A Comprehensive Guide to Treatment Options: Dialysis Care

Dialysis is a medical treatment used to help patients with kidney failure. The process involves removing excess waste and fluid from the body. There are two types of dialysis treatments: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

Bushwick Center offers a state-of-the-art facility offering dialysis treatments for patients.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the treatment options for dialysis care:

Hemodialysis: This treatment involves using an artificial kidney machine to filter blood outside the body. During hemodialysis, patients are connected to a machine that pumps their blood through a dialyzer, which filters waste and excess fluids. This process typically lasts three to four hours and is usually done thrice weekly.

Peritoneal Dialysis: This treatment uses the lining of the patient’s abdominal cavity to filter the blood. A catheter is inserted into the abdomen, and a dialysis solution is infused into the cavity. This solution draws out waste and excess fluids from the body. Peritoneal dialysis can be done at home or in a clinic.

Medications: Patients undergoing dialysis may also require medications to manage underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, anemia, and bone disease. These medications may be administered orally or through an IV.

Nutritional Therapy: A proper diet is essential for patients undergoing dialysis. A registered dietitian can help patients create a personalized meal plan that includes foods low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus.

Kidney Transplant: Kidney transplants may be an option for patients with end-stage kidney disease. A transplant involves replacing the patient’s damaged kidney with a healthy kidney from a donor. However, not all patients are eligible for a transplant, and there may be a long wait for a suitable donor.

To learn more about Bushwick Center, visit bushwick-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org or call 800.546.3090

Bushwick Center earns prestigious Target: BP Gold + honor.

Bushwick Center has been recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Medical Association (AMA) for its commitment to helping improve blood pressure (BP) control rates among the patient populations it serves, earning Gold + level recognition as part of the 2022 Target: BP™ Recognition Program.

The Participation award recognizes practices that have committed to reducing the number of adult patients with uncontrolled BP.

Hypertension (high BP) is a leading risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, and preventable death in the U.S. In addition, there are 116 million U.S. adults living with high BP and less than half of those people have their BP under control – making both diagnosing and effectively managing hypertension critical.

“We are proud that Bushwick Center has received this great award from the American Heart Association for this year’s Target BP Recognition Program,” said Kenny Rozenberg, CEO of Centers Health Care. “The commitment to save lives as we continue the journey to fight hypertension demonstrates our dedication to our residents and their families.”

Target: BP is a national collaboration between the AHA and the AMA aimed at reducing the number of Americans who suffer from heart attacks and strokes each year by urging physician practices, health systems and patients to prioritize BP control. The initiative aims to help health care organizations improve BP control rates through use of the evidence-based AMA MAP BP™ quality improvement program, and recognizes organizations committed to improving blood pressure control.

Centers Health Care is committed to improving BP control rates throughout its facilities.

Give Yourself a Financial Check-Up Going Into 2023

We always use the turning of the yearly calendar to reassess our health (which is why gym memberships rise during the month of January) along with setting personal and professional goals for the new year.

It’s also a good idea, however, to take an assessment of your financial situation as 2023 gets underway. While we are dealing with inflation levels that haven’t been seen in 40 years along with rising interest rates for borrowing, there are also some attractive options that haven’t been an option for years now.

Bushwick Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has four steps to take in order to perform a financial check-up going into the new year.

1. Check Your Insurance Policies

This includes auto, home, and life insurance policies. If you notice the first two rising, you might be able to get a better rate by shopping around or checking your policies for coverage that you may not need anymore. Check the beneficiaries on life insurance policies to see if changes need to be made.

2. Consider an Extra Home or Car Payment

If you’re finishing the year on a surplus, consider making an extra payment to your home or auto loan. Making a principal-only payment will shorten the time of your loan, meaning that you could save lots of money on interest charges in the long run.

3. Make Additional Contributions to Retirement Accounts

You’re able to contribute to a 401(k) until Jan. 31, 2023, and you can put money into your IRA until April 18 (tax day) and have it benefit your current year’s taxes.

4. Look Into a CD (Certificate of Deposit) or Money Market Account

After years of extremely low interest rates that didn’t make these options viable, many banks are now offering up to 5% in interest on CDs and money market accounts. Note the term on CDs, as banks often will require that you keep your money in for a period of three to five years in order to maximize the interest.

To learn more about Bushwick Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://bushwick-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.

 

Which Cold and Flu Home Remedies Actually Work?

We’ve all been there: we’re not feeling very good from a cold or flu bug, but it’s not bad enough to get checked out by the doctor and get prescribed medication.

In addition to over-the-counter cold and flu medicine, you’re probably relying on a home remedy or two to help nurse you back to health. While some of these are legit, others are more mentally comforting than actually helping you get better.

Bushwick Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at the effectiveness of some of the more popular home remedies.

