the start of 2019, Renew Active mentioned over 7,000. However, it seems like their program has grown since that mention.
  • Check the location searches for both programs to make sure your gym preference is covered.

• The second difference is that Renew Active has an online brain training application included, and Silver Sneakers does not (at the time I am writing this article).
  • The BrainHQ app seems to retail at $8-$14 a month if you wanted to buy it separately, so that does suggest added value.
  • We have not tried this app, and could not find a lot of research or reviews on the platform at the moment. Please leave a comment if you find something useful!

• In our Renew Active vs Silver Sneakers comparison, the third difference we see is that Silver Sneakers has an good list of online classes.

What’s Better About Silver Sneakers?

To start, if you are someone who likes to do workouts at home, and likes to stream different workouts online, Silver Sneakers has more to offer you in this area. Their online “on-demand” workout section boasts hundreds of online workouts available.

Also, Silver Sneakers seems to have the larger network of physical fitness facilities at this time.

Finally, multiple Medicare insurance company plans use SilverSneakers. This means your coverage might not change if you change Medicare plans.

What’s Better About Renew Active?

Renew Active is only associated with one carrier’s Medicare Advantage Plans. It’s major advantage over SilverSneakers seems to be the access to BrainHQ training games. It’s network might be a bit smaller than SilverSneakers, but it is still impressive and very useful.

Should Renew Active vs Silver Sneakers be a Deciding Factor on Your MA Plan?

In my opinion, there are much more important factors to consider when choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan than Renew Active vs Silver Sneakers. Your network access to doctors and medical providers should be your first consideration. Your drug plan and hospital facilities and costs should also be more important.

However, if all your plans seem comparable, your decision might include the convenience of using a local wellness facility, streaming exercises at home, or participating in brain health activities.

In this case, it is a great idea to hop onto the facility location tools and online resources for both Renew Active and Silver Sneakers. You can then make sure the program you choose covers your gym or desired services.

Further Reading:

• How Much Does Medicare Cost?

• Getting Healthy! How to Stop Eating Sugar

The post Renew Active vs Silver Sneakers appeared first on Medicare Life Health.

Medicare Life Health’s author Crystal gives you first-hand information on having a double mastectomy including preparation and recovery information, helpful lists and tips.

Approximately 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer in her lifetime.  In addition, many of these women will have a mastectomy or bilateral, aka double mastectomy, as part of treatment.  The prospect of this surgery may seem overwhelming but preparing in advance can make the experience much easier.

How to Prepare for a Double Mastectomy

After losing my grandma and then my mom to an aggressive form of breast cancer, my doctor and I decided that we needed to take significant action to reduce my risk.  When I was done having children, I opted for a preventative double mastectomy to reduce my risk.

The process was daunting – I was mostly focused on the statistics, the right screenings, and the surgery itself.  Moreover, a few weeks before surgery, I realized that I had no idea how to get through the actual process.  There was lots of information readily available on the surgery itself.  However, I had no idea how to get through the weeks that followed. For instance, I wondered, what happens after I got home from the hospital?

What I learned was, I needed to prepare not just a list of things to help with surgery, but more importantly, a list of people. You need a support team.

Preparing Your Support Team

First of all, a single or a double mastectomy is no small procedure.  This is not something that you should do on your own. In fact, you will want the support of friends, family, and the community during this time to assist in your recovery. 

Those who care about you will want to help, so try to determine in advance who you have on your support team, and what needs you anticipate.  I suggest making an actual list of people and how they can help.

To start, here are some places to look for support:

• Cancer support groups – First, numerous nonprofits exist that help women battling breast cancer.  Your doctor, or an online search, can connect you with one.  These groups provide resources such as support meetings, recovery advice, and pre-surgery gift bags.
  
• Online support groups – Second, look for informal Facebook groups. You can find online communities of women there going through cancer treatment.  This can be a great source of support and advice. 
  
  When I was preparing for my procedures, I appreciated the online dialogue with other women who understood what I was going through. In addition, they could offer advice on various challenges I encountered throughout the process.
  
• Friends and family – Finally, put some thought into who wants to help – as well as who is actually helpful. In addition, consider what they are good at. 
  
