Home Health Care Services in Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Westchester New York city areas

Diabetes – To keep OR lose your feet

2012-02-24T11:31:00.001-08:00

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, there are over 26 million people with diabetes and 7 million more people who do not even know they have diabetes yet. First off, diabetes is a disease that affects many parts of your body and in a very negative way.

What is diabetes? According to the Diabetes Research Wellness Foundation (DRWF)
Diabetes is a defect in the body’s ability to convert glucose (sugar) to energy.
Glucose is the main source of fuel for our body. Glucose is then transferred to the blood and is used by the cells for energy. In order for glucose to be transferred from the blood into the cells, the hormone - insulin is needed. Insulin is produced by the beta cells in the pancreas (the organ that produces insulin). In individuals with diabetes, this process is impaired.

How does one develop diabetes? According to DRWF
Diabetes develops when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient quantities of insulin

Type 1 diabetes or the insulin produced is defective and cannot move glucose into the cells
Type 2 diabetes - Either insulin is not produced in sufficient quantities or the insulin produced is defective and cannot move the glucose into the cells.

How are your feet affected?
High Blood sugar can damage the nerves in your feet and cause blood flow problems. Once you develop blood flow problems your feet can feel like it has “pins and needles” in them and you can start to lose feeling and not be able to feel heat, cold, pressure or pain. This lack of feeling can be dangerous because you might not be able to feel an injury, blister or sore and if it becomes infected, add that to poor blood flow and it can lead to losing your toes, foot or leg.

How many people have lost parts of their leg due to diabetes? According to the American Podiatric Medical Association

More than 65,000 lower limbs are amputated annually due to complications from diabetes.
After an amputation, the chance of another amputation within three to five years is as high as 50 percent

You should visit your primary care physician or a podiatrist to make sure your feet are healthy and in good shape otherwise run the risk of possibly losing your leg or parts of your leg.

First Care is the licensed home care service agency that provides top quality aides to all our clients. Our certified home health aides can help with bathing, dressing, grooming, cooking, cleaning and assist taking you or your loved one to doctor’s appointment. We are regulated by the NYS department of Health and are accredited by The Joint Commission. We provide services in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens. For your convenience, we may even schedule a nurse to visit you or your loved ones at home to evaluate the level of care that is needed at no cost to you. This will help clarify some questions you or your loved ones may have. If you would like to have more information, please feel free to contact us by phone at 718-741-5950 or on our website at http://www.1st-care.org/

Smart Senior Planning 101

2012-02-10T07:40:00.000-08:00

As we age “gracefully”, we think about everyone’s needs in our family and try to pay special attention to make sure that they are taken care of; but what about the person whom is the most important – yourself? As the adult, we are taught to care for our children for the rest of their lives. However, in reality, you need to look after yourself to be able to better provide for your children. Sadly, most of us choose not to think of what might happen to us as we age, but if you fail to plan, then you are planning on failing and leaving that burden on your family.
We must face the facts of life as we age. Our body sometimes seems to have a mind of its own and will do whatever it wants, for instance:

We will undoubtedly get weaker in strength
Our bodies might hurt more (Arthritis, Osteoporosis etc…)
We can develop medical conditions (Diabetes, High blood pressure and so on…)
We start to lose things (like our vision, bladder control and some even our minds)

Therefore, what can we do as responsible adults?

Create a will to make sure your loved ones get what you would like to leave them
Get a medical proxy – Someone that can make medical decisions on your behalf if you can no longer do this for yourself
Get a financial proxy – Someone that can manage your financial affairs on your behalf if you can no longer do this for yourself

Get advice on how to pay for your medical needs if the need arises

o Long term care insurance

o Apply for Medicaid if you qualify

o Apply for Medicare if you qualify

o Get insurance that would cover most of your senior needs

o Get supplemental insurance that would cover other services not provided by your insurance

Other options for finding financing for medical care

o Consider a reverse mortgage if you qualify – it can provide a lump sum or a steady stream of income

The fun part of being old is that one gets to retire and enjoy the grandkids if possible or take that vacation you’ve always dreamt about. The problem is that one day you can slip, trip or fall and break something and you’d be surprise on how quickly one can go from a healthy senior to a debilitated senior. It’s these tough times that one must always plan and prepare for.

At First Care of New York we know the challenges that some families face when their loved ones are struck with illnesses such as: Alzheimer’s, arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), etc. or are hurt due to accidents or falls. A lot of times these things happen suddenly like strokes or embolism, which can leave one severely disabled. It is during these times when you can call First Care of New York to care for yourself or your loved one. We can help you every step of the way from finding financing options to getting the right care you or your loved one may need. Our certified home health aides can assist with all activities of daily living such as: bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, cooking, cleaning, laundry, run errands and even assist with going to doctor visits. Don’t let an accident or declining health become a burden on you or your entire family. We can help anywhere in The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan and we also accept many forms of payment from Medicaid, Private Insurance, workers compensation, as well as private paying clients. If you would like more information, please feel free to give us a call at 718-364-7251 x9 or check out our website at http://www.1st-care.org/.

How to stay committed to your commitments

2011-12-30T09:16:00.000-08:00

O.k. so the New Year is upon us. We have made our list of New Year’s resolutions and like every year, we think this year is the time for change. Sadly, two weeks later, we stop going to the gym, one month later we are still fat and now paying a monthly gym membership, yoga class and Pilates, which we thought was going to make us healthy, skinnier and open our minds. By the end of February, our hopes and dreams have once again been shattered until next year.

The big question here is: WHY?

Why do so many of us make New Year’s resolutions (i.e. eating healthy), commit to do things (i.e. love more) and even commit to make changes (i.e. quit smoking), but time and time again we keep failing. This does not make us a bad person or a failure by any means. Most of us have plenty of distractions in our lives, which force us to make different levels of commitments. The shameful truth is that we make excuses because we LOVE comfort, safety and simplicity. We all know the effort it takes to count calories, go the gym and work out, but most times we slip into our old habits with “yeah but” which always trumps our commitments.

In order to stay committed one must learn how to be and stay committed without letting “yeah but” back into our vocabulary. Regardless of the commitments that we make to ourselves or others, here are a few key words of advice to help you stay committed.

Sacrifice
A key to knowing we are committed is by being able to sacrifice for the good of our commitment. Think of the athlete that is willing to train for countless hours at the gym to be able to perform at their personal best. If you are willing to sacrifice for something knowing it will disrupt the comforts of your life then you are committed.

Create a ritual
Make working out part of your schedule. The same way taking your kids to soccer practice every Tuesday and Thursday is part of your routine, you should make the gym or whatever other commitment part of that same schedule. Over time this will make you go to the gym almost subconsciously, since it will be part of your weekly routine.

