Mailbag: STAY Healthy in a Senior Home
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted September 19, 2023
“We’ve unfortunately had to put my 90-year-old mother in a home. I’m so worried she’s going to get sick (especially with COVID still around). Is there anything I can do to help protect her?”
Sam from Prattville, AL
Hi Sam,
Your situation sounds familiar.
My father is in a senior living center with about 300 people, and he has to use caution to avoid exposure to COVID-19 and other infections all the time. So, I understand what you’re up against.
It’s especially challenging because of medical privacy laws. The management can’t let other people know If someone gets COVID-19 or another highly infectious virus.
The best protection against COVID-19 (and other infections) remains…
- vaccines,
- masks,
- avoidance,
- good hygiene, and
- good health.
Although we’re all aware COVID-19 spreads through micro-aerosols in the air, it’s not the only way this sneaky virus is passed along.
A study published this year confirms that large droplets landing on hands and surfaces significantly contributes to the spread of the virus.
That means frequent hand washing and keeping your hands away from your face can significantly reduce risk.
And be sure that frequently touched surfaces (such as light switches, remote controls, tables, and chair arms) are regularly cleaned with a product proven to kill viruses.
Keeping a container of wipes approved to kill COVID-19 in the room, such as Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, is an easy way to remind others to clean surfaces.
Research also confirms that those who practice social distancing and wear masks are less likely to become infected.
So, whenever you hear about cases of COVID-19 in the building (or a big uptick in the community), staying in the room until the infection rate drops again is a good strategy.
Plus, ask visitors and caregivers to mask until the coast is clear. Placing a box of K-95 masks near the door can encourage folks who forget to bring their own to strap one on when they enter the room.
Finally, we learned from the pandemic that anyone who isn’t in the best of health is liable to have a harder time fighting off all kinds of infections, including COVID-19.
So, anything you can do to support the immune system with good nutrition, supplements (at least a multivitamin and extra Vitamin D), and regular good quality sleep can help reduce risks.
P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? CLICK HERE to submit your question and get featured in the weekly mailbag!
Source:
“Risk factors and vectors for SARS-CoV-2 household transmission: a prospective, longitudinal cohort study,” The Lancet Microbe, Open Access, Published: April 06, 2023, doi. org/10.1016/S2666-5247(23)00069-1
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Is Your Gut “Good”? How to Check
I always get asked, “How do I know if my digestion is working right?” Well, the answer is pretty simple, but it’s also a little gross. A simple test you can do at home reveals whether your digestion is normal or not. Your digestive system processes everything you eat—extracting nutrients, and eliminating waste. The time...
Hidden Sugar Trap Fuels Lung Cancer
We’ve long known that smoking is the main villain behind lung cancer. But what if your dinner plate has quietly joined forces with the enemy? A new study from the University of Florida reveals that the typical Western diet could be laying the groundwork for aggressive lung cancer growth by feeding tumors with stored sugar....
Mailbag: Can A Diabetic Enjoy Desserts? The Surprising Answer
“If you have diabetes, may you eat a very few sweets in a week?” —Sweet Tooth Hi Sweet Tooth, Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body either resists the effects of insulin (a hormone that regulates sugar in your blood) or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain normal blood sugar levels....
Sleepless Nights? Beware of this Deadly Danger
We all have that friend who brags about their four-hour-a-night sleep schedule like it’s some kind of superpower. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” they proclaim while chugging their third energy drink of the morning. Well, science has bad news for these sleep-skimping show-offs. You might be accelerating your appointment with the Grim Reaper far more...
Drive-Thru Disaster Hits Fast Forward on Aging
Ever wonder why some of your high school classmates look like they’re aging much faster while others seem frozen in time? It’s not always just good genes or expensive creams—it could be what they’re ordering at the drive-thru. A troubling new study revealed that a fast-food habit doesn’t just expand your waistline—it fast-forwards your biological...
The “Salty” Truth About Your Mood
You know salt gets a bad rap for raising blood pressure. But what if I told you it might be messing with your mood, too? According to a new study out of China, eating too much salt could trigger depression—not just through vague “bad diet” effects, but by activating specific immune cells in the brain....
Ancient Herb Has a Modern Secret for Youthful Skin
You can spend hundreds—maybe even thousands—on anti-aging creams, lotions, and potions that promise to turn back the clock. But let’s be honest… most of them do little more than moisturize and smell nice. Now, a new study is turning that entire anti-aging skincare industry on its head—and the secret comes from an herb that’s been...
Let It Go—The Unexpected Freedom of “Fart Walks”
Ever notice your walk sometimes comes with some, well… unexpected sound effects? One step, two step, POOT! There’s a perfectly reasonable explanation for this natural phenomenon. Passing gas on your daily stroll is totally normal—and it means your digestive system is working well. Here’s what’s happening… Walking and other physical activities stimulate your digestive tract,...
Common Antidepressants Linked to Silent Brain Damage
If you’re among the millions taking prescription antidepressants, I have some concerning news. A major study has uncovered a disturbing link between common antidepressants and a growing brain problem. And if you’re taking an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), you may find yourself in the crosshairs. Swedish researchers recently uncovered this troubling connection. They found...
Mailbag: Tinnitus Solutions Silence the Noise Naturally
“What do you recommend for getting rid of tinnitus? Does it lead to dementia?” -Annoyed By Noise Tinnitus—the maddening ringing, buzzing, or whooshing in your ears—can drive anyone up the wall. This common condition affects an estimated 749 million people worldwide, producing phantom sounds that aren’t caused by external sources. Tinnitus strikes seniors more than...