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Health Articles
05.14.13
Every 28 seconds, someone in America is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. More the 36 million people are living with dementia today and that number is projected to rise to 115 million by 2050, according to by The World Health Organization (WHO).
Dementia is a chronic brain disorder that affects memory, thinking and the ability to perform everyday tasks. There is no cure for dementia. But research has shown that a great deal can be done to support and improve the lives of people living with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia.
Art helps keep mind active
The Alzheimer’s Association – Delaware Valley Chapter provides arts-related programming to people with dementia who live in Philadelphia and surrounding counties.
“Art is so powerful, without using words. For people with cognitive decline, it’s really a valuable outlet. Exposure to music and art not only allows people with dementia an outlet for expression, it also provides ongoing brain stimulation,” says Claire Day, vice president of constituent services for the Alzheimer’s Association – Delaware Valley Chapter.
Programs at REC Center
People with early stage dementia can participate in programs at The Rocket Educational Community (REC) Center, 399 Market Street, Suite 102 in Philadelphia. Activities can include social engagement with peers, stimulating cultural events, creative activities and art therapy. There is a nominal charge for each eight-week session.
04.23.13
It's important to dispose properly of expired or unwanted medications to make sure they don't fall into the wrong hands, or pollute the water supply.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled a National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day for Saturday, April 27, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is an opportunity for those who have unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of those medications.
The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposal, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of these medications.
04.23.13
AIDS Library of Philadelphia
A project of Philadelphia FIGHT
1233 Locust Street
215-985-4851
The AIDS Library is free and open to the public, providing information on HIV prevention, treatment, history, research, statistics and referrals to regional and national resources. Free computer access, computer classes and one-on-one tutorials are available.
LGBT Elder Initiative
267-546-3448
info@lgbtei.org
The LGBT Elder Initiative (LGBTEI) supports successful aging
for LGBT older adults through education, information, training and
advocacy. The LGBTEI is an
all-volunteer, grassroots organization.
LGBT Health Resource Center 1700 Market Street, 18th Floor
215-985-6873
SafeGuards is dedicated to educating gay men about the HIV virus and how to prevent its spread; today a full-time staff conducts testing for HIV and STDs.
Philadelphia FIGHT1233 Locust Street, 3rd floor
215- 985-4448
FIGHT is a comprehensive AIDS service organization.
03.19.13
New screening recommendations for people who have been heavy smokers follow the results of a U.S. National Cancer Institute study. There was a 20% reduction in deaths among older smokers in this study who had an annual CT screening for lung cancer.
The American Cancer Society now recommends that older current or former heavy smokers have a low-dose CT scan to screen for lung cancer. This includes current smokers aged 55 to 74 and those who have quit in the past 15 years with a 30 pack-year history.
Pack-years are calculated by multiplying the number of packs smoked a day by the number of years. For example, one pack daily for 30 years, two packs daily for 15 years, or three packs daily for 10 years would each calculate to 30 pack-years.
"Screening is not a way to make smoking safe from cancer deaths, and certainly does nothing to prevent smoking-related deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart disease," said Dr. Norman Edelman, chief medical officer at the American Lung Association.
03.19.13
The impact of bone health goes far beyond the bones themselves, according to the National Institutes of Health. Bones protect the brain, heart, and other organs from injury. They also store minerals, such as calcium and phosphorous, which help keep our bones strong, and release them into the body when needed for other uses.
According to NIH, it is never too late to improve your bone health. Here are some suggestions the Center offers:
03.12.13
A new screening recommendation follows publication of a U.S. National Cancer Institute study that found a 20% reduction in deaths among older smokers who had an annual CT to screen for lung cancer.
The American Cancer Society now recommends that older current or former heavy smokers have a low-dose CT scan to screen for lung cancer. This includes current smokers aged 55 to 74 and those who have quit in the past 15 years with a 30 pack-year history.
Pack-years are calculated by multiplying the number of packs smoked a day by the number of years. For example, one pack daily for 30 years, two packs daily for 15 years, or three packs daily for 10 years would each calculate to 30 pack-years.
"Screening is not a way to make smoking safe from cancer deaths, and certainly does nothing to prevent smoking-related deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart disease," said Dr. Norman Edelman, chief medical officer at the American Lung Association.
The American Cancer Society emphasizes smoking cessation counseling as a high priority and stresses that CT screening is not an alternative to quitting smoking.
"It has been proven repeatedly that mere chest X-ray screening is insufficient to provide any benefit to survival. Whether or not [the new] screening recommendations are accepted by Medicare and private insurance companies will eventually determine how broadly these recommendations are implemented," said Dr. Michael Under with Allied Healthcare Associates in Northbrook, Ill.
02.19.13
February is American Heart Month, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) urges you to take the “Million Hearts” Pledge by resolving to:
- Be physically active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.
- Ask your doctor if you should take an aspirin every day.
- Find out if you have high blood pressure or cholesterol, and if you do, get effective treatment.
- If you smoke, get help to quit.
01.15.13
Now in its sixth season, A&E’s Emmy-Award-winning reality TV show “Hoarders” has a special section on its website for “Casting.” A questionnaire there is clearly designed to weed out borderline cases from hard core hoarders, asking, can the person use furniture for the intended purpose? prepare food in the kitchen? bathe in the bathroom? sleep in their own bed?
It’s estimated that between one and three million people in the United States have a hoarding problem, according to Grace Harrison, a licensed nursing home administrator, consultant and professor at the University of the Sciences. Among her areas of expertise is the problem of hoarding.
“This is one of the anxiety disorders,” Harrison says. While the instinct may be to go in with trash bags and haul everything away, she says “the worst thing you can do is clear it all out. There is increasing anxiety which gets attached to the objects, so if you remove the objects, the person becomes extremely anxious.”
