Can Vitamin D better the life of the Elderly?

Many seniors spend their days doing indoor-related activities to stay active across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens.  Although, these are great ways to spend your days, there is an increasing lack of sunlight exposure which can cause potential health issues as a person ages.  Vitamin D is a fantastic way to replenish and acquire valuable nutrients that will help you retain valuable functions as you age.  With the help of alzheimersreadingroom.com, we will discuss the value of Vitamin D in the human body, specifically as to how it relates to seniors. 

Vitamin D works in unison with Calcium to keep bones and muscles healthy and strong, preventing osteoporosis.  Calcium is not absorbed and distributed appropriately without Vitamin D.  On its own Vitamin D doesn’t do very much.  There are specific functions within the body that only work correctly by Vitamin D.  Without strong and healthy muscles and bones the elderly are at risk for falls, fractures, and even death.  Falls are the second leading cause of death in the US, with 75% of those falls occurring in the older population.  First Care of New York aides can assist with this problem by helping all of our patients of Live-In, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship programs take medication and Vitamins to prevent such issues. 

The hormone Calcitonin, which is released from the thyroid gland, can cause cartilage to degrade if Vitamin D didn’t inhibit that process. So in essence this very important vitamin can help by assisting processes or preventing processes.  Many people do not realize the heart is a muscle.  Vitamin D plays an important role in heart health, and there is increasing research recognizing Vitamin D deficiency and its association to heart disease.  Chronic inflammation can cause many diseases which may include rheumatoid arthritis, kidney and prostate disorders, autoimmune diseases, as well as disorders affecting the skin, pelvis, bowels, respiratory, and vascular systems. Vitamin D deficiency also plays a part in Type I Diabetes.

It is recommended that you ask your physician, and advocate for your loved one to get tested for Vitamin D deficiency.  You should not begin a Vitamin D supplement without knowing your lab results or speaking with your physician.  It is possible to overdose on Vitamin D, but what if a simple daily supplement of Vitamin D can help you or your loved one’s quality of life? It’s worth pursuing.

First Care talks Cancer Fundraiser

A bright sunny day, a festive atmosphere, Jon Stewart and First Care of New York were all proud, pumped and prepared to fight against Cancer.

On Sunday, June 26th, 2011 First Care of New York was out in full force along with our parents, brothers, sisters and children, participating in the 5 mile Walk/Run as part of the Hope & Possibilities Event held in Central Park. First Care of New York was there in matching blue t-shirts and the universal pink ribbon paying homage to all the brave men and women fighting against Cancer. We are proud to announce that we raised over $10,000 for Cancer research, funds that went directly to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The race commenced at Central Park and 72nd street, where we ran/walked up hills, through beautiful and scenic Central Park with people from all over New York State including the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens. We cheered everybody on as the runners, joggers, trotters and walkers all made it to the finish line. But the biggest cheers were for the brave men and women who completed the course on wheelchairs, with prosthetic limbs and other disabilities. These participants made it to that finish line with cheers and applause in what amounted to a total team victory. We are proud that all of our participants finished the course. We took pictures, congratulated each other and went home with the pride and satisfaction of having done something truly great. Below are just a few of the reactions from some of our runners about their experience with the event as a whole:

“I enjoyed walking for a good cause and getting to spend the time with my co-workers. Plus I got to meet Jon Stewart. Yay!”

"It was inspiring to see the community support those in need".

"Truly inspirational"

“The Giving is Receiving turned inside out!!!”

“It was a great experience, for a great cause in honor of my Grandmother and many others”.

“I must say the environment and the ambience was grand, we were well received. As the parent of a US Marine who is now serving abroad, it brings great joy to my heart watching the injured service men and women participate in the walk. Seeing the elderly and injured do so well, it gave me encouragement to reach the finish line, and we all did!”

Yes, we did.

