Archive for the ‘Senior Health’ Category

Mary Maryland, PhD, RN, will present a talk titled, “Cancer Awareness” at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at the Oak Park Arms retirement community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave. Dr. Mary, as she’s known, will present important information about cancer awareness.

Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the U.S., exceeded only by heart disease. Half of all men and one-third of all women will develop cancer in their lifetime.

Anyone can develop cancer. About 1,500,000 new cancer cases were diagnosed in 2011. Since the risk of being diagnosed with cancer increases as individuals age, most cases occur in adults who are middle-aged or older. In fact, about 77 percent of all cancers are diagnosed in people 55 years and older.

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Mutations in the genetic blueprint of cells—the DNA—cause them to become abnormal. About 5% of all cancers are strongly hereditary, in that an inherited genetic alteration confers a very high risk of developing one or more specific types of cancer. However, most cancers do not result from inherited genes, but from damage to genes occurring during one’s lifetime.

Genetic damage may result from either internal or external factors. Internal factors include hormones, inherited mutations, immune conditions or mutations that occur from metabolism of nutrients within cells.  External factors such as tobacco, infectious organisms, chemicals, sunlight and radiation can also damage cells.

Cancer is caused by both internal and external factors. These causal factors may act together or in sequence to initiate or promote carcinogenesis. If the spread of these cells is not controlled, it can result in death.

Years ago, people diagnosed with cancer didn’t have very long to live. Today over 13 million people in the U.S. are either cancer survivors or currently battling the disease.

Cancer is treated with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, biological therapy, and targeted therapy.

The Oak Park Arms is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information call Jill Wagner at 708-386-4040

“Breakfast with the Docs” focuses on arthritis and features rheumatologist Max Harris, M.D. and orthopedic surgeon Sarkis Bedikian, D.O. It takes place at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, at the Oak Park Arms retirement community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave.

Roughly one in five adults is diagnosed with arthritis, and over 50% of those ages 65 or older suffer from some type of arthritis.

Arthritis–the inflammation of one or more joints which results in pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement–develops as a result of the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage lines a joint, cushioning it and allowing for smooth movement. Cartilage also absorbs shock when pressure is placed on the joint, like when a person walks. Without the usual amount of cartilage, the bones rub together, causing the pain, swelling (inflammation), and stiffness.

Dr. Bedikian specializes in adult hip and knee reconstruction. He is on staff at West Suburban Medical Center in River Forest and has also published numerous orthopedic papers. Dr. Bedikian holds a degree in osteopathic medicine from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University in Downers Grove. There he completed an Orthopaedic Surgery residency, after which he went to the University of Chicago for an Adult Reconstruction fellowship.

A graduate of the Rush Medical College of Rush University in Chicago, Dr. Harris has over 30 years of experience with rheumatoid arthritis. He currently practices in Oak Park and is a member of the American College of Rheumatology, as well as the Arthritis Foundation and the Chicago Rheumatism Society.

Both Dr. Harris and Dr. Bedikian are board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians. They will be discussing the latest treatment options for managing arthritis.

While there are over 100 different types of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common forms. Osteoarthritis typically develops because of normal wear and tear, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder.

Symptoms of arthritis include:
•    Persistent joint pain
•    Pain or tenderness (in a joint which is aggravated by movement)
•    Joint deformity
•    Loss of range of motion or flexibility
•    Inflammation (joint swelling, stiffness, redness, and/or warmth)

Symptoms of this disease typically worsen with age. Treatment options vary depending on the type of arthritis, however proper diet (including enough protein) and exercise can help alleviate discomfort.

The Oak Park Arms is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.

The event is free and open to the public. And it’s not called “Breakfast with the Docs” for nothing. Participants who attend will also be served a healthy breakfast. Reservations are recommended. For more information, or to reserve a spot, call Jill Wagner at 708-386-4040.

A health professional will present a talk titled “Diabetes” at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9, in the Terrace Room at the Oak Park Arms retirement community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave. The public is welcome to attend this free event.

Diabetes is a chronic (lifelong) disease in which there are high levels of sugar in the blood. Two common types of diabetes are: Type 1–an auto-immune disease where the body destroys insulin and Type 2—a disease characterized by insulin resistance.

According to a new study from researchers at the University of Chicago, if the current trend continues, the number of diabetes cases will nearly double in the next 25 years, rising from the current 23.7 million to 44.1 million in 2034.