Not all cases are as extreme as those featured on A&E; but, she says, there are key questions to ask that help distinguish a collector or a poor housekeeper from a hoarder.
“Where you cross the line between being a collector and being a hoarder is when it begins to interfere with your life,” she says.
01.15.13
Various treatment and assistance options are available for hoarders and their families, depending on the nature and degree of the problem.
Treatment is available
Individuals may wish to contact their primary physicians and insurance carriers for referrals and information about coverage through Medicare. Psychological and behavioral treatment for hoarding, obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders among older adults is available through some geriatric psychiatrists.
The following practices specialize in treating these behaviors in all ages:
The Center for Emotional Health of Greater Philadelphia
856-220-9672; www.thecenterforemotionalhealth.com
Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, University of Pennsylvania*
215-746-3327; www.med.upenn.edu/ctsa
*Does not accept any insurance
Reporting danger
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging's Older Adult Protective Services investigates and responds to reports of elder abuse, neglect, financial exploitation or abandonment. All reports are strictly confidential.
If you suspect an elder is in danger, call the PCA Helpline: 215-765-9040 (24 hours a day)
Support and resources
Support groups can also be a valuable tool for both hoarders and their families.
01.01.13
NIH offers easy-to-use website
The recently redesigned National Institutes of Health (NIH) Senior Health website offers easy-to-navigate health and wellness information for older adults. The website features health videos up-to-date medical information; tips for healthy living; and inspiring stories of older adults who are coping with diseases or conditions of aging.
Users can resize text as needed, and people with low-vision can change contrast. A “share” button allows you to easily share information via Facebook, Twitter and more.
Tune-up tips for winter health
"Just as we prepare our car and change our wardrobe for the winter months, it’s also important to pay attention to winterizing our meals for health,” says Susan Gibson, nutrition manager at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. She offers the following advice.
11.20.12
Exposure to harsh winter weather and cold temperatures can kill, whether you are outside or living in a home with insufficient heat.
Older adults are at an especially high risk for hypothermia, commonly called ‘cold stress,’ which is caused by excessive body heat loss and exposure to cold. According to The American Geriatric Society, 50% of hypothermia deaths occur in people age 75 or older.
Even mild cold can have adverse health effects on the elderly because of compromised circulation and respiratory conditions. Cold stress can happen indoors at temperatures of 60° to 70°F.
Those who don’t dress warmly enough; live in a cold house; lack shelter from the elements; eat poorly; or take prescription medications for high blood pressure, nervousness, depression, poor circulation or sleeplessness; are at risk for cold stress.
According to Sharon Congleton, RN, BSN, health promotion nurse supervisor at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA), symptoms of a cold stress emergency include:
• Body temperature below 95°F
• Uncontrolled shivering
• Excessive sleepiness
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Lack of coordination
• Weak, slow pulse
• Slow breathing
• Puffy face
• Cold, stiff muscles
• Trembling on one side of the body or in one extremity.
If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or someone else, call 9-1-1. Hypothermia is a medical emergency.
11.06.12
Don’t wait until the last minute to research your health insurance options. Many factors play into choosing the best, most affordable coverage for you, so it’s important to comparison-shop.
APPRISE is a free health insurance counseling program designed to help older Pennsylvanians with Medicare.
Specially trained APPRISE counselors provide reliable, easy-to-understand information about Medicare, Medicaid, including Part D; Medigap and private insurance programs such as long term care. APPRISE counselors can answer questions about:
•Prescription coverage, including Medicare Part D, PACE, PACENET, veteran’s benefits and drug manufacturer’s assistance programs
•Medicare coverage, claims and billing questions
•Medicare supplements and Medigap insurance
•Long term care insurance
•Programs to help low-income seniors pay their Medicare premiums and prescription medication costs.
APPRISE counselors provide one-on-one help. To locate an APPRISE counselor, click on "Read More," below.
10.23.12
Health care costs can take a big bite out of anyone's income; they can hit especially hard for older people living on fixed incomes who may be encountering more health problems as they age.
There are discount and free programs available to help with vision and dental care, and prescriptions. Some are for seniors only; others are open to people of all ages.
10.09.12
Both the supporters of President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act, and advocates of the Romney/Ryan plan, to warn of cataclysmic repercussions if the other candidate becomes President.
Evaluating the plans and warnings
Because the Affordable Care Act is a law, if Obama is re-elected, the near-term changes for Medicare are spelled out, though the long-term impact is not known.
Romney says he would seek repeal of the Affordable Care Act and its Medicare provisions. Instead, the Romney/Ryan plan would rely largely on the free market to cut ballooning Medicare costs. But their plan is not fully delineated and could change significantly in the hands of Congress, depending on its political make-up. And so, the long-term impact of the Romney/Ryan plan is also open to speculation.
Here then, are some of the major known aspects of the two versions of Medicare’s future:
Coverage of preventive care
Under the Affordable Care Act, seniors now get a free preventive screening exam each year (no deductible is charged). Also, a number of other preventive services such as mammograms, are also free. Those free preventive services immediately go away if the Affordable Care Act is repealed and the Romney/Ryan plan is enacted.
“Doughnut hole “ – to close or not to close?
The “doughnut hole,” under which individuals pay out of pocket once their drug expenses exceed a certain amount, is already shrinking. By 2020, through the Affordable Care Act, it will be eliminated. (In 2012, the doughnut hole kicks in at $2930 in drug expenditures and ends when expenses reach $4700, at which point Medicare picks up 95% of drug costs). Under Romney/Ryan, the doughnut hole remains.
