Presidio Home Care

04/07/2026

Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common nerve compression syndrome, following carpal tunnel syndrome. It is a condition caused by pressure or stretching of the ulnar nerve as it passes through the cubital tunnel on the inside of the elbow. This nerve controls sensation in the ring and little fingers and helps power some hand muscles, so when it becomes irritated, people may experience numbness, tingling, weakness, or a “pins and needles” feeling in those areas. You can develop cubital tunnel syndrome through repeated bending of the elbow, which may be a result of holding a phone for long periods of time. Over time, these stresses can compress the nerve, leading to worsening symptoms if not addressed. Here are four practical ways to avoid Cubital Tunnel Syndrome as a cellphone user:

1. Keep your elbow more open – Try not to hold your phone with your elbow tightly bent for long periods. A more relaxed, slightly extended arm position reduces pressure on the ulnar nerve.
2. Switch hands frequently – Alternate between your left and right hand when using your phone so one elbow isn’t under constant stress.
3. Use hands-free options – Take advantage of speakerphone, earbuds, or voice commands to minimize the time your arm is held in a fixed position.
4. Avoid leaning on your elbows – Whether sitting at a desk or resting, don’t prop your elbows on hard surfaces while using your phone, as this can compress the nerve over time.

04/03/2026

Post-nasal drip is a common condition that occurs when excess mucus accumulates in the back of the nose and throat, often leading to a sensation of mucus “dripping” downward. It is typically caused by conditions such as allergies, colds, sinus infections, or irritants like smoke and pollution. Symptoms may include a sore throat, frequent throat clearing, cough (especially at night), and congestion. Here are three things to do to sleep better with post-nasal drip:

1. Elevate your head and upper body

Sleeping flat lets mucus pool in your throat. Use an extra pillow or a wedge pillow to keep your head slightly elevated. This helps drainage move downward instead of collecting and triggering cough.

2. Use a saline rinse before bed

A nasal rinse clears out mucus and irritants so there’s less dripping overnight. Do it about 30–60 minutes before sleep so your passages have time to settle.

3. Add moisture to the air

Consider using a humidifier in your bedroom to keep your nasal passages comfortable and reduce irritation. Aim for moderate humidity—not too damp—to avoid mold.

03/24/2026

What is cardiac rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program designed to help people recover from heart-related conditions such as heart attacks, heart surgery, or chronic heart disease. It typically combines structured exercise training, education on heart-healthy living, and counseling to reduce stress and improve mental well-being. The goal of cardiac rehabilitation is not only to restore physical strength and confidence but also to lower the risk of future heart problems by promoting long-term lifestyle changes.

A cardiac rehabilitation program is usually well-rounded, addressing multiple aspects of recovery and long-term heart health:

Nutrition:
• Heart-healthy eating plans (low in saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium)
• Guidance on increasing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
• Portion control and weight management strategies
• Education on reading food labels and making healthier choices

Exercise:
• Supervised aerobic exercises such as walking, cycling, or swimming
• Strength training to improve muscle tone and endurance
• Flexibility and stretching exercises
• Personalized exercise plans based on fitness level and medical condition

Education:
• Information about heart disease and risk factors
• Guidance on managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
• Smoking cessation support
• Medication management and adherence

Emotional Care:
• Stress management techniques (e.g., relaxation exercises, mindfulness)
• Counseling or support groups to address anxiety or depression
• Building coping skills for lifestyle changes
• Encouragement and support to improve confidence and motivation

Presidio Home Care's dedicated team can help you make the most out of your cardiac rehabilitation program, from preparing heart-healthy meals to participating in exercises with you.

03/17/2026

Packing your toothbrush properly for travel helps keep it clean and free from germs that could make you sick. Proper packing keeps the bristles from bending or getting damaged, so your toothbrush can help you effectively brush your teeth.

Follow these six steps to properly travel with your toothbrush:
1. First, Clean Your Toothbrush
Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly with hot water to remove toothpaste and debris.

2. Let It Dry
Allow the toothbrush to air-dry for a few minutes so excess moisture doesn’t get trapped during travel.

3. Use a Toothbrush Cover or Case
Place the toothbrush in a ventilated toothbrush case or a bristle cover to keep it protected from dirt and germs.

4. Pack It in a Separate Pocket
Store the toothbrush in a clean section of your toiletry bag to keep it away from items like shoes or dirty clothes.

5. Keep It Upright if Possible
If your toiletry bag allows, keep the toothbrush upright to help prevent moisture buildup and protect the bristles.

6. Unpack and Air It Out When You Arrive
Once you reach your destination, remove the toothbrush from the case and let it air-dry before using it.

03/11/2026

It's National Kidney Month. We are sharing our knowledge about managing kidney disease in our latest blog post, "What to Do When Chronic Kidney Disease Affects Your Skin."

If you or a senior loved one is living with chronic kidney disease, you might have noticed something unexpected: your skin is acting up. Read more about how to deal with skin issues as a CKD patient, here:

If you or a senior loved one is living with chronic kidney disease, you might have noticed something unexpected: your skin is acting up. Persistent itching, dryness, discoloration, and rashes are common in CKD and can be very uncomfortable. But here’s the thing—you don’t have to deal with this...

03/06/2026

Taking care of your hearing aids is important because they are delicate medical devices that help you stay connected to conversations and everyday sounds. Proper cleaning and storage prevent damage from moisture, earwax, and dust, which can affect their performance and shorten their lifespan. By maintaining them regularly, you ensure clearer sound quality, fewer repairs, and better overall hearing support.

