Getting older brings many things. Wisdom, memories, and experience are good examples. Unfortunately, getting older also brings increased risk of accidents and injuries, even in the supposed safety of our homes. Falling is a common cause of injury among older Americans, resulting in over 8 million trips to the emergency room for nonfatal injuries.

Recognizing and taking steps to identify areas that may pose a risk – such as sharp edges on furniture, slippery floors or rugs, or phone chargers that could cause a fall – is important can help keep you safe.

Preventing Everyday Accidents at Home

For starters, make sure that all areas of your home are well-lit. Poor visibility can lead to slips or falls on stairs, in hallways or on other items lying around which could be tripped over. Make sure all areas of the home have adequate lighting so potential hazards can be more easily seen.

Next, review if your stairs may have any uneven steps, railings, or even loose carpeting. Even though you may walk up and down the stairs multiple times a day, these tripping hazards are an accident waiting to happen.

Likewise, make sure rugs aren’t loose to prevent slipping or falling on Use double-sided tape to keep rugs in place.

Also be sure to clean all the clutter from the floor. Electrical cords, dangling phone chargers, or other wires are obvious examples, but so are items like shoes and bags. Make sure all items are kept neat and orderly.

And, just like you don’t want too many things on the floor, make sure your most used items aren’t too high. Keep these things items in a low, easy-to-reach place so you don’t have to use step stools as often. 

In Case of Emergency

Even if you follow all these tips, accidents can happen. In the event of a fall or an injury, an emergency room visit might be necessary. Even if there’s no external injury, you want to be sure there’s no internal bleeding or trauma, especially if you’ve hit your head.

Protecting your health with simple, commonsense measures is important. So is protecting your savings. Getting a Medical Air Services Association (MASA) plan can prove to be one of the smartest things you ever do. If you require emergency medical transportation, an ambulance ride or air emergency transportation can cost thousands. With a MASA plan, you can focus on healing from your injury and not worry about the unexpected expense of your ride. MASA is available through NCRGEA and AMBA. Learn more by visiting www.ambamedtransport.com/NCRGEA or call 877-290-3170.

Sources:

https://www.gohealthuc.com/library/how-prevent-most-common-household-accident

https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Home-Accidents

Ever feel a strange numbness, tingling, burning, or pain in your hand? Or experience occasional shock-like sensations that radiate to your thumb and index, middle, and ring fingers? These are potential symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The pain can be extreme and persistent. The condition occurs when the ligament that runs across the top of your wrist swells and presses on the nerves. The symptoms can be mild at first but can progress to become increasingly more severe and painful.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The most common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is repetitive movements for extended periods of time, such as typing or writing or navigating your tablet or smartphone. Other activities involving repeated wrist motion that can cause the condition include using a hand tool consistently and/or for long periods of time, playing an instrument, and even cooking and using kitchen utensils often and without proper rest breaks. Other risk factors include any sort of trauma to the hands or wrists like a fracture or break. Health conditions like obesity, arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid issues are also linked to the condition.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can become increasingly painful and debilitating. The tingling sensation often felt in the fingers can range from mild to severe. The nerve damage can cause weak grip strength due to muscle wasting. Additionally, the condition can lead to difficulty performing fine motor skills such as writing or typing due to loss of coordination and dexterity in your hands and wrists.

Treatments

The first step in treating the condition is simple rest. Reducing or, if possible, ceasing the repetitive movement that caused the condition could decrease the inflammation and damage. If you do need to continue performing your tasks, be sure to take regular breaks and gives your hands and wrists throughout the day.

Anti-inflammatory medications are often prescribed to reduce pain and swelling associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. These medications include ibuprofen and naproxen. Your doctor may also prescribe more potent anti-inflammatory drugs like corticosteroids which have stronger effects but should only be used short term due to their side effects. Always consult with your physician before taking any medication.

If the pain and swelling persist, a wrist splint can help keep your wrist in a neutral position. Splints come either ready-made from medical supply stores or they can be custom fitted by an orthotics specialist.

Prevention

Preventing carpal tunnel syndrome starts with avoiding or limiting activities that involve high-impact movements. If you must perform these activities, be sure to take frequent breaks to give your hands and wrists a rest. Stretching your arms and fingers can also help to reduce tension in the wrists and hands, allowing them to stay flexible and limber.

If typing on a keyboard is the cause of your pain, ergonomically designed keyboards and desks can reduce strain on your muscles and joints. Likewise, using wrist supports while doing activities such as playing an instrument that involves long-term wrist movement can also help prevent pain by reducing the pressure placed upon the median nerve within our wrists.