10.09.12
Celebrity health guru Dr. Andrew Weil will bring his new book, and share his signature mix of alternative and conventional medicine to Philadelphia later this month.
Weil headlines "Forever Young," a full day of health and wellness activities, presented by the Raymond and Miriam Klein JCC on October 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown, 17th &Vine Streets.
Weil will present several lectures at the event, and will be the keynote speaker at the $200-a-plate fundraiser luncheon. His latest book, “True Food,” comes out this month, and will be available for purchase at the event. There will be a 30-minute book-signing for the general public. Luncheon attendees will each receive a signed copy.
09.11.12
Exercise isn't just good for building muscles -- it's also been proven to help build bones and stave off cognitive decline.
A 21-year study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, concluded that certain activities had a significant beneficial effect in reducing risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Activities that benefit the brain were found to include reading, writing for pleasure, doing crossword puzzles, playing cards and playing musical instruments; plus physical activities like tennis, golf, swimming, bicycling, dancing, walking for exercise and doing housework.
Bones benefit too
Like muscle, bone is living tissue that responds to exercise by becoming stronger. For most people, bone mass peaks during the third decade of life. After that time, we can begin to lose bone.
Women and men older than age 20 can help prevent bone loss with regular exercise. Exercising allows us to maintain muscle strength, coordination, and balance, which in turn helps to prevent falls and related fractures. This is especially important for older adults and people who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis.
09.04.12
It's important to keep your immunizations current, regardless of your age. For those age 50 and over, there are specific risks, and recommendations.
Chickenpox, for example, packs a double whammy; if you had it as a child, the virus stays in your system and can reappear as shingles, a nerve condition that causes an extremely painful rash. A vaccine is available, and is recommended for those age 60+.
On the other side of the equation, if you never had chickenpox, that poses its own problems, and a vaccination to protect you is recommended for those age 50+.
Here’s a list of recommended vaccines for adults, from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Be advised that some of these may need to be ordered or require special appointments.
08.28.12
For Mary Spotswood, 71, a two-time breast cancer survivor, her cancer diagnosis was devastating news each time. But it also imbued her with a passionate sense of purpose. “I want to encourage, empower and energize women about breast cancer,” says this woman on a mission.
Spotswood says her monthly breast self-examination led her to discover the suspicious lumps, which later proved malignant. Now she uses her experience and knowledge to reach out to other women through “Passing on Wisdom.” It’s a free breast cancer education program sponsored by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) at senior housing facilities and senior centers. Targeted to older African American women, this outreach project is funded through a grant from the Philadelphia Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.
“The older women get, the higher the risk of breast cancer,” Spotswood says. “Many don’t know that. “
08.28.12
You see the gnat right in front of your face. You move and shift your eyes, but after you stop, it drifts back into your view.
You see a web or hair, but you can’t brush it away.
What you are dealing with is a phenomenon called eye floaters. Most floaters are associated with the aging of the eye, with the incidence increasing with age, according to Dr. Steven Kanoff, comprehensive ophthalmologist at Wills Eye Institute.
The eyeball is filled with a gel-like fluid called vitreous, consisting in part of collagen. As a person ages, the vitreous thins (or liquefies) and the collagen tends to clump.
Several causes
Dr. Kanoff identifies several causes of floaters, some more serious than others.
The least troublesome type of floater is caused by these clumps casting a shadow on the retina, which gives the sensation of seeing gnats, spots, webs or other shapes, Dr. Kanoff explains. It can be particularly disconcerting when viewing a blue sky or white wall, or similar bright, plain field.
Although this kind of floater can be annoying, Dr. Kanoff says that after a few weeks, people usually adjust to it, just as when they no longer notice wearing a watch or a ring.
07.24.12
Sirens blaring, lights blinking, doctors and nurses rushing about - these are the images conjured in connection with having a stroke.
But in fact, up to 70 percent of people who experience a "transient ischemic attack" (TIA), often called a mini-stroke, are unaware they’ve had it. Many fail to seek the medical care they need, according to a study by the Stroke Prevention Research Unit at Oxford University, U.K. Researchers found that 77% of those studied had first sought medical attention from their primary care physician - not by calling an ambulance or going to an emergency room. .
TIA symptoms last less than 24 hours; some last as few as five minutes. While a TIA doesn't destroy brain cells or cause permanent disability as regular stroke may do, it indicates an underlying problem.
“Whenever you have stroke symptoms, dial 9-1-1 immediately and get to the emergency room so you can be evaluated. Don’t wait to see if the symptoms go away,” advises Emil Matarese, M.D., director of a primary stroke center at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Langhorne, Pa., in an article posted on the American Stroke Association website.
07.10.12
Statistics show that the incidence of breast cancer rises with age, and that African American women have the highest breast cancer mortality of any group. That puts older black women especially at risk.
To help raise awareness about the disease and promote access to mammograms for hundreds of low-income African American women, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) will present a 90-minute program, “Passing on Wisdom,” at sites throughout the city between July and October.
In July and August, the program will be held at three senior housing facilities in West Philadelphia. (see below for times and dates.) This 2012-13 outreach project is funded through a grant from the Philadelphia Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. The program is free and open to the public at each site.
02.14.12
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) is offering seniors a double dose of health and flowers with a special event in conjunction with the 2012 Philadelphia International Flower Show.
PCA’s “Growing Healthy with the Flower Show,” set for Tuesday, March 6, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., will feature health screenings, fitness activities and gardening tips, light refreshments, and vendor exhibits. Garry Cobb, former Philadelphia Eagles Linebacker and current 610WIP Radio weekend host, will make a special guest appearance.
02.14.12
February is Heart Health Awareness Month and, according to experts, not only your heart benefits from a healthy lifestyle. What you do to help your heart also has an impact on your brain.
