Posts Tagged ‘oak park’

Adult Day Care at the Oak Park Arms

The Oak Park Arms Adult Day Care, a life enrichment program for older adults, opens Monday, Jan. 7, at the Oak Park Arms, 408 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park.

“The purpose of Oak Park Arms Adult Day Care is to provide personal attention and to promote social, physical and emotional well-being to seniors in a private, structured setting,” said Moses Williams, executive director of the Oak Park Arms.

“Participants will spend their daytime hours with their day care family, then return home in the evenings,” he explained.

A nurse consultant works with each program participant, his or her family and the staff to design individualized care plans that will optimize the adult day care experience. Among the array of activities will be educational programs, presentations from experts, performances, arts and crafts, current events, games, reminiscing opportunities and health maintenance.

Oak Park Arms Adult Day Care will operate from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Continental breakfast, a hot healthy lunch and a nutritious afternoon snack are served daily.

The program is housed within the award-winning Oak Park Arms Retirement Community in a safe and secure private area.

“Our adult day care is a healthy and safe place for a loved one,” Williams said. “Our promise is to enhance the lives of the people we serve. We are very proud to offer this new enrichment program.”

For more information, visit http://www.oakparkadultdaycare.com or call 708-386-4040.

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About the Oak Park Arms
The Oak Park Arms is a rental retirement community which provides senior housing in the form of independent living and assisted living apartments. Additional services include short-term stays, a transitional care program, and an adult day care. “The Arms” opened as a luxurious hotel in 1922 and for decades, it was the scene of wedding receptions, proms and ballroom dances. In the mid-1970s, two friends bought the hotel and created an active retirement community that was – and remains – full of life, service and spirit. Today, the same two friends remain involved and committed to excellence, ensuring that The Arms continues as an industry leader with a legacy of eminence and distinction.

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.

Watching network TV for an evening is a blur of commercials, many of them health related. Each remedy promises easy solutions to a host of ailments. It’s easy to understand the appeal of these promises, but there is still plenty of truth to the old saying, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Today, there are more ways than ever to sell untested products. In addition to TV, radio, magazines, newspapers, infomercials, mail, telemarketing, and even word-of-mouth, these products are now offered over the Internet—with websites describing miracle cures and emails telling stories of overnight magic. Sadly, older people are often the target of such scams.

According to National Institute on Aging, the problem is serious. Untested remedies may be harmful. They may be dangerous when used with medicines prescribed by the doctor, they may waste money, and sometimes, using these products keeps people from getting the medical treatment they need.

Living with a chronic health problem is difficult, so it’s easy to see why people might fall for a false promise of a quick and painless cure. What makes the elderly so vulnerable to this kind of thing? After all, they’re not stupid. They are, however, trusting. They don’t expect crooks to be calling them. They want to take people at their word. They don’t want to appear rude by hanging up on a caller.

According to Associate Content.com Elderly people also tend to worry about their health and the increasing costs of medical care, and this makes them vulnerable to scams offering phony health insurance. In addition, elderly people are embarrassed about falling for such scams and don’t want their children to find out. They may fear that their children will think they are no longer competent to care for themselves and may worry about losing their independence.

Typically, ads or telemarketing calls target diseases that have no cures like diabetes, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Beware:

• Cancer cures
• Anti-aging medications
• Arthritis remedies
• Memory aids
• Dietary supplements
• Health insurance

Question what you see or hear in ads, telephone calls, or on the internet. Find out about a product before you buy. Don’t let a salesperson talk you into making a snap decision. Most important, check with your doctor first.

Look for red flags in ads or promotional material that:

• Promise a quick or painless cure
• Claim the product is made from a special, secret, or ancient formula
• Offer products and services only by mail
• Use statements or unproven case histories from so-called satisfied patients
• Claim to be a cure for a wide range of ailments
• Claim to cure a disease (such as arthritis or Alzheimer’s disease) that hasn’t been cured by medical science
• Promise a no-risk, money-back guarantee
• Offer an additional “free” gift or a larger amount of the product as a “special promotion”
• Require advance payment and claim there is a limited supply of the product

Two Federal government agencies work to protect people from health scams. The Federal Trade Commission can help you spot fraud. The Food and Drug Administration protects the public by assuring the safety of prescription drugs, biological products, medical devices, food, cosmetics, and radiation-emitting products. If you have questions about a product, again talk to your doctor.

Yoga: a young person twisted up like a pretzel with apparent ease. That image is not necessarily the complete story. In fact, yoga is for all ages; no one is too old or too young for yoga.

