Minutes from February 11, 2014 Meeting

Aging and Disability Meeting Minutes – 2/11/14:

Present: Mary Rickard (OFA), Reed Lehan (Adult Protective), Ann Quinn (Home Health Care Partners), Anne Boles (Community Health Center), Ruth Jacobs (Community Health Center), Tara Ricard (Madison and Saratoga Hearing Centers), Diana Martin (Wesley Evergreen), Kathie Maiello (Anytime Home Care), Rich Curry (Care Patrol), Joanne Zales (National Grid), Sandie Clark (NY Relay Service), Kassey Granger (CapTel), Caitlin St. George (Eddy VNA), Jess Froelich (Eddy Daybreak), Rick Amico (Community Hospice), Candy Rivera Whitehead (NYS-EPIC), Holly Pajak (Redesign In Mind), Sarah Revains (MACSC), Jen Harrington (MACSC), Sara Fryer (MACSC) Cindy Harrington (SOS), Kym Hance (Home Helpers), Maria Geizer (Home Instead), Mark Chamberlain (MACSC).

Introduction:

Cindy Harrington welcomed all attendees. The next meeting will be held Tuesday March 11, 2-330 at the Malta Community Center. Reed Lehan and Keith Kirchoff from Saratoga County Department of Social Services – Adult Protective will be presenting an overview of the services DSS can and cannot provide, the types of calls they receive, and guardianships.

Attendees introduced themselves.

We were reminded that in the event of inclement weather, we will be following the Saratoga County Meals on Wheels cancellation schedule.

Today’s topic and presenter:

Beth Tuttle, RN, Certified Classical Homeopath as well as a behavioral health RN and addictions specialist presented The Use of Complimentary Medicine for those under our Care.

Beth discussed what can be done to manage symptoms holistically in a non-clinical setting.

Homeopathy is a form of medicine that can be used to compliment traditional meds. Beth uses homeopathy to help move people out of places where they are stuck emotionally, or to help them move past their physical issues, when traditional meds have maybe lost their effectiveness. Some common remedies are listed below:

Rescue Remedy: can be bought at most drug stores, grocers. Uses essences derived from Bach flowers. Use 1-2 drops in water; has a calming effect, often called “homeopathic valium”.

Essential Oils: These effect the most powerful nerve, one’s sense of smell. Different oils have different effects on one’s emotional/physical state.

Homeopathic remedies: do NOT interact with other meds, because the dosage is so diluted.

Herbals, however, are like medicines; the whole plant is used to create these, so they are more closely like meds, and can therefore affect traditional meds.

Some symptoms and the complimentary medicine that may treat them:

Cold/Flu/sinus – any of the evergreen/fir scents will open sinuses. Also, Oscilloninum.

Pain – Arnica, topical or pellet, Traumeel.

Insomnia – Coffea (homeopathic version of coffee, no caffeine).

Injuries – Arnica, which can be good for joint pain.

Upset stomach – anything with mint – mint tea, chewing gum or candy or digestive enzymes.

Anxiety – magnesium, Epsom salts are a form of this. Also, vitamin B is called the “stress vitamin”, very calming. Carbohydrates have vitamin B.

Poisoning or hangovers – Nux vomica.

Any questions about homeopathy and other complimentary medicines can be addressed to Beth Tuttle, RN, 518-331-6262 or tuttlee@nycap.rr.com