The Harvard Health Letter notes that “Research is beginning to show how emotions, isolation, and a host of other psychological and social factors affect the heart. It works the other way, too: The health of your heart and blood vessels affects your mind and brain.”
The Alzheimer’s Association’s “Maintain Your Brain” campaign urges people to “Take brain health to heart: Do something every day to prevent heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke, all of which can increase your risk of Alzheimer’s.”
Work Out
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular physical activity can reduce risks of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes; lower blood pressure; and improve cholesterol levels. It can also help keep thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp as you age; reduce the risk of depression; and may improve sleep.
01.03.12
Retiring early? Be sure you still have health insurance. Medicare eligibility begins at age 65 for most people.
One exception is if you are retiring due to disability. It's important to check with the Social Security Administration about whether you should apply for benefits. You will have to wait a number of months to receive Medicare, but applying for Social Security gets the process started.
12.13.11
Most people are aware that carrying too many pounds can cause health problems, but when combined with certain other factors the risks of heart disease and diabetes are multipled. When combined, these risk factors create a condition called "metabolic syndrome," according to Anne Cappola, MD, ScM, Associate Professor of Medicine in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism with the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
Diagnosis of metabolic syndrome is made when an individual has three or more of the following risk factors, Cappola says:
• Large waist circumference
• High blood pressure or taking blood pressure medication
• High triglyceride (a type of fat) level
• High blood sugar or taking glucose-lowering medication
• Low HDL (the “good cholesterol”) level
Any one of these symptoms can increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stroke, says Cappola, adding “Put them together and that risk multiplies.”
Metabolic syndrome affects an estimated one in three U.S. adults, and 40 percent of those age 60+. Left unchecked, this combination of metabolic risk factors makes individuals twice as likely to develop heart disease and five times as likely to develop type 2 diabetes according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health.
Aging further increases the risk for metabolic syndrome, she says. Older people are typically less physically active and have less muscle mass — factors which are interrelated — and so fats more easily accumulate in muscle tissue.
Metabolic syndrome is associated with a metabolic disorder known as insulin resistance according to the American Heart Association. Insulin resistance prevents people from using insulin effectively to lower blood sugar and triglyceride levels.
The good news is that metabolic syndrome is often preventable and treatable.
11.08.11
Don't get caught short by the early deadline: Open Enrollment for choosing your Medicare plan ends December 7 this year for the first time, as opposed to past years, when it ended December 31.
If you are receiving Social Security, you are automatically signed up for Medicare Part A, but there are still choices to be made about your coverage. And, if you are still working after turning 65, even if you receive benefits through your employer, you may still be required to sign up for Medicare. It's important to check on this, or you may face penalties later.
Whether this is your first time around or not, choosing a plan can be complicated, and making the best choice requires devoting some time to research. Even if you had a plan you liked this year, it is advisable to take a look at all your options, because some coverages and costs may have changed. Fortunately, there are excellent resources to help you.
11.08.11
Medicare is health insurance provided primarily for Americans 65 and older. Traditional Medicare, also called Original Medicare, automatically includes Part A, which generally pays 80 percent of the cost of hospital stays, inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, skilled nursing care and some home health care after a hospital stay. (It does not pay for home healthcare on a long-term basis.) You pay the 20 percent not covered for such services, unless you purchase a supplemental plan that covers the difference.
There is no premium for Part A if you or your spouse have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters (10 years). If you have not worked 40 quarters, you will pay a premium to enroll, based on how many quarters you have worked.
09.20.11
Dementia, depression, substance abuse and underlying psychiatric disorders – as people age, many become increasingly vulnerable to one or more of these mental and behavioral conditions. Getting the right diagnosis and appropriate treatment is crucial, but can be challenging.
In testimony before the U.S. Senate’s Special Committee on Aging, Dr. Joel E. Streim, then-president of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, said that more than 20 percent of Americans age 65 and older – approximately 7.5 million seniors – have a mental illness. However, he said, less than three percent of older adults receive outpatient mental health treatment from specialists. Some shun treatment entirely, while others go to their primary physician, rather than to a specialist.
“Older adults with mental disorders who receive their care from primary care practitioners often receive poor quality care – one in five of them is given an inappropriate prescription, they are less likely to be treated with psychotherapy, and they receive a lower quality of general health care, leading to excess disability and increased mortality,” Streim testified.
09.13.11
Flu season is upon us, and suddenly there are dozens of in-store clinics competing to give you a shot. Clinics within pharmacies, supermarkets and big retail stores have become popular since they first opened in 2000, and more growth seems on the horizon.
“We expect tremendous upticks in patient visits,” says Tine Hansen-Turton, a fellow of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia and executive director of the Convenient Care Association, which represents retail-based care facilities.
So is "one-stop shopping" for groceries, greeting cards and medical care a good idea?
09.06.11
Insomnia is a common problem among older adults, affecting an estimated 15 to 35 percent of U.S. seniors, according to Science Daily. It's often characterized by one or more of the following: difficulty in falling asleep; waking up many times during the night; waking up early, followed by an inability fall back asleep; waking up tired; and feeling sleepy during the day.
Older adults who don’t sleep well are more likely to suffer from depression, attention and memory problems, and excessive daytime sleepiness, according to an article posted on the website Helpguide.org They’re also more likely to experience nighttime falls, have increased sensitivity to pain, and use more prescription or over-the-counter sleep aids. In addition, the article points out, lack of sleep can lead to serious medical problems for older adults, such as an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, weight problems, and breast cancer in women.