First Care Fundraiser Countdown

We are at the half way point of 2011, and have been absolutely thrilled that you and your loved ones have been so happy with our services and support thus far. At First Care of New York, we aim to reach our singular goal of satisfying your every need, at all times. Every year we set goals in terms of service and support for our clients, as well as in the community. As you read earlier this year, one of the biggest community events that we have will take place in less than 9 days. Since December 2010, we have been raising funds and have participated in awareness campaigns for the 2011 Hope & Possibilities Walk/Run 5K event. On June 26th, 2011, First Care of New York will be part of this event which will be held in Central Park. Since December, we have been raising money that will be donated to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center as part of this event.


This year we added a little wrinkle in hopes of surpassing last year’s fundraiser total by announcing a very special raffle that everyone can participate in for a great cause, and to win great prizes. The raffle tickets cost only $10, and 100% of the proceeds will go towards donations for cancer research. The $10 dollar raffle ticket will make you eligible to win one of 3 prizes: a 16 GB I-Touch, a Home Theater System or a 40’ HD Television. If you wish to participate in the raffle or are interested in acquiring raffle tickets, you may ask for Rina at 718-741-5956.

First Care of New York aims to donate, time, money, effort and sweat to this event as several of our family members will participate in the actual 5 mile race. Many of our participants are the same people who provide our Live in Care, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship services. The other members will be on the sidelines encouraging and cheering on their friends and family.

The actual Walk/Run 5K event features some 6,000 runners who are from all kinds of backgrounds who run in different levels including: runners with disabilities, prosthetic limbs, wheelchairs and open divisions, thereby excluding no one. First Care participates in this event to raise community awareness and raise funds for Cancer research. It is a cause that is near and dear to the First Care family, and we are committed to raising funds for this next year’s event as well. We are less than 10 days away, if you wish to donate, purchase a raffle ticket or sell raffle tickets call Rina at 718-741-5956, on behalf of First Care of New York we thank you.

National women’s health awareness week

This week is quite a special week as this is the week that we inspire the beloved women in our lives to get up and get themselves checked out to make sure they are still as healthy as the first day we met them. At First Care of New York we encourage you to stay healthy. While we care for those that are in need of home care services we still believe that a routine check up and screening is a key component to staying healthy. An early screening can mean a better chance of living a healthier lifestyle and a quicker path to recovery.

As per the president Barrack Obama’s proclamation “National Women's Health Week is also an opportunity for women of all ages, ethnicities, and economic circumstances to take simple, everyday steps to embrace healthier lifestyles. This week, we encourage women to schedule their annual checkups and talk to their health care provider about important health screenings, many of which will be free of charge because of the Affordable Care Act. All American women and their loved ones can visit www.WomensHealth.gov and www.GirlsHealth.gov for more information and resources on living longer and healthier lives.”

We at First Care of New York are proud of the fact that all our aides (including the men) are up to date and continue to get their yearly physical keeping them all as healthy as possible to provide the wonderful services that they provide to our clients. First Care aides provide such services as helping our clients with bathing, grooming, toileting, and even housekeeping. Our aides provide the services that help our clients remain healthy throughout the New York City area as we provide services in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens.

A Mother’s Day Blog…

On this very special weekend, we celebrate the women in our lives all over the world who have lost, given, and loved with all of their being. She may have been the person who gave birth to us, or the person who raised us, even the person who taught or fed us. Whether her skin today is flawless or wrinkled, she still possesses that presence, that aura that we respect and love for all the things she has done for us and who she is.

This weekend, we pay homage to those women all over the world: to the Mothers’, Motherly figures, Motherly influences and Mothers’ pulling double duties as fathers as well. Many of these women serve our thousands of clients all across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan Areas, performing duties for Men and Women of all ages. These women care for these patients with class, style and pride. The women we have that coordinate, assess, administer and provide our great Live in Care, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship services are to be saluted and thanked for all of their efforts.

Mother’s Day should quite honestly be celebrated every minute, but for this occasion, we at First Care of New York thank all of you who have been so instrumental in allowing us to provide care for our Mothers’ and yours, today and tomorrow.