The cost of treating this many people will triple, rising from $113 billion to $336 billion, and Medicare spending on diabetes will skyrocket from $45 billion to $171 billion. It’s the domino effect.

Over 20 million Americans are affected with diabetes, with over half of those cases occurring in people 55 or older. As people get older, their risk for type 2 diabetes increases. In fact, one in four people over the age of 60 have diabetes.

How does diabetes develop?

Food is broken down in the body to be used as energy. When food is digested a sugar called glucose enters the bloodstream. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas meant to regulate blood sugar. Because glucose is a source of fuel for the body, it is the role of insulin to move glucose from the bloodstream into fat, liver and muscle cells to be stored for energy.

Diabetes can be caused by too little insulin, resistance to insulin, or both. People with diabetes have high blood sugar because their bodies cannot move the sugar from the bloodstream through the body properly.

High blood sugar levels can cause several symptoms, including:

•    Blurry vision
•    Excess thirst
•    Fatigue
•    Frequent Urination
•    Hunger
•    Weight Loss

Older patients may have several co-existing conditions that can mask the symptoms of diabetes, making a diagnosis difficult. This can also affect the management of diabetes as people age. Treatment involving a combination of medicine, diet and exercise helps control blood sugar and prevents symptoms and problems.

If left untreated, complications may include:

•    Trouble seeing, light sensitivity or blindness
•    Sores and infections on skin and feet that could result in amputation
•    Nerve damage in the body
•    Kidney disease
•    Higher blood pressure and cholesterol
•    Heart disease and stroke

Luckily, there are a few things that can prevent such appalling numbers. A recent 10-year trial called the Diabetes Prevention Program showed that overweight people with elevated blood sugar levels who lost a modest amount of weight lowered their risk of developing diabetes by at least a third. People age 60 and over saw even more dramatic results, cutting their risk of diabetes during the study period by about half.

If everyone would take three easy steps, the surge in diabetes might be better controlled:

•    Lose weight.
•    Eat right (low fat, lower calories) most of the time.
•    Take a walk (or exercise) 30 minutes five days of the week.

The Oak Park Arms is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information call Jill Wagner at 708-386-4040.

Michael Pritchard said, “You don’t stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing.” To that end, David Kelm of Forest Park will lead “Laughter Yoga” at 10:15 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, at the Oak Park Arms, 408 S. Oak Park Ave.

It has been determined that just 10 minutes of laughter is similar to a 30-minute workout. In this 45-60 minute class, participants will experience self-triggered laughter through a blend of playful, empowering and otherwise “tension-releasing” laughter and breathing exercises.

Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain and conflict. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring the mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. You need not be happy, have a sense of humor or have any initial reason to laugh to take part in this class. Kelm will shed light on some of the whys and wherefores of intentional laughter.

Humor lightens burdens, inspires hopes, connects one to others, and keeps a senior grounded, focused and alert. With so much power to heal and renew, the ability to laugh easily and frequently is a tremendous resource for seniors to deal with their problems, enhance their relationships, and support both physical and emotional health.

Kelm has been a certified Laughter Yoga Leader through the American School of Laughter Yoga in Oceanside, CA. since 2006. He also studied under Dr. Kataria, the founder of the Laughter Yoga movement. Kelm has held monthly Laughter Yoga sessions in Oak Park for half a decade and has facilitated sessions for a variety of clubs and organizations. He is also a member of the local group of Laughter Yoga Leaders, the Chicago Coalition of Chuckles.

The Oak Park Arms is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call Jill Wagner at 708-386-4040

A health professional will present a talk titled “Pneumonia and Flu” at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, in the Terrace Room at the Oak Park Arms retirement community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave. The public is welcome to attend this free event.

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs, usually caused by infection. Bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites can cause pneumonia. Pneumonia is a particular concern if you’re older than 65 or have a chronic illness or impaired immune system. It can also occur in young, healthy people.

Pneumonia can range in seriousness from mild to life-threatening. Pneumonia often is a complication of another condition, such as the flu. Antibiotics can treat most common forms of bacterial pneumonias, but antibiotic-resistant strains are a growing problem. The best approach is to try to prevent infection.

Pneumonia symptoms can vary greatly, depending on any underlying conditions you may have and the type of organism causing the infection. Pneumonia often mimics the flu, beginning with a cough and a fever, so you may not realize you have a more serious condition.

