Posts Tagged ‘health’

Interim Healthcare will present a lecture titled, “Cataract, Glaucoma & Blood Pressure,” at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, at the Oak Park Arms retirement community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave.

Blood pressure, if it is too high, can damage the small, delicate vessels that supply blood to the eyes. High blood pressure also increases a person’s risk for cataracts and glaucoma.

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye, which eventually clouds the vision. Although cataracts develop slowly, with time it can become difficult to read, drive a car or even see the expression on a friend’s face. Fortunately, cataract surgery is a generally safe and effective procedure.

Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders resulting in optic nerve damage, usually caused by abnormally high pressure inside the eye. This may cause loss of vision, and is in fact one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S.

It is estimated that over four million Americans have glaucoma but only half of those know they have it. People over 60 are considered a part of the high risk group for developing this disease. It is important to get eyes examined regularly, as early diagnosis and treatment can minimize or prevent optic nerve damage.

Interim Healthcare is the nation’s oldest healthcare franchise company. With more than 300 locations in 43 states, it provides nursing, therapy and non-medical home care, hospice and healthcare staffing.

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. Seating is limited, and reservations are required. For more information call Jill Wagner at 708-386-4040.

Brent Cutro, D.O., will lead a discussion on arthritis at “Breakfast with the Docs” at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 23, 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. A loss of cartilage causes the bones to rub together which results in pain, swelling (inflammation) and stiffness.

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)

This disease typically worsens with age. Treatment options vary depending on the type of arthritis, however proper diet (including enough protein) and exercise can help alleviate discomfort. In addition, stretching daily, warm baths and massages help relieve muscle tension.

Dr. Cutro is a new physician at the Oak Park Arms. Prior to joining the Arms he practiced internal medicine at West Suburban Hospital.

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.

For more information, or to reserve a seat, call Jill Wagner at 708-386-4040.

Nurse Pat from Interim HealthCare will present a talk titled “Smiles for Seniors” at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 9, at the Oak Park Arms retirement community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave. This seminar is part of the ongoing “Here’s To Your Health” monthly series.

With proper dental care, a person’s teeth can last a lifetime. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily, along with regular dental check-ups, will keep teeth and gums healthy.

Although gum disease is not a normal part of aging, seniors may be at a higher risk for developing it because of certain medications, wearing dentures or general health conditions. Other changes as people age, such as receding gums, can also contribute to a faster build up of plaque.

The most common contributors to gum disease include:
•    bad diet
•    poor oral hygiene
•    diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease
•    environmental factors (i.e. stress and smoking)
•    certain medications that affect gum condition

Because gums naturally recede over time, decay on root surfaces and an increase in sensitivity and cavities become more common in older adults.

Seniors may especially have a difficult time properly cleaning teeth because of conditions such as arthritis. When this is the case, increasing the size and length of the toothbrush often helps.

The size and length of a toothbrush can be increased by:
•    wrapping the handle with tape to make it bigger
•    inserting the handle into a rubber ball or bicycle grip handle
•    taping tongue depressors, popsicles or rules to the handle
•    attaching a wide elastic band to the toothbrush and sliding it under the hand

A battery or electric-powered toothbrush is also a great solution for many people. For easier flossing, a number of aids can be purchased at the local drugstore.

Even people who do not have any teeth should visit the dentist at least once a year for a comprehensive oral exam which screens for signs of oral cancer and other oral health or medical problems in the mouth, head and neck areas.

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.

Mary Maryland, PhD, RN, will present a talk titled, “Cancer Awareness” at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at the Oak Park Arms retirement community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave. Dr. Mary, as she’s known, will present important information about cancer.

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 percent of all cancers are 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 also can 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, death can result.

Years ago, people diagnosed with cancer didn’t have very long to live. Today more than 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/or 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.

Ajay Nehra, M.D., will present a discussion on urology and aging at “Breakfast with the Docs,” at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, at the Oak Park Arms retirement community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave.

Roughly 13 million Americans suffer from urinary incontinence—the involuntary leakage of urine. Though it can happen at any age, it is often a condition seen in the older population.

One in five individuals over 40 suffers from overactive bladder or symptoms of urgency or frequency and over 50 percent of seniors in the nursing home population experience elderly urinary incontinence.

As a person gets older, muscles in the bladder and urethra lose strength. Changes with age reduce how much the bladder can hold and can increase the chances of elderly incontinence. Despite weakening muscles, however, incontinence isn’t normal at any age except during infancy.

Causes of incontinence can widely vary, from simply not drinking enough water to more serious conditions like an inflamed bladder wall.

Types of urinary incontinence include:

•    Stress Incontinence- Pressure exerted on the bladder from sneezing or coughing causing loss of urine
•    Urge Incontinence- A sudden, intense urge followed by an involuntary loss of urine
•    Overflow Incontinence- Frequently or constantly dribbling urine
•    Mixed Incontinence- Suffering from more than one type of incontinence
•    Functional Incontinence- Inability to make it in time due to physical impairment (i.e. arthritis)
•    Total Incontinence- Continuous leaking

There are ways to improve this condition. Changes in diet, such as eliminating alcohol, acidic foods and caffeine, and regular exercise to strengthen the lower body can help. Medications may also be used in conjunction with behavioral techniques to decrease incontinence.

Dr. Nehra serves as the vice chairperson and professor and director of men’s health in the Department of Urology at the Rush University Medical Center. Prior to his current position he was a professor of urology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

He received his medical degree from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, where he also completed an internship. He went on to complete a transitional surgical internship at Malden Hospital in Massachusetts, a surgical residency at Boston University School of Medicine, and a residency at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he served as chief resident in urology.

Currently Dr. Nehra serves as president-elect of the International Society of Men’s Health and as editor of the Journal of Men’s Health. In addition, he has contributed over 130 articles and 170 abstracts to numerous peer-reviewed journals.

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.

For more information, or to reserve a seat, call Jill Wagner at 708-386-4040.

Mary Maryland, PhD, RN, will present a talk titled, “Cancer Awareness” at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, 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.

A professional from Interim Health Care will present a talk titled, “Alzheimer’s Awareness” at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11 at the Oak Park Arms retirement community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave. The public is invited to this free program.

Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, and the only case in the top 10 list that cannot be prevented, cured, or even slowed down. There are currently 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain’s nerve cells resulting in loss of memory, thinking and language skills.
Though it is the most common cause of dementia (loss of intellectual function) among people aged 65 and older, Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging.
Typical warning signs include:
•    Memory loss, especially of recent events, names, placement of objects, and other new information
•    Confusion about time and place
•    Struggling to complete familiar actions, such as brushing teeth or getting dressed
•    Trouble finding the appropriate words, completing sentences, and following directions and conversations
•    Poor judgment when making decisions
•    Changes in mood and personality, such as increased suspicion, rapid and persistent mood swings, withdrawal, and disinterest in usual activities
•    Difficulty with complex mental assignments, such as balancing a checkbook or other tasks involving numbers

What causes the onset of Alzheimer’s is still a mystery, but research indicates that it may be triggered by factors including age, genetic makeup, damage to neurons from overproduction of toxic free radicals, serious head injuries, brain inflammation and environmental factors.
Age is the most important known risk factor of the disease. In fact, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease doubles every five years beyond the age of 65.
While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are several approved medications which may provide relief from some symptoms and slow the decline in mental function to some extent.
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.

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