Dr. Izzy’s Sound News

Presented By: Isidore Kirsh, Ph.D., F.A.A.A. (N.J. Lic. #678)

Dr. Isidore Kirsh Ph.D., F.A.A.A.

Over-The-Counter (OTCs) Hearing Aids Revisited

Last fall, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration published final rules establishing a new class of hearing devices — those available over the counter (OTC). Though specific to the United States, the new category may understandably spark questions for anybody seeking hearing care.

What does it mean for you? More than ever, it’s important to seek hearing help from a trained hearing care professional. Hearing loss is complex, and self-treating could worsen an existing problem. Working with a highly trained provider can help you make safe, effective decisions for your ear health.

Here’s What Else You Should Know… OTC Hearing Aids Are for Adults Only

The new class of FDA-regulated hearing instruments are approved only for those 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. They are not available for children and might not align with one’s actual hearing loss, which could be greater than perceived.

The Right Fit Plays a Big Role To maximize comfort and functionality, hearing aids must be custom fitted to each individual and programmed to support their listening lifestyle. Hearing professionals are espe- cially skilled in helping ensure the right fit now and in the future as your hearing needs change.

You May Need Other Support Hearing loss can go hand in hand with tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or balance issues and is also associated with serious conditions such as dementia. A comprehensive hearing evaluation may help uncover additional care needs that self-treating would likely not detect.

Self-Treatment Bypasses Critical Diagnostics It takes a trained professional to get to the bottom of hearing loss, which can have causes ranging from earwax buildup to head trauma, noise exposure, infection, disease, or even some medications. Self treating without the benefit of a diagnostic evaluation can mean missing key answers.

In a world of choices, deciding the right approach for your hearing wellness can feel overwhelming. Remember, price is only an issue in the absence of value! We’re here to help with the personalized advice and care you deserve. So, don’t wait. Call to schedule your appointment today!

Dr. Izzy & his Staff can be reached at 732-818=3610 (Toms River/Whiting) or 609-978-8946 (Manahawkin) or visit us at www.gardenstatehearing.com.

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Travel Smart: The 12 Must-Pack OTC Medications And Supplements

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

In order to have more confidence while away, it’s essential to be prepared to handle the little things. This will help you avoid unnecessary (and difficult) stops at pharmacies in unfamiliar terrain.

Today, I’m sharing the 12 most important things to pack for your next trip, based on my own experiences. I bet there’s something in my list that you haven’t thought of before. For me, I like to take unit-dose pills or capsules not the entire bottle of these items, because not doing so will fill up your suitcase pretty quickly.

Let’s dive into the 12 indispensable items from a pharmacist’s perspective, to keep your travels smooth and enjoyable.

1. Antihistamine - For mild allergic reactions or itchy rashes. Claritin for day use, and Benadryl at night.

2. Cold medicine - A nose spray can help with nasal congestion or a sinus headache.

3. Anti-itch cream - Hydrocortisone cream relieves itching from bug bites, rashes, or other minor skin irritations.

4. Sleep aid - Not sleeping properly on your trip will cause misery! I recommend melatonin for jet lag, but if you have Benadryl as your anti-histamine that will also put you to sleep. You can also check out my custom formula called Sleep Script.

5. Eye drops - A redness-reliever eye drop can soothe irritated eyes from air travel or allergies.

6. Earplugs - Silicone earplugs can help you sleep through loud noises at night.

7. Pain reliever - Ibuprofen or acetaminophen are the two that I recommend. Either one of these can help relieve pain from headaches, toothaches, and muscle aches that may occur during travel. Acetaminophen is a little better for fever if you happen to get sick.

8. Anti-diarrhea medication - Imodium or other anti-diarrhea medication, along with a probiotic, can alleviate traveler’s diarrhea.

9. Electrolyte solution - Pedialyte® or similar solutions replenish fluids and electrolytes lost due to diarrhea or vomiting. It will also help you with leg cramps! You can take powder stick packets with you and make your own with some bottled water.

10. Antacids - Tums or Pepcid AC can alleviate heartburn or acid reflux symptoms after eating some spicy Pozole Rojo!

11. Bandages and antibiotic ointmentTreat minor cuts and scrapes with items like Neosporin and bandages.

12. Ginger capsules or tablets - Useful for nausea, motion sickness, or queasiness from windy roads or boat rides.

If traveling with insulin and needles, inform the airline, pack in carry-on luggage, and comply with TSA guidelines, including proper labeling and temperature control measures. Packing these essential OTC medications and supplements can prevent or alleviate many travel-related health issues, so you can focus on enjoying your trip. For chronic medical conditions requiring prescription medication, pack in their original packaging or prescription bottle.

Before closing, consider the destination. Some countries in regions such as India, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Egypt, Mexico, and Thailand have a slightly higher risk of diseases due to inadequate sanitation or water treatment facilities in some regions. As such, people are more likely to experience traveler’s diarrhea or other diseases like cholera or typhoid fever.

Residential Dementia & Alzheimer’s Community

Employers And Employees Alike Should Be Aware Of NJ’s Recently Enacted Wage And Hour Law

Christopher R. Shea Esq.

By: Christopher R. Shea, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates

Laws signed by Governor Phil Murphy make New Jersey construction contractors responsible for their subcontractors’ debts for unpaid wages and violations of employer tax law.

The first of the laws (S4064/A5801 approved as P.L.2019, c.510) says that any contract entered into on or after January 1, 2020 for the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, maintenance or repair of any building in the State other than an owner-occupied residence, the contractor making or taking the contract shall assume, and be responsible for, any debt owed to a wage claimant, or third party on the wage claimant’s behalf, incurred by a subcontractor at any tier acting under, by, or for the contractor for the wage claimant’s performance of labor under the contract.

The second of the laws (S4225/A5840 approved as P.L.2019, c.374) imposes liability on every construction contractor for subcontractors’ unpaid employer taxes under the workers’ compensation law (N.J.S.A. 34:15-1 et seq.), the unemployment compensation law (N.J.S.A. 43:21-1 et seq.), the temporary disability benefits and family leave insurance law (N.J.S.A. 43:2125 et al. and N.J.S.A. 43:21-39.1 et al.), and the New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act (N.J.S.A. 54A:1-1 et seq.). In addition, a contractor now shares civil legal responsibility for provisions of those laws regarding retaliatory actions against employees for exercising their rights under any of those laws and provisions of those laws regarding the misclassification of workers, and both the client employer and the labor contractor providing workers to the client employer may be subject to any remedy provided for violations of those laws.

The laws also pin individual liability on any owner, director, officer, or manager acting on behalf of an employer who violates any provision of State wage and hour laws or State employer