Common signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include:

•    Fever
•    Cough
•    Shortness of breath
•    Sweating
•    Shaking chills
•    Chest pain that fluctuates with breathing (pleurisy)
•    Headache
•    Muscle pain
•    Fatigue

Ironically, people in high-risk groups such as older adults and people with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems may have fewer or milder symptoms than less vulnerable people do. And instead of having the high fever that often characterizes pneumonia, older adults may even have a lower than normal temperature.

Because pneumonia can be life-threatening, someone with symptoms should see the doctor as soon as possible, especially if there is a persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and unexplained fever — especially a lasting fever of 102 F (38.9 C) or higher with chills and sweating.

The Oak Park Arms is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information call Jill Wagner at 708-386-4040

An event titled “Breakfast with the Doctor” with Dr. Maria Chon takes place at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, March 29, at the Oak Park Arms retirement community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave. The subject is feet, and free foot screenings will be available to all attendees.

The weight of the world rests on a person’s feet. Podiatrists can help older people stay on their feet and continue to be active. Feet change with the aging process and so does the ability to care for feet.

Some common foot changes include:

• decrease in the foot pad on the bottom of the foot
• calluses
• thickening or thinning of toenails
• arthritis
• swelling

Mobility can be affected by bunions, hammertoes, corns, calluses and a multitude of other foot issues. Feet take a beating – five to seven times your body weight with every step, and start to break down late in life as the fat pad under the foot shrinks, tendons weaken and arthritis sets in.

If one has foot pain or any changes in the skin on the feet, a podiatrist can make recommendations to improve health.

Some common sense tips about good foot health:

• After bathing, one should dry well between the toes. This will decrease the development of athlete’s foot which can lead to further infection.
• Dry skin can be alleviated by using a moisturizing cream on the feet and legs.
• Toenails need to be trimmed. If health problems make it difficult to cut toenails, seek a professional, because if toenails are too long or thick, they can create more problems.
• Wear properly fitting shoes. Pressure from shoes or stockings can promote ingrown nails or cause sores to develop under the nails.
• Don’t let minor foot problems develop into large emergencies. If something is red, swollen and/or painful, consult your podiatric physician as soon as possible.

Dr. Chon has had an office in the Oak Park Arms for 14 years. It’s located in the south wellness corridor. Her office is open three days a week and she takes most major insurances. For an appointment, call 708-848-7334.

The Oak Park Arms is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call Jill Wagner at 708-386-4040.

Hmmm. I misplaced my memory. Everyone “of a certain age” knows the frustration and/or embarrassment of being unable to remember something – names, book titles, where the keys are, etc. Most of this is normal, and certainly it’s not a reason for panic.

According to familydoctor.org, information is stored in different parts of your memory like this:

• Information stored in recent memory may include what you ate for breakfast this morning.
• Information stored in the short-term memory may include the name of a person you met moments ago.
• Information stored in the remote or long-term memory includes things that you stored in your memory years ago, such as memories of childhood.

It is true that a person loses brain cells from the time of young adulthood. The body, too, starts to make less of the chemicals brain cells need to work. The older you are, the more these changes can affect your memory. Also aging may affect memory by changing the way the brain stores information and by making it harder to recall stored information. Short-term and remote memories aren’t usually affected by aging. But recent memory may be affected.
At least half of those over age 65 say that they are more forgetful than they were when they were younger, experiencing “senior moments” about things like where they put things or recalling somebody’s name. Forgetting a friend’s name or not remembering a lunch date is something that most people without dementia do from time to time.

Of course, increasing forgetfulness should be checked out by the doctor. But for the annoying absentmindedness that plagues almost all older adults, remember (ha!) to keep a sense of humor.
Six Great Tips to Boost Memory: (www.seniorsforliving.com )

• Puzzle power: Brain activities like crossword puzzles or Sudoku can help keep the mind clear and focused.
• Lifelong learning: Stimulating mental activities like attending a lecture can aid in memory retention.
• Tea time: Have a cup or two of green tea. Studies have shown that green tea extracts improves cognition and spatial awareness in rats.
• Breathe out: Don’t stress. Some of the most common memory zaps include stress and anxiety. Activities like reading or meditation can help the brain stay clear.
• Social butterfly: Maintain strong social ties through social groups to help preserve memory.
• Get moving: Daily exercise for half an hour a day such as walking or jogging can help improve memory.