Determination
There will be inevitable setbacks while you are trying to complete your goals. Like the athlete that could not workout on Monday but decides that they will go to the gym on Tuesday instead to make up for Monday. We must face our challenges with confidence and resilience to make sure that our commitments are met. This involves us learning to solve problems in order to take the necessary steps to work past them.

Get support
There are plenty of people out there and in our lives that would love to help us if we need the help. If you are trying to go to the gym as a regular routine, but sometimes feel discouraged or “out of it”; find someone to go with you so you can motivate them and they can motivate you.

Lastly, it is also important that we keep our goals in context. We should remember that the point of achieving our goal either today or years from now is to improve our lives. However, we are still living in the present and must acknowledge that. If we live only for our goals, we will possibly resent the present, and start resenting our goals as well.

At First Care of New York we are always committed to providing the best home care services possible. We understand the delicacies that come with our clients and the condition they are in versus the life they used to lead. We understand that they want to continue to live freely, independently and with the same energy and fervor that makes them happy. The ability to continue to perform their daily activities, whether it be in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan or Queens areas. You can count on First Care of New York to be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for any and all Live in Care, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship. For your convenience, we may even schedule a nurse to visit you or your loved one’s home and evaluate the level of care that is needed. This will help clarify some questions you or your loved one may have. First Care is a licensed home care service agency that provides top quality aides to all our clients. We are regulated by the NYS Department of Health and are accredited by The Joint Commission. If you would like to have more information, please feel free to contact us by phone at 718-741-5950 or on our website at http://www.1st-care.org/.

Senior’s Holiday Blues

2011-12-16T10:26:00.000-08:00

The Holiday season is amongst us. It is a time of year when many people are jolly and are usually looking forward to gathering with friends and family; looking forward to getting presents and ringing in a new year. Nevertheless, for many of our seniors, the holiday season is sometimes the roughest part of the year. Many seniors are widows/widowers, have lost friends and other family members as they have aged, are separated from family or their current loved one or themselves could be ill either physically or mentally and can no longer participate in the holiday events like they used to. While many will try to hide their feelings during the holidays, it can be quite a tough time for our seniors, which can lead to the holiday blues and even worse depression.

Several symptoms of the blues are:

Crying often
Loss or gaining weight
Difficulty sleeping
Difficulty thinking, remembering or concentrating
Irritability
Loss of interest
Sense of worthlessness
Thoughts of suicide – Contact a mental health professional immediately

One should pay special attention to their friends and family during these times and if you notice any of the symptoms; even if they are not an elderly person, you should approach them and see if they might be feeling blue during the holidays. Listen carefully if someone complains to you about being depressed or says people don't care. That person may be telling you he or she needs help.
There are many things one can do to avoid feeling the blues:

Volunteer – Helping others is a great way to distract your mind from your own troubles. Churches and other civic groups would appreciate your help.
Do not be alone – If you cannot be with family during the holidays invite some close friends to come over.
Avoid alcohol if possible – Alcohol is a depressant and that is what you are trying to avoid.
Don’t deny or hide your feelings of sadness – Just being able to share your feelings with someone can help you cope with the holiday blues.
Avoid stress – Stress during the holidays may make you feel more isolated and worsen your mood.
Honor loved ones – Remembering the person that cut the turkey or dressed as Santa can be difficult, but it can also bring the family closer and aide in having a pleasant holiday.

At First Care of New York, Inc., we are here to help with concerns like the holiday blues and depression. Our staff is trained to recognize and handle clients who may be dealing with depression when visiting patient’s homes in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. Our home health aides and personal care aides are trained to help you. The aides serve as companions during those hard and dark times. We also have Live-in care for those of you who may need 24 hour support. No matter the time, day or place, we want to brighten your day first with care. We hope you have a very happy and safe holiday season.

The beautiful winter months are coming

2011-12-01T13:22:00.000-08:00

The winter brings many joyful things such as: Christmas, the New Year and a bunch of snow and rain. Sometimes the weather turns out worse than expected and we end up in a severe storm that knocks out the electricity, shuts down roads. Severe weather can even lead to people needing to be evacuated from their homes. Every year the weather seems to be more unpredictable than the last and since the winter is only a few weeks away; First Care of New York would like to give you some advice on how to prepare for it.
The basics of winter are as follows:

1. Be sure to check all your doors and windows to check for drafts. If you do feel a draft, try to seal it or find someone that can do it for you. A great deal of heat loss is because of drafty doors and windows leading to higher heating bills.
2. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. With your windows shut, you never want to take the chance of having carbon monoxide creep into your home as it is a colorless and odorless killer.
3. Prepare an emergency kit – You should have all the necessities like spare batteries, medicine, first-aid kit, battery operated radio, flashlights, blankets and a list of emergency contacts. You also want to stock up on non-perishable foods and plenty of bottled water. You never want to get stuck in a storm without having some form of lifeline.

If you are a homeowner you will also want to do the following as well.

1. Replace your heater’s air filter today and every 3 months
2. Have your home’s heater serviced to ensure optimum efficiency (get a furnace inspection)
3. If you have an attic, make sure you are not losing significant amounts of heat due to poor insulation or improper ventilation.
4. If you have a fireplace, order firewood early to get a better price and do not forget to have someone inspect your fireplace to make sure it is still in good working order.

The winter is a beautiful time of year to enjoy hot cocoa, have snowball fights, and have a sleigh ride (granted this is mostly for kids), but we can also enjoy cozy nights, snuggling up for good movies and going ice-skating. This is what winters are supposed to be about, not about freezing temperatures and high heating bills. At First Care of New York, we always want to keep you informed of the best ways to keep yourself and your loved ones safe and healthy. Enjoy the winter!!!

2011-11-18T06:36:00.000-08:00

“First Care Picks Up Where Others Leave Off”

Open House

First Care of New York Inc.

2488 Grand Concourse , Suite 329

Bronx, NY 10458

(Inside our Training Facility)

December 5th, 2011

2:00pm – 5:00pm

We are currently seeking Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech Therapists

(718) 364-7251 x 228 or x220

We are currently seeking Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech Therapists. Please send your resume to fax (718) 364-7255 or email us at info@1st-care.org . Or you can come in person on December 5th 2011 to our Open House for an Interview.

PHYSICAL THERAPY: Physical Therapy services are provided to individuals who demonstrate the presence of a functional limitation. A Physical therapist’s role is to provide skilled intervention to improve the patient’s level of functioning in self-care, mobility, safety, range of motion, or strength and to establish a safe and effective maintenance program. Examples of therapy services include: assessment of needs and development of a therapy program for the patient. The physical therapist’s functions also include: Therapeutic exercises; Gait training and active range of motion exercises.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY: The occupational therapist assists patient’s in acquiring the skills necessary to accomplish ADLs. An occupational therapist’s interventions on the patient’s upper extremities and on the fine muscle skills are needed to perform functional activities, such as: eating or dressing. In addition to assisting patients in developing self-care skills; the therapist is involved in assessing the patient’s home for safety and suggesting modifications to improve the patient’s ability to function independently. The skilled OT program may include:

 Selecting and teaching task-oriented therapeutic activities designed to restore physical function.

