Narcan can be valuable resource in Carson City

I recently came across an article in The New Yorker that really caught my eye, it’s about reviving victims’ drug overdoses, OD to most people. In shorthand it’s called Narcan from the first syllables of “narcotic antagonist.”

I also saw a reference to it in an Appeal health budgets story in which it got one paragraph and pretty much nothing more.

I saw two officers in a squad car at the Nugget parking lot and asked if Narcan was used by the local police. The officers said they weren’t aware of it. We don’t hear a lot about ODs in Carson, possibly because families and friends don’t want to admit to them. But surely we suffer from ODs like the rest of the country. Here’s more of The New Yorker article by Ian Frazier:

“In Narcan the antagonist drug is called naloxone and it acts almost instantly as it is highly soluble in the blood, reversing the effects of heroin or pain relief opioid pills in one or two minutes. Originally Narcan was administer intravenously but now in general use is nasal-spray injector.”

Having Narcan easily available would be a lifesaver for family and friends reacting to an overdose. Even seniors may want to have Narcan available for ODs in the home.

In New York City Narcan kits have been distributed to police, firefighters and EMTs and have been credited with saving lives. I hope our police are equipped with Narcan.

I would expect families with a drug using member would really like to have a Narcan kit.

MISSED BURNING MAN?

If so, the Eldorado Casino show in Reno presents a modest replica of the dancers tossing flaming torches about just before the Man burned. The show is called “Spectra” and is running for another month or so with discounts for seniors.

CASUAL OVEREATING

I get all kinds of newsletters about health all wanting me to subscribe, which I often do. Recently the Nutrition Action Healthletter had some information of interest to seniors and everyone else. Some excepts:

Stouffer’s Satisfied Serving (16 oz.) white meat chicken pot pie has only 590 calories, 13 grams of saturated fat and 930 mg. of sodium. But that’s only for half a pie. Eat the whole thing and you take in 1,180 calories, 26 grams of saturated fat and 1,860 mg. of sodium (more than a day’s worth).

Many use Campbell’s soups. An average cup of regular condensed soup contains 2,030 mg. of sodium. Most people eat the whole can, winding up with all that sodium. Try Campbell’s Healthy Request soups with sodium in the low 400s.

The Cheesecake Factory’s Chocolate Tower Truffle cake weighs three-quarters of a pound and includes 1,900 calories and 62 grams of saturated fat or three days worth on a regular diet.

The Starbuck’s Venti (20 ounces) White Chocolate with 2 percent milk checks out with 580 calories, 14 grams of saturated fat and 11 teaspoons of added sugar. Try the Tall (12 ounces) with nonfat milk at 270 calories and only 3 1/2 grams of saturated fat.

EXERCISE AT HOME

Health experts constantly tell us exercise is critical to good health. But you don’t have to pay $50 a month for a spa or gym. I do an hour a day and sometimes add 30 minutes of aerobics on the treadmill and stationary bike. Here are some helpful things to use at home:

Exercise mat for crunches, yoga, push-ups and stretches — $20.

Free weights from 5 to 20 pounds, $10 and up a pair. I use 8 pounders early and later a 10-pounder for crunches, $10 to $50 a pair.

Heart rate monitor helps keep track of the intensity and make sure you don’t go too far outside your target zone.

Kettle ball is a ball with a loop attached. Used in swinging moves and it helps burn calories and builds lean muscles in abs, arms, glutes, legs and shoulders. I’ve never used one but plan on adding it to my schedule. About $20 and up.

Stability ball, also called the Swiss Ball. I use this daily to ease back pain by reclining on my belly with my legs back with toes touching the floor. About $30.

It adds up to perhaps the initial fee at a spa or gym and then it’s yours to use. No one exercise routine fits all so you may want to ask a fitness trainer what would be right for you. And, of course, check with your doctor for an OK to exercise.

Sam Bauman writes about senior issues for the Nevada Appeal.