You may have no teeth, but you still need to see the dentist. Bummer, right? According to www.seniorsdaily.net, gum care is important – teeth or no teeth – and a dental professional needs to make certain that dentures fit properly. They may need to be relined, and they may no longer fit correctly.

Of course, dentures are the last resort, and every effort should be made to keep permanent teeth as long as possible. Even if you have lost some teeth, a partial denture is preferable to removal of all remaining teeth if those teeth are still in acceptable condition.
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Two types of dentures are available – complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.

According to www.webmd.com, complete dentures can be either “conventional” or “immediate.” Made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has begun to heal, a conventional denture is ready for placement in the mouth about 8 to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed.

Unlike conventional dentures, immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. As a result, the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period.

However, bones and gums shrink over time, especially during the healing period following tooth removal. Therefore a disadvantage of immediate dentures compared with conventional dentures is that they require more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process and generally should only be considered a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be made.

A removable partial denture or bridge usually consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, which is connected by metal framework that holds the denture in place in the mouth. Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. A fixed (permanent) bridge replaces one or more teeth by placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the space and attaching artificial teeth to them. This “bridge” is then cemented into place. Not only does a partial denture fill in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from changing position. A precision partial denture is removable and has internal attachments rather than clasps that attach to the adjacent crowns. This is a more natural-looking appliance.

Are There Alternatives to Dentures?

Yes, dental implants can be used to support permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost is usually greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble the feel of real teeth. Dental implants are becoming the alternative to dentures but not everyone is a candidate for implants. Consult your dentist for advice.

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Dentures?

Most dental insurance providers cover some or all of the cost of dentures. However, contact your company to find out the specifics of what they will cover.

How Are Dentures Made?

The denture development process takes about three weeks to 1.5 months and several appointments. Once your dentist or prosthodontist (a dentist who specializes in the restoration and replacement of teeth) determines what type of appliance is best for you, the general steps are to:

1. Make a series of impressions of your jaw and take measurements of how your jaws relate to one another and how much space is between them.

2. Create models, wax forms, and/or plastic patterns in the exact shape and position of the denture to be made. You will “try in” this model several times and the denture will be assessed for color, shape, and fit before the final denture is cast.

3. Cast a final denture

4. Adjustments will be made as necessary

A dozen facts about dentures (www.denturehelp.com):

1. Dentures don’t last forever.

2. Even if dentures fit perfectly, you should still see a dental professional regularly.

3. No one has to know you’re wearing dentures.

4. Denture wearers can eat more normally.

5. Denture wearers can speak more clearly.

6. Adhesives can play a role in denture’s fit and comfort.

7. Over-the-counter and prescription medications can affect dentures.

8. Don’t assume regular denture care is too costly.

9. Never try to make your own denture repairs.

10. With planning, denture corrections can often be made in one day.

11. Don’t avoid replacing your denture just because you don’t want to go through another long adjustment period.

12. All dentures are not created equal. If you look for the lowest price, you’ll get what you pay for.

Oh my aching knee… so says someone with arthritis – one of the most prevalent chronic health problems in America. According to arthritis.org, 46 million people suffer from it. That’s one in five adults. That’s a lot.

Arthritis strikes more women than men, and half of those Americans with arthritis don’t think anything can be done to help them. Of course, Baby Boomers are now at prime risk. More than half those affected are under age 65.
Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints which results in pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement. There are over 100 different types of arthritis.

Arthritis involves the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage normally protects the joint, allowing for smooth movement. Cartilage also absorbs shock when pressure is placed on the joint, like when a person walks. Without the usual amount of cartilage, the bones rub together, causing pain, swelling (inflammation), and stiffness.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type and is more likely to occur with aging. It may be felt in any joint, but according to Mayo Clinic, (www.mayoclinic.com)  the most common affected joints are hands, hips, knees, neck and lower back.
Factors that increase the risk of osteoarthritis include older age, gender, bone deformities, joint injuries, obesity, and certain occupations that involve repetitive stress on a particular joint. Also people with gout, rheumatoid arthritis, Paget’s disease of bone or septic arthritis are at increased risk of developing osteoarthritis.

The bad news is osteoarthritis gradually worsens with time, and no cure exists. But osteoarthritis treatments can relieve pain and help maintain an active lifestyle.