 Planning, implementing and supervising therapeutic tasks and activities designed to restore sensory integrative function.

 Planning, implementing and supervising of individualized therapeutic programs as part of an overall “active treatment” program.

 Teaching ADLs and instrumental ADLs.

 Designing, fabricating, and fitting orthotic and self-help devices.

SPEECH THERAPY: Speech Therapy services are provided to individuals who have speech and language problems, including difficulties or delays in language development. Problems with speech and language may be either expressive or receptive. In addition, ST services are also helpful with patients who are experiencing dysphasia. The speech therapist works with patients to improve their ability to carry out independent ADLs related to communication or swallowing, i.e. talking on phone, eating or managing oral secretions. Speech Therapy includes:

Assessment; Diagnostic testing and evaluation; Maintenance therapy, Therapeutic services; Aural rehabilitation; Teaching and training.

Breast Cancer Fact & Fiction

2011-10-06T14:17:00.000-07:00

October is known as breast cancer awareness month. This tradition began back in 1984 between several organizations aspiring to help bring awareness and education to the general public about breast cancer. Many companies, organizations, athletic leagues and even federal departments all support this cause by sporting pink ribbons. However, too many people remain confused to certain myths and facts concerning breast cancer. Though there is no cure for breast cancer, the best thing to do is get yourself checked out by a physician and let them be the one to give you a clean bill of health. At First Care of New York we would like to provide you with some facts and fictitious things people think of when it comes to breast cancer.

Only women get breast cancer – Fiction
Though rare, men get breast cancer as well. It is equally as important for men to undergo regular breast self-check techniques for prevention and early diagnosis.

Breast feeding – Fiction
There has been no direct correlation of breast feeding and breast cancer. Some scientists actually believe it might help to fight breast cancer.

Underwire bras causes’ breast cancer – Fiction
The verity is that there is not enough evidence to support this argument

All breast lumps are cancerous – Fiction
Not all breast lumps are malignant or cancerous. However, this does not imply that a person should stop reporting any breast changes that occur to their doctor. In order to determine whether a lump is cancerous or not, further diagnostic procedures like mammogram, biopsy or ultrasound should be done.

Birth control pills can lead to breast cancer – Fiction
It is true that birth control pills do contain a small amount of estrogen. Nonetheless; there is no substantial proof to authenticate this statement.

Breast cancer is contagious – Fiction
Breast cancer is not contagious, contradictory to what most people believe it to be. This misconception is mainly due to the fact that a number of cases of breast cancer are linked with a family history.

Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer – Fiction
I guess people began to think of this because deodorant is applied near the breast area. The Truth Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are not aware of any definitive evidence relating the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and the development of breast cancer.

Having a family history of breast cancer means you will get it – Fiction
Although women who have a family history of breast cancer are in a higher risk grouping, most women who have breast cancer have little or none family history. If you have a mother, daughter, sister, or grandmother who had breast cancer, you should take precautions and have a mammogram five years before the age of their diagnosis, or starting at age 35.

Though there might be other fictitious rumors about how one may get cancer. There is only one way to help manage your health concerning breast cancer. Screening by a licensed professional is the only sure way to help identify and treat cancer if detected. If you should ever detect any changes in your breast area, whether you are male or female, you should have yourself checked out. Early detection may be the difference between recovery or the need for treatments.

Using the 5 senses to determine if you or your loved one needs care and assistance

2011-09-23T07:08:00.000-07:00

Every day people forget things, fall or just do something that is out of the norm. Most of us do it because of lack of paying attention, being in a hurry or just because we did something foolish without thinking of the consequences. Over time people give off many clues as to their mental and/or physical condition. For people or seniors with mental or physical difficulties, these incidences can be the first clue that things might be becoming more challenging for them. A good way to tell if someone might need care or assistance is by using all of our senses.

Use your eyes – With a visual inspection of someone or their living condition, we can pick up many signs that things are not going well.

Look to see if their place is a mess or becoming more messy than usual.
See if their clothes are dirty, stained or if they are wearing the same clothing for several days at a time.

Use your nose – Your nasal senses are very powerful especially in picking up foul odors.

Sniff around their living quarters to see if it smells like an old gym locker or if the trash has not been taken out in some time.
Smell the individual to see if they have taken a bath.
Smell their breath as well to check if they are brushing their teeth and doing everyday activities.

Use your hands – Your hands are the best tools to maneuver through many things.

Wipe a finger/hand around areas that should generally be clean to check for dust or other dirty conditions

Bathroom areas – such as the sink and toilet area
Kitchen – touch to see if things have spilled and the fridge is all sticky
Living room – Check the TV for excessive dust on it, making it hard to view the screen.

Use your taste buds – Your tongue can distinguish between four basic taste of salty, sweet, bitter and sour.

Not everything smells like it is spoiled. So give several items in the fridge a small taste test to see if they are good or spoiled. But use caution, because you don’t want to end up being the one that needs care for food poisoning.

Use your ears – Giving people the opportunity to be heard is one of the greatest ways to find out what is going on with them. Listening to how people speak can tell you a lot about their current mental status.

Listen for clues of repeated events – Such as I fall often, I forget to take my medication; I forgot another doctor’s appointment.
Listen for signs of sadness, disorientation or confusion.
Listen to see if their speech is slurred or impaired, as this can signify mental problems.

If you sense that you or your loved one is having these issues, do not hesitate to get them care now. Being proactive can be the difference between them getting hurt and ending up in the hospital or having a safe, happier and healthier life.

For any aspect of care or information on care-giving, please feel free to contact First Care of New York. At First Care of New York we provide services in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens. For your convenience, a nurse can be scheduled to visit you or your loved one at home to evaluate the level of care that is needed at no cost to you, if they participate in our program. The nurse will also be able to evaluate the home to make you aware of any potential hazards that might cause harm to your family member. They will help clarify some questions you or your loved one may have. We can provide as much care as is needed from a couple of hours a week to 24 hour live-in care and everything in between. We employ highly trained and caring home health aides, personal care aides, homemakers, and nursing care. Services provided include: help with bathing, cooking, toileting, grooming, medicine reminder, laundry and cleaning services. First Care of New York is a licensed home care service agency that provides top quality care to all our clients.

Labor Day weekend happiness!

2011-09-02T11:22:00.000-07:00

According to the U.S Department of Labor, “Labor Day”, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.” Though this stands true for most people it also means a long weekend for most of us to enjoy and celebrate with our families with backyard barbeques and other activities.
If you are doing the good old barbeque don’t forget to plan accordingly for this weekend. Scores of people will be doing the same thing. There are a few things to have smooth BBQ especially if you are the one hosting the event.

