by Marcos Otero, Gulf Coast Immediate Care Center, Fort Walton Beach
Four in the morning Thanksgiving Day, and I am wondering what to write about. Yes, medical providers also have problems sleeping and worries. December is upon on, and the year 2019 is quickly coming to its end, and the new decade (2020-2029) will soon begin.
Yesterday Thanksgiving eve, I had multiple things that happened. I thought I could elucidate some of the things we should think about in December. Thus, a potpourri or mishmash of items. Rather than write about one medical condition, we will have a mixture of things.
Yesterday I was leaving Winn-Dixie after picking up last-minute items for Thanksgiving. There in the parking lot was an elderly couple wandering. Neither could remember where they had parked. We stopped found out what the problems were and helped. Both had mild dementia that occurs with aging. Many shoppers just went passed them more concerned about the turkey and cranberry than that couple. The point here is to be civil and kind to each other. We all have problems big or small. Sometimes we recognize them, but more likely, others do. I challenge you to be kind and helpful. As the saying goes, pass it on. Passiton.com
This brings me to my next point. Sometimes doing the right thing is very painful. Over the last several months, we have had to restrict the licenses of some elderly. This is a difficult thing to do. Understand that driving themselves may be their only way to transport as the children are far away or not helpful. Yet when demented or because medical conditions involving sight – vision, cardiac affect their safe use of a vehicle, it is time to broach that subject. Families should prepare for it. December 2-6th is National Older Driver Safety Awareness Week. For more information check www.aota.org
Christmas morning, all the children are up at the crack of light to open the gifts they receive. Be careful with the toys that you buy them. Choking and eye injuries are some of the injuries we see. This can happen because of giving inappropriate toys for the child’s age or because of the small parts they are made from. Yet every child has dangerous toys at home already.
We all know that children put everything in their mouths. So, these ARE TOYS TO WATCH FOR:
- Small balls and marbles
- High-powered magnets
- Balloons
- Toys with small batteries
Flu season is once again starting in full force. Make sure to have your flu vaccine for everyone over six months. More about the flu click here.
Avoid the spread of the flu with proper handwashing. For more on handwashing click here..
If there is any particular disease or medical problem, you would like to discuss, please let me know at morovis. I would be happy to write about it as space permits in the paper or on the web where space is not an issue.
Lastly, my family and I want to wish you all a safe, blessed, and Merry Christmas followed by a happy and Prosperous New Year and decade.
