Employee Login

How to Minimize the Effects of a Scar While at Home

Scarring is a natural part of the wound-healing process, but unfortunately, it may leave a look that we aren’t entirely thrilled about cosmetically. Based on the location of the wound, it may be important to you to have as small or light of a scar as possible.

Luckily, there are things that you can do at home in order to minimize the appearance of a scar as much as possible.

Cooperstown Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has four ways to minimize scarring from a wound.

  1. Keep the Wound Clean

Be sure to wash the wound with water and mild soap as soon as possible after it occurs. This keeps out germs and washes away debris, which lowers the risk of infection. An infected wound can leave a worse scar.

  1. Keep the Wound Moist and Covered

Use petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment to keep the wound moist and prevent it from scabbing. This will also keep the size of a potential scar down. Using a bandage in the first few days after the wound occurs will ensure that it remains moist and no debris can get into it.

  1. If You Get Stitches, Follow Doctor’s Instructions on Care

Following instructions for care and getting the stitches out when it’s recommended to do so will help minimize scarring. If your wound is so deep that you can’t control the bleeding or if it is very painful, you’ll want to seek medical attention instead of trying to do your wound care at home.

  1. Use Sunscreen on the Wound After it Heals

Once the wound is healed, the skin will be more fragile and can burn easily, which will darken it compared to the rest of your skin. Applying a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher (and reapplying it frequently if you’re out in the sun for a prolonged period of time) will keep it from being discolored and will eventually help the scar fade faster.

 

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

Having Trouble Sleeping? Try These 4 Exercises to Tire Your Body Out

According to a poll by the National Sleep Foundation, just under 40% of people over the age of 65 wake up several times during the night, and around a quarter of seniors self-report having trouble falling asleep regularly.

Medical conditions, side effects of medication, mental health issues like stress and anxiety, and diet are among the reasons that older people don’t get a good night’s sleep–along with natural changes in the circadian rhythm as we age.

A Northwestern University study, however, found that aerobic exercise was the most effective way for middle-aged and senior adults diagnosed with insomnia to get better sleep.

People in the study exercised for two 20-minute sessions or one 30-40 minute session four times per week, and they reported a marked improvement in sleep quality along with fewer symptoms of depression and less daytime drowsiness.

CooperstownCenter for Rehabilitation and Nursing would like to present four exercises that can help tire your body out by the end of the day.

  1. Swimming or Water Aerobics

Exercising in the pool is great for older adults because it’s easy on the joints. Upstate New York weather makes it hard to swim year-round, but there are plenty of indoor pools in the area that allow lap swimming and offer water-based exercise classes for seniors.

  1. Dancing

You may not think of dancing as being exercise, but the continuous movement will do your body good. Inquire at local studios about dance classes that can improve your cardio.

  1. Cycling or Jogging

Jogging isn’t for everyone, but even a brisk walk outside or on a treadmill will provide good aerobic exercise. If you’re not able to ride a bike, a stationary bike at a fitness center will do the trick.

  1. Outdoor Games

When the weather allows, take advantage and get outside. Whether it’s a round of golf, some tennis or pickleball, or even lawn games like cornhole, horseshoes, or shuffleboard, the combination of movement and fresh air will invigorate your body and help you rest in the evening.

 

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

The Health Pros and Cons to Drinking Wine

You’ve probably heard that drinking red wine is good for your health, as people are quick to point out that indulgences like wine and dark chocolate contain health benefits.

Just like dark chocolate, it is true, but there are caveats.

Red wine is a typical part of the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet, so it could just be that people who drink red wine on this type of a diet are overall healthier due to their lifestyle and the foods that they eat.

But some studies have shown positive impacts of wine—the key, as it is with any indulgence, is moderation. Cooperstown Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at how wine can affect your cardiovascular health, both positively and negatively.

POSITIVE: Boosts Good Cholesterol

Light to moderate drinking (around one drink per day) has been found to raise good cholesterol (HDL) levels. For red wine in particular, polyphenols in the drink also may decrease bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood.

POSITIVE: Reduced Risk of Blood Clots

Studies found that light or moderate wine drinking can help platelets in your blood become less sticky, reducing the risk of forming a blood clot that could lead to a heart attack or stroke.

NEGATIVE: Increased Risk for Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia is the technical term for an irregular heartbeat. Studies found that having more than two or three glasses of wine per day can increase the risk for an irregular heartbeat, which can lead to atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and other potentially dangerous conditions.

NEGATIVE: Raises Blood Pressure

Long-term alcohol use can increase your risk of hypertension (high blood pressure) by as much as 70% if you have 3-4 drinks per day. That number increases to 250% with extremely heavy consumption (7-8 glasses of wine).