Make a list of all your supplies you will need for your BBQ – Don’t forget the extra napkins
Go shopping and pick up all your supplies – Or you might end up going to the store 22 times during the BBQ.
Prepare the BBQ area the day before if possible – This will make it easier to notice what is missing or give you ides for things you can improve.
If you are going to a park or some other place – You will want to leave as early as possible to get a “good spot”
During the event – be a good host and check on all your guests to see if they are enjoying themselves
Lastly the cleanup – Be sure to clean up the area and recycle all that you can. BBQ grease stuck on your backyard furniture will become a nightmare if you let it sit for a few days.

Once you have enjoyed yourself with friends and family it is time to go out and enjoy the events around town. Below is a brief list of things to do in different boroughs.

Bronx – Check out the baseball game at Yankee Stadium as they are playing against the Baltimore Orioles. Prices vary depending on seats.

Brooklyn – Habana Outpost’s Back to School Bash – Fort Greene

Brooklyn’s eco-eatery sends summer out with a bang. Arts and crafts, stilt walkers, clowns, dancing, face painting and lots more to entertain the crowds. Plus there will be free notebooks and pencils while supplies last, and a concert by Jeremy Plays Guitar. FREE

Manhattan – Holiday Monday at the Met – Upper East Side
The Met is usually closed on Mondays but today it opens for the holiday and offers fun family programs for kids ages 5-12 and their parents. Explore the masterpieces, then sketch and discuss. FREE with museum admission.

Queens – West Indian American Day Jr. Carnival – Crown Heights
All the excitement of Carnival for the smaller set: Catch the festive parade of kids donning colorful garb as they travel from Kingston Avenue and St. Johns Place to Franklin Avenue South, to President Street, into the grounds of the Brooklyn Museum for a costume competition. $2

At First Care of New York we want to keep everyone safe, secure and comfortable during Labor Day weekend. As a leading license home care agency we provide the best possible home care services in New York City. With our highly trained personal care aides and skilled home health aides we provide the adequate care you and your loved ones may need. Our aides provide such services as: grooming, bathing, toileting, dressing and feeding to name a few items. We provide services in the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens.

Can Vitamin D better the life of the Elderly?

2011-08-18T13:52:00.000-07:00

Many seniors spend their days doing indoor-related activities to stay active across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens. Although, these are great ways to spend your days, there is an increasing lack of sunlight exposure which can cause potential health issues as a person ages. Vitamin D is a fantastic way to replenish and acquire valuable nutrients that will help you retain valuable functions as you age. With the help of alzheimersreadingroom.com, we will discuss the value of Vitamin D in the human body, specifically as to how it relates to seniors.

Vitamin D works in unison with Calcium to keep bones and muscles healthy and strong, preventing osteoporosis. Calcium is not absorbed and distributed appropriately without Vitamin D. On its own Vitamin D doesn’t do very much. There are specific functions within the body that only work correctly by Vitamin D. Without strong and healthy muscles and bones the elderly are at risk for falls, fractures, and even death. Falls are the second leading cause of death in the US, with 75% of those falls occurring in the older population. First Care of New York aides can assist with this problem by helping all of our patients of Live-In, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship programs take medication and Vitamins to prevent such issues.

The hormone Calcitonin, which is released from the thyroid gland, can cause cartilage to degrade if Vitamin D didn’t inhibit that process. So in essence this very important vitamin can help by assisting processes or preventing processes. Many people do not realize the heart is a muscle. Vitamin D plays an important role in heart health, and there is increasing research recognizing Vitamin D deficiency and its association to heart disease. Chronic inflammation can cause many diseases which may include rheumatoid arthritis, kidney and prostate disorders, autoimmune diseases, as well as disorders affecting the skin, pelvis, bowels, respiratory, and vascular systems. Vitamin D deficiency also plays a part in Type I Diabetes.

It is recommended that you ask your physician, and advocate for your loved one to get tested for Vitamin D deficiency. You should not begin a Vitamin D supplement without knowing your lab results or speaking with your physician. It is possible to overdose on Vitamin D, but what if a simple daily supplement of Vitamin D can help you or your loved one’s quality of life? It’s worth pursuing.

First Care talks Cancer Fundraiser

2011-07-07T08:12:00.000-07:00

A bright sunny day, a festive atmosphere, Jon Stewart and First Care of New York were all proud, pumped and prepared to fight against Cancer.

On Sunday, June 26th, 2011 First Care of New York was out in full force along with our parents, brothers, sisters and children, participating in the 5 mile Walk/Run as part of the Hope & Possibilities Event held in Central Park. First Care of New York was there in matching blue t-shirts and the universal pink ribbon paying homage to all the brave men and women fighting against Cancer. We are proud to announce that we raised over $10,000 for Cancer research, funds that went directly to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The race commenced at Central Park and 72nd street, where we ran/walked up hills, through beautiful and scenic Central Park with people from all over New York State including the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens. We cheered everybody on as the runners, joggers, trotters and walkers all made it to the finish line. But the biggest cheers were for the brave men and women who completed the course on wheelchairs, with prosthetic limbs and other disabilities. These participants made it to that finish line with cheers and applause in what amounted to a total team victory. We are proud that all of our participants finished the course. We took pictures, congratulated each other and went home with the pride and satisfaction of having done something truly great. Below are just a few of the reactions from some of our runners about their experience with the event as a whole:

“I enjoyed walking for a good cause and getting to spend the time with my co-workers. Plus I got to meet Jon Stewart. Yay!”

"It was inspiring to see the community support those in need".

"Truly inspirational"

“The Giving is Receiving turned inside out!!!”

“It was a great experience, for a great cause in honor of my Grandmother and many others”.

“I must say the environment and the ambience was grand, we were well received. As the parent of a US Marine who is now serving abroad, it brings great joy to my heart watching the injured service men and women participate in the walk. Seeing the elderly and injured do so well, it gave me encouragement to reach the finish line, and we all did!”

Yes, we did.

First Care Fundraiser Countdown

2011-06-17T13:55:00.000-07:00

We are at the half way point of 2011, and have been absolutely thrilled that you and your loved ones have been so happy with our services and support thus far. At First Care of New York, we aim to reach our singular goal of satisfying your every need, at all times. Every year we set goals in terms of service and support for our clients, as well as in the community. As you read earlier this year, one of the biggest community events that we have will take place in less than 9 days. Since December 2010, we have been raising funds and have participated in awareness campaigns for the 2011 Hope & Possibilities Walk/Run 5K event. On June 26th, 2011, First Care of New York will be part of this event which will be held in Central Park. Since December, we have been raising money that will be donated to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center as part of this event.

