HISTORY OF DAFFODIL DAY

Daffodil Days, which are normally conducted in March, use this cheerful symbol to raise funds and awareness for cancer. Every year, cancer claims the lives of almost 600,000 Americans and affects countless others. The daffodil has been a symbol of optimism and endurance in the face of cancer since the 1950s. The vibrant blossom symbolizes the dedication of researchers and doctors seeking to find a cure for cancer and enhance treatment for all types of cancer. Cancer research groups all throughout the world have adopted the daffodil as an emblem of hope and tenacity in the face of disease, beginning with the Canadian Cancer Society.

HISTORY OF DAFFODIL DAY

Cancer is a term used to describe a group of disorders in which the body’s cells begin to divide uncontrollably, causing damage to surrounding tissue. Cancer can strike at any time and in practically any part of the body. Growths, or tumors, are formed when cells continue to multiply without ceasing. Malignant tumors, which spread throughout the body, are dangerous because they interfere with organ functions. Nearly four out of every ten people will be diagnosed with cancer at some time in their lives, therefore everyone should be informed of the risks and preventive methods.

Get in touch with Rivers of Hope, if you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a Home Care Services in Fall River, MA. Call the caring staff at Rivers of Hope today at 508-857-0629. We provide Independent, Dependent, and Companion Care Services in Brockton, Boston, Braintree, Avon Randolph, Abington, and the surrounding areas. Visit riversofhopes.com to learn more about us.

Homecare in Taunton MA: Risk of Lyme Disease

Make Sure Time Spend Outside Doesn’t Put Your Dad at Risk of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is only contracted through the bite of a deer tick. That deer tick has to be infected with the bacterium known as borrelia burgdorferi. Here’s the important part, the tick has to be attached for 36 to 48 hours for the disease to spread. That can make it easier to avoid Lyme disease.

 

Homecare in Taunton MA: Risk of Lyme Disease
Homecare in Taunton MA: Risk of Lyme Disease

 

The Range of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease used to be localized to states in the northeast, but it’s been spreading. There are reported cases of the disease in many states now. The spread extends to the West Coast and Alaska.

 

Common Symptoms

If an infected tick bites your dad and remains attached long enough, symptoms appear within a few days and up to a month. A bright red bulls-eye rash is one of the first symptoms and can be as large as a foot across. The skin may feel warm to the touch, but it’s unlikely it will be sore or itchy.

In the next few months, he may experience joint pain, muscle pain, and nerve pain. Dizziness, numbness in the extremities, and loss of muscle tone in the face are other possibilities. If it affects the heart, he may experience an irregular heart rhythm.

 

Treatment

The earlier Lyme disease is diagnosed the better it is. He’ll be taking an antibiotic like amoxicillin for up to three weeks. If the disease affects the heart, IV antibiotics may be necessary.

 

Prevention

It’s best to prevent the disease. If your dad is out in the woods or a grassy field, he should dress appropriately to prevent the tick from getting to his skin. Long pants with the cuffs tucked into his socks are preferred. His shirt should be tucked into the waistband.

Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks that are climbing on you. If there are any, he can pick them off outside. A jar of soapy water or alcohol will kill them to prevent them from being released back into the environment.

Spraying his clothing and any exposed skin with an insect repellent is also recommended. One with DEET or picaridin is good. Permethrin is also helpful at treating shoes and outdoor gear.

Ticks can also be in his yard. If he has gardens, he should shower as soon as he comes inside. Someone should check his hair and behind the ears for ticks. He needs to check other areas they go for like the armpits, belly button, back of the knees, waistline, and inner thighs/groin.

What if he contacts the disease? He may not feel great while the antibiotics fight it. He’ll benefit from the help of an elder care aide. He’ll want help with housework, meals, and bathing. He may need someone to support him when he’s walking from one room to the other. Talk to an elder care representative to make the arrangements.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Homecare in Taunton, MA, call the caring staff at Rivers of Hope today at 508-857-0629. Providing Independent, Dependent, and Companion Care Services in Brockton, Boston, Braintree, Avon Randolph, Abington, and the surrounding areas. riversofhopes.com

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/