bergencountycaregiver

Understanding Capsule Endoscopy: Advancing the practice of GI Endoscopy

What is capsule endoscopy?

Capsule Endoscopy lets your doctor examine the lining of the middle part of your gastrointestinal tract, which includes the three portions of the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum). Your doctor will use a pill sized video capsule called an endoscope, which has its own lens and light source and will view the images on a video monitor. You might hear your doctor or other medical staff refer to capsule endoscopy as small bowel endoscopy, capsule enteroscopy or wireless endoscopy.

Why is capsule endoscopy done?

Capsule endoscopy helps your doctor evaluate the small intestine. This part of the bowel cannot be reached by traditional upper endoscopy or by colonoscopy. The most common reason for doing capsule endoscopy is to search for a cause of bleeding from the small intestine. It may also be useful for detecting polys, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease), ulcers and tumors of the small intestine.

As is the case with most new diagnostic procedures, not all insurance companies are currently reimbursing for this procedure. You may need to check with your own insurance company to ensure that this is a covered benefit.

How should I prepare for the procedure?

An empty stomach allows for the best and safest examination, so you should have nothing to eat or drink, including water, for approximately 12 hours before the examination. You doctor will tell you when to start fasting . Tell your doctor in advance about any medications you take including iron, aspirin, bismuth subsalicylate products and other ‘over the counter’ medications. You might need to adjust your usual dose prior to the examination. Discuss any allergies to medications as well as medical conditions, such as swallowing disorders and heart or lung disease. Tell your doctor of the presence of a pacemaker, previous in the bowel, inflammatory bowel disease or adhesions.

What can I expect during capsule endoscopy?

Your doctor will prepare you for the examination by applying a sensor device to your abdomen with adhesive sleeves (similar to tape). The capsule endoscope is swallowed and passed naturally through your digestive tract while transmitting video images to a data recorder worn on your belt for approximately eight hours. At the end of the procedure you will return to the office and the data recorder is removed so that images of your small bowel can be put on a computer screen for physician review.

Most patients consider the test comfortable. This capsule endoscope is about the size of a large pill. After ingesting the capsule and until it is excreted, you should not be near an MRI device or schedule an MRI examination.

What happens after capsule endoscopy?

You will be able to drink clear liquids after two hours and eat a light meal after four hours following the capsule ingestion, unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. You will have to avoid vigorous physical activity such as running or jumping during the study. You doctor generally can tell you the test results within the week following the procedure; however, the results of some tests might take longer.

What are the possible complications of capsule endoscopy?

Although complications can occur, they are rare when doctors who are specially trained and experienced in this procedure, such as members of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, perform the test. Potential risks include complications from obstruction. This usually relates to a stricture (narrowing) of the intestine from inflammation, prior surgery or tumor. Its important to recognize early signs of possible complications. If you have evidence of obstruction, such as unusual bloating, pain and/or vomiting, call your doctor immediately. Also, if you develop a fever after the test, have trouble swallowing or experience increasing chest pain, tell your doctor immediately. Be careful not to prematurely disconnect the system as this may result in loss of image acquisition.

American Society fro Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

1520 Kensington, Suite 202

Oak Park, IL  60523

Phone: 630-573-0600

Fax: 630-573-0691

Email: info@asge.org

Website: http://www.askage.org

Disclaimer: Important reminder: the preceding information is intended only to provide general guidance and not as a definitive basis for diagnosis or treatment in any particular case. It is very important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition. This information was taken directly from a pamphlet from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

Bergen County Department of Human Services: Bergen County, NJ

One Bergen County Plaza, Second Floor

Hackensack, NJ  07601

Phone: (201) 336-7474

Fax: (201) 336-7450

http://www.co.bergen.nj.us

Mission Statement: The Department of Human Services assists families, children, the elderly, troubled adolescents, victims of domestic violence, veterans and persons with disabilities by:

*supporting the development of programs and services to meet the human services needs of the county’s residents;

*coordinating a system for service delivery through collaborations with the Bergen County non-profit community;

*providing referral, counseling and intervention services to those in need and ;

*advocating for services and resources to meet their needs.