Causes of insomnia among older adults can include psychological conditions, such as anxiety and depression; physical disorders, such as apnea and restless leg syndrome; neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease; and dementia. Medications, such as decongestants and certain anti-depressants, can also interfere with sleep, according to an article published by the Harvard Medical School’s Harvard Health Publications.
08.30.11
The horror stories abound: the “cat lady” whose home was filled with 90 sick, dying and dead cats; the retired professor with 100 bags of teaching materials; the woman with 30 bags of saved recyclables and stacks of newspapers going back more than a decade.
If this scenario sounds familiar, you or someone you know may have a hoarding disorder. Identifying the problem is an important first step - but it's only the tip of the iceberg. Often hoarders don’t think they have a problem, which makes the issue difficult to treat.
08.30.11
People who are living with a chronic condition, such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease, experience many emotional and physical effects on top of the direct results of the illness.
“People trying to manage a chronic condition may experience depression, irritability, fatigue, and stress, all of which reduce a person’s quality of life,” says Sharon Congleton, Health Promotion Nurse Supervisor at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA). “Managing both the treatment for the condition and the other negative effects can be overwhelming.”
Helen Cooke, PCA Assistant Director for Health and Nutrition, is heading up a project coordinated through PCA that helps people develop the skills and knowledge to manage these things and to lead better lives.
Called “Help Yourself to Health,” the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) was developed by the Stanford Patient Education Research Center. Through PCA, sites throughout Philadelphia are offering this program, free, to people age 60 and over.
The workshops take place once a week over six weeks, and each is two and a half hours long. Participants develop individualized plans of action. To find a workshop near you, or to register, call 215-765-9000 ext. 5114; or email Marie Ethridge at methridge@pcaphl.org.
08.30.11
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) is seeking locations to host free health education workshops aimed toward older individuals living with an ongoing health condition. Host sites for the "Help Yorself to Health" program are asked to provide space for 2 ½-hour workshops during six consecutive weeks, and to promote the workshops to their constituents.
PCA will provide the workshop leaders and materials. There is no cost the host site, or to workshop participants. Current workshop sites include senior apartments, places of worship, and community centers.
08.16.11
If you have been diagnosed with a serious condition, and have to decide where to seek treatment, where do you begin? The doctor who diagnosed you will probably have recommendations; your friends and family will undoubtedly have lots of opinions. Depending on your insurance, your choices may be limited – or you may have no choice. But, if you do have a choice, how do you go about researching where you will get the best care?
There are a number of tools available that offer information about hospitals and doctors; how useful that information is will depend on what you are looking for.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which has just announced the launch of an updated Hospital Compare website. According to CMS, the new site “includes data about how well hospitals protect outpatients from surgical infections and whether hospitals care for outpatients who are treated for suspected heart attacks with proven therapies that reduce death.” And the site does a fairly good job of comparison, within these narrow parameters.
A search of the Hospital Compare site using a North Philadelphia zip code turned up 39 hospitals, arrayed by distance from the zip code, up to a 25-mile radius. The results included hospitals as far away as Norristown, Media, Paoli, and Berlin New Jersey. Next, the user has the option to choose three hospitals for purposes of comparison.
The three closest were St. Joseph’s Hospital; Hahnemann University Hospital; and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP).
Drilling down through the site, there were two options: search by a medical condition or by a surgical procedure. Six medical conditions are listed: heart attack; heart failure; chronic lung disease; pneumonia; diabetes; and chest pain. Under surgical procedure, first you must choose a body part, then a procedure; as with medical conditions, these are not comprehensive. For example, the only treatment for any form of cancer that is included is surgery for kidney and ureter.
So this site will not help you if you are looking for information on what hospital offers the best care for the particular condition that you have; unless it happens to be one of these few conditions. What it will do is give you a pretty good grasp of the quality of care overall. For example, at both Hahnemann and HUP more than 94% of patients who were treated for pneumonia were assessed and given a pneumococcal vaccination; at St. Joseph’s only 49% were given the vaccination. At St. Joseph’s 73% of pneumonia patients were given the most appropriate initial antibiotic; at Hahnemann, 96% were; at HUP, 90% were.
08.16.11
The changes are subtle at first. After all, from time to time, everyone has trouble finding the correct word. And who hasn't occasionally forgotten a name?
But when someone demonstrates these lapses regularly, or begins to have trouble with once-routine actions like writing checks or using the microwave, it's time to be concerned, says Dr. Steven F. Huege, whose specialty is the diagnosis and treatment of older adults with chronic and new-onset mental disorders.
Photo of Dr. Steven F. Huege by Raymond W. Holman, Jr.
08.09.11
A poll by the Associated Press and LifeGoesStrong.com released earlier this year, reported that greatest health problem facing today’s boomers is obesity. The poll found that 36% of baby boomers are obese, and an additional 36% are overweight.
While they may have been regarded themselves as the “forever young” generation, today’s baby boomers are less healthy and are heavier than their parents were at their age. In addition, compared to previous generations at the same age, they have more chronic diseases, a recent CNN.com story . points out.
08.02.11
Mother said so, and research proves it - laughter really is one of the best medicines.
Laughter can lower blood pressure, reduce pain and stress, stimulate immune system response, and promote healing. (see story below for more on the research)
Prescription for laughter
Indian physician Madan Kataria launched the first Laughter Club, dedicated to Laughter Yoga, at a Mumbai park in 1995, with just a few participants. The practice combines traditional yogic breathing and exercises with laughter (forced or genuine) for a work-out practitioners say provides both physiological and psychological benefits.
Today, Laughter Yoga is international, comprising more than 6,000 laughter clubs, meetups, community festivals, online laughter clubs and even laughter cruises, according to the Laughter Yoga website.
