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Could geriatric hospitals ease pressure on healthcare? Maybe – but improving care for older people is key

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Australia is grappling with an increase in hospital admissions amongst older people. 2015–16 and 2019–20Hospitalizations amongst people aged 75–84 increased by a mean of three% per yr, the biggest increase amongst all age groups.

The increasing demand is putting significant pressure on the healthcare system, contributing to poor patient flow, longer stays in emergency departments (EDs), and even ambulance overruns. This happens when paramedics are forced to attend on the hospital entrance and can’t transfer a patient to the ED in a timely manner.

In response, some health system leaders have recently called for the creation of independent geriatric hospitals to specifically meet the needs of older patients.

But is this an excellent idea? While there could also be some advantages, the decision for specialist geriatric hospitals signals that Australia is failing to supply adequate care for older people.

Geriatric care in Australia

Across Australia, geriatric care is often provided in sub-acute hospitals, specialist units, wards and clinics, following the acute a part of the hospital stay.

One path is geriatric assessment and management serviceswhich aim to enhance the functioning of patients with age-related diseases, similar to frailty and cognitive decline, following surgery or other medical incidents.

In most states, geriatric evaluation and management services may additionally be available delivered to your property.

Looking at the info from public hospitals across the countrywe are able to see that service levels vary across the state. We calculate that in 2020–21, geriatric assessment and management services with a minimum of one night’s stay accounted for 45% of sub-acute care admissions in Victoria and 20% in South Australia, but only about 8% within the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales.

These hospital-based services take a holistic approach to assessing multiple points of an older person’s health, similar to mobility, mental health, medication management, nutrition and social support, to tailor individual care plans that help older people live at home longerwith a greater quality of life.

On the opposite hand, lack of access to community-based geriatric care – similar to home care packages – is often seen as an element that increases the necessity for specialist geriatric care in hospitals and increases the length of hospital stay.

We know that current waiting time For a level 4 (highest) package, this era is between 9 and 12 months, although the federal government has committed to shortening this era with latest reforms to aged care.

Without adequate support at home, older people often find yourself in hospital, where they generally should spend weeks or months waiting to be transferred to a care facility.

Many older people stay in hospital for long periods of time while waiting for a spot in a senior care facility.
Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

Pros and cons of geriatric hospitals

A specialist geriatric hospital may very well be designed across the needs of older patients. It could include specialist medical and support services, but also an adapted physical environment, similar to clear signage and quiet spaces.

It is necessary to think about who will staff these stand-alone geriatric hospitals. Geriatric patients will still need specialists aside from geriatricians, so cardiologists, for example, might want to concentrate on geriatric cardiology. Alternatively, separating care in this manner could mean that geriatric patients receive lower quality cardiology care (and other specialties).

Would additional capability in a stand-alone hospital help with healthcare system pressures? The easy answer is yes, but as with adding capability to the hospital system, if this unlocks unmet demand and draws much more patients into hospitals from the community and aged care, it is unlikely to assist with ED congestion.

It is also price considering whether an independent hospital could have its own geriatric emergency department. It is unlikely that an emergency department on this context would reach the patient volumes required by emergency departments to take care of quality and efficiency. However, without one, transfers from existing emergency departments would further strain limited ambulance resources.

So would a stand-alone geriatric hospital be cheaper than spending the identical budget to construct it otherwise? By focusing on specific populations where the impact can be biggest, we could make the marketing strategy work.

Dementia Care: A Potential Target for Specialist Hospitals

Psychogeriatric care – mental health care older adults – is a main example of where federal funding gaps are failing patients. This is particularly true for those with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.

Families are usually not well supported locally to deal with the large burden of care, and social services are usually not equipped to supply adequate support for these people. As a result, patients find yourself trapped within the social safety net of a public hospital bed.

These beds often provide non-specialist care for dementia patients. An unfamiliar and over-stimulating environment, coupled with staff who may misinterpret the behavior of those patients, only makes difficult behavior worseThis, in turn, makes it difficult for caregivers of older people to simply accept such an individual.