Department Description:

The Department of Human Services was established in 1987 to provide services to support individuals and families. A skilled professional staff works within six divisions to provide services that include clinical, residential and correction services for youth, coordination of child care, advice to veterans about their rights and benefits, domestic violence intervention , information and referral, counseling and assistance. The Department also contracts with over 50 community-based agencies to provide specialized services.

Departmental Goals:

Goals have been established to guide the Department’s programmatic and administrative activities. They are:

*facilitating effective and coordinated delivery of services;

*incorporating clear direction and objectives, adequate planning, timely implementation, regular reporting, evaluation and accountability into all human services programs and;

*maximizing the available financial resources for human services programs.

Goals have also been established to guide the Department’s collaboration with private, non-profit service providers. They are:

*coordinating and supporting service delivery systems and

*evaluating the effectiveness of existing services.

Departments:

Alternatives to Domestic Violence (ADV)

Phone: (201) 336-7575

TTY: (201) 336-7525

Fax: (201) 336-7555

ADV offers a comprehensive approach to intervention for individuals and families experiencing domestic violence. Services include a 24-hour hotline; intake assessment; substance abuse evaluation; psychological evaluation; individual, group and family counseling; dual-focused counseling which addresses substance abuse and domestic violence; legal advocacy including court appearance preparation and court accompaniment, legal consultation and referrals; community and school-based education; professional training and information and referral.

Office for Children:

Phone: (201) 336-7150

Fax: (201) 336-7155

The Office coordinates child care services in Bergen County, with a focus on availability, affordability and quality of child care. Parents are assisted with counseling on choosing child care, referrals to child care providers and child care subsidies. The Office trains, registers and monitors family child care and provides professional development opportunities and technical assistance for the child care community.

Division on Disability Services:

Phone: (201) 336-6500

877-222-3737

TTY: (201) 336-6505

Fax: (201) 336-6510

The Division develops and implements programs for residents with disabilities and serves as the clearing house on matters concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Services include: Personal Assistance Services  Disabled Adult Support Groups, Respite Care Program, Meals on Wheels, Socialization and Conference Call for the home bound. The Division is also a key partner in Bergen Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC).

Division of Family Guidance:

Phone: (201) 336-7350

Fax: (201) 336-7370

The Division provides direct services to educators, troubled youths, families, and the community through counseling, therapy, activities, residential services and supervision/monitoring/corrections services.

Division of Senior Services:

Phone: (201) 336-7400

877-222-3737

Fax: (201) 336-7424

The Division provides funding and support to various community-based organizations that promote well-being and independence of older adults. The Division administers a Meals on Wheels program and sponsors numerous educational/outreach events. The Division of Senior Services serves as a key partner in the Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) which simplifies access to information and provides care management services needed by older adults and people over the age of 18 who have disabilities.

Division of Veterans Services:

Phone: (201) 336-6325

Fax: (201) 336-6327

The Division of Veterans Services was established to advise veterans of their rights and benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs, assist in completing forms, help with obtaining entitlements, and direct veterans to employment opportunities through its “Hire a Vet” program. The Division also operates the Tracers Program which is an all-volunteer non-traditional outreach project to locate and provide assistance to homeless veterans.

Private Non-Profit Service Providers:

No single system has enough expertise or resources to accomplish its mission for all people. Therefore, the Department of Human Services collaborates with community-based organizations and awards grants totaling nearly $16 million.

The Department contracts with over 50 community based agencies to provide essential services to the county’s residents including:

*individuals with developmental disabilities.

*victims of abuse, neglect and abandonment.

*individuals with mental illness.

*substance abusers

*individuals with physical disabilities.

*Low-Income individuals

*The Homeless

*Single parents at risk

*Veterans

*Juveniles/families in crisis.

*Older adults.

It is believed that one in nine Bergen County households benefits from at least one of the many services provided or funded by the Department of Human Services.

*Disclaimer: This information was taken from the Department of Human Services from Bergen County NJ. Please call the above numbers for each of the services. I have not used all the services so I have no opinion on them yes or no to how the programs are but please call more information.