This year we added a little wrinkle in hopes of surpassing last year’s fundraiser total by announcing a very special raffle that everyone can participate in for a great cause, and to win great prizes. The raffle tickets cost only $10, and 100% of the proceeds will go towards donations for cancer research. The $10 dollar raffle ticket will make you eligible to win one of 3 prizes: a 16 GB I-Touch, a Home Theater System or a 40’ HD Television. If you wish to participate in the raffle or are interested in acquiring raffle tickets, you may ask for Rina at 718-741-5956.

First Care of New York aims to donate, time, money, effort and sweat to this event as several of our family members will participate in the actual 5 mile race. Many of our participants are the same people who provide our Live in Care, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship services. The other members will be on the sidelines encouraging and cheering on their friends and family.

The actual Walk/Run 5K event features some 6,000 runners who are from all kinds of backgrounds who run in different levels including: runners with disabilities, prosthetic limbs, wheelchairs and open divisions, thereby excluding no one. First Care participates in this event to raise community awareness and raise funds for Cancer research. It is a cause that is near and dear to the First Care family, and we are committed to raising funds for this next year’s event as well. We are less than 10 days away, if you wish to donate, purchase a raffle ticket or sell raffle tickets call Rina at 718-741-5956, on behalf of First Care of New York we thank you.

National women’s health awareness week

2011-05-13T13:03:00.000-07:00

This week is quite a special week as this is the week that we inspire the beloved women in our lives to get up and get themselves checked out to make sure they are still as healthy as the first day we met them. At First Care of New York we encourage you to stay healthy. While we care for those that are in need of home care services we still believe that a routine check up and screening is a key component to staying healthy. An early screening can mean a better chance of living a healthier lifestyle and a quicker path to recovery.

As per the president Barrack Obama’s proclamation “National Women's Health Week is also an opportunity for women of all ages, ethnicities, and economic circumstances to take simple, everyday steps to embrace healthier lifestyles. This week, we encourage women to schedule their annual checkups and talk to their health care provider about important health screenings, many of which will be free of charge because of the Affordable Care Act. All American women and their loved ones can visit www.WomensHealth.gov and www.GirlsHealth.gov for more information and resources on living longer and healthier lives.”

We at First Care of New York are proud of the fact that all our aides (including the men) are up to date and continue to get their yearly physical keeping them all as healthy as possible to provide the wonderful services that they provide to our clients. First Care aides provide such services as helping our clients with bathing, grooming, toileting, and even housekeeping. Our aides provide the services that help our clients remain healthy throughout the New York City area as we provide services in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens.

A Mother’s Day Blog…

2011-05-06T13:18:00.000-07:00

On this very special weekend, we celebrate the women in our lives all over the world who have lost, given, and loved with all of their being. She may have been the person who gave birth to us, or the person who raised us, even the person who taught or fed us. Whether her skin today is flawless or wrinkled, she still possesses that presence, that aura that we respect and love for all the things she has done for us and who she is.

This weekend, we pay homage to those women all over the world: to the Mothers’, Motherly figures, Motherly influences and Mothers’ pulling double duties as fathers as well. Many of these women serve our thousands of clients all across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan Areas, performing duties for Men and Women of all ages. These women care for these patients with class, style and pride. The women we have that coordinate, assess, administer and provide our great Live in Care, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship services are to be saluted and thanked for all of their efforts.

Mother’s Day should quite honestly be celebrated every minute, but for this occasion, we at First Care of New York thank all of you who have been so instrumental in allowing us to provide care for our Mothers’ and yours, today and tomorrow.

Home Care After Plastic Surgery

2011-05-04T08:19:00.001-07:00

Recovery is a very important step to minimize pain and discomfort and improve your healing process. Before the patient leaves the doctor’s office the doctor might change your bandage and prescribe some pain medication and possible other items. Then you are off to your home to recover. Sometimes healing might take longer if you have any health problems such as diabetes.
A common complaint by outpatient plastic surgery patients is that their spouses or friends are not prepared to provide recovery assistance. Busy households and hectic schedules make rest, relaxation and compliance to activity restrictions difficult. Patients without aftercare assistance may experience longer and more difficult recovery courses. At First Care of New York we can help you recover with the proper care you will need. After any surgery your doctor will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your recovery.

First Care of New York can provide you with a highly skilled certified aide that can provide many services such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Our caring aides pamper their clients and follow all the doctors’ instructions to help keep you as comfortable as possible. First Care of New York aides can provide this caring all in the comfort of your own home. Our aides will keep you safe, relaxed and away from the general public while you recover.

Our Homemakers prepare a highly nutritious meal, which is important for a speedy recovery. The prepare meals that are rich in protein, zinc and vitamin C, which are recognized to promote healing. The aide will pamper you by bringing you ice or ice packs to help reduce swelling. Also, they will help you get your post surgery accessories on and off your body as well as helping you dress, bathe, toileting and grooming you so you may recover properly. Our aides may provide around-the-clock care at any home, hotel or other facility. Your time after plastic surgery needs to be dedicated to rest and recuperation not anxiety and deterioration.

You can count on First Care of New York to be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for any and all Live in Care, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship. We can offer these services all across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens. We keep all information from our clients 100% confidential and your safety and security is our number one concern. Please feel free to give us a call at (718) 741–5950 and let’s begin the nature of healing.

First Care and the Community

2011-04-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

Spring is a coming! The weather is warming up and First Care of New York has already made several commitments to be a part of a variety of events across New York City this coming Spring and Summer in a community near you. We have events that will cover the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens Areas including Long Island City!
In May, we will be part of the Bronx Health Conference on East 149th St, beginning at 9am, with the purpose of presenting and educating the community on our wide range of services including Live in Care. On May 18th, we will be in Long Island City for a Health Fair Event beginning at 10 am, where we will talk about our Personal Care services and our unique Private Care option for homecare services for residents of the area. On May 21st, we are thrilled to be participating in the Spring Community Fair in Queens, New York, this is an event geared for residents of the five Boroughs who want information and are interested in learning about services such as our Home Health and Companionship programs.

On June 26th, First Care of New York will be a part of the “Hope and Possibilities” 5K Walk/Run and we will be there front and center participating in the race and raising money for Cancer research. We are currently raising money for the event through a fundraiser and are accepting donations 100% of which will be donated to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for Cancer research. These are just a few of the events that we plan on participating in during the warm months to come and if you wish to have us be a part of your event, or to participate in our Fundraiser raffle, please feel free to contact Rina at 718-364-7251.

Community Health Fair
Wednesday, May 18th, 2011 from 10am-3pm
36-11 21st Street, Long Island City, New York

Spring Health Fair
Saturday, May 21st, 2011 from 11am- 5pm
57-02 Hoffman Drive, Queens, NY 11373

Hope & Possibilities 5K Walk/Run
Sunday, June 26th, 2011 from 8am- 1pm
If you wish to donate money or for more information please click here.