  You may have a well-meaning sister who causes you a lot of stress.  She is probably not the person to have with you at the hospital the day of surgery. However, she could be great at stocking your fridge with pre-made meals. 
  
  Or you may have a brother who would love to help, but you feel awkward having him around in the first few days after such a personal surgery.  Perhaps he could be enlisted to mow the lawn or take you grocery shopping a week after your surgery.

What Your Team Can Help With

Knowing what your team can help with is half the battle! Since you have not been through this before, you probably don’t know exactly what support will be the most helpful. However, I have, and this is what I wish someone would have told me:

• Transportation Help – First, you will need someone to drive you to the hospital and be there during your surgery.  You will also need someone to drive you home after you are released.
  
• Personal Needs Help – Second, you will likely need some assistance with very personal needs in the early days after a double mastectomy. 
  • Your surgery drains will need to be “stripped” several times a day.  While it is possible to do this yourself (I did), it may be challenging, especially if you have had chemotherapy.  If you have a support person to help with this, he or she should come to the hospital to have a nurse show the proper way to strip drains. 
  • Your doctor will tell you how often to change your dressings.  While also possible to do this yourself, it is helpful to have assistance.
  • If you have shower restrictions after surgery, you may wish to wash your hair in the sink.  This is another task that is helpful to have assistance with.
    
• Basic Needs Help – In addition, you need to eat, laundry has to be done, trash needs to be taken out, you need to go to follow up doctor’s appointments, etc. Line someone up to do these things for you.
  
• Emotional Support Help – Finally, a mastectomy is a very personal and emotional process.  Having a friend to talk with, or to get you out of the house and distract you, is a blessing.  Knowing in advance who can come visit you, accompany you for a walk, take you out for lunch, etc. gives you confidence that you are not alone in this process.

What to Do in Advance

Here is your “To-Do” list of what needs to get done in advance of your surgery.

To Do:

Make your Support List

• To begin, make a list of all that you think you will need help with for the first 2 – 3 weeks after your surgery.  (Remember that you will have driving restrictions, so don’t forget to include transportation to follow up appointments.) 
• Then think about what you can do in advance.  Then think about your sources of support who could help with the things that can’t be done in advance.

Plan for Food

• You can make freezer meals in advance.  A simple online search will show many tasty meals that can be prepared in advance and stored in your freezer, then cooked/heated up when you are ready to eat them.
• Ask a friend to coordinate a meal delivery service for you if you have friends and family who would like to help in this way.  Meal Train is a free online service that allows you to create an event and email a link to friends.  They can sign up to provide meals on a specific day.  If you are part of a faith community, they may have a group of volunteers who provide meals to those recovering from surgery or illness. 
• Purchase pre-made meals from a grocery store.

Plan for Personal Assistance

• Plan to need some assistance on a regular basis for the first few weeks after surgery.  Your needs will be more personal in the first few days, so that is a good time for your closest friends and family to visit.  Keep a calendar with the schedule of who is coming when.  Be sure to have transportation assistance for follow up doctor’s appointments and any errands that you must run.
• For a fee, Meal Train offers online scheduling for people to come help you.
• Also, if you know that you won’t want to sit at home alone for weeks on end, proactively plan fun outings with friends or family.  A quick lunch or coffee date could do wonders for your emotional well-being.

Ask for Help

• When you know your specific needs and who you are comfortable having help, you will have a response ready when people say “Let me know if there is anything I can do to help”. 
• And don’t forget, restaurant gift cards are a great option for well meaning friends or family who aren’t nearby or who are extremely busy.
• Additionally, be vulnerable – most people like being needed, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Get Your House in Order

• In the days before your surgery, have your cupboards stocked, laundry done, lawn mowed, and any cleaning or tidying complete.  Don’t assume that you will feel up to any of those tasks immediately after surgery.  Enlist the help of a friend if needed.
• Purchase all items that you will need during your recovery period (see Preparing for a Double Mastectomy – What to Buy for tips).

Pack Your Double Mastectomy Hospital Bag

• The hospital will provide most of what you need while you are there, but be sure to bring any personal hygiene items that you prefer.
• Bring a comfy set of clothing to wear home, and a pillow to protect your chest area from the seat-belt on the way home. 
• Additionally, bring good book or something else to help pass the time. 
• Oh, and don’t forget your cell phone charger!
• Then, take a deep breath – even with the best made plans and lots of preparation, something will go wrong or get missed.  It will be ok.  This is a difficult process and there will be hiccups, but you will get through it!