08.02.11
It may be an old saying, but new research proves it's true: if you don't use it, you will lose it. As we age, we all begin to lose muscle mass and brain function. But you don't have to sit still and watch your mind and body decline - in fact, according to Dr. Steven E. Arnold, sitting still is the last thing you should do.
"Force yourself to do something, whatever turns you on, whether it's bridge, joining a hobby group or volunteering," says Arnold, professor of psychiatry and neurology at the University of Pennsylvania and director of the Penn Memory Center. "Meaningful interaction with other people stimulates the brain and is helpful to memoryFor that reason, conversation is better brain exercise than watching TV or even reading, he says. “Conversation makes you read other people’s reactions and think about what you want to bring to the table."
08.02.11
In a study by researchers based at the University of Maryland School of Health, it was found that laughter helps promote cardiovascular health by expanding blood vessels. This can helps blood flow; lower blood pressure; pump more oxygen into the blood and strengthen artery walls.
According to research by Stanford University psychiatrist William Fry, M.D., laughter “stimulates most of the major physiologic systems of the body and leaves the laugher more relaxed.” It may also prevent heart attacks by easing tension, stress and anger, among its other benefits.
A posting on the Mayo Clinic website points to laughter’s ability to improve the immune system, since “positive thoughts actually release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more-serious illnesses.” In addition, it can help to relieve pain by “causing the body to produce its own natural painkillers. Laughter may also break the pain-spasm cycle common to some muscle disorders.” Psychologically, they note, laughter can increase personal satisfaction by helping individuals to cope with difficult situations and connect with others.
Robin Williams made him famous with a movie, but before he did, physician and professional clown Hunter D. (“Patch” ) Adams, was already spreading laughter, joy and creativity and promoting them as an integral part of the healing process. Click here to read about his work.
07.19.11
Focus groups and key informant interviews are being done with sexual minorities 55+ in the Philadelphia area, to determine the health needs of LGBT older adults in the Philadelphia region.
The focus groups will include:
· Lesbian, bisexual, other women who have sex with women
· Gay, bisexual, other men who have sex with men
· Transgender individuals
The research findings will be presented in a report that will inform policy decisions and the delivery of services.
Participants will receive monetary compensation for their time. Please call (215) 985-6248 or email lgbtolderadult@gmail.com for more information on participating in this study.
Participation is confidential and no names or identifying information will be used in any reports based on the findings from the project.
06.14.11
Do you have difficulty understanding words, especially against background noise or in a crowd of people? Find yourself asking others to speak more slowly, clearly and loudly? Turn up the volume of the television or radio to hear better?
According to the Mayo Clinic, these are some of the signs of hearing loss.
06.07.11
Seniors in Philadelphia can always turn to the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 for practical solutions to everyday problems. But during a heat wave, PCA collaborates with the Philadelphia Health Department and this number expands to the PCA Heatline which assists callers of all ages on coping with the heat.
When the National Weather Service declares an “Excessive Heat Warning” for our area, the PCA Heatline, 215-765-9040 is activated. Trained staff can provide heat safety tips, information about recommended air-conditioned locations and, when needed, refer callers to nurses from the Philadelphia Health Department.
Here are some important tips to help cope with the heat:
Stay hydrated:
Drink plenty of water; one glass every 15 to 20 minutes.
Stay cool:
1. Take a cool shower or bath, which can be the most effective way to cool off.
2. Turn on the air conditioning – don’t try to save on energy bills during a heat wave.
3. If you don’t have air conditioning, go somewhere that is air-conditioned, like a neighbor’s house, senior center, public library or shopping mall.
4. If you can’t get out of the house, stay on a lower floor, where it’s cooler and open the windows.
5. Use a fan ONLY if the outside air is cooler than the inside air.
6. NEVER use a fan with the windows closed - it just moves hot air around and can turn your house into an oven.
7. Keep curtains or blinds closed during daylight hours to block out the sun.
Check on elderly and homebound neighbors:
Make sure they have enough to drink and check the conditions inside the home; fans should not be used inside a home with windows closed; this circulates hot air and creates a convection oven effect.
Know when to ask for help:
Symptoms of heat stress can include: loss of energy, loss of appetite, upset stomach, lightheadedness, prickly heat, heat cramps, heavy sweating, thirst, feeling faint, giddiness, confusion and/or nausea. If you or someone you know experiences one or more of these symptoms, move to a cool location and rest. Drink more fluids and remove any excess clothing. Call 911, if symptoms include any of the following: lack of sweat; combative behavior; hot, dry, flushed skin; body temperature of 105 degrees or above; throbbing headache; rapid heartbeat or breathing; convulsions; staggering; loss of consciousness; and/or confusion.
04.26.11
Do you have unwanted, unused or expired medications in your medicine cabinet? Wondering how to dispose of them? You know you shouldn't flush them down the toilet, or put them out with the trash. But how can you get rid of them?
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) second annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day offers a prime opportunity to safely dispose of these prescription and over-the-counter drugs . The event takes place on Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will include numerous disposal sites throughout Philadelphia.
Unwanted medications should remain in their original containers with personal identifying information crossed out. There is no charge for this service.
To find a drop-off site, click here.
Proper disposal helps reduce opportunities for prescription drug abuse and theft, according to the DEA. It also protects the waterways.
03.01.11
Are you getting your 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week? That’s what the U.S. Surgeon General and the Centers for Disease Control say we all need to stay healthy.
If you’re a gardener, you just might be – at least during three seasons of the year. Not only that - research shows that just by having a good time gardening, you can also reduce your risks for obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression.
02.22.11
When Elaine Berkowitz returned to independent living last spring, one of the first things she did was sit in the gardens outside her Center City apartment. “I didn’t realize how much I missed watching people on the streets and hearing the birds chirping,” she said.