Living Healthier; Living Safer

What every woman should know about healthy living

Woman & HIV: The number of HIV diagnosis among women has tripled since 1985 and unprotected sex with men is the most common way women acquire HIV.

When to get tested:

Women should get tested at least once a year. This is especially important if…

*You have had unprotected sex with more than one partner.

*Your partner is having sex with someone other than you.

*You have been/are currently in an abusive relationship.

*You have shared or are now sharing needles.

*You have had/are having sex with someone who has HIV or a history of drug abuse.

*You or your partner have been incarcerated.

*You had a blood transfusion between 1978 and 1985.

If you’re having unprotected sex you need to be tested more often.

What do I do if I’m being abused?

You don’t deserve to be abused and there are people who care. Contact a domestic violence program in your community or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or http://www.thehotline.org.

Domestic Violence: 1 in 4 will be victim of domestic violence in their lifetime. Power and control is at the center of domestic violence-the most dangerous time for victim is when they are leaving or have left the relationship.

Red Flags of Abuse:

*wants to move too quickly into the relationship.

*hits, slaps, punches, pushes or uses threats.

*sabotages job or controls all the money.

*excessively jealous

*criticizes, makes derogatory comments or places blame.

*withholds medical treatment or medication.

*threatens to reveal your HIV status.

*deceptive or overly charming.

*controls your birth control and condoms.

*uses technology to track you, views your email and social media.

*uses your immigration status to keep you in the relationship.

Your health is important!

*take time to get to know a potential partner.

*practice safe sex.

*understand state HIV disclosure laws.

*be aware of ‘red flags’ in relationships.

*get tested for HIV-it’s safe and confidential.

*talk to your kids about safe, healthy relationships.

*see a physician, get a complete exam once a year.

Plan for your health & safety:

Abusive relationships:

*identify and locate safe areas/exits in your home.

*if possible, have a phone accessible at all times-memorize emergency numbers/contacts numbers.

*keep copies of important documents-social security card, birth certificate and insurance policies.

*keep record of abusive incidents.

*create a safety plan with your children-who to call, where to go etc.

*come up with a back up safety plan in case your abuser discovers your plan.

HIV/AIDS:

*get tested/know your status.

*seek out treatment options.

*contact your local HIV/AIDS program for resources.

*keep medication in a safe and secure place.

Community Resources:

NNEDV: National Network to End Domestic Violence

1325 Massachusetts Avenue NW, 7th Floor

Washington DC 20036

Phone: (202) 543-5566

Fax: (202) 543-5626

http://www.nnedv.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline:

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

TTY: 1-800-787-3224

National Sexual Assault Hotline:

1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Teen Dating Hotline:

1-866-331-9474

National HIV Hotline:

1-800-CDC-HOTLINE (232-4636)

Locate HIV Testing Sites:

http://hivtest.cdc.gov/

Disclaimer: this information is taken directly from the pamphlet from the National Network to End Domestic Violence. I have not used the service before so I have no opinion either yes or no to the program. Please call them or email them for more information.

Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen

296 Ninth Avenue

New York, NY  10001

(212) 924-0167

http://www.holyaspostlessoupkitchen.org

I have been volunteering here for 14 years and think this is a very helpful place to go when you need a hot meal Monday-Friday from 10:30am-12:30pm.

Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen:

Why we are here:

Hunger is an ever-present and growing problem in New York City. By volunteering at Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen, you can do one important thing-directly help to feed those most in need. Once we’ve made a connection though a meal, we are able to offer other forms of support and assistance to those guests who are interested.

Who we help:

Thousands of people come through the doors of Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen every week for a tasty, nutritious meal that will see them through the day. Many guests are homeless and the time they spend here gives them a respite from life on the street, a place to relax, where they feel safe and comfortable and are part of a community.

More than a meal:

Some guests are in a transitional situation and spend time with our social service advisors to help them take the first steps toward finding a permanent place to live or a way back into the workforce. Others come on their lunch break, eating quickly, so they can back to work. All have different needs and different situations. Donations of clothing, toiletries, canes, backpacks and metro cards are greatly appreciated. Please contact our Social Services Department at social_services@holyapostlesnyc@org or call 646-998-6119.