What you Need to Recover from a Double Mastectomy

In the months leading up to the surgery, I was focused on doctors’ appointments, screenings, and applying for FMLA.  But then a few weeks before surgery, I realized that I had no idea how to prepare for recovery. 

Even though I took care of my mom after her surgery, and I had several aunts who had also been through the process, no one had any solid advice on how to make recovery easier.  There was lots of information readily available on the surgery itself.  But I had no idea what to do once I got home from the hospital.

When you make the decision to have a mastectomy, you will want to find out in advance what your doctor recommends for recovery.  You will likely have a brief stay in the hospital, followed by restrictions on lifting, driving, showering/bathing, sleeping positions, how high you can reach, etc. 

Be sure to ask your surgeon about these topics prior to surgery.  If you know this information ahead of time, you can understand what your needs will be and have time to prepare to minimize the discomfort and inconvenience afterward. 

Double Mastectomy Must Have’s

First, let’s start with the basics. Here is your shopping or gathering list of the most important things you need to make your recovery as smooth as possible.

Comfortable Clothing

• Post surgery you will likely be sent home with a compression bra and surgical drains.  Your arm mobility will somewhat limited, so your normal clothing may not work well during this time.  I recommend loose button up or zip up shirts. 
• If your surgery is during the cooler months, then zip up fleece jackets work well.  Be sure they are loose so that your drain bags will fit underneath. 
• The summer months present a different challenge as you may be hot from the extra layers and unable to shower.  Try to find loose, lightweight clothing to get you through the first few weeks. 
• You needn’t spend a fortune on clothes that aren’t your normal style – your local thrift store may have great options.  It’s fine to wear the same outfit multiple times in those first few weeks. 
• Also, keep in mind that you will likely have compression stockings to wear initially to reduce your risk of blood clots.  So plan your pants and footwear accordingly.  A pair of nonslip socks for wearing around the house may be a good investment as well.

Drain holders

• You will have post surgery drains to help with the healing process.  The drains are tubes fastened inside of you with bulbs on the end that will fill with fluid. 
• You’ll want to keep these protected so that they aren’t caught on anything, and you may feel more comfortable keeping them completely out of sight. 
• Your doctor may send you home with safety pins to clip them to your clothes, or you may receive complimentary drain holders from a breast cancer group – however those are often plastic and bulky. 
• Drain holders such as these are soft and comfortable to wear under your clothes.

Reclining Arm Chair or Multiple Pillows

• Your doctor may recommend that you sleep in an inclined position for a period after your surgery. 
• If you do not have a reclining chair, consider borrowing one or renting one. 
• If that is not an option, then plan to have multiple pillows in bed to support you. 
• Wherever you sleep, have a nightstand next to you that you can store a water bottle and your pain pills on.  When you wake up in pain, you will be glad to have your medicine within an arm’s reach.

Hygiene Products

Your doctor may have restrictions on showering, possibly up to a couple weeks.  While not ideal, you can purchase products to help you get through this time period.

• Dry shampoo – After my double mastectomy, I washed my hair in the sink every 2 – 3 days.  I sprayed dry shampoo in my hair in the evenings so that my hair would not get greasy in between washes.  This brand worked well for me.
• Facial wipes – While you will likely be able to wash your face, these are an extremely convenient way to freshen up when you aren’t feeling well.
• Baby wipes – Use these to clean/freshen up your body when you aren’t able to shower.
• Large gauze pads – Your doctor will tell you how often to change your dressings, but you will need to buy the gauze pads yourself.  Mastectomy incisions are large and typical gauze pads aren’t big enough.  Many pharmacies do not carry the larger sizes that the hospitals use, but Walmart offers these surgical dressings at a reasonable price. 
• Small gauze pads – You will need smaller gauze pads for covering the sites where the surgery drains are removed.
• If you have sensitive skin, be sure to buy tape for sensitive skin.  My personal favorite is this brand, which I found at Target. 