Here are four tips for caring for your hearing aids:
1. Clean them daily: Gently wipe your hearing aids each day with a soft, dry cloth to remove earwax, dirt, and moisture. Avoid using water, alcohol, or household cleaners.

2. Store them properly: Keep your hearing aids in a dry, cool place when not in use. Open the battery compartment (if applicable) to allow moisture to escape.

3. Check and replace parts regularly: Inspect wax guards and filters often, and replace them as recommended to maintain clear sound quality.

4. Handle with care: Always insert and remove your hearing aids over a soft surface to prevent damage if they are dropped, and keep them away from extreme heat and humidity.

03/03/2026

How is sleep linked to heart health?
Those who regularly sleep fewer than six hours per night are at significantly higher risk of developing elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular complications. Insufficient sleep activates the sympathetic nervous system, increases inflammatory markers, and disrupts hormonal regulation of glucose metabolism. These physiological changes contribute to insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance. Get adequate sleep to help maintain healthy glucose metabolism and reduce systemic inflammation and lower your risk of heart disease.

As we age, the daily recommended hours of sleep changes. Adults 18 to 60 should get 7+ hours of sleep. Adults 61 to 64 should get 7-9 hours of sleep. Adults 65+ should get 7-8 hours of sleep. Home Care Aides can assist seniors with creating a quiet environment for sleep, managing insomnia, and handling disruptions that happen in the middle of the night.

02/24/2026

Regular exercise is associated with a 9% lower risk of Chronic Kidney Disease. Completing 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week can help you maintain optimal kidney function. Here are four exercise tips to keep you on track:

1. Break it up into 5 30-minute workout sessions each week. A few healthy workout ideas include: fast-paced walking around your neighborhood, swimming laps, and yoga.

2. Schedule your workout the way you would an appointment. Consider blocking out exercise time in your day, every weekday.

3. Combine strength training and cardio for optimal results. This will help you retain insulin sensitivity and control your blood pressure, both of which are important for the protection of your kidneys.

4. Make it enjoyable so that exercise becomes part of your routine. Sustainable habits are what reduce long-term chronic disease risk.

02/18/2026

Which one's right for me: gel or spray hand sanitizer?

Gel and spray hand sanitizers both use alcohol to kill 99.9% of germs. However, the textures are different, how quickly they dry is different, and how they feel on your hands is different. Gel is thick and viscous while spray is lightweight liquid mist. Application of gel hand sanitizer may take a few seconds to rub in and dry. Spray hand sanitizer dries quickly as the mist is very fine. Gel may feel sticky on the hands until it dries, but it's easy to control its placement. Spray feels mess-free, but it's easier to miss areas that should be covered.

Choose gel in high-touch settings or when full coverage is important. Choose spray when you're looking for a quick application. Gel and spray hand sanitizers are both effective as long as they contain enough alcohol -- at least 60% ethanol of 70% isopropanol -- and are applied correctly.

02/17/2026

Do I need to sanitize my computer keyboard?

Regularly sanitizing your computer keyboard is important because it can harbor more germs than many commonly touched surfaces. Keyboards can accumulate bacteria, viruses, dust, food particles, and oils from your hands, especially if you eat at your computer desk. Over time, this buildup not only poses potential health risks such as spreading colds, flu, or other infections, but can also affect the keyboard’s performance by causing keys to malfunction. Regular cleaning and disinfecting helps maintain hygiene and extends the lifespan of your device. Here are four tips for cleaning your keyboard:

1. Turn your computer off and unplug it first. Before cleaning, power down your computer or disconnect your keyboard to prevent electrical damage.

2. Shake out loose debris. Turn the keyboard upside down and gently tap or shake it to remove crumbs, dust, and other loose particles.

3. Use compressed air. Spray compressed air between the keys to dislodge stubborn dust and debris that shaking alone can’t remove.

4. Disinfect the keys properly. Lightly dampen a microfiber cloth or cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol (at least 70%) and wipe the keys and surrounding areas. Avoid pouring liquid directly onto the keyboard to prevent damage.

02/10/2026

Most people understand that too much sugar is unhealthy, but few realize how directly it damages the heart. It’s not just the obvious sweets that can impact your heart. It’s the hidden sugars in seemingly healthy foods combined with that daily soda or snack; sugar intake accumulates quickly. In honor of American Heart Month, we’re taking a closer look at sugar’s toll on cardiovascular health and identifying simple, practical steps to safeguard your heart now and in the future.

Check out our new blogpost at: https://www.presidiohomecare.com/post/understanding-how-sugar-affects-heart-health

02/09/2026

Is reusing Ziploc bags sanitary?

Ziploc has stated that their bags are generally safe for reuse, although what the bag previously held should be considered. If a bag previously held dry, non-greasy foods like crackers or bread, washing it thoroughly with warm, soapy water and letting it dry completely is safe. However, reusing bags that contained raw meat, fish, or oily foods is not advised because bacteria can cling to scratches and seams that are hard to thoroughly clean. Here are four practical tips for reusing Ziploc bags:

1. Reuse bags only used for dry or low-risk foods like snacks or bread.
2. Wash bags with warm, soapy water after each use, paying attention to the seams.
3. Allow bags to air-dry completely before storing or reusing them.
4. Throw away bags that are torn, heavily stained, or still smell after washing.

Reusing Ziploc bags can be hygienic in low-risk situations, but if a bag has held high-risk foods, it’s safer to use a fresh bag.