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Understanding Alzheimer’s: Early Detection, Care and Support

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By Mountain Pacific

September 25, 2024

Understanding Alzheimer’s: Early Detection, Care and Support

Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of people worldwide and is the most common form of dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory, thinking skills and the ability to carry out simple tasks. World Alzheimer’s Month, observed every September, is dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and supporting those affected by it.… Read the rest

Veterans’ Home of Wyoming Activities Director Leads Innovation in Care

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By Mountain Pacific

June 21, 2024

At the Veterans’ Home of Wyoming Skilled Nursing Community, Brittney Hull shines as the activities director qualified (ADQ), life enrichment coordinator. With a passion for care and a commitment to enriching the lives of residents, Brittney has inspired new activities and community engagement within the facility.Brittney, a seasoned health care professional with extensive experience, assumed the role of activities director at the Veterans’ Home a year ago. Her journey … Read the rest

Arthritis Awareness Month

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Title: Arthritis Awareness Month with a picture of a man's hands holding knee with red color emphasizing pain and swelling.

By Mountain Pacific

May 31, 2024

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is the swelling of one or more joints and describes more than 100 conditions.

Symptoms of arthritis include:

  • Pain
  • Aching
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling in or around the joints

The most common form of arthritis in the United States is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease in which the tissues in the joint break down over time – most common in older people. This may be the … Read the rest

Enriching Lives: Cheryl Lowe, Nursing Home Activities Director

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By Mountain Pacific

February 13, 2024

In the heart of Brendan House, Cheryl Lowe serves as the certified activities director, with an impressive 36-year tenure in her role. Passionate about her work, Cheryl shares her insights into the rewarding and transformative world of activities management within a nursing home setting.

Understanding the Core of Activities Management

Teaming up with her dedicated crew, Cheryl nurtures a warm and holistic caring environment, making sure residents’ physical, psychological, … Read the rest

AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month

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By Mountain Pacific

February 7, 2024

Vision loss is among the top ten causes of disability in the United States. Prevent Blindness America estimates the number of people who are blind or visually impaired will double by 2030 unless corrective actions are taken. While many factors can lead to loss of vision in America, the most common cause is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). But what exactly is AMD, what are the signs and how can … Read the rest

Winter Home Safety: Tips and Tricks to Prevent a Fall

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By Mountain Pacific

January 11, 2024

Making sure your home is safe means more than checking window locks and smoke detectors. When the weather gets cold, rainy or icy, a big part of home safety, especially for those 65 and older, is taking steps to prevent the risk for falls.

Falls are a leading cause of injury-related deaths among older adults. One in three older adults is expected to fall, causing minor injuries to … Read the rest

Seasonal Affective Disorder

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By Mountain Pacific

January 2, 2024

When temperatures, schedules and daylight hours shift, many people find their mood changes too. This can happen during any change in season, but happens more often in the fall and winter months. Some people describe themselves as having the “winter blues” when the days are shorter as they will feel better in the spring when longer daylight hours return. While less common, some people may experience a negative effect … Read the rest

A Day in the Life of Hale Ola Kino’s Wellness Director

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By Mountain Pacific

December 13, 2023

Meet Heidi Caldwell, a certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS) and the wellness director at Hale Ola Kino by Arcadia. Since the fall of 2020, Heidi has been drawing inspiration from her personal journey of caring for her father after a stroke. Witnessing the positive impact of recreation therapy on his recovery fueled her desire to bring joy and purpose to others.

In her role at Hale Ola Kino, Heidi … Read the rest

Lung Cancer: What Everyone Should Know about the Deadliest Cancer

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By Mountain Pacific

November 29, 2023

First: The facts.

… Read the rest

Where There Is Smoke…

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By Mountain Pacific

October 20, 2023

Many people struggle with nicotine addiction. In fact, more than one billion people, or about one in every five people around the world, smoke. Healthy Lung Month is a good time to face the dangers of smoking and commit to quitting.