Other Double Mastectomy Helpful Items

In addition, to the “must-have” items above. Here are some of the other very helpful things to consider having on-hand.

• Slip on walking shoes – Once your doctor approves walking, you’ll want to follow his or her recommendations.  Walking may help with reducing soreness, building strength, and preventing blood clots.  It’s also a good chance to get out of the house.  Slip on shoes are helpful when your mobility is limited after surgery.
• Large water bottle – Hydration is important in healing.  Keep it full and drink often.  Your hospital may send you home with one as well.
• Over the counter pain medication – As recommended by your doctor.
• Ice packs – Your doctor may allow you to use an ice pack to help with pain on the incision site.
• Heating pad – I found that I had a lot of back soreness due to the physical discomfort, reduced mobility, and reclined sleeping position.  The heating pad was helpful in managing this back soreness.
• Activities to pass the time – In the early days after a mastectomy, physical activity will be limited and it’s easy to get bored.  Plan to have activities to pass the time, such as books, puzzles, crossword puzzles, adult coloring books, or a streaming service to watch your favorite movies.

Helpful Services

Finally, recovery is much faster if you can truly rest. As much as you can (or can afford), try to enlist professionals or volunteer to do your labor for at least a few weeks.

Cleaning Services

Cleaning your home after a single or double mastectomy will be difficult due to limited mobility, lift restrictions, and fatigue. Consequently, this is a good time to invest in a cleaning service if you can afford it. 

The nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason offers free cleaning services to women with cancer.  You can find out more at here to see if it is offered in your area.

Grocery Delivery Service

Lifting and driving restrictions may make it difficult to shop for groceries the first few weeks after your mastectomy.  Many grocery stores offer delivery service for just a few dollars, or even free if you purchase a certain amount. 

In addition, consider buying pre-made meals during this time.

Mowing Service

Finally, if you do not have someone else to mow your yard and you are having your surgery during the summer months, look for a lawn care service that can help you in the interim. 

Conclusions

Choosing to have a single or a double mastectomy is a big decision. However, the recovery period does not need to be overwhelming.  By preparing in advance, you can make the time go smoothly and more comfortably. 

Furthermore, this is a major life event, and it is important that you set yourself up for a successful recovery.  Remember that recovery is just a season. Eventually you will get back to the way you normally live. 

In the meantime, take care of yourself, follow your doctor’s orders, and follow these tips to make the process easier.

Your Story

What tips, comments or suggestions do you have for others considering a double mastectomy? Would would love to hear your advice, stories or comments.

Also by Crystal Bayliss:

• Caring for a Dying Parent

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Maybe you just overhead your neighbor talking about his free gym membership, or maybe your doctor asked you if you are a SilverSneakers user. You might then be wondering, just what it Silver Sneakers?

SilverSneakers(r) is a fitness and wellness program for seniors age 65 and up. It includes free gym memberships across the country, and it is included with many Medicare Advantage Plans.

NOTE: If you are a part of AARP’s Unitedhealthcare’s Medicare Advantage Plans, then you will be a part of Renew Active. This is a similar program, but has several differences you can read about here.

What is Included in a Silver Sneakers Membership?

• LOCAL GYM MEMBERSHIPS: Silver Sneakers has an extensive list of gyms that participate in their program that offers free gym memberships to seniors. Their website boasts having more gym facilities than there are Starbucks locations in the U.S. (at over 16,000).
  • If you are a part of a Medicare Advantage (MA) program that uses Silver Sneakers, then you can access the gyms in their network at no cost. You can use as many of these facilities as you like while you are a part of your MA plan.

• ONLINE FITNESS CLASSES: If you prefer to workout at home, or do not have a physical location close to you, SilverSneakers offers online fitness classes.

• APP: They also have an app to help you track your fitness goals and schedule your fitness plans. The app can also help you locate participating locations.

What you Need to Know About Silver Sneakers

First, there are a few things you need to know to get started. Here is an overview and some frequently asked questions about the program.

How do I know if I am a member of SilverSneakers?

Well, if you are part of a Medicare Advantage Plan, then there is a very good chance you are already a part of the program.

To check on your eligibility, click here.

Where can I find participating gyms and wellness facilities?