 

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

Cooperstown Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing With Tips to Drive Safely in 5 Dangerous Conditions

Different conditions on the road can make driving difficult, and this becomes even more true as we age. And for most places, each season presents different challenges.

Cooperstown Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at five potentially difficult driving conditions, the challenges they cause, and how you can take action to stay safe.

  1. Rain

With the late spring and summer months approaching, rain—especially a fresh one—is one driving hazard to be on the lookout for. Asphalt can become slippery within the first 10 or 15 minutes of rainfall due to the water mixing with oils on the surface.

In addition to going slow and not taking any sharp turns too quickly, make sure your tires are in good condition, as the tread will keep your tires gripping the road surface as it should, and also make sure you have a fresh pair of wiper blades installed each spring.

  1. Snow/Ice

Those in the northeast are no stranger to snow and ice on the road and the dangers they present. The key to driving in these conditions (only if you have to) is to do everything slowly—accelerating, turning, and braking. And keep a good distance between you and other vehicles.

  1. Fog

Fog can come on quickly and cause serious visibility issues. Keep a good distance from the vehicle in front of you, ride in the right lane (or as close to the line as possible on a two-lane road) and do not use your high beams, as that will only cause more light to reflect on the fog and make the visibility even lower for you.

  1. Darkness

Those with eye conditions can have a real hard time driving at night, especially if glare during wet conditions is a concern. Keeping your windshield clean and using your high beams (only when not around other drivers) can make things clearer for you.

  1. Bright Sun

Glare from the sun (especially during sunrise and sunset) can cause visibility issues, especially if your windshield is dirty. Keeping the windows clean, wearing sunglasses, and utilizing your sun visor all can help during these periods.

 

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

Campaign: Care that Moves You

Centers Health Care is moving forward, beyond the pandemic, leading the way into the future of post-acute healthcare. It is moving into a world of new possibilities and innovations.

We are moving our patients in our gyms and in their hearts.  Centers Health Care is all about touching lives, families, and communities—moving them all to a place that nurtures and sustains them, whether in rehab or in life.

Centers is moving our patients and our residents to get stronger, to improve their lives, and achieve their ultimate goals—physically, mentally, and emotionally. We’re making our move across healthcare. Let’s get moving!

Cooperstown Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing With 7 Signs of Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding is a scary condition because you may not know that it’s occurring before severe symptoms kick in. But if you have any sort of trauma—including blunt force trauma, deceleration injuries that can occur in an automobile accident, and even some bone fractures—knowing the symptoms of internal bleeding may help you catch a problem before it’s too late.

Cooperstown Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at seven signs and symptoms of internal bleeding.

  1. Dizziness or Lightheadedness

If blood loss is gradual, you may feel lightheaded when standing up due to a change in blood pressure. If it’s more severe, it will be more common in any position.

  1. Pain and Guarding

Blood irritating tissues and internal organs can cause either localized or widespread pain. Guarding, meanwhile, is an unconscious attempt by your body to keep someone from touching an injured area.

  1. Shortness of Breath

Internal bleeding leads to fewer red blood cells bringing oxygen to the heart and lungs, leading to a person having trouble breathing.

  1. Tingling in the Hands and/or Feet

Due to that lack of oxygen being distributed, the body will automatically try and redirect the oxygen that is there to vital organs, sometimes causing tingling in the extremities due to lack of blood flow in those areas.

  1. Vision Changes

In addition to blacking out, double vision or blurred vision are also common in those dealing with internal bleeding.

  1. Nausea

If the bleeding is in the digestive tract or brain, a common sign is nausea or vomiting. This can also occur as a response to pain.

  1. Confusion

Becoming confused or disoriented is a sign that the body has lost too much blood and is a medical emergency. All of these conditions require attention, but 911 should be called if this is occurring.

 

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

Cooperstown Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing on New Mask Guidance and N95 Masks to Buy

In early January 2022 amid the omicron variant wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance on mask-wearing as a preventative measure to catch and spread the virus.

The CDC now says that cloth masks may not provide adequate protection against omicron, so you can either double up a cloth mask with a surgical mask or opt for a N95 or KN95 mask that has more layers and offers more protection—as long as it fits properly and there are no spaces between your skin and the mask itself.

But these masks can be hard to find in local retailers, and buying online always comes with a risk that you will get a counterfeit product that will not provide adequate protection.

If you’re planning on upgrading your mask, Cooperstown Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at N95s that are getting the best reviews.

  1. Kimberly-Clark N95 Pouch Respirator

This mask resembles a duck’s bill, and that extra space is useful for allowing more air to filter through and make it easier for breathing. You can find these for a little over a dollar per mask.

  1. WellBefore N95 Respirator Mask

This mask is more circular in shape but also provides plenty of room inside to breathe. It also has adjustable headbands to make for a snug fit. These are available from the manufacturer at $2 per mask.