Berkowitz, 70, needs a wheelchair because of several surgeries and infections that followed hip replacement in 2005. After living in nursing centers for five years, she has now moved into her own apartment, thanks to Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s (PCA) Nursing Home Transition Program (NHT).
02.22.11
It can be difficult to know when an older person’s health and safety are at risk. Signs of decline in mental or physical capabilities can be subtle, and you may feel reluctant to intervene. Those on the “front lines” in noticing problems most often include the older person’s spouse, children and other family members. But others who see the person regularly, such as neighbors, an apartment manager or a visiting nurse or care worker, also can be key observers of critical changes.
Sharon Congleton, RN, BSN, health promotion nurse supervisor at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, offers these warning signs that an older person might be at risk. In that case, a prompt evaluation by a doctor is the first step to assess the situation.
Difficulties and problems with short-term memory – Difficulties with short-term memory persist, for instance, the person often forgets to take medications, frequently leaves the stove turned on, or keeps forgetting important information.
01.18.11
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), major depression is “a serious medical illness affecting 15 million American adults. . .Among all medical illnesses, major depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States and many other developed countries.”
Among those age 65-plus, it’s estimated that nearly 19 percent experience depression; but it often goes untreated, both because many believe it is a “normal” part of aging; and because of the stigma still attached to mental health issues. And yet, according to NAMI, treatments can be effective for 80 – 90% of those who experience depression.
01.10.11
Many changes under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) will impact people with Medicare. They include:
• Access to a new Physician Compare Website
•Coverage for Preventive Benefits
• More Flexibility in Medicare Advantage Program Enrollment
• Extension of Special Needs Plans
• Changes to Medicare Part D and Low-Income Subsidy
Comparison shopping
A new CMS Healthcare Provider Directory is now available through the Physician Compare Website.
This consumer-friendly site is designed to help beneficiaries and their families locate and compare health professionals in communities across the country. You can find the following information on the site:
-- Contact and address information for physicians’ offices;
-- Physicians’ medical specialties
-- Where they completed their degree as well as residency or other clinical training;
-- Physician's gender
-- Which languages a physician speaks; and
-- Whether or not a physician participates in the Medicare program.
01.10.11
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging is looking for volunteer leaders for “Help Yourself to Health,” a six-week series of free workshops for seniors with ongoing health conditions. The training sessions will take place The training sessions will take place at PCA, 642 N. Broad Street, January 24-28, 2011 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Volunteers will learn how to help those with chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease build skills to manage stress, anxiety, pain and depression. Volunteer lay leaders must be willing to co-facilitate at least four workshops a year.
11.09.10
The idea of Grandma or Granddad in rehab may seem incongruous, but it is not as unlikely as one might think. According to Patrick Arbore, Ed.D., founding director of the Center for Elderly Suicide Prevention and Grief Counseling in San Francisco, many older persons “self medicate.”
“Substance abuse is a hidden epidemic,” he said in a seminar this fall at the American Society on Aging’s East Coast Conference on Aging. “Denial plays a part – families don’t want to see it.”
Between 1992 and 2008, the number of people age 50 or older admitted to substance abuse treatment facilities in the United States more than doubled, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
The numbers themselves may not seem staggering: an increase from approximately 102,700 in 1992 to 231,200 in 2008. But these numbers only represent those who sought treatment. And some of the underlying data indicates that the nature of substance abuse among older Americans is changing.
Over the same 16-year period, the proportion of alcohol abuse among those seeking treatment decreased from 88.3 to 71.9 percent, while heroin, cocaine and marijuana use increased.Those who had recently become engaged in substance abuse (as opposed to those who started at a younger age) were primarily using prescription pain relievers.
09.28.10
If you are in the "sandwich generation," with kids still at home or about to leave the nest and older parents who increasingly rely on you, there are some provisions of the new healthcare reform laws taking place now and over the coming year that will be of particular interest.
The new law prohibits companies from denying coverage to children with pre-existing conditions. It also requires coverage of children up to age 26 on their parents’ policies. For Medicare recipients, provisions include beginning to close the "donut hole" gap in prescription drug coverage. For all ages, the law requires insurers to provide certain kinds of preventive care free of charge.
09.21.10
“The pet that you rescue will really rescue you.”
The quote above is not from a Humane Society spokesperson, a vet, or anyone involved with animal rights. It’s from Dr. Edward Creagan, a renowned professor of oncology at Mayo Clinic Medical School, who for more than 30 years has been writing prescriptions for cancer patients, directing them to get a pet.
The health benefits of pets have been well-documented by research studies, which show that owning a pet can help lower blood pressure, decrease the number of doctor visits, reduce depression, increase heart attack survival and decrease loneliness. But there are also some challenges. In a poor economy, people may have trouble paying vet bills and buying pet food. Senior citizens, whose pets may be their primary companions, may have trouble with the costs and may not even have a way to get the animal to the vet. As they become more frail, they may lose the ability to walk a dog or cope with a litter box.
Now, a new website is available to provide Philadelphia pet owners with information about local resources.
08.17.10
Aiming to help Boomers and seniors “make the most of the bodies they have,” the Free Library of Philadelphia's Central Senior Services presents “Fantastic Voyage: A Guided Tour of the Human Body for Those 55+.
” Led by faculty experts from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, the six-part lecture/discussion series kicks off Wednesday, August 18, with “The Brain, including strategies for “mental fitness, followed by “Eyes and Ears” on August 25. All programs take place in Room 108 of the Parkway Central Library at 1900 Vine Street.