1. Taking Supplements to Boost the Immune System

Once we’re starting to feel a twinge in our nose or a tickle in our throat, many people go right for the supplements. Popular ones include vitamin C, elderberry, and zinc. For vitamin C, research shows that taking it regularly during the winter months can shorten cold symptoms by a day or so, but if you take it once you start to feel sick, it’s likely not going to be much help.

Studies have shown there to be some success in taking elderberry or zinc to shorten the duration of a cold, but zinc can have some rough side effects, so check with your doctor to weigh the pros and cons. Zinc should also be taken with food.

2. Using Tea, Soup, and Ginger to Soothe a Sore Throat

Hot liquid feels good on a sore throat, and the steam can help relieve congestion. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce swelling in your throat and nose. These aren’t going to help eliminate symptoms, but they will help you feel better, which is important in its own right.

3. Trying to Control a Cough

The worst part about a cold can be the coughing fits. Honey is a popular remedy that coats the throat, which can calm irritated tissues.

But if you really want to try and suppress that cough, add a saltwater solution to your honey. Mix a half teaspoon of salt in a full glass of warm water and gargle with it for 5-10 seconds before spitting it out. The salt can help break up mucus and also remove nasty particles like allergens, bacteria, and viruses from the back of your throat. Then after you gargle, take a teaspoon or two of honey to have a more pleasant taste in your mouth.

 

To learn more about Bushwick Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://bushwick-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.

5 Popular Medications That Can Affect Wound Healing

Wounds can be slow to heal for a number of reasons, including a person’s age, weight, and nutritional factors or vitamin deficiencies.

But a factor that can affect wound dealing for anyone is a side-effect of certain medications. Bushwick Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing would like to detail the effects medicine has on the speed and effectiveness of healing a wound.

1. Antiplatelets (e.g., Aspirin)

Using medication like aspirin can thin the blood and prevent the inflammation phase of healing to begin. It also causes decreased platelet adhesion and activation.

2. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs – NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen)

NSAIDs are okay in low to moderate doses, but high doses of this medication can cause the wound area to be weak, along with reducing wound contraction.

3. Immunosuppressant Drugs (e.g., Treatments for Psoriasis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc.)

This class of drugs can weaken the immune system and increase the risk that your wound could get infected.

4. Anticoagulants (e.g., Heparin)

These medicines are used to increase the time it takes for blood to clot. They have a similar negative effect as aspirin does on wound healing. They prevent clotting and could cause the wound to bleed too much, requiring medical attention.

5. Corticosteroids (e.g., Cortisone, Hydrocortisone, and Prednisone)

These medicines combine nearly every issue we talked about above. They can reduce wound contraction, cause issues with the inflammatory response, interfere with the production of granulation tissue, and increase the risk of infection.

If you suffer a wound that you would deem to be out of the ordinary, a good rule of thumb would be to contact your doctor to ask if the medications you’re taking will have any affect on the wound’s ability to heal.

 

To learn more about Bushwick Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://bushwick-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.

When Men Should Worry About Low Testosterone Levels

It’s estimated that around 40% of men age 45 or older have low testosterone. In response, home tests for testosterone levels have skyrocketed, as have supplements and treatments to boost the production of the hormone.

When men are aging and feeling sluggish, more tired than usual, and noticing a decrease in sex drive, low testosterone is often to blame, but are tests and treatments necessary?

Bushwick Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing looks at when “low T” is a problem or when natural solutions are likely a better way to improve symptoms.

Is a Testosterone Test Necessary?

At-home testosterone tests have become huge business since the COVID-19 pandemic, as testing company Everlywell said that it saw test sales triple from 2020 to 2021.

While low testosterone could be to blame for that overall sluggish feeling, experts warn against going the self-diagnosis route and taking an at-home test without seeing a doctor first.

One reason is that testosterone levels can fluctuate from day to day or even in different parts of the same day.

Are There Downsides to Testosterone Therapy?

Yes—if a doctor doesn’t consider your levels to be low enough to require a testosterone boost, taking more to raise your levels anyway can lead to problems.

First, it may not cause any noticeable changes. It can also bring on a hormone imbalance that may require more medication.

Testosterone supplements can also, over time, cause the body to stop producing the hormone naturally. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also put out a warning in 2015 that testosterone could increase the risk of cardiovascular events like a heart attack or stroke.

Bottom Line: Check With Your Doctor

Experts say if you’re concerned, talk to your primary care physician or a urologist. Things like having less energy and a low libido can be caused by poor diet, lack of exercise, not getting enough sleep, being clinically depressed, and many other factors. Your doctor will be able to work with you to see what the causes of the issue might be and work to solve them naturally.

 

To learn more about Bushwick Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://bushwick-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.

5 Ways You Can Reduce Your Risk of Skin Cancer

With the summer months here, the most common form of cancer in the United States—skin cancer—always gets more attention at this time of year. The Skin Cancer Foundation says that one in every five Americans will develop skin cancer in some form by the age of 70.