Smoking is a leading cause of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and many other respiratory issues. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of harmful chemicals, many of … Read the rest

Weakness Leaving the Body: The Myth of Pain

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By Mountain Pacific

September 26, 2023

Pain is weakness leaving the body. No pain, no gain. What does not kill us makes us stronger. We have all heard these sayings, but pain is a universal human experience that is often misunderstood. Quotes like these can perpetuate the stigma surrounding pain, especially chronic pain. September is Pain Awareness Month. Join us as we take a moment to learn more about chronic pain and why it is … Read the rest

International Friendship Day: Celebrating Healthy Bonds

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By Mountain Pacific

July 30, 2023

Every year on July 30, people worldwide celebrate International Friendship Day. It is a day to appreciate the beauty of friendships and their impact on our well-being. How did this day get its start, and why are friendships so important to our good health?

The History of Friendship Day

The idea of Friendship Day began in the U.S. in the early 1900s. It was originally created by the Hallmark … Read the rest

Heart Disease and Men

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By Mountain Pacific

June 22, 2023

If you are a man in America, you are more likely to die of heart disease than anything else. Heart disease accounts for nearly 25% of all male deaths in America. The best way to reduce the risk of death from heart disease is to stop it from appearing in the first place. But what is heart disease, and what are the best ways to prevent it?

About Heart … Read the rest

Six Ways to Reduce the Risk of Dementia

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By Mountain Pacific

June 6, 2023

In the United States, an estimated 5 million people are living with a form of dementia, like Alzheimer’s disease. There is currently no known cure for dementia, but a growing body of research suggests healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Read on for some healthy habits to help protect the brain from dementia.

  1. Brain Train

Brain teasers and games like board games, crosswords and even … Read the rest

Understanding High Blood Pressure and Stroke: Silent Threats to Your Health

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By Mountain Pacific

May 31, 2023

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, and stroke are two health conditions that can have a serious impact on our well-being. Though they may seem like separate concerns, they often go hand-in-hand. Read on to learn about the relationship between high blood pressure and stroke and get important information about both.

Understanding  High Blood Pressure:

High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood against the artery … Read the rest

45 Is the New 50 – Colorectal Cancer Screenings and You

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By Mountain-Pacific Quality Health

March 30, 2023

The rate of new colorectal cancer cases in America has declined over the past 20 years, but it is still the second most common cause of cancer death in America. It is also the third most common cancer worldwide. Despite the prevalence of colorectal cancer, many Americans avoid life-saving screenings that can catch cancer early or even before it starts.

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is any … Read the rest

Shine a Light on Low Vision Awareness

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By Mountain-Pacific Quality Health

March 1, 2023

Low vision affects millions of people worldwide. According to the American Optometric Association, low vision is a significant visual impairment that cannot be fully corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, medication or surgery. Low Vision Awareness Month is dedicated to raising awareness about the condition and the impact is has on people’s lives.

Low vision can affect people of any age, but it is more prevalent in older adults. … Read the rest

The Most Common Threat to Your Heart Health

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By Mountain-Pacific Quality Health

02/23/2023

Heart disease is responsible for one out of every five deaths in the U.S. It has been the leading cause of death in both men and women since 1950. Several factors can increase your risk of heart disease, including not exercising, smoking and being overweight. But one risk factor is more common than any other.

Under Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the most common cause of heart disease … Read the rest

Check, Please!

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By Mountain-Pacific Quality Health

February 9, 2023

February marks National Self-Check Month, a month dedicated to tuning into your body and taking charge of your own health. When most people hear “self-check,” they think of a self-exam for breast cancer. But there are many other conditions that can be detected early by performing routine self-checks and listening to your body. Below are five tips you can use to get the most from your self-checks and … Read the rest

Giving the Cold Shoulder to Winter Hazards

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By Mountain-Pacific Quality Health

January 17, 2023

American novelist Paul Theroux once wrote, “Winter is a season of recovery and preparation.” But an argument can be made that the more you prepare for winter, the less you worry about recovering from cold weather mishaps like burst pipes, a damaged vehicle or even frostbite. Read on to learn how you can better prepare for winter.

Preparing Your Home

Install weather stripping if you notice … Read the rest

National Resolution Planning Day: How to Keep Your New Year’s Goals

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By Mountain-Pacific Quality Health

Today is National Resolution Planning Day.

