The Invisible Harm: Microplastics and Heart Health

 Did you know tiny pieces of plastic, called microplastics, are making their way into our bodies? We can inhale them, ingest them in food and water, or even absorb them through our skin. They’ve been found in organs, breast milk, and even placentas. While scientists are still uncovering their full impact on health, early studies reveal concerning effects, especially on heart health. <!–split–>

A recent study linked microplastics to a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Researchers tested plaque removed from the neck arteries of 257 people. They found microplastics, mostly polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride,  in 58% of the plaques. People with microplastics in their artery plaque were 4.5 times more likely to experience a heart attack or stroke, compared to those with plastic-free plaque. Microplastics have also been detected in heart tissues, including fatty layers around the heart, the heart muscle, and even the lining of the heart’s chambers. These findings suggest that microplastics may play a hidden role in inflammation, artery damage, and other cardiovascular issues.

As these particles continue to accumulate in our bodies and the environment, understanding their impact is more important than ever. Keeping an eye on emerging research can help us better understand how these invisible invaders affect not just heart health, but overall well-being. There are simple steps you can take to reduce your exposure to microplastics and protect your heart health.

How to Reduce Exposure to Microplastics

1. Avoid Microwaving Plastic: Microwaving plastic containers releases billions of microplastics, even if labeled microwave-safe. Instead, use glass containers or heat food on a plate to prevent toxins from leaching into your meals.
2. Cook at Home: Pre-made and fast foods often contain higher levels of microplastic-related toxins like phthalates. Preparing meals at home reduces exposure while offering healthier options.
3. Choose Better Cutting Boards: Replace plastic cutting boards with wood or stainless steel to avoid shedding microplastics into your food.
4. Vacuum Regularly: Microplastics can collect in household dust. Vacuuming, especially on carpets, helps limit their spread and reduces indoor exposure.

By understanding the hidden risks of microplastics and taking simple steps to minimize exposure, you can better protect your heart health and overall well-being for the future.

From Trinity’s Heart Health Magazine, 2024.

Your Parish Nurse, Kara

For many older adults, going home after a hospital or rehabilitation stay is a big milestone. It can be not only physically demanding but mentally exhausting, too. This can be especially so when the recovery takes time and you don’t feel as independent as you once were. But with the proper planning and preparation, you can ensure a smooth recovery process and reduce the time it takes to feel like yourself again. <!–split–>

Preparing for Home Recovery in Advance

• What kind of help will you need, if any?
• Will you be able to climb stairs, or will you need to change how your home is laid out?
• And what about transportation to follow-up appointments?

These are just some of the things to address ahead of time so you have the support and assistance for a comfortable and safe recovery at home. Ideally, you should consider these questions before you go into the hospital or rehab center.

Here are some tips for questions to consider asking and things you might want to prepare for:

• Communicate with your health care team. If the hospitalization is planned, much of the information you need to be prepared can be asked ahead of time. Your pre-op appointment is the time to ask about medications that will be needed, follow-up appointments, dietary restrictions, and any specific instructions for managing your condition at home. This discussion should include whether you’ll need physical, occupational, or speech therapy. But if the hospitalization wasn’t planned, your health care providers should explain your post-hospital care plan and needs before discharge.
• Ask family and friends to help. Reach out to family members, friends, or neighbors who can help during your recovery. Asking them to do tasks such as making meals, grocery shopping, and household chores can be a huge help. If that’s not an option, contact your local Right at Home office to learn how their professional caregivers can help with these and other needs.
• Arrange transportation. Make transportation arrangements for your journey home. You may need help getting in and out of vehicles, so ensure transportation options cater to your needs. You’ll also likely have follow-up appointments or physical therapy sessions to get to, not to mention that arrangements will need to be made so you can get needed medications and groceries.

Prepare your home.

• Make any changes to your home that will be needed to accommodate your recovery needs. Clear pathways of clutter, secure rugs to prevent tripping hazards, and consider installing handrails or grab bars in bathrooms and high-traffic areas to reduce the risk of a fall.
• Stock up on essentials. Be sure you have essential supplies, such as medications, wound care materials, and any durable medical equipment prescribed by your health care providers. Having these items readily available will streamline your recovery process and reduce stress.