As an overview, SilverSneakers tries to be in as many convenient fitness facilities as possible. Moreover, they are doing an excellent job of reaching this goal! Right now, they are in over 16,000 fitness facilities.

Here is the official link to search for a participating fitness facility near you.

What if there are no facilities close to me?

If you are in a smaller town or rural area, there might not be a class or gym close to you. However, even if there is not a Silver Sneakers contracted location close to you, you can still participate. The program features online classes and workout kits.

Do I have to take the Silver Sneakers Classes?

Often, people will ask me if they have to attend the SilverSneakers branded classes at the gym. The answer is no. The program gives you access to the whole facility. This includes Silver Sneakers classes, but also all the other classes at the gym. You can also just go walk on the treadmill or lift weights.

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Best Gifts for Seniors

Here are the best gifts for seniors! Whether you are looking for a present for a grandparent, elderly parent, senior relative or friend, we have the top and trending gifts listed here!

If you are looking for a gift for a senior that is in a nursing home or assisted living, please see our article on the best gifts for them too!

The Top Gifts for Seniors

1. Best Gifts to Create Memories and Share Love

One of the best ways to create memories and strengthen bonds is through story telling. Letters to my Grandchild is a gift that continues to give – give it to your grandparent and then they can give it back!

The letters come with story ideas and writing prompts for those that need a little inspiration. It also comes with stickers to seal the letters and ideas for when and how to open the letters.

Letters to My Grandchild: Write Now. Read Later. Treasure Forever. (New Grandma Gifts, New Grandparent Gifts, Grandparent Memory Book)

2. Best Senior Gift to Challenge Your Brain & Stay Young!

Grandpa knows, if you don’t use it, you lose it! Challenge your brain, create new neuro-pathways, and keep your mind young with the Games, Puzzles & Trivia.

3. Best Gift to Make Reading Easier & More Enjoyable

Reading can be easy and even more enjoyable for seniors with a little help from the MagniPros 3X Large Ultra Bright LED Page Magnifier with 12 Anti-Glare Dimmable LED. This is the upgrade from your typical magnify glass. It is easy to grip and easy to use.

4. The Best Gift to Keep Mobile and Go Anywhere

Having the freedom to go where you choose and not have to worry about needing support to stand or sit is one of the best gifts you can offer a senior citizen. The Drive Medical Deluxe Folding Cane Seat will give your senior the gift for mobility and safety.

The cane is light enough (1.3 lbs) to walk comfortably with and the chair is comfortable enough for short rests and medium waits. The chair can support up to 250 lbs.

Seniors that love to travel swear by this product to keep them feeling safe in new circumstances.

5. The Gift of Turning Back the Clock

Both men and women over a certain age appreciate the ability to turn back time, even if just a little bit. This is especially true in regards to our skin. That is why TruSkin Vitamin C Serum for Face, Topical Facial Serum with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E is a great gift for your beautiful senior.

This Vitamin C Serum is a #1 seller, highly rated anti-aging product that provides an advanced antioxidant to stimulate collagen production in the skin.

6. Best Gifts to Stay Fit at Any Age

Now, here is a gift for those needing a gentle way to keep mobile or get back into fitness. The Grow Young Fitness Chair Exercises for Seniors is a very popular program.

The DVD Starter Pack includes Cardio, Core work, Balance and gentle Yoga. It is an easy, safe, effective workout DVD for beginning fitness seniors and the elderly. This starter kit is by Grow Young Fitness.

7. Best Gift for Making Cleaning Easy

The Shark Rocket DuoClean is one of the most “Senior Friendly” Vacuums on the market. It has a very light structure and is under 10 lbs. We like this bagless version with the cord so you don’t have to worry about keeping it charged. Plus, the suction is stronger.

Many seniors have vacuums that are old and heavy. Replacing an old vacuum with a light, effective one might not be a very glamorous present. However, it is a very thoughtful one!

Shark Rocket HV382 DuoClean Ultra-Light Corded (Non-Cordless) Bagless Carpet and Hard Floor with Hand Vacuum, Charcoal

Even More Best Gifts for Seniors / Grandparents

Finally, here is a trending list of hot gifts for seniors. For those of you that need even more inspiration for Grandma or Grandpa:

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