We all know the best way to achieve our goals is to make a plan. The new year offers the perfect time for a fresh start or renewed goals. But each year, only about 10% of people are successful at keeping their new year’s resolutions.

So how can you make sure your 2023 goals stick?

Here are a few tips:

  • Reflect on the past year.
… Read the rest

Fun Facts about the Winter Solstice

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By Mountain-Pacific Quality Health

December 21, 2022

The winter solstice, also called the shortest day of the year, occurs in December every year. But despite its yearly frequency, many people do not know what the winter solstice is or the history behind it. Whether you are curious or just want to brush up on your trivia, keep reading for some winter solstice facts.

Second First Day of Winter

Do you remember already seeing the first … Read the rest

Looking for the Signs: How to Recognize Alzheimer’s

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by Mountain-Pacific Quality Health

Worldwide, 55 million people live with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that affects a person’s memory, thinking and behavior. While most of us experience some memory hiccups as we get older, dementia and Alzheimer’s are not a normal part of aging. While most people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s are age 65 and older, symptoms can affect younger people, too.

Alzheimer’s is called a progressive disease, meaning it worsens … Read the rest

What You Need to Know about Diabetes

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By Mountain-Pacific Quality Health

November 22, 2022

Diabetes is a disease that affects more than 37 million Americans, and is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Diabetes is also the number one cause of kidney failure, adult blindness and lower-limb amputations. But despite the impact diabetes has on the health of so many Americans, many people don’t know what it is or how it affects us.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes affects … Read the rest

What’s the Difference Between a Registered Nurse and a Nurse Practitioner?

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What’s the Difference Between a Registered Nurse and a Nurse Practitioner?

By: Mountain-Pacific Quality Health

November 15, 2022

The nursing profession focuses on patient observation and care. Often known as the backbone of any hospital, clinic or other health care facility, nurses provide vital care and support to patients. Health systems employ many nursing professions and specialties. In honor of National Nurse Practitioner Week, let’s look at nurse practitioners (NPs) versus registered nurses (RNs).… Read the rest

Decisions, Decisions: Is Long-Term Care Right for Me?

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Decisions, Decisions: Is Long-Term Care Right for Me?

By: Mountain-Pacific Quality Health

November 7, 2022

Planning for the future is essential to healthy aging. One key part of planning is finding a safe home where you can get the care or services you need. According to the National Institute of Aging, long-term care provides multiple services designed to meet a person’s health or personal needs during a short or long period of time.

No … Read the rest

Safe and Sound: Patient Safety in Health Care

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Safe and Sound: Patient Safety in Health Care

By: Mountain-Pacific Quality Health

October 22, 2022

Within the complex systems of health care, patient safety is a primary concern. During National Health Care Quality Week this week, we are focusing on how health care systems can reduce risks and errors and how all of us can help improve patient safety. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), patient safety requires clear policies, leadership support, skilled health … Read the rest

Quick Tips for Your Best Lung Health

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By Mountain-Pacific Quality Health

Wildfire seasons are getting longer. Air pollution is growing worse. The COVID-19 pandemic does not want to end. It may seem impossible to maintain healthy lungs in today’s world, but there is hope! By taking these five steps to care for your lungs now, you can breathe new life into your overall health.

Avoid pollutants.

Whether it is cigarette smoke, smog or a nearby wildfire, airborne pollutants have negative effects on … Read the rest

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Three Steps in Saving Women’s Lives

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By Mountain-Pacific Quality Health

One in every eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in her life.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women in the United States, accounting for one in every three new cancers diagnosed in women each year. Breast cancer diagnoses are on the rise. In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates 287,850 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer … Read the rest

Five Simple Ways to Show Others You Care

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By Mountain-Pacific Quality Health

September 30, 2022

With fluctuating gas prices, the war in Ukraine, a continuing pandemic and health care worker burnout, there is no question that this year has been difficult for many. It is more important now than ever to share love and appreciation with those around you. So, in honor of National Love People Day, here are five easy ways to brighten someone’s day.