There are currently anecdotally 50 to 70 patients in South Africa with symptoms suggestive of dementia who’re stuck in hospital, with no pressing medical reason to be there, waiting for a spot where they could be safely discharged, similar to aged care. In our experience, the common length of stay for these patients is 50 to 60 days and contributes to bottlenecks within the ED. These numbers will only increase because the population ages.

A nurse looks at a smiling elderly woman sitting in a bed in a hospital or senior care facility.
One potential model for specialist geriatric hospitals may very well be hospitals for people with dementia.
We are MILA/Pexels

A stand-alone dementia hospital could link the states and the Commonwealth in caring for people with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. It cannot replace residential care for older people, but it could help the transition by improving the hospital experience for people with special age-related needs.

However, it is essential to take care of existing multidisciplinary approaches, similar to geriatric assessment and management services, to avoid isolating or separating care from those that are already vulnerable.

Improving existing hospitals for the elderly

While there could also be some justification for the decision for stand-alone geriatric hospitals, ultimately it is a signal of Australia’s failure to supply adequate and integrated hospital and aged care.

Commonwealth Government recently announced significant changes to funding for older people’s care and latest support for home care. Existing hospital services will surely work higher if patients had more options to which they may very well be referred after their hospital stay.

Upcoming Commonwealth Aged Care Act is expected to reform many points of care for older Australians. However, without further detail and collaboration between the federal government and the states and territories, integrated service planning is impossible.

In the meantime, existing hospitals could begin to rework into places which can be higher adapted to the needs of older people.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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Essence of the week: Cherry Blossom EDT L’Occitane is a fragrance inspired by spring, perfect for any season – Essence

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We all know L’Occitane almond shower oil gets a lot of love – and for good reason (I’m taking a look at you #BeautyTok).

But there is one other gem of this brand that deserves just as much attention: Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette. Since its launch in 2007, this fragrance has remained a favorite amongst my group of friends, appreciated for its delicate and refined elegance. To be honest, I feel this is what L’Occitane is known for as a brand. And although this scent is often related to the airy freshness of spring, it is a scent that brings a touch of beauty and heat to any season.

The first spritz of Cherry Blossom EDT is soft and alluring, with a subtle hint of cherry and freesia that feels fresh without overdoing it. It’s light and uplifting, like the kind of scent you employ when you would like to feel good but not an excessive amount of (like me most days). As it settles on my skin, notes of cherry blossom and lily of the valley bloom, striking the perfect balance of femininity without feeling overly sweet or dated. There’s nothing heavy or “old school floral” about this scent – it’s fresh, modern and understated in a way that feels sophisticated.

What really makes this fragrance stand out is the base. Brazilian rosewood, amber and musk give it a soft warmth that wraps you want your favorite cashmere scarf. It’s cozy but never heavy, beautifully balancing the delicate flowers. The overall effect is a scent that feels effortlessly polished – the olfactory equivalent of “quiet luxury.”

I do know, I do know – cherry blossoms evoke spring, but that is why this scent works so well all 12 months round. In the colder months, it is a refreshing break from heavy, spicy scents. I mean, I like my ouds and cognacs, but no… Bright notes of cherry and freesia bring a breath of fresh air, while warm base notes of amber and musk give the composition a comforting, grounded feel. It’s like carrying a little bit of spring with you, even when the weather is not sunny. And given the conflicting rumors we’re hearing – at the very least on the East Coast – about how much snow will fall this season, you would possibly just should keep it in your radar.

Why I find it irresistible: While everyone gravitates towards the Almond L’Occitane collection, their EDT Cherry Blossom has turn out to be an unexpected favorite of mine that I still reach for. What I like most about it is how versatile it is. It’s lightweight enough to accommodate skilled meetings or running errands during the day, but still feels special enough for dinner dates or quiet moments at home. The way it evolves on the skin – from a fresh, floral burst to a soft, warm texture – makes it feel personal, like a fragrance created just for you. It’s not flashy or trendy, but that is what makes it timeless.

Perfect pairs: As an eau de toilette, Cherry Blossom advantages greatly from thoughtful layering that highlights its delicate character and prolongs its presence throughout the day. And because Cherry Blossom has a softer sillage, it’s perfect for on a regular basis wear. If you would like to extend its durability or make it a bit more dynamic, layering is the best solution. Start with L’Occitane Cherry Blossom Shower Oil to create a fragrant base, then follow with the Shimmering Body Milk for extra depth and hydration.