One of the great things about yoga is that it is so adaptable to different populations with various physical abilities and needs. Most seniors are doing what they can to maintain and improve a sense of health and wellness. Many of the 36 million or so Americans who are 65 or older (stat provided by: about.com) are turning to yoga to keep them stay agile and in shape.

Although the trend is to become more sedentary, retirement is actually the perfect time to pick up healthy habits that will promote longevity. Yoga is well-suited for seniors, because it is low-impact, and risk of injury is minimal because the discipline does not require any contact with anyone or anything. In addition, yoga’s weight-bearing postures help build or maintain lean muscle mass, and its focus on balance develops coordination.

Yoga also helps combat many of the health conditions that come with age such as high blood pressure, arthritis and incontinence, because it keeps the body toned, strong and flexible..

An added benefit (and an important one) is the sense of community seniors find at yoga classes. As many elders live in isolation, the group setting of a yoga class offers seniors a way to connect.

According to dietsinreview.com, there are many yoga postures that can be safely performed by seniors. Such postures have both a restorative and therapeutic benefit to them. Of course, adaptations and adjustments should be made according to the person’s health status and their physical ability.

• Easy Pose (Sukhasana): The simple act of sitting down and breathing deeply and fully has an enormous capacity to tone the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems while also lengthening the spine, resting the mind, and cultivating a sense of peace. The beginner can do this posture for a minimum of 10 breaths and gradually work up to maintaining this posture for five to 10 minutes.
• Cat Pose (Bidalasana): This grounding posture helps tone the arm muscles while also strengthening the core and alleviating tightness in the low and upper back and neck. The beginner can do this posture for a minimum of five breath cycles and gradually work their way to doing more.

Older adults should get clearance from their doctor before starting a yoga practice. This is especially relevant for those who take medications or have a prior or current history of cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions. In addition, individuals should also seek out classes specifically designed for seniors, as they will take into account the unique health issues affecting them

Yoga classes especially for seniors are becoming increasingly available: check local senior centers, retirement communities, religious organizations and even health clubs.

Mary Maryland, PhD, RN, will present a talk titled, “Sweet Dreams: How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep,” at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 21, at the Oak Park Arms retirement community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave.

Dr. Mary, as she’s affectionately called, will present important information on the topic of sleep.

A National Sleep Foundation poll of older adults found a close relationship between the health and quality of life of older adults, and their sleep quantity and quality. It found that the better the health of older adults, the more likely they are to sleep well. Conversely, the greater the number of diagnosed medical conditions, the more likely they are to experience sleep problems.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends tips for better sleep:

• exercise in the afternoon,
• avoid stimulants such as caffeine for at least three or four hours before bed,
• go to bed at the same time every night and wake at the same time each morning,
• avoid alcohol in the later evening, and
• try taking naps, but remember that sleep in the daytime affects sleep at night.

After the presentation, Dr. Mary will answer questions from the audience.

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 or visit http://www.oakparkarms.com.

What causes that dark, unsightly mark on a limb known as a bruise? Unable to remember bumping into anything, an older adult may be baffled about how a new bruise happened. It’s common to experience easy bruising with increasing age, because blood vessels become more fragile with age.

Bruises result when trauma or a blow to the body damages or ruptures tiny blood vessels under the skin. Not only are the elderly more prone to bruising, less force is required to cause a bruise. And with greater impact, deeper bruises of the muscles or bone can happen, which take longer to heal.

According to A Place for Mom, the medical term for a bruise is a contusion. What happens is blood leaks out of the vessels and initially appears as a bright or dark red, purple or black mark. Eventually the body reabsorbs the blood, and the mark disappears. If a bruise increases in size and becomes swollen and hard, it may be a hematoma, a localized collection of blood which becomes clotted or partially clotted.

Some people – especially women – are more prone to bruising than are others. In fact, several factors may contribute to increased bruising, including (Mayo Clinic):

• Aging capillaries – Over time, the tissues supporting these vessels weaken, and capillary walls become more fragile and prone to rupture.
• Thinning skin – With age, skin becomes thinner and loses some of the protective fatty layer that helps cushion blood vessels against injury. Excessive exposure to the sun accelerates the aging process in the skin.

Generally, the harder the blow, the larger the bruise. However, if a person bruises easily, a minor bump – one they may not even notice – can result in substantial discoloration. Arms and legs are typical locations for bruises.

Blood-thinning drugs such as aspirin and warfarin (Coumadin) or medications such as clopidogrel (Plavix) reduce the blood’s ability to clot. Because of this, bleeding from capillary damage that would normally stop quickly may take longer to stop, allowing enough blood to leak out to cause a bruise.