Be like Brainerd

Acts of kindness have … Read the rest

10 Tips for Living a Heart Healthy Life

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10 Tips for Living a Heart Healthy Life with hands around a heart

By Mountain-Pacific Quality Health

September 29, 2022

Every year, we celebrate World Heart Day on September 29 to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases and the steps needed for prevention and control.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The American Heart Association (AHA) offers 10 tips to practice heart healthy eating today and every day.

  1. Balance the number of calories you
… Read the rest

Protect Our Older Adults: How to Prevent Falls

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By Mountain-Pacific Quality Health

September 22, 2022

On average, an American who is 65 years or older falls every second. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related emergency room visits for this age group.

According to the National Council on Aging, falls can impact a person’s quality of life. Falls can cause physical harm such as bruising, broken bones, head injuries and even death. They can also contribute to depression, isolation or feelings of … Read the rest

National Assisted Living Week

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National Assisted Living Week   

By Mountain-Pacific Quality Health 

September 15, 2022 

This week, we are celebrating National Assisted Living Week and the outstanding work going into creating safe and reliable housing for older adults and those with disabilities.  

According to the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), there are about 28,900 assisted living communities, with nearly one-million licensed beds in the United States today. More than 800,000 Americans live in these facilities, with most of … Read the rest

Silver Linings: 4 Ways to Keep Your Chin up This National Positivity Day

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By Mountain-Pacific Quality Health

September 13, 2022

Depending on the situation or circumstance, looking on the bright side can be a struggle. After all, finding a raincloud’s silver lining does little to keep you dry. According to Statista, however, 50 percent of Americans consider themselves optimistic, so there must be something to be said about bright sides and silver linings.

Positivity has a number of benefits. Optimists have more and better relationships, fewer … Read the rest

The Wild Calls: Are You Prepared to Answer?

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By Mountain-Pacific Quality Health

August 23, 2022

Camping is a fun way to get out of the house and enjoy the great outdoors. It is also a way to exercise while reducing stress. But with the benefits come some dangers as well. Before you load up the truck or camper, take a few minutes to make sure you are ready for anything nature may throw at you.

Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst… Read the rest

Did You Hear the One about…?

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By Mountain-Pacific Quality Health

August 16, 2022

We have all heard them. You see them on television and in magazines, or you hear them at family gatherings. The best earn an unimpressed laugh, if only to stop them from being repeated. The worst are rewarded with a groan. We are talking about the ever-present dad joke.

I Like Telling Dad Jokes; Sometimes He Even Laughs.

In honor of National Tell a Joke Day, this blog … Read the rest

The Benefits of Being Social

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By Mountain-Pacific Quality Health

July 22, 2022

We have all heard the common advice for good health: Eat a balanced diet. Exercise three times a week. Get at least seven hours of sleep a night. Avoid eating too much sugar and always remember to wear sunscreen. But how often have you heard perhaps the most important advice of all? Go out with your friends on a Friday night!

When talking about maintaining good physical and … Read the rest

Six Ways to Observe National Men’s Health Month

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By Mountain-Pacific Quality Health

June 15, 2022

June is National Men’s Health Month, a national observance used to raise awareness about preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of diseases, including cancer, heart disease and depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), on average, men in the United States die five years earlier than women, and men are more likely to have heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

This month … Read the rest

Celebrating National Women’s Health Week

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By Mountain-Pacific Quality Health

May 5, 2022

Women play important roles in each of our lives. They are teachers, mothers, doctors, writers, administrators, organizers, helpers, caregivers and so much more. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “two out of every three caregivers in the United States are women, meaning they provide daily or regular support to children, adults or people with chronic illnesses or disabilities.” Unfortunately, however, women who are … Read the rest

Recognizing National Minority Health Month

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By Mountain-Pacific Quality Health

April 12, 2022

The term “health disparity” is used more and more these days, but what does it mean?

When a population’s race or ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, income or even where they live contributes to higher rates of a disease, health condition or their inability to access needed health care services, that group of people is experiencing a health disparity.

Talking about health disparities goes hand-in-hand with talking about … Read the rest