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer as a group, please email us at hask_inquiry@holyapostlesnyc.org or call 646-998-6118.

History of Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen:

Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen served its first meal to 35 guests in October 1982. Within a few months, the line grew to more than 300. Since that first meal, the Soup Kitchen has opened its doors every Monday-Friday, without fail, to feed our hungry guests. More than five million men, women and children have been served.

In 1990, the Holy Apostles Church suffered a devastating fire; yet the Soup Kitchen did not miss a day of service. In 1994, the Soup Kitchen moved its dining facilities into the newly restored nave, which  comfortably seats 120 guests at a time. Each day, the Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen serves over 1000 meals to hungry New Yorkers.

Holy Apostles also offers social services which include referrals for clothing, shelter, food pantries as well as medical services, employment, drug/alcohol rehabilitation and HIV/AIDS services. Our clergy also provide Pastoral Care, a ministry that is open to persons of all faiths, where we will listen, provide non-financial support, encouragement and friendship. Our goal is to provide for our guests immediate need-hunger-and then to connect them to the services and supports to get them back on their feet.

Get to know us!

Twitter: @HolyApostlesNYC

Facebook: http://www.acebook.com/holyapostlessoupkitchen

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/holyapostlessoupkitchen

This is a wonderful service that is available to all New Yorkers. If you are on this side of the river and are in need of meal, you will be welcomed here.

Disclaimer: This information is taken directly from the Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen pamphlet. Please call them or email them for more information on donations and volunteering.

This is an article given to us by a nutritionist who came to visit us. It from the National Institutes of Health/US National Library of Medicine.

Fitness, not fat, is key to post-stoke recovery. People who exercised regularity before their attack had lower odds for disability after study found.

People who were active and exercised regularly before their stroke were less likely to face disability after the attack, researchers say. The amount of body fat a person had did not seem to be tied to post-stroke disability, the study found. Fitness was key, though.

“Being physically inactive before stroke predicts a higher risk of being dependent both before and after stroke,” said study author Pamela Rist of Harvard University. Her team’s findings were published online April 5th in journal Neurology.

The new study involved more than 18,000 people with no history of stroke who were followed for an average of 12 years. During that time, nearly 1,400 of the participants suffered a stroke but survived. Three years after their stroke, those who had exercised regularly before their stroke were 18% more likely to be able to perform basic tasks-such as bathing on their own, the researchers found.

The fitter individuals were also 16% more likely to be able to perform more complex tasks, such  as managing money on their own, compared to those who did not exercise before their stroke, the findings showed. “We also found that a person’s body mass index was not a factor in predicting their level of disability after stroke,” Rist said in a journal new release. Body mass index is an estimate of body fat based on weight and height.

Two experts in stroke care who reviewed the findings said the study highlights the importance of exercise. The research ‘provides additional evidence that regular exercise has health benefits that last into a person’s future,’ regardless of stroke, said Dr. Andrew Rogove. He directs stroke care at Northwell Health’s Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, NY.

Dr. Ajay Misra is chair of neurosciences at NYU Winthrop Hospital in Mineola, NY. He said the study “provides insight into the fact that doctors should  emphasize to their patients not only weight-reduction strategies for stroke and possibly heart attack prevention but also the importance of leading a very active lifestyle to improve their chances of survival and recovery in case a stroke occurs.”

Disclaimer: From an article in the National Institutes of Health.

A nutritionist who came to visit us this week gave us this article to help explain a healthy diet. This is taken from the National Institutes of Health/US National Library of Medicine article from MedlinePlus.

Better Diet, Longer Life?

A large study suggests you’re never too old to benefit from a commitment to eating healthier.

Middle-aged and older adults who start eating better also tend to live longer, a large new study shows. The findings, reported in the July 13 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, might not sound surprising. Health experts said they basically reinforce messages people have been hearing for years. The study is the first to show that sustained diet changes-even later in life-might extend people’s lives, the research said.