Getting Help With Household Chores Makes Your Recuperation Easier   Everyone knows how nice it is to have a helping hand. That’s especially true when it comes to recovering at home. Here are the types of help around the house that can be a big relief to someone who’s recuperating:

• Personal care. Depending on your level of mobility and independence, you may need help with personal care activities, such as bathing, dressing, using the toilet, and grooming.
• Meal prep and nutrition. Recovery requires a nutritious diet. Consider meal delivery services and meal kits. If your recovery depends on a specialized diet, ask a friend, family member, or professional caregiver to help.
• Household chores and errands. Tasks such as laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, and pet care can be physically demanding and may require additional support during recovery.
• Transportation to medical appointments. Follow-up appointments help your health care providers monitor your progress and answer your questions. Arrange transportation to and from appointments if you are unable to drive or navigate public transportation independently.

Emotional support and companionship. Recovery can be emotionally challenging. Having emotional support and companionship can greatly impact your well-being. Stay connected with loved ones, friends, or support groups who can offer encouragement, companionship, and a listening ear.

Planning Your Post-Hospitalization Recovery Is Essential.  Navigating your return home requires careful planning, support, and collaboration with your health care team and loved ones. By preparing in advance and enlisting help for your recovery needs, you’ll benefit from a supportive and nurturing environment that promotes healing, comfort, and peace of mind on the road to recovery.

How Right at Home Can Help

Your local Right at Home office can help with a wide range of services, including light housekeeping, personal care, and respite care to fill in when your family or friends can’t be there. Use our office locator to contact the office nearest you to find out more.

For additional information, download our free Adult Caregiving Guide. And consider subscribing to our free monthly e-newsletter, Caring Right at Home, for ongoing information, tips, and advice delivered to your inbox.

Your Parish Nurse,  Kara

Marsha Johns is a veteran health care marketer and award-winning writer. She strives to make medical topics understandable and relatable for all readers.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year. <!–split–>

Signs and Symptoms

Flu may cause some or all of these signs and symptoms:

• Fever or feeling feverish, chills
• Cough and sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headaches and muscle or body aches
• Fatigue/feeling very tired
• Vomiting/diarrhea (more common in kids than adults)

How Flu Spreads

Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can and in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own face, mouth, eyes, or nose.

Period of Contagion

Fancy words for ”when you can spread your flu germs to others”. You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you even realize you’re infected! Most healthy adults are able to infect others beginning one day before developing symptoms and up to 7 days after becoming sick. Some folks especially young children (who don’t control their germ-sharing activities) might be able to infect others for even longer.

How Serious is the Flu?

Flu is unpredictable and the severity of symptom will vary from season to season depending on

• What strains of flu viruses are spreading
• How much flu vaccine is available
• How many people get vaccinated
• How well the vaccine matches the flu viruses that are causing illness in that season

Some people are at greater risk for the most serious complication of the flu including older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with serious chronic health conditions. Complications can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions.

The single best way to prevent getting the flu is to get a flu vaccine each season. The vaccine does not provide instant protection. It takes 2-3 weeks for a person’s immune system to react to the vaccine, producing a protective level of antibodies. The flu vaccine cannot protect against other flu-like illnesses caused by non-influenza viruses. The seasonal flu vaccine is formulated with the 3 flu viruses that scientists from the CDC believe will be the most likely to cause epidemics that year. Vaccinations usually begin in September or as soon as the vaccine becomes available and continues into Spring. While flu season can begin as early as October, it usually peaks in January, February and March. Summer flu infections are also possible although less likely.

The Covid-19 Virus also presents with “cold” or flu like symptoms. This virus also continues to evolve and mutate. While it is recommended for almost everyone to be vaccinated it is a personal choice just like the flu vaccine. Protect yourself and your loved ones as much as possible. Wear a mask when out in public places if you feel more comfortable. Wash your hands and get plenty of rest, exercise and healthy foods.