The following are ideas that can help a great deal:

• If you’re experiencing pain or inflammation in your joint, rest it for 12 to 24 hours. Find activities that don’t require repetitive movement. Try taking a 10-minute break every hour.
• With the doctor’s approval, get regular exercise. Stick to gentle exercises, such as walking, biking or swimming. Exercise can increase endurance and strengthen the muscles around the joint, making the joint more stable. Avoid exercising tender, injured or swollen joints. If you feel new joint pain, stop. New pain that lasts more than two hours after you exercise probably means you’ve overdone it.
• Being overweight or obese increases the stress on your weight-bearing joints, such as your knees and your hips. Even a small amount of weight loss can relieve some pressure and reduce your pain. Aim to lose 1 or 2 pounds a week, at most. Most people combine changes in their diet with increased exercise.
• Both heat and cold can relieve pain in your joint. Heat also relieves stiffness and cold can relieve muscle spasms. Soothe a painful joint with heat using a heating pad, hot water bottle or warm bath. Heat should be warm, not hot. Apply heat for 20 minutes several times a day. Cool the pain in your joint with cold treatments such as with ice packs. You can use cold treatments several times a day, but don’t use cold treatments if you have poor circulation or numbness.
• Creams and gels available at the drugstore may provide temporary relief from osteoarthritis pain. Some creams numb the pain by creating a hot or cool sensation. Other creams contain medications, such as aspirin-like compounds, that are absorbed into your skin. Pain creams work best on joints that are close the surface of your skin, such as your knees and fingers.
• Assistive devices can make it easier to go about your day without stressing your painful joint. A cane may take weight off your knee or hip as you walk. Gripping and grabbing tools may make it easier to work in the kitchen if you have osteoarthritis in your fingers. Your doctor or occupational therapist may have ideas about what sorts of assistive devices may be helpful to you. Catalogs and medical supply stores also may be places to look for ideas.

And finally, learn about living your best life with arthritis. Understand the challenges and changes arthritis brings on and how they affect relationships and families. Find practical solutions to make daily activities easier as well as the information you need to deal with health insurance and the cost of care.

Many people set resolutions to “lose weight,” but not to reach a “healthy weight,” and there is a big difference. In order to become healthier, seniors need to know why excess weight is so bad for the human body, what a healthy weight range is, and steps needed to reach a healthy weight.

In terms of overall health, the World Health Organization reports that excess weight and obesity contribute to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and stroke, and certain forms of cancer. In addition, excess weight negatively affects blood pressure and cholesterol and puts increased strain on joints.

Mentally, obesity can lead to low self esteem because of feelings of rejection, social discrimination, unattractiveness, and guilt from a perceived lack of self control. All of these add up to a very high cost to carry excess weight.

What is a healthy weight? According to WebMD.com, one common method for determining a healthy weight range is to use a body mass index (BMI), however, BMI does not take into account how much of your weight is muscle and how much is fat. Another tool is to use waist circumference. For men, waist circumference should not exceed 40 inches and women, unless pregnant, should not exceed 35 inches. There are more accurate tests to determine BMI and waist circumference should not be seen as the gold standard for healthy weight measures, they are helpful for establishing a target weight range.

There is no magic bullet to lose weight. Until science produces effective medications, it always has been and it always will be – eat less and move more. Eating less doesn’t mean volume-wise but calorie-wise. Incorporating more fruits and vegetables is step one. Another idea is to substitute low fat dairy products for full fat and choose leaner cuts of meat. Choose whole grains over refined carbohydrates.

Some foods, while high calorie, have significant health benefits. These include the healthy fats in avocados and nuts as well as the fiber in beans. These foods can be eaten in moderation. Sodium and sugar intake needs to be in moderation, too. Too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure, and too much sugar will cause spikes in blood sugar levels. Also, drink plenty of water.

Physical activity is a key ingredient to reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. The best way is to find things you love doing. Take a walk, ride a bike, or swim laps at a local pool. If dancing is a passion, find a class. The “sneak in exercise” approach includes parking in the furthest spot, take grocery bags out of the car one at a time, walk to the mailbox instead of driving, and pace around the table while talking on the phone. These measures add up.

To end on a humorous note, some apt proverbs:

• Don’t dig your grave with your own knife and fork. ~English Proverb
• Your stomach shouldn’t be a “waist” basket. ~Author Unknown