Health and wellness

Circle Home staff are available to present health information to community groups and organizations. We will work with you to design a presentation that meets the needs and interests of your group. Some examples of topics we have presented:

"Home Care Basics"
Home health care, hospice, private duty care - what are the differences among these three types of home care in terms of services, benefits, eligibility, and cost? An essential review for anyone who may need help at home, and for family caregivers.

"Talking With Your Doctor"
Information to make the most of your time during physician visits. Choosing a physician, getting ready for an appointment, giving information, making decisions, discussing sensitive subjects, and involving your family and friends. Learn how to take an active role in your health care.

"Don't Fall!"
Fall prevention strategies to avoid the most common causes of falls: personal behaviors, the home set-up, and health conditions. Commonsense awareness and actions to help you feel and be more secure and confident.

"Health Care Comes Home"
Why health care is coming home for our nation's increasingly large population of seniors. The need, the benefits, and examples of how home health care can provide even complex care at home - in a personalized, efficient, convenient and cost-effective manner. What does this mean for you and your family?

"The Challenge of Family Caregiving"
How can we increase the rewards and lessen the burdens of caregiving? Understand who is giving care, why they are giving care, what kind of care, for how long, and the effects on the caregiver. A variety of online and print resources for caregivers are shared.

"If something happens..."
Learn what everyone needs to know about choosing a health care proxy and preparing advanced directives. Make sure that your wishes for medical care will be honored, even if you can't speak for yourself. When "something" inevitably happens, your family members will be protected from the burden of making decisions when they're not sure what your care preferences would be.

To discuss options for your group, contact us at or .

Would a periodic check of blood pressure be helpful to you or to someone you know who is age 60+? You're invited to come to our free "drop-in" senior health clinics, held at local senior centers and senior housing sites. At these clinics, our nurse checks blood pressure and weight, and will discuss your health concerns and questions. No appointments are needed, no fees are charged, and no documents are required. You'll leave with a record of your blood pressure for that day, which may be helpful at your next visit with your physician. High blood pressure often has no symptoms at first, yet it can damage many organs in the body. We're happy to offer this community service - check out this month's schedule here.

Each year in the fall, we schedule Flu Vaccine Clinics at local senior housing sites. This is a convenient way for many seniors, who are at high risk of complication from the flu, to receive this important prevention vaccine. We work with housing managers and others to schedule these clinics. For more information, contact Nancy Harding, BSN, at or .

Depending on vaccine supply, we can also provide flu vaccine clinics at local businesses and agencies. Contact us for more information.

Are you living a healthy lifestyle?
Researchers tell us that less than three percent of Americans are living a healthy lifestyle!  What is "a healthy lifestyle?" These are the four basic factors:
-- nutritious diet
-- moderate exercise
-- not smoking
-- keeping body fat under control
People who adhere to these four behaviors can help reduce the risk of many health problems, including diabetes, heart disease and cancer. But 97% of Americans get a failing grade!  "These findings are disappointing. There's clearly a lot of room for improvement," the researchers noted.

Discrimination is linked to health problems
Nearly seven in 10 Americans experience some form of discrimination, and that discrimination can contribute to higher stress levels and poorer health, according to the American Psychological Association. An online poll found 61 percent of more than 3,300 respondents reported disrespectful treatment, receiving poorer service than others or being threatened or harassed. Nearly half reported major discrimination, such as unjustified questioning or threats by authorities, unfair treatment when receiving health care, and being fired or passed over for promotion at work. "When people frequently experience unfair treatment, it can contribute to increased stress and poorer health," say the researchers. Poor health was linked to stress in the survey. Many groups were affected "due to race, ethnicity, age, disability, gender, or sexual orientation. Groups of people with higher stress levels included Hispanic adults, younger adults, women, people with disabilities, and those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender."  Creating a healthier community means creating a more inclusive community!


Five minutes for health!
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention has these tips for what you can do in five minutes or less to improve or maintain your health:
-- Wash your hands - one the best things we can do to keep from getting sick and spreading sickness to others
-- Buckle up - seat belt use is the most effective way to save lives and reduce injuries in crashes
-- Protect your skin - use a sunscreen, seek shade, cover up, avoid indoor tanning
-- Read food labels - know what you're eating - how much fat, cholesterol, sodium, and sugars are in your foods
Small changes can go a long way toward good health!