In addition, certain dietary supplements such as fish oil and ginkgo also may increase bruising, because these supplements have a blood-thinning effect. Make certain the doctor knows about any supplements.

Bruise prevention

Below are some steps to take to prevent bruising from falls and collisions:

• Hold the handrails on stairways.
• Don’t stand on a chair to get to something.
• Clear floors where you walk.
• Mount grab bars near toilets, tubs and showers.
• Place non-skid mats, strips, or carpet on all surfaces that may get wet.
• Put night lights and light switches close to your bed.
• Tack down all carpets and area rugs.
• Always close cabinet doors and drawers so you won’t run into them.
• Be especially careful around pets.

“Grandparents hold our tiny hands for just a little while, but our hearts forever.”
- Anonymous

The joy of being a grandparent is immeasurable. Some think grandparenting is even better than parenting – not as much pressure or worry and lots more sheer enjoyment. And they do go home, don’t they?

Most new grandparents are shocked by the depth of love they experience. It’s as if grandchildren are compensation for growing old.

Grandparenting is an opportunity to play, to love a young child again, and to appreciate the magic of a developing mind. Grandparents can share the things they’re passionate about with a new audience; experience music, nature, the zoo, museums, reading, gardening, theater and other interests in conjunction with a curious young mind.

Grandparenting is an opportunity to watch children develop through all stages of growth; it is an invitation to learn about ‘their’ music and ‘their’ passions and to provide input that parents cannot.

Usually, grandparents have the benefit of interacting on a level that is once removed from the day-to-day responsibilities of parents. This can make it easier to develop a close bond with grandchildren. From near or far, grandparenting can provide continuity in a child’s life, since grandparents are often the family historians who can add a rich sense of family tradition to a child’s life.

Contact with grandparents can teach children positive attitudes towards aging and help them develop skills to enhance their own lifelong learning.

Making the most of your grandparenting time from HelpGuide:

• Carve out one-on-one time. On occasion, spend time with individual grandchildren. It will give  an opportunity to bond, without competition.
• See the sights. Concerts and plays, movies, zoos, science centers and museums, parks or simple walks in the neighborhood provide opportunities to be together and to exchange ideas and opinions.
• Play games. Board and card games are a unique opportunity to watch kids in action and to see how they operate in the world. Games also allow you to help your grandchild learn to be a good sport and play fairly.
• Communicate family history. Tell stories about games or trips you shared when the grandchild’s parents were young. This is a great way to weave a ‘tapestry’ of shared experiences for the whole family.

The holidays are a time of merriment, family and food – lots of food. It is not unusual for people to gain 5 to 10 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Yes the food is part of it all, but holiday eating needn’t be high in fat, sugar and calories and short on nutrition. Just a few minor ingredient changes can make all the difference. Just think – you may not have to have to make the diet resolution this year!

According to HealthDiscovery.net, mulled cider or lowfat eggnog are good alternatives to high fat eggnog. Eggnog can also be diluted with skim milk. Nonalcoholic or de-alcoholized wines are improving all the time and make a great alternative for the holidays.

Skim milk and other ‘low’ or ‘no’ fat dairy products can be used in recipes whenever possible.

All meats should be cooked on a rack so fat can drip away. Another good idea is to baste with low fat broth instead of the drippings from the pan.

Fortunately, most vegetables contain little or no fat. Avoid smothering vegetables with thick creamy sauces or butter. In addition, salads are a great at a holiday meal.

Rather than cooking stuffing inside of poultry or a roast, cook the stuffing in a casserole dish or aluminum foil in the oven. This will reduce the amount of fat in the stuffing.

Making gravy from a low fat broth rather than the drippings from poultry or a roast is a good way to reduce fat. Or add ice cubes to cool drippings. The fat will stick to the cubes and can be removed.

Cranberries are an excellent source of Vitamin C. However, the canned version looses much of the nutrients. If you make your own, substitute some artificial sweetener for some of the sugar in the recipe.

A good dessert is angel food cake which contains little or no fat when served with fruits such as strawberries or raspberries.