If you wish to mix and match, pair Cherry Blossom EDT with complementary fragrances. Kayali Vanilla 28 adds a cozy sweetness that blends beautifully with the floral notes, while Commodity Milk+ brings out the creamy warmth of the base. On the fun side, the marshmallow and ambrette notes of Ellis Brooklyn SWEET add a delicate, sweet touch that prolongs the persistence of the cherry blossom accord. Spray the fragrance base first, let it settle, after which top with cherry blossom for a custom scent that can last all day.

EDT Cherry Blossom by L’Occitane is a masterclass in subtle sophistication. Founder Olivier Baussan put it perfectly: “It is because cherry blossoms fly away with the first breath of spring that they are so rare and precious.” This fragrance captures ephemeral beauty in a bottle. Final Verdict: If you appreciate fragrances that whisper slightly than shout, that talk of sophistication slightly than trends, L’Occitane’s Cherry Blossom EDT is value considering. It’s the olfactory equivalent of finding the perfect light – subtle, beautiful and absolutely fascinating.

Fragrance is deeply personal, but some fragrances gain universal appeal due to their masterful composition. This is one of them.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

You don’t have to add sugar to your cranberry sauce this holiday season – a food scientist explains how to cook with less sweeteners

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Holidays are stuffed with tasty and filling dishes and drinks. It’s hard to resist dreams of cookies, special cakes, wealthy meats and exceptionally spicy additions.

Many of the healthy ingredients utilized in holiday dishes could be overshadowed by sugar and starch. While adding extra sugar could also be tasty, it isn’t necessarily good for your metabolism. Understanding the food and cuisine science behind what you cook means you may make a few changes to a recipe and still have a delicious dish that won’t loaded with sugar.

Especially for those who’re someone with type 1 diabetes, the vacations can come with an additional layer of stress and soaring blood glucose levels. However, this just isn’t the time to despair – it’s the vacations in spite of everything.

Cranberries are a seasonal, tasty fruit that could be tweaked in recipes to make them more Type 1 diabetic-friendly – or friendly to anyone searching for a sweet dish without the added sugar.

I’m a food scientist and sort 1 diabetes. Understanding food composition, ingredient interactions, and metabolism literally saved my life.

Type 1 diabetes has been defined

Type 1 diabetes it lasts all day, without sleep breaks, without holidays and weekends, without remission and without cure. Type 1 diabetes don’t produce insulin, a hormone essential for all times, which promote the absorption of glucose, i.e. sugar, into cells. Glucose in your cells then provides the body with energy on the molecular level.

Therefore, people with type 1 diabetes take insulin injections using an insulin pump attached to their bodies and hopefully it really works well enough to stabilize our blood sugar levels and metabolism, minimize health complications over time, and keep us alive.

Type 1 diabetics have in mind mainly type and amount of carbohydrates in food when determining how much insulin to take, but in addition they need to understand the interactions of proteins and fats in food to use it, or bolusappropriately.

Apart from insulin, type 1 diabetics don’t produce one other hormone, amylin, which slows down gastric motility. This means food moves faster through our digestive tract and we regularly feel very hungry. Foods high in fat, protein and fiber can keep you from feeling hungry for a while.

Cranberries, a seasonal snack

Cranberries are native to North America and grow well within the northeastern and midwestern states, where they’re in season from late September through December. They dominate holiday tables everywhere in the country.

Cranberries are a classic Thanksgiving side dish, but cranberry sauce tends to be high in sugar.
bhofack2/iStock via Getty Images

One cup of whole, raw cranberries comprises 190 calories. They are composed of 87% water, trace amounts of protein and fat, 12 grams of carbohydrates and just over 4 grams of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber combines well with water, which is sweet for digestive health and might slow the rise in blood glucose levels.

Cranberries are tall IN potassiumwhich helps maintain electrolyte balance and cell signaling, in addition to other essential nutrients similar to antioxidants, beta-carotene AND vitamin C. They also contain vitamin Kwhich helps in healthy blood clotting.

The taste and aroma of cranberries comes from compounds present in fruits similar to cinnamates, which add a hint of cinnamon, vanillin for a vanilla note, benzoates AND Benzaldehydethat tastes like almonds.