Home Care After Plastic Surgery

Recovery is a very important step to minimize pain and discomfort and improve your healing process. Before the patient leaves the doctor’s office the doctor might change your bandage and prescribe some pain medication and possible other items. Then you are off to your home to recover. Sometimes healing might take longer if you have any health problems such as diabetes.
A common complaint by outpatient plastic surgery patients is that their spouses or friends are not prepared to provide recovery assistance. Busy households and hectic schedules make rest, relaxation and compliance to activity restrictions difficult. Patients without aftercare assistance may experience longer and more difficult recovery courses. At First Care of New York we can help you recover with the proper care you will need. After any surgery your doctor will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your recovery.

First Care of New York can provide you with a highly skilled certified aide that can provide many services such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Our caring aides pamper their clients and follow all the doctors’ instructions to help keep you as comfortable as possible. First Care of New York aides can provide this caring all in the comfort of your own home. Our aides will keep you safe, relaxed and away from the general public while you recover.

Our Homemakers prepare a highly nutritious meal, which is important for a speedy recovery. The prepare meals that are rich in protein, zinc and vitamin C, which are recognized to promote healing. The aide will pamper you by bringing you ice or ice packs to help reduce swelling. Also, they will help you get your post surgery accessories on and off your body as well as helping you dress, bathe, toileting and grooming you so you may recover properly. Our aides may provide around-the-clock care at any home, hotel or other facility. Your time after plastic surgery needs to be dedicated to rest and recuperation not anxiety and deterioration.

You can count on First Care of New York to be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for any and all Live in Care, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship. We can offer these services all across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens. We keep all information from our clients 100% confidential and your safety and security is our number one concern. Please feel free to give us a call at (718) 741–5950 and let’s begin the nature of healing.

First Care and the Community

Spring is a coming! The weather is warming up and First Care of New York has already made several commitments to be a part of a variety of events across New York City this coming Spring and Summer in a community near you. We have events that will cover the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens Areas including Long Island City!
In May, we will be part of the Bronx Health Conference on East 149th St, beginning at 9am, with the purpose of presenting and educating the community on our wide range of services including Live in Care. On May 18th, we will be in Long Island City for a Health Fair Event beginning at 10 am, where we will talk about our Personal Care services and our unique Private Care option for homecare services for residents of the area. On May 21st, we are thrilled to be participating in the Spring Community Fair in Queens, New York, this is an event geared for residents of the five Boroughs who want information and are interested in learning about services such as our Home Health and Companionship programs.

On June 26th, First Care of New York will be a part of the “Hope and Possibilities” 5K Walk/Run and we will be there front and center participating in the race and raising money for Cancer research. We are currently raising money for the event through a fundraiser and are accepting donations 100% of which will be donated to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for Cancer research. These are just a few of the events that we plan on participating in during the warm months to come and if you wish to have us be a part of your event, or to participate in our Fundraiser raffle, please feel free to contact Rina at 718-364-7251.

Community Health Fair
Wednesday, May 18th, 2011 from 10am-3pm
36-11 21st Street, Long Island City, New York

Spring Health Fair
Saturday, May 21st, 2011 from 11am- 5pm
57-02 Hoffman Drive, Queens, NY 11373

Hope & Possibilities 5K Walk/Run
Sunday, June 26th, 2011 from 8am- 1pm
If you wish to donate money or for more information please click here.

Private care services

We are proud to introduce a new division of services dedicated to the private pay community. At First Care of New York we are the caring company that individuals and families rely upon for home care services. As a home care provider we are able to help those that are required to pay for home care services out of pocket. Home care is not as costly as it was once thought to be. Being at home, one can continue to enjoy the same lifestyle that one is accustomed to.

We provide private pay home care services in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens. For your convenience a nurse can be scheduled to visit you or your loved one at home to evaluate the level of care that is needed at no cost for you. They will help clarify some questions you or your loved one may have. We can provide as much care as is needed from a couple of hours a week to 24 hour live-in care and everything in between. We have highly trained home health aides, personal care aides, homemakers, and nursing care. First Care is a licensed home care service agency that provides top quality aides to all our clients.