There are many ways in which you can help to strike a balance between maintaining a healthy diet and joining in with the fun and festivities. Here’s a list from PivotalAdvisor.com:

1. Exercise: Yep, you have to do it, but start slowly. Try a brisk walk before the day takes over. Stretching in the evening helps with relaxation.
2. Review your cooking methods: Grill, don’t fry. Use spray oils. Lighten up on the sauces.
3. Invest in lower fat ingredients for cooking: By swapping regular ingredients, foods and drinks for their half-fat alternatives you can make a big cut-back on fat and calorie consumption.
4. Prepare for outings: If there’s a social function ahead, eat a low-fat, healthy snack before the party. You may not lose control at the party – at least food-wise.
5. Be wary of sugary foods: Always remember that rich, sugary foods have a nasty habit of making us crave yet more rich and sugary foods.
6. Stock up on healthy snacks: When shopping, buy some healthy snacks such as raw carrots and celery.
7. Moderate alcohol intake: Alcohol contains calories and lots of them. Try lower-calorie beers and wines.
8. Be assertive: If you say “No thanks” don’t be bullied into eating more.
9. Leave what you don’t want: When you feel full, stop eating. Simple. (Really, it isn’t so simple, but try it.)
10. Spend extra calories carefully. If homemade red velvet cake is a “must,” don’t eat a mediocre appetizer.

And happy holidays!

On my way to our retirement community this morning I was flipping through the channels on my radio and landed on NPR. I heard a report about the common cold that I thought I would pass on. The findings of the report said one thing you might expect – Get more than eight hours of sleep a night.

The other finding was to exercise on a daily basis. Researchers recruited about 1,000 volunteers between age 18 and 85 to complete a daily log of symptoms throughout cold and flu season.

At the end of the three-month study, the researchers found that the more the participants exercised, the less they reported getting sick. Those who exercised five days a week for 20 minutes or more experienced about 40 percent fewer days of illness compared with those putting in less than one day a week of activity.

For those seniors who live in the Oak Park area, (River Forest, Forest Park, Berwyn, Elmwood Park, Chicago, Riverside, North Riverside, Cicero, Brookfield, Maywood, Melrose Park, Broadview, Lyons, Galewood, River Grove) feel free to come to the Oak Park Arms to get your daily exercise. We have free classes almost every day for our residents and seniors in the Western suburbs. Classes include Sit and Be Fit, Chair Yoga, Tai Chi for Seniors, monthly ballroom dances with a live orchestra, and more. Check our calendar of events for seniors.

Here is the full report from NPR. Or click here to listen to the story.

Whether it’s shoulder, knee or hip joint replacement, aftercare is vitally important. Early motion after joint replacement helps achieve the best possible function. And motion is typically started 48 hours post surgery.

According to University of Washington, arthritic joints are stiff. One of the major goals of total joint replacement surgery is to relieve much of this stiffness. However, following surgery, scar tissue will tend to recur and limit movement unless motion is started immediately. This early motion is facilitated by the complete surgical release of the tight tissues so that after surgery the patient has only to maintain the range of motion achieved at the operation.

All new joint patients need to have a regular exercise program to maintain their fitness and the health of the muscles around their joints. With both their orthopedic and primary care physicians’ permission, they should be on a regular exercise program 3 to 4 times per week lasting 20 to 30 minutes.

General Tips from Texas Health Resources

• Patients should take antibiotics one hour before having dental work or other invasive procedures for their lifetime. Patients are recommended to take antibiotics before, during, and immediately after any elective procedures in order to prevent infection of the replaced joint
• Although the risks are very low for postoperative infections, it is important to realize that the risk remains. A prosthetic join could possibly attract the bacteria from an infection located in another part of the patient’s body. A fever is reason to call the doctor.
• Occasionally, antibiotics may be needed. Superficial scratches may be treated with topical antibiotic ointment. Patients should notify their doctor if the area becomes painful or reddened.
• Patients are given an implant card by their surgeon that states they had a joint replacement. They should carry the card with them, as they may set off security alarms at airports, malls, etc. Also when traveling, patients should stop and change positions hourly to prevent the joint from tightening.
• Patients should visit their surgeon yearly unless otherwise recommended. Routine initial, mid-term and long-term follow up is a valuable part of joint replacement care.

According to the Mayo Clinic, patients usually require some assistance with self-care, activities of daily living, shopping and driving for approximately six weeks after surgery. Patients usually go home after this surgery, especially if there are people at home who can provide the necessary assistance, or if such assistance can be arranged through an agency. In the absence of home support, a convalescent facility may provide a safe environment for recovery.

Recovery of comfort and function after joint replacement continues for many months after the surgery. Improvement in some activities may be evident as early as six weeks. With persistent effort, patients make progress for as long as a year after surgery.

Future activities are generally limited to those that do not risk injuring the replaced joint. Sports that involve running or contact are avoided, in favor of leisure sports, such as golf, and swimming.

Swimming is the ideal form of exercise, since the sport improves muscle strength and endurance without exerting any pressure or stress on the replaced joint.

See you at the pool!