Private care services

2011-04-15T12:16:00.000-07:00

We are proud to introduce a new division of services dedicated to the private pay community. At First Care of New York we are the caring company that individuals and families rely upon for home care services. As a home care provider we are able to help those that are required to pay for home care services out of pocket. Home care is not as costly as it was once thought to be. Being at home, one can continue to enjoy the same lifestyle that one is accustomed to.

We provide private pay home care services in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens. For your convenience a nurse can be scheduled to visit you or your loved one at home to evaluate the level of care that is needed at no cost for you. They will help clarify some questions you or your loved one may have. We can provide as much care as is needed from a couple of hours a week to 24 hour live-in care and everything in between. We have highly trained home health aides, personal care aides, homemakers, and nursing care. First Care is a licensed home care service agency that provides top quality aides to all our clients.

While considering care for yourself or a loved one we must look very carefully at our options. Some might consider a nursing facility or some type of senior living facility if they are elderly. This might sound like a good idea but it can be costly, disruptive to yourself or loved one and you might not be able to know the exact level of care your loved one is receiving if they are away at a facility.

Nursing facilities can accumulate cost at an alarming rate as most services as separated and attached to a different cost. Secondly, you would have to move or have your loved one moved to the facility which we all know moving is always a hassle, things are broken and we lose our beloved neighbors and neighborhoods. At a facility less people will be able to visit you as you or your loved one might be moved to a distant location.

We all enjoy the comforts and safety of our own home especially when we are worried about our health and physical condition. Lastly, not knowing the type of care that is being provided is always an added stress to us. The only easy and realistic solution to all these options would be to get home care services.

We are regulated by the NYS department of Health and are accredited by The Joint Commission. We do a thorough background check and training of all our aides to ensure your level of care is being met by the appropriate personnel. We also consider confidentiality a major priority for all our clients. If you would like to receive more information please feel free to contact us for a free consultation at 718-741-5950 or visit us on the web at http://www.1st-care.org/.

Depression: The Signs and Symptoms

2011-04-04T06:18:00.000-07:00

At First Care of New York, Inc, we are here to help out with emotional and health concerns like depression. Our staff is trained to recognize and handle clients’ who may be dealing with depression when visiting patients’ homes in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan areas. Our home health aides and personal care aides are trained to help you; they serve as companions during those hard and dark times, we also have Live-in care for those of you who may need 24 hour support. No matter the time, day or place, we want to brighten your day with care. But what is depression? What signs of depression exist? How can I come out of it?
What is depression?

As per medical inference of Depression, it is an interruption of a person’s regular mood, thought process, feelings, or behavior. During depression, there is a loss of interest in one’s every day pleasurable activities and functions of daily living. Unfortunately, there are symptoms’ other than emotional ones that are associated with depression.

Some signs and symptoms’ include:

Headaches
Muscle aches
Chest pain
Digestive problems
Exhaustion and Fatigue
Sleeping Problems
Change in weight/appetite
Dizziness and or Lightheadedness
Drug/ alcohol abuse
Loss of concentration, trouble thinking/ loss of memory
Thoughts of self hurt/pain/suicide
Crying excessively
Overly emotional/mood swings

Keep in mind everyone can react differently. Depression can lead to long term physical and mental health problems such as:

Relationship problems/family/friends
Eating disorders/Anorexia
Suicide
High blood pressure/heart problems
Work/ School conflict

There are steps you can take in order to overcome depression:

Improving your communication with friends or family
Keep yourself busy
Surround yourself with happy, influential, motivational people
Listen to inspirational music/ read inspirational books
Seeing a counselor/ social worker/ psycho-therapist
Anti-depressive medications

Pain Management

2011-03-28T06:54:00.000-07:00

This week First Care of New York is dedicating our weekly post to managing pain. A big part of our philosophy here is to minimize and if possible eliminate the chances of our clients experiencing physical pain. The topic of pain management can cover a wide-range of topics, but as a company that offers Live in Care, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship services; we are uniquely qualified to answer and discuss the subject from different angles. Some information used in this post is courtesy of medicinenet.com. Pain management can be simple or complex, depending on the cause of the pain. Many treatments exist for similar ailments, some ailments are less painful, but obstruct you or require using certain equipment to do everyday tasks. Other ailments obstruct a person more, primarily because of the actual pain involved. Many ailments are treated or alleviated using interventional procedures, medication management, physical or chiropractic therapy, psychological counseling and support, acupuncture and other alternative therapies; or referrals to other medical specialists or services…like First Care of New York!

We understand that pain does a lot more than limit a person; it can discourage, frustrate and even dissuade a person from trying to do things to get better. At First Care we help our clients from the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan or Queens areas manage their pain. We help them with everything from medication, to physical movements to help them improve their mobility, and arrange to help them get to medical appointments and other services. Interventional and medicinal treatments are by far the most common, as physical and psychological treatments are more common for seniors. We are happy to be able to offer both the access and the means to you the client, by playing a small role in helping you overcome the pain and live on.

Cancer Fundraiser

2011-03-11T11:41:00.000-08:00

Since 2004, First Care of New York has operated with the singular purpose of providing service. Service is an important part of society and a very prominent fabric of the foundation for our company. We understand that there are people struggling to survive in our community, people that are battling hardship, struggle and illness. Sadly, many of those people that are battling today are those who served our country in previous years. Also they are innocent children who have to battle their disabilities just to have a chance at normalcy. Many of these people live right next door in the various communities in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens, and we are proud to be able to help these people one by one every day. While we are nowhere near satisfied with our accomplishments in service, we are proud to say that every day we are providing an outlet for more of our neighbors to live their lives.

We haven’t rested on our loins in terms of our communities. We want to impact the world and our fundraising efforts are part of this plan. First Care of New York has held a yearly fundraising event to benefit the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for Cancer research understanding that this is a disease that impacts all of us. Nearly everyone that reads this will know someone who is battling this disease, and First Care of New York is no different. Our fundraising efforts are year-round and in anticipation of the Road-Runners 5K Walk/Run even on June 26th, 2011, we are holding a raffle in an effort to raise more money. We will have not one but four possible winners for those of you that participate. The raffle prizes include a 40” Television, a Home Theater System and an I-Pod touch; in addition, the person that raises the most money will win a gaming system. First Care of New York is all about service, if it’s Home Health care for your parent who wants to continue to live independently, while giving you peace of mind or service for your child, who needs personal care while you are at work. Companionship, for your neighbor or loved one who still has so much they want to share about life and its experiences. And for the hero in your life who is battling Cancer, who will get an opportunity to surpass their own hopes and dreams all because of the contributions made to this raffle, this cause, and the vision of First Care of New York.

If you wish to buy or sell a raffle ticket call Rina at 718-364-7251, or if you wish to make a donation, Participate Today!