  1. Powecom KN95 Mask

This mask comes in two versions: one that loops around the ears like a surgical or cloth mask ($12 for 10 masks) and another that ges around the head ($15 for 10 masks). Both also come with nose clips to close the gap at the top (and prevent your glasses from fogging up!).

 

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

Cooperstown Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing With 4 Osteoporosis Risk Factors That May Surprise You

Doctors estimate that around half of women and a quarter of men will have an osteoporosis-related bone break at some point in their lifetime. In all, around 14 million Americans 50 and older (13% of that age group) have osteoporosis, meaning their bones are brittle and more at risk of a fracture.

In addition to deficiencies like vitamin D and other minerals, there are some outward signs that you might be at risk for osteoporosis that you may not have even realized.

Cooperstown Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has four risk factors for osteoporosis that you may surprise you.

  1. Taking Thyroid Medication

Whether you have an overactive thyroid or are on medication to boost your levels, either could lead to bone-density issues. That’s because high levels of thyroid hormones can interfere in the formation of new bone mass, and those who are below optimal thyroid levels are usually given higher-than-necessary doses to elevate their numbers.

  1. Using Your Arms to Push Yourself Out of a Chair

Having to do this could be a sign of weakening muscles, which usually precedes weakened bones. Muscles and bones get stronger and weaker together, so keeping your strength up with exercise will keep bones healthy as well.

  1. Noticeable Hearing Loss

If you’ve noticed that you’re having a harder time hearing, osteoporosis could be to blame. One study involving 144,000 women found that those with low bone density have about a 30% greater risk of moderate to severe hearing loss.

  1. Lower Back Pain

Muscle strains and pulls caused by overexerting in the lower back should usually resolve themselves in three to four days. Otherwise, it could be due to osteoporosis-related fracture, and these breaks can also cause people to lose up to an inch and a half of their overall height.

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

Cooperstown Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing With the Signs of a Midlife Crisis

Even though it is called a midlife crisis, the timing of the traditional signs of one tend to crop up more around different events in life instead of at a certain time.

Age, of course, may play a part, as milestone birthdays like 40, 50, and 60 can cause impulsive feelings. But the definition of it is when people tend to face their own mortality, and life events can trigger that more than a certain age.

Cooperstown Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at the common triggers and signs of a midlife crisis.

Life Events That Can Bring on a Midlife Crisis

For older adults, especially those who equate working with a sense of purpose, retirement can cause actions and thoughts that would be considered a midlife crisis. Other common triggers are experiencing health issues, losing a loved one, having some sort of life transition, or even reaching an age where you outlived someone close to you—commonly a parent or older sibling.

Anything where you are aware of large changes happening, especially ones that make you face your own mortality, can cause midlife-crisis symptoms.

Signs of a Midlife Crisis

A midlife crisis isn’t always defined as buying a sports car or other impulse buy. It can cause mood disorders like anxiety and depression. Someone suffering may have trouble focusing on tasks or attending to present relationships. That can be brought on by thoughts of someone wondering if they’ve accomplished enough at this point in their life or whether they have time to do other things that they want.

So if you or a loved one is experiencing a big change in their life, watch for sudden changes of behavior that could be the sign of something more serious.

 

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

Sunday July 11th: Centers Health Care Charity Walk

Join us for the Centers Health Care 25th Anniversary Summer Charity Walk
Date: Sunday, July 11th, 2021
Time: 10:00AM-5:00PM
Location: Crossgates Mall
Price: FREE

Calling all health care workers and community members of the Capital Region! Come walk for your favorite charities!

How it works:

  1. Build a small team of no more than 5 members and select a charity to walk for. If you don’t have a team, don’t be discouraged. All are welcome. Feel free to come alone or to bring along family and friends.
  2. Reach out to a Centers Health Care Hospital Liaison to sign up or contact Danielle Donato, Community Liaison, at 518-944-7329 to register your team or for more information about our walk.
  3. Come anytime between 10am and 5pm and check in on the lower level of Crossgates Mall near Apex Bowling and The Garage Store.
  4. Every attendee will receive two tickets. Use 1 ticket to vote for 1 of 5 charities (organization details to come) and the 2nd ticket to submit to a raffle of your choosing! Every lap around the mall entitles you to more tickets for additional chances to vote and to submit to the raffle.

    The 5 charities are:
    1. Walk to End Alzheimer’s
    2. Albany Housing Coalition
    3. Capital City Rescue Mission
    4. Things of Our Very Own
    5. Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY

Vaccinated attendees are not required to wear a mask in the mall. Please note that some stores still require masks to be worn when entering.

We hope to see you there!

Contact Danielle Donato for more details at (518) 944-7329!