“A main take-home message is that it’s never too late to improve diet quality,” said lead researcher Mercedes Sotos-Prieto, a visiting scientist at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston. “Most participants in our study were 60 years or older,” she noted. The findings are based on nearly 74,000 US health professionals who were part of two long-running studies that began in the 1970’s and 1980’s.

Between 1998 and 2010, almost 10,000 of those study participants died. Sotos-Prieto and her team looked at how people’s risk of early death related to any diet changes they’d made in the previous 12 years (1986 to 1998). It turned out that people who had changed for the better-adding more fruits and vegetables and whole grains, for example-had a lower risk of premature death than those whose diets stayed the same.

In contrast, people who let their eating habits slide faced a higher risk of dying during the study period-6% to 12% higher-compared to stable eaters, the findings showed. How much of a difference di diet improvements make?

It varied a bit based on the measure of diet quality. The researchers used three scoring systems: the Alternative Healthy Eating Index. the Alternative Mediterranean Diet Score and the DASH (Dietary Approaches to stop hypertension) diet score.

The scoring systems differ somewhat, but all give more points to foods such as vegetables, fruit, whole grains, fish, low-fat dairy and sources of “good” fats, such as olive oil and nuts. Processed foods, sweets, red meat and butter, meanwhile get lower ratings.

Overall, the study found, a 20 percentile improvement in diet quality was linked to an 8% to 17% decrease in the risk of early death from any cause. There was a similar dip in the risk of dying from heart disease or stroke, specifically. That 20 percentile shift is a fairly minor change, according to Sotos-Prieto. Swapping out one daily serving of red meat for one serving of legumes or nuts, for nuts, for example, would do the trick, she said.

“Our results underscore the concept that modest improvements in diet quality over time could meaningfully influence mortality risk,” Sotos-Prieto said. Alice Lichtenstein is a spokeswoman for the American Heart Association and a professor of nutrition science at Tufts University in Boston. “This study reinforces what we’ve been saying for a long time,” she said.

Ideally, healthy eating is a lifelong habit, but you’re never ‘too old’ to make changes for the better, Lichtenstein noted. “The key is to make changes that you can stick with for the rest of your life,” she stressed. There are no magic-bullet foods or nutrients, Lichtenstein added. Instead the new study ‘validates’ the concept that it’s overall diet that matters, she explained. Connie Diekman, a registered dietitian, agreed. A general guide, she said, is to start eating more plant foods. When people do eat meat, Diekman suggested choosing leaner cuts.

“Shifting one meal from meat and potatoes to sautéed veggies, quinoa and a topping of grilled chicken or lean flank steak would be one way to move to a healthier eating pattern,” said Diekman, head of university nutrition at Washington University in St. Louis. The good news according to Lichtenstein, is that it is getting easier to eat healthfully. She said Americans generally have more access to a variety of whole grains and fruits and vegetables-fresh or frozen, which can be more economical.

*Disclaimer: This is article is from the National Institutes of Health 7/2017 given to us by speaker on Nutrition.

We had a visit from the Ridgewood Police Chief and this is some information from her talk on fraud.

Telemarketing Fraud:

When you send money to people you do not know personally or give personal or financial information to unknown callers, you increase your chances of becoming a victim of telemarketing fraud.

Here are some warning signs of telemarketing fraud-what a caller may tell you:

*You must act ‘now’ or the offer won’t be good.

*”You’ve won a ‘free’ gift, vacation or prize, but you have to pay for ‘postage and handling’ or other charges.

*”You must send money, give a credit card or bank account number or have a check picked up by courier”. You may hear this before you have had a chance to consider the offer carefully.

*”You don’t need to check out the company with anyone.” The callers say you do not need to speak to anyone including your family, accountant, local Better Bureau or consumer protection agency.

*”You don’t need any written information about the company or their references.”

*”You can’t afford miss this ‘high-profit, no risk’ offer.

If you hear these or similar ‘lines’ from a telephone salesperson, just say ‘no thank you’ and hang up the telephone.