National Patient Safety Awareness Week

2011-03-08T06:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Greetings to all of our First Care family in the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Westchester County, we celebrate National Patient Safety Awareness Week from March 6-12. As a society, we are in the planning stages of that wonderful time when we decide that we want the feeling of the sun on our faces, which means vacations and spring break. This is the time of year we start yearning to break free from our every day routine and travel; even if we only travel across the great boroughs of New York City or even Westchester County for just a few hours. The purpose of this week is to keep in mind that as the weather gets warmer and your outdoor activities increase, we need to keep safety in mind, in particular those who are traveling somewhere that requires an overnight stay or more. As seniors, safe and healthy travel is a necessity therefore we look to a blog titled Safe and Healthy Travel for seniors as provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) on their website www.cdc.gov has some great advice.

The retirement years can be an exciting time to see the world, and travel is easier and safer than ever before for seniors. With a little planning and some caution, seniors can safely visit almost any destination. All travelers, including seniors, should see a doctor for a pre-travel visit, ideally 4–6 weeks before they travel, although even a last-minute visit can be helpful. The doctor should be told about illnesses the traveler has and medicines he or she is taking, since this will influence medical decisions. In addition to providing vaccines, medicine, and advice for keeping healthy, a doctor can conduct a physical exam to assess a senior's fitness for travel. Seniors should consider their physical limitations when planning a trip. Seniors with heart disease, for example, might choose an itinerary that does not involve strenuous activities. Seniors may also have a hard time recovering from jet lag and motion sickness, so they should take these factors into account when planning a trip. Before travel, seniors should have information about their destination that could affect their health, such as the altitude and climate. They should be aware of whether the destination is prone to natural disasters, such as earthquakes and hurricanes, since seniors may have more problems in those extreme situations.

Vaccines

Before travel, seniors should be up-to-date on routine vaccines, such as measles/mumps/rubella and seasonal flu. Some of these may be considered "childhood" vaccines, but their protective effect decreases over time, and the diseases they protect against are often more common in other countries than in the United States. More than half of tetanus cases are in people over 65, so seniors should consider getting a tetanus booster before they travel. Seniors should also receive other vaccines recommended for the countries they are visiting. These may include vaccines for hepatitis, typhoid, polio, or yellow fever. Seniors should discuss their detailed travel plans with their doctors and, if necessary, alternatives to vaccination.

Medication

A doctor may prescribe medicine for malaria, altitude illness, or travelers' diarrhea; seniors should make sure the doctor knows any other medications they take, to watch out for possible drug interactions. In addition to medicine prescribed specifically for travel, seniors are likely to take other medicines regularly, such as medicines for high blood pressure, diabetes, or arthritis. They should plan to pack enough medicine for the duration of the trip, plus a few days' extra in case of travel delays. Prescription medicine should always be carried in its original container, along with a copy of the prescription, and all medicine should be packed in carry-on luggage, in case checked luggage gets lost.

Injury Prevention

Although exotic infections make the headlines, injury is the most common cause of preventable death among travelers. Seniors can minimize their risk of serious injury by following these guidelines:
• Always wear a seatbelt.
• Don't ride in cars after dark in developing countries.
• Avoid small, local planes.
• Don't travel at night in questionable areas.

In addition, seniors should consider purchasing supplemental travel health insurance in case of injury or illness overseas. Many health plans, including Medicare, will not pay for services received outside the United States. Seniors who are planning travel to remote areas should consider purchasing evacuation insurance, which will pay for emergency transportation to a qualified hospital.

First Care of New York wants to keep you safe. When traveling for a doctor’s visit or somewhere else with one of our aides, know that you are traveling with someone who is trained and certified to provide great care for all your needs. All of our Live in Care, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship services are performed with care efficiency and flexibility to help you and yours enjoy the warm light of the sun.

National Healthy Heart Month Finale

2011-02-24T13:38:00.000-08:00

To commemorate the final week of National Healthy Heart month, First Care of New York has written a series of blogs and articles concerning the heart and raising awareness, while providing information and tips to strengthen one of your most powerful organs in the human body. All of our clients all across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens areas, with varying types of heart illnesses or heart related conditions, have received this information through our many different aides. Most of these ailments have distinctive causes and require different treatments, our Live in Care, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship services help our clients on the road to recovery with a variety of needs that are vital to helping a person regain their health and strength. In the first part, we spoke about what our heart does, and what causes heart failure. We then discussed 7 signs of an impending heart attack that are often overlooked: what they were, the methods to prevent them and their different effects on gender. This blog asks a different question. I want to protect my heart, what foods can I eat that will help me accomplish this goal? Last week, you read about foods 10-6, so this week we finish our month-long post for National Healthy Heart month with the top 5 as written by health.com

Berries

Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries—whatever berry you like best—are full of anti-inflammatories, which reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer. "Blackberries and blueberries are especially great," says Sinatra. "But all berries are great for your vascular health."

Legumes

Fill up on fiber with lentils, chickpeas, and black and kidney beans. They're packed with omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and soluble fiber.

Spinach

Spinach can help keep your ticker in top shape thanks to its stores of lutein, folate, potassium, and fiber.

But upping your servings of any veggies is sure to give your heart a boost. The Physicians' Health Study examined more than 15,000 men without heart disease for a period of 12 years. Those who ate at least two-and-a-half servings of vegetables each day cut their risk of heart disease by about 25%, compared with those who didn't eat the veggies. Each additional serving reduced risk by another 17%.

Flaxseed

Full of fiber and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, a little sprinkling of flaxseed can go a long way for your heart. Top a bowl of oatmeal or whole-grain cereal with a smidgen of ground flaxseed for the ultimate heart-healthy breakfast.

Soy

Soy may lower cholesterol, and since it is low in saturated fat, it's still a great source of lean protein in a heart-healthy diet.

Look for natural sources of soy, like edamame, tempeh, or organic silken tofu. And soy milk is a great addition to a bowl of oatmeal or whole-grain cereal. But watch the amount of salt in your soy: some processed varieties like soy dogs can contain added sodium, which boosts blood pressure.

Our aides are very good and are capable of preparing meals and dishes with these kinds of ingredients and measures that will help you retain your health and strengthen your heart as we give you first class service. We at First Care of New York are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for any and all Live in Care, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship services. We can offer these services all across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Westchester and Queens Areas.

National Healthy Heart Month III

2011-02-18T11:55:00.000-08:00

National Healthy Heart Month Part II

2011-02-11T10:18:00.001-08:00

This month, First Care of New York is joining in the celebration of National Healthy Heart month. Many of you reading this know someone, or have some kind of heart ailment that requires a lot of attention and care. As part of National Healthy Heart month, First Care of New York will be providing a series of blogs and articles concerning the heart and raising awareness, while providing information and tips to strengthen one of your most powerful organs in the human body. At First Care of New York we have treated clients all across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens Areas, with varying types of heart illnesses or heart related conditions. Most of these ailments have distinctive causes and require different treatments, our Live in Care, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship services help our clients on the road to recovery with a variety of needs that are vital to helping a person regain their health and strength. In the first part, we spoke about what our heart does, and what causes heart failure. In this blog, we discuss 7 signs of an impending heart attack that are often overlooked. What are they? How can you prevent them? Are these signs gender specific? The article written by Melanie Haiken will answer these questions and more.