Diabetes has been linked to a higher rate of carpal tunnel syndrome. This could be due to blood supply issues which may cause damage along its length leading towards the hands and fingers. Thyroid issues have also been found to be one of many potential contributing factors. Obesity is another common risk factor for this disorder. Excess weight can lead to inflammation and extra pressure on certain nerves including those inside the wrists.

If diabetes, thyroid issues, or obesity is one of the causes of your carpal tunnel syndrome, it’s just one more good reason to explore ways to improve your health. These conditions affect your health in many adverse ways, and not just physically. Many people have been turned down for Life Insurance because of their health or lifestyle issues. Obesity, diabetes, and thyroid issues don’t just affect your health. The conditions can also affect people’s ability to qualify for Life Insurance. The Whole Life policy from NCRGEA and AMBA is different. No health exam, no questions, no problem. You can get a Whole Life policy right now by signing up online. It even includes a no-obligation 60-day return policy. Learn more about a Whole Life Policy through NCRGEA and AMBA at www.AMBAlifeinsurance.com/NCRGEA or call 877-290-3173.

Sources: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2003/0715/p265.html

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/

Ancient Romans had some odd dental habits and practices when it came to dental care. For example, they would rub their teeth with a paste made of honey and ground pepper, believing that the combination could whiten their teeth. While modern dentistry has come a long way since then, there are still many unusual practices – some have even become very popular – that people use to this day that may or may not be effective.

Odd Dental Habits – Do They Work?

Does using baking soda as toothpaste work?

Baking soda has become a popular choice for people looking for a whiter smile without costly professional treatments. However, baking soda should only be used occasionally as a cleanser. Because of the abrasive texture, it can wear down enamel over time if used too often or incorrectly. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste is still the best option for keeping teeth clean and white naturally.

Does activated charcoal whiten teeth?

Like baking soda, activated charcoal is an abrasive scrub and can wear away the protective outer layer of your teeth. In fact, activated charcoal can make your teeth look yellower, not whiter. You could unintentionally scrub away your tooth’s enamel, revealing the dentin beneath.

Is swishing with coconut oil a substitute for flossing?

Another recent dental hygiene fad is swishing coconut oil – known as “pulling”. The belief is that the slippery oil will help remove debris left between teeth without having to floss. While coconut oil pulling has been reported to remedy a host of oral health problems, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and halitosis, it’s not a substitute for regular flossing, which dentists still deem essential for good oral health maintenance.

The best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy and your smile at its best is by brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, eating right, and visiting your dentist for twice-annual checkups, no odd dental habits are required! NCRGEA and AMBA can help you keep your mouth healthy and smile attractive! That’s why our Dental Plan provides coverage for twice annual cleanings, access for any dentist you want with bigger savings by staying in-network, and – best of all – NO WAITING PERIOD. Visit www.ambadentalvision.com/ncrgea or call 877-556-4578 to enroll today.

Father’s Day is a great time to gather the whole family and enjoy a great backyard get-together. And a recipe with a fresh spin on the traditional cheeseburger is something the whole family will enjoy!

These delicious – and adorable – mini-cheeseburgers pull out all the stops for Dad with crisp-cooked bacon, homemade Cajun seasoning and a creamy, ranch dressing drizzle. Pair these burgers with your favorite sides and drinks and celebrate a great time!

Ingredients

Cajun Seasoning
1 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. dried oregano

Burgers
1 pound lean ground beef (for a heart-healthy recipe, swap ground turkey)
1 tsp. Cajun Seasoning
1 tsp. Tabasco
2 slices pepper Jack cheese
1 tsp. minced garlic
2 tbs. extra virgin olive oil
8 mini hamburger buns or dinner rolls, split
1/4 c. prepared ranch dressing
16 arugula leaves or lettuce of choice
8 Roma tomato slices
4 crisp-cooked bacon slices (or turkey bacon!)

Directions

1) Place all Cajun seasonings in a bowl and mix.

2) Place beef, seasoning, hot sauce and garlic in a large bowl and mix. Form the mixture into 8 equal-size patties.

3)  Pour oil into a large skillet over medium heat. In batches, place patties in hot skillet and cook until browned, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.

4) Quarter the two slices of cheese to make 8 slices and place a slice on top of each burger to melt.

5) Place rolls, split side down, in same skillet and cook until toasted, about 1 minute.

6) Spread the dressing onto the insides of the warm toasted rolls. Layer bottom roll with the lettuce of your choice (arugula is our favorite!), a burger, a tomato slice and a bacon slice cut in half. Close with top roll. 7) These burgers are tall – so be sure to place a pick in each to hold them together.

Makes 8 servings.