While considering care for yourself or a loved one we must look very carefully at our options. Some might consider a nursing facility or some type of senior living facility if they are elderly. This might sound like a good idea but it can be costly, disruptive to yourself or loved one and you might not be able to know the exact level of care your loved one is receiving if they are away at a facility.

Nursing facilities can accumulate cost at an alarming rate as most services as separated and attached to a different cost. Secondly, you would have to move or have your loved one moved to the facility which we all know moving is always a hassle, things are broken and we lose our beloved neighbors and neighborhoods. At a facility less people will be able to visit you as you or your loved one might be moved to a distant location.

We all enjoy the comforts and safety of our own home especially when we are worried about our health and physical condition. Lastly, not knowing the type of care that is being provided is always an added stress to us. The only easy and realistic solution to all these options would be to get home care services.

We are regulated by the NYS department of Health and are accredited by The Joint Commission. We do a thorough background check and training of all our aides to ensure your level of care is being met by the appropriate personnel. We also consider confidentiality a major priority for all our clients. If you would like to receive more information please feel free to contact us for a free consultation at 718-741-5950 or visit us on the web at http://www.1st-care.org/.

Depression: The Signs and Symptoms

At First Care of New York, Inc, we are here to help out with emotional and health concerns like depression. Our staff is trained to recognize and handle clients’ who may be dealing with depression when visiting patients’ homes in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan areas. Our home health aides and personal care aides are trained to help you; they serve as companions during those hard and dark times, we also have Live-in care for those of you who may need 24 hour support. No matter the time, day or place, we want to brighten your day with care. But what is depression? What signs of depression exist? How can I come out of it?
What is depression?

As per medical inference of Depression, it is an interruption of a person’s regular mood, thought process, feelings, or behavior. During depression, there is a loss of interest in one’s every day pleasurable activities and functions of daily living. Unfortunately, there are symptoms’ other than emotional ones that are associated with depression.

Some signs and symptoms’ include:

Headaches
Muscle aches
Chest pain
Digestive problems
Exhaustion and Fatigue
Sleeping Problems
Change in weight/appetite
Dizziness and or Lightheadedness
Drug/ alcohol abuse
Loss of concentration, trouble thinking/ loss of memory
Thoughts of self hurt/pain/suicide
Crying excessively
Overly emotional/mood swings

Keep in mind everyone can react differently. Depression can lead to long term physical and mental health problems such as:

Relationship problems/family/friends
Eating disorders/Anorexia
Suicide
High blood pressure/heart problems
Work/ School conflict

There are steps you can take in order to overcome depression:

Improving your communication with friends or family
Keep yourself busy
Surround yourself with happy, influential, motivational people
Listen to inspirational music/ read inspirational books
Seeing a counselor/ social worker/ psycho-therapist
Anti-depressive medications

Pain Management

This week First Care of New York is dedicating our weekly post to managing pain.  A big part of our philosophy here is to minimize and if possible eliminate the chances of our clients experiencing physical pain. The topic of pain management can cover a wide-range of topics, but as a company that offers Live in Care, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship services; we are uniquely qualified to answer and discuss the subject from different angles.  Some information used in this post is courtesy of medicinenet.com.  Pain management can be simple or complex, depending on the cause of the pain.  Many treatments exist for similar ailments, some ailments are less painful, but obstruct you or require using certain equipment to do everyday tasks.  Other ailments obstruct a person more, primarily because of the actual pain involved.  Many ailments are treated or alleviated using interventional procedures, medication management, physical or chiropractic therapy, psychological counseling and support, acupuncture and other alternative therapies; or referrals to other medical specialists or services…like First Care of New York!


We understand that pain does a lot more than limit a person; it can discourage, frustrate and even dissuade a person from trying to do things to get better.  At First Care we help our clients from the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan or Queens areas manage their pain.  We help them with everything from medication, to physical movements to help them improve their mobility, and arrange to help them get to medical appointments and other services.  Interventional and medicinal treatments are by far the most common, as physical and psychological treatments are more common for seniors. We are happy to be able to offer both the access and the means to you the client, by playing a small role in helping you overcome the pain and live on.