Conventional wisdom has it that heart attacks come out of the blue. We're also trained to expect a heart attack to happen a certain way: The victim clutches his chest, writhes in pain, and collapses. But for women, it often doesn't happen that way. Study after study shows heart attacks and heart disease are under-diagnosed in women, with the explanation being that they didn't have symptoms. But research shows that's not the case. Women who've had heart attacks realize, looking back, that they experienced significant symptoms -- they just didn't recognize them as such. In a study funded by the National Institutes of Health and published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, 95 percent of women (that's almost all!) who'd had heart attacks reported experiencing symptoms that were decidedly new or different from their previous experience a month or more before their attacks. Even when a heart attack is occurring, women are often slow to realize what's happening and call a doctor. The reason? Women's heart attack symptoms are different than men's. This failure to recognize heart attack signs in women has led to a grim statistic: Women are more likely to die from sudden cardiac death than men are, and two thirds of women who have a heart attack don't recover completely.

To prevent a heart attack from sneaking up on you, watch for these 7 little-known signs of heart attacks:

Fatigue. More than 70 percent of women in the NIH study reported extreme fatigue in the month or months prior to their heart attacks. This was not just your run-of-the-mill tiredness -- the kind you can power through -- this was an overwhelming fatigue that sidelined them from their usual schedules for a few days at a time.

Sleeplessness or Insomnia. Despite their fatigue, women who've had heart attacks remember experiencing unexplained inability to fall asleep or stay asleep during the month before their heart attacks.

Anxiety and Stress. Stress has long been known to up the risk of heart attack. But what women report is the emotional experience; before their heart attacks they felt anxious, stressed, and keyed up, noticeably more than usual. Moments before or during a heart attack, many women report a feeling they describe as "impending doom;" they're aware that something's drastically wrong and they can't cope, but they're not sure what's going on.

Indigestion or Nausea. Stomach pain, intestinal cramps, nausea, and digestive disruptions are another sign reported by women heart attack patients. Become familiar with your own digestive habits, and pay attention when anything seems out of whack. Note especially if your system seems upset and you haven't eaten anything out of the ordinary.

Shortness of Breath. Of the women in the NIH study, more than 40 percent remembered experiencing this symptom. One of the comments the women made is that they noticed they couldn't catch their breath while walking up the stairs or doing other daily tasks.

Flu-Like Symptoms. Clammy, sweaty skin, along with feeling lightheaded and weak, can lead women to wonder if they have the flu when, in fact, they're having a heart attack.

Jaw, Ear, Neck, or Shoulder Pain. While pain and numbness in the chest, shoulder, and arm is a common sign of heart attack (at least, among men), women often don't experience the pain this way. Instead, many women say they felt pain and a sensation of tightness running along their jaw and down the neck, and sometimes up to the ear, as well. The pain may extend down to the shoulder and arm--particularly on the left side--or it may feel like a backache or pulled muscle in the neck and back.

What You Can do to Protect Yourself?

In addition to the symptoms they do have, women differ from men in another significant way -- they may not experience many of the symptoms we traditionally associate with heart attacks. This, experts say, is a major reason why women's heart attacks go unrecognized and untreated. Almost half of all women in the NIH study felt no chest pain, even during the heart attack itself. Numbness is another symptom women may not experience, experts say. If your body is doing unusual things and you just don't feel "right," don't wait. Go see your doctor and ask for a thorough work-up. And if you have any risk factors for cardiac disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, or family history of heart disease, mention these to the doctor. Time is of the essence, so don't count on medical staff to know your background or read your chart -- tell them your risk factors right away, so your condition can be evaluated fully and completely.

But you can count on First Care of New York to be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for any and all Live in Care, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship. We can offer these services all across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Westchester and Queens.

A First Care Plan.

2011-02-11T10:12:00.000-08:00

All year First Care of New York has presented our plans for our clients, aides and their families. Our new training aides, staff advancements and fundraiser efforts are all well underway. For this post we wanted to take the time to write about you. Specifically, your plans for life down the line. You know about our great services in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens Areas and you know about the Live in Care, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship services that we can offer.

We at First Care want to ask you about you! The following article by Erin Schmidt asks you, how prepared you may or may not be for the unexpected occurrence.

If something sudden happened - a fall, a stroke, a heart attack, an accident - would you and your family be prepared? If the answer is "no," you're not alone. According to a 2009 study by Avalere Health, a research and consulting firm, and the Kaiser Family Foundation, only about 10 percent of seniors have insurance coverage for nursing home care or assisted living.

That's why, although difficult, it is so imperative to have a plan. Here are five steps to help you start planning with ease: Talk to your family. Something as simple as having a family meeting can pay dividends later. Socialize the issue of planning and play the "what if" game because you and your family will be more effective and ready to act if/when a need arises.

1. Mobilize your support system, or the support system of a loved one. According to msn.com, for many people, that's going to mean patching together a safety net that consists of savings, caregiver help from friends and family, support from local community services and perhaps long-term-care insurance.

2. Think about your family, friends and loved ones. Who is nearby? Who lives furthest away? Then, consider everyone’s strengths and roles those close to you may play, i.e. who might be able to help with finances versus looking after belongings, etc.

3. Then, consider your own strengths and weaknesses, both physically and mentally. For example, are you a worrier? Try to establish a fitness routine to manage your stress that you can adapt as you age. Another example: if you're 35 and your eyesight is already poor, consider your needs down the road if it progressively worsens. Or maybe you've got an existing medical condition that you manage - talk to your doctor about ways to manage it as you age.

4. Know what resources you have locally. Is there an elder care attorney you could speak with? Are there special programs for seniors? Talk to a local homecare agency and/or your doctor. They will be able to point you in the right direction.

5. And finally, evaluate what you enjoy doing. What gives your life meaning and purpose? Exercise? Cooking? Going to the movies? Gardening? Sports? Fishing? Whatever it is, hold on to these things, and make sure that, no matter where you are in life or whatever your abilities are, you are able to keep them up as long as you can. Even if you and/or your loved one(s) need assistance someday, be sure to find a provider that will help see this through.

These are some great first steps toward planning for an unknown future. Thinking about it is the first step, but in the grand scheme of things, one step is better than none at all. Have you or has a loved one done some planning?

First Care of New York is available Monday- Friday from 9am-5pm to help you initiate your plans as this article advises. We can help you with all kinds of services and in some cases arrange for you to apply for missing services that you may need to properly address your homecare needs.