Tips for avoiding Telemarketing Fraud:

It is very difficult to get your money back if you have been cheated over the telephone. Before you buy anything by telephone, remember:

*Don’t buy from an unfamiliar company. Legitimate businesses understand that you want more information about their company and are happy to comply.

*Always ask for and wait until you receive written material about any offer or charity. If you get brochures about costly investments, ask someone whose financial advice you trust to review them. But beware-not everything written down is true.

*Always check out unfamiliar companies with your local consumer protection agency, Better Business Bureau, state attorney general, the National Fraud Information Center or other watchdog groups. However, not all bad businesses can be identified through these organizations.

*Obtain a salesperson’s name, business identity, telephone number, street address, mailing address and business license number before you transact business. Some con artists give false names, telephone numbers, addresses and business license numbers-verify the accuracy of these items.

*Before you give money to a charity or make an investment, find out what percentage of the money is paid in commissions and what percentage actually goes to the charity or investment.

*Before you send money, ask yourself a simples question: “What guarantee do I really have that this solicitor will use my money in the manner we agreed upon?”

*Don’t pay in advance for services; pay only after they are delivered.

*Be wary of companies that want to send a messenger to your home to pick up money, claiming it is part of their service to you. In reality, they are taking your money without leaving any trace of who they are or where they can be reached.

*Always take your time making a decision. Legitimate companies won’t pressure you to make a snap decision.

*Don’t pay for a ‘free prize’. If a caller tells you the payment is for taxes, he or she is violating federal law.

*Before you receive your next sales pitch, decide what your limits are-the kinds of financial information you will and won’t give out on the telephone.

*Be sure to talk over big investments offered by telephone salespeople with a trusted friend, family member or financial advisor.  It is never rude to wait and think about an offer.

*Never respond to an offer you don’t understand thoroughly.

*Never send money or give out personal information such as credit card numbers and expiration dates, bank account numbers, dates of birth or social security numbers to unfamiliar companies or unknown persons.

*Be aware that your personal information is often brokered to telemarketers through third parties.

*If you have been victimized once, be wary of persons who call offering to help you recover your losses for a fee paid in advance.

*If you have information about a fraud, report it to state, local or federal law enforcement agencies.

We had a visit from the police chief of the Ridgewood New Jersey Police Department and she gave our group advice on how to keep from being a victim of fraud.

Top 10 Safety Tips for being smart without being paranoid:

1. Trust your instincts.
2. Be alert-be aware of natural (juggling kids, groceries, luggage) and created (someone asking for the time, directions, spill on you or on the floor) distractions.
3. Project self-confidence.
4. Lock door and windows-both house and car-whether you are inside or out.
5. Guard your keys-never leave them unattended and od not ‘hide’ them close to the house.
6. Be aware of your surroundings-stay aware from burned out street lights.
7. Practice the same security when around others and during the day as you do when you are alone at night.
8. Verify unexpected repairs and deliveries-check the uniform, ID cards or call the supervisor.
9. Don’t hesitate to be rude.
10. Do not only look for the suspicious, but the innocent and ordinary-‘cute’ kids and couples make ‘cute’ criminals.

When in doubt, call 911!

New Jersey Mental Health Cares: We can help you deal with Sandy Stress.

Call: (866) 202-HELP (4357) for free, confidential information and referral

TTY: (877) 294-4356/njmentalhealthcares.org

We will help New Jersey residents who have ongoing Sandy stress get the assistance they need by connecting them with professional guidance, counseling and substance abuse services. We’re here for you.

*Your call is answered by a trained professional.

*Your call is answered live from 8:00am-Midnight; all messages left between midnight and 8:00am will be returned the next day.

*Multilingual service available

*Immediate and ongoing assistance to help get the services you need.

*This message is brought to you by the Mental Health Association in New Jersey with Social Services Block Grant funding from the New Jersey Department of Human Services.

*Disclaimer: This information was taken from the New Mental Health pamphlet related to Hurricane Sandy victims. I have never used this service so I have no opinion either yes or no to the program. Please call or email the service for more details.