Cranberries are high in pectin, a soluble starch that forms a gel and is used as a binding agent in making jams and jellies, in order that they thicken easily with minimal cooking. Their beautiful jewel tone red color belongs to a class of compounds called anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins with which they’re associated treating certain forms of infections.

They also contain phenols, that are protective compounds produced by the plant. These compounds, which appear like rings on the molecular level, interact with proteins within the saliva, causing a dry and tight feeling that causes the mouth to pucker. Similarly, the so-called benzoic acid naturally occurring in cranberries, it adds sourness to the fruit.

These chemical components make them extremely sour and bitter and difficult to eat raw. To moderate these flavors and effects, most cranberry recipes call for plenty of sugar.

All this extra sugar could make cranberry dishes difficult for type 1 diabetics to devour since the sugars cause blood glucose levels to rise quickly.

Cranberries without sugar?

Type 1 diabetics – or anyone looking to limit their sugar intake – can try some cooking tactics to reduce their sugar intake while still having fun with this holiday treat.

Don’t cook the cranberries too long once they pop. You’ll still have a sticky cranberry liquid without having to add a lot of sugar, because cooking concentrates a number of the bitter compounds, making them more visible within the dish.

A row of spoons, each filled with a pile of powdered spice.
Adding spices to cranberries can improve the flavour of the dish without the added sugar.
klenova/iStock via Getty Images

The addition of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg and other warming spices gives the dish a depth of flavor. Adding heat with hot chili pepper it might make a cranberry dish more complex while reducing sourness and astringency. Adding salt can reduce the bitterness of cranberries, so you will not need a lot of sugar.

For a richer flavor and glossy quality, add butter. The butter also moisturizes the lips, which reinforces the natural tartness of the dish. Other fats, similar to cream or coconut oil, also work.

Adding chopped walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts may decelerate the absorption of glucose, so your blood glucose levels may not rise as quickly. Some recent forms of sweeteners, similar to allulosethey taste sweet but don’t raise blood sugar levels and require minimal or no insulin. Allulose has GRAS – Generally Regarded as Safe – status within the US but just isn’t approved as an additive in Europe.

During the holiday season, you may easily reduce the quantity of sugar added to cranberry dishes and revel in the health advantages without spikes in blood glucose levels.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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Health and Wellness

Willow Smith’s debut collection with Moncler is now available – Essence

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Moncler

Willow Smith’s debut collection with Moncler has been launched. The capsule is a mixture of the inside of a musician, actress, writer and creator. In it, a futuristic and unbelievable world is explored through clothes. Smith’s personal style was also showcased. The lineup was originally revealed in Shanghai.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

“Minimalism and utilitarianism. Femininity and masculinity. Black and white. “Putting ideas together in an elegant way is something that really excites me and I wanted to explore that with this collection,” Willow shared.

“Willow’s magnetic energy is captured in a series of images exploring the primary themes of the collection: clashing contrasts, rebirth and renewal, yin and yang, recent beginnings – inspired by Moncler’s mountain origins and love of nature. “Willow’s creativity influences every aspect of the videos and photos accompanying the collection: she not only drives the concept, but also models her designs, narrates the short film and provides the soundtrack,” the brand said in a press release. The launch is accompanied by black and white campaign photos – the dramatization of those photos ushers in an exciting era for Smith.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

The collection is dominated by knitwear perfect for layering, a down jacket and heavy sweatshirts created in shrunken proportions. The capsule is accomplished with extensive outerwear options and a brief-sleeved T-shirt with silver eyelet. The T-shirt is also available in an extended-sleeved version. The collection includes cream and black shades. The down vest with a hood and a brief cut stands out.

Salix leather boots are characterised by an interesting design. In addition to nodding to punk influences, this footwear option is designed with a Moncler logo on the toe, elastic panels on the front and a rubber sole.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

“I am incredibly passionate about the outdoors and exploring this wonderful land. I imagine these pieces can easily transition from overnight camping to fashionable evening wear,” Willow added, emphasizing the natural duality of the collection.

Moncler X Willow Smith is currently available in chosen Moncler stores and more moncler.com .

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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