Fortunately, there are several precautions you can take to dramatically cut the chances of developing skin cancer, and if you do, make sure it’s caught and treated early.

Bushwick Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at five tips from the experts at the American Academy of Dermatology on how to reduce your risk of skin cancer.

1. Avoid the Hottest Part of the Day

The sun’s rays are most intense from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. If you don’t have a watch handy, one way to determine if the sun’s rays are strong is if your shadow is shorter than you are. If so, find some shade.

2. Cover Up

Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants are all great for sun protection. Make sure your shirts and pants are made from material that keeps you comfortable in the heat.

3. Use Sunscreen

Any time you’re going to be out in the sun, wear sunscreen of at least SPF 30. One ounce (or enough to fill up a shot glass) is generally enough sunscreen to cover your body. Be sure to re-apply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

4. Be Careful Near Water, Snow, and Sand

These conditions reflect the sun’s ultraviolet rays, increasing your chance of getting a sunburn.

5. Regular Monitoring

Perform self-skin exams regularly, so you can notice spots that look suspicious (oddly shaped or colored moles should be examined by a dermatologist). It’s also recommended that you see a dermatologist once a year for a complete screening.

 

To learn more about Bushwick Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://bushwick-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.

4 Ways to Save Money at the Gas Pump

The exploding nature of gas prices, up 50% from May 2021 to an all-time high average of $4.62 per gallon over Memorial Day weekend in 2022, has caused people to say that it’s their top travel concern any may affect their summer plans.

While you won’t be able to roll the prices back any time soon, there are ways that you can ease the pain at the pump—even if it’s just by a little bit.

Bushwick Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has four tips on how to save as much as you can when filling up.

1. Stick With Regular Unleaded if You Can

Unless your car specifically requires a higher grade of gasoline, skipping the premium option usually makes no difference in most cars. Using regular unleaded unless specifically required after a fuel injection cleaner or any maintenance like that can save you around 20 to 40 cents per gallon.

2. Look for Rewards Programs at Gas Stations

Competition among fuel service brands has increased in recent years through rewards programs. Exxon Mobil, 7-Eleven, Wawa, Shell, and other major brands offer rewards that can take anywhere from a few pennies to 15-20 cents off a gallon of gas.

3. Up the Ante With a Rewards Credit Card

The programs we mentioned above are free, but you can save even more by signing up for a credit card from a major fuel brand. And to truly take advantage of the savings, be sure to pay the bill on time each month to avoid costly interest charges.

4. Use Apps to Find Cheapest Prices

Apps like GasBuddy and Waze will show you where the best prices are in your area. Typically, stations on and near highway exits are going to be more expensive. But don’t go too far out of your way to save a few pennies, as the fuel you burn getting to a cheaper station may negate any savings at the pump!

 

To learn more about Bushwick Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://bushwick-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.

Bushwick Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing on the Continued Fight Between Medicare and Alzheimer’s Association for New Treatment

The debate between the Alzheimer’s Association and the U.S. federal government over a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease took another turn in March 2022, as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that the drug Aduhelm will only be covered by Medicare for those who receive it as part of a clinical trial.

This is despite the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approving the treatment for approximately 1.5 million eligible people.

Bushwick Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at the debate from both sides and what the potential next steps are regarding the treatment.

What Is Aduhelm?

Aduhelm, the name for the drug aducanumab created by Biogen, was approved by the FDA a year ago, but trial data just came out in early 2022.

The drug is given in the form of an infusion of monoclonal antibodies on a monthly basis. It is designed to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s by trying to reduce the production of amyloid, an abnormal protein that is produced in bone marrow and ends up in the brain of dementia patients.

Why the Controversy?

It seemed to start in June 2021, when in the FDA approval process, the agency said that it was unclear if the drug was beneficial. It was initially authorized for those with mild cognitive decline due to Alzheimer’s.

In addition, clinical trials found that some patients had a slowing of cognitive decline, but patients in another one found no difference. Brain swelling or bleeding was also a side effect reported by around 40% of people in one study.

Also complicating matters is the fact that some researchers believe that reducing the amyloid protein won’t make a difference when it comes to slowing down cognitive decline.

The Alzheimer’s Association’s Stance

While Medicare denied full coverage due to these questions, the Alzheimer’s Association argues that Medicare has always covered FDA-approved treatments for cancer, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS. The group is also concerned that the decision will also be automatically handed down to other similar drugs that are coming down the pipeline.

Medicare, however, said that each drug will be considered on its own merits and results of clinical trials, which is a minor win for advocates of Aduhelm because decisions on a certain drug are typically applied to other similar drugs.

A drug typically needs two convincing clinical trials to win full FDA approval, so the news on these potential Alzheimer’s treatments could change rapidly.

To learn more about Bushwick Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://bushwick-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.

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