08.10.10
If you pride yourself on your late model car or your trendy clothes, you might be surprised to learn that you’re walking around in a body designed over a million years ago. This is around the time the Homo Erectus model was first introduced.
The very latest body style, Homo Sapiens, was released by the manufacturer approximately 40,000 years ago.
08.02.10
Anyone who believes in the old saying “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” hasn’t met Patricia Russell.
Now 61, since losing her eyesight six years ago she has learned how to read and write braille, how to cook safely, hem a dress, sew buttons on, clean the kitchen and do laundry, among other things. Computer literate before losing her sight, she now has software called JAWS that talks back to her. In June she received her Bachelor's degree in theology, and is now studying for a Master of Divinity.
More than 40,000 people who are blind or visually impaired live in the city of Philadelphia, according to Associated Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ASB). While some were blind from birth, many lost their eyesight later as a result of preventable or treatable medical conditions.
Patricia Russell is among the latter group; she lost her sight when she was 55 years old, as a result of diabetic retinopathy. She’d been diagnosed with diabetes about 14 years earlier, but says “I really didn’t know exactly how damaging diabetes could be…my doctor didn’t give me much information, he just said, you’re diabetic, watch your diet.”
In addition to inadequate medical advice, Russell had insurance problems.
“I had gone to the doctor for a checkup in 2000 and they said that I had bleeding in the back of my eyes and needed laser surgery,” she recalled. She had the surgery then, and again three years later. At that time, she was told she needed cataract surgery. “But I was laid off from my job and didn’t have insurance to pay for it.”
08.02.10
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), by age 65, one in three Americans will develop some form of vision-impairing eye disease.
People may assume, wrongly, that poor sight is a natural part of growing older, but in many cases, blindness and vision loss are preventable. Diabetes is not the only disease that can cause vision loss; others include glaucoma, macular degeneration, a detached retina, and cataracts. Early detection and treatment are the best way to keep your vision, according to the AAO. The organization recommends a baseline eye exam at age 40 and regular exams after that as advised by your ophthalmologist.
Many resources are available for those who have experienced vision loss, or who are at risk due to diabetes or other conditions. Training, eye care, assistive technologies and vocational assistance are among the services available.
07.20.10
Parkinson’s disease often first appears as tremors of a hand or limb at rest; and as slowness and stiffness of movement, according to Andrew Siderowf, M.D.
A neurologist at the Penn Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center (PD&MDC) at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, Siderowf says it affects an estimated one million people in the U.S.. Approximately 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. A progressive neurological disease, Parkinson’s can occur in young adults but usually occurs in persons 60-plus, Siderowf says.
While the disease is not curable, “it’s important to remember that many of its symptoms are highly treatable,” he says. “There are often ways to manage it effectively through medication. In more severe cases, surgery can be an option.”
At PD&MDC, the comprehensive approach to treatment also includes physical and occupational therapy to help with flexibility, balance, coordination, and the performance of daily tasks; speech therapy and nutritional consultation, as needed; and counseling services for both patients and caregivers.
Parkinson’s disease occurs when the small group of specialized brain cells that make dopamine (a chemical neuro-transmitter) die off, Siderowf explains. An estimated 10 percent of cases are considered genetic.
06.29.10
If you're undergoing joint replacement, physical therapy may be as important as the surgery itself.
"It helps restore normal biomechanics and motion," says physical therapist David Bull, manager of an outpatient therapy site at Rothman Institute. "It's about proper posture and position, re-learning how to move most appropriately."
If you want to be able to ski, or play golf or tennis again, therapists can tailor the therapy to your needs.
06.22.10
When the temperatures soar and the humidity causes the heat index to rise to 105°F degrees for several days in a row, the National Weather Service (NWS) issues an Excessive Heat Warning.
Senior citizens, young children and people with chronic health conditions especially should take these warnings seriously, because they are at a greater risk for heat-related illness, according to Sharon Congleton, Health Promotion Nurse Supervisor at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA).
It’s especially important to check on elderly friends, relatives and neighbors when temperatures rise, Congleton says. She offers the following advice to help recognize and prevent heat-related illnesses:
06.22.10
During a heat wave, when the National Weather Service declares an “Excessive Heat Warning” the PCA Helpline call center at 215-765-9040 becomes the HEATLINE, ready to assists caller of all ages in coping with the heat.
The HEATLINE operates for extended hours and on weekends if necessary. It's a joint effort between PCA and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health to prevent heat-related deaths and help citizens stay safe in extreme heat. Across the country, heat is known to cause more deaths each year than all other natural disasters combined.
At the HEATLINE call center, trained staff counsel callers of all ages with tips on dealing with the heat and detecting signs of heat stress. City Health Department Nurses are on site at the HEATLINE call center to speak with callers about medical problems related to the heat. Mobile teams from the Health Department will be dispatched if a situation requires intervention and 911 will be called for emergencies.
Neighbors, friends and relatives are urged to look in on elderly persons, as they may be especially vulnerable to the heat. (see health tips, bottom story - and click here to read more about the HEATLINE)
03.09.10
It may come as a surprise to learn that a diagnosis of diabetes brings a greater risk of developing heart disease, and a host of additional risk factors for your heart. But there are steps you can take to prevent diabetes, or to minimize its health consequences.
Understand risk factors
Ongoing research indicates that diabetes and other chronic health conditions such as obesity damage the structure and function of the heart. People with diabetes may develop heart disease at a younger age than those without diabetes – as early as age 30. In fact, having Type 2 diabetes elevates the risk of heart attack or heart disease to the equivalent risk level of a person who has already suffered a heart attack.
02.09.10
This Valentine ‘season’ also marks American Heart Month and a reminder to pay attention to your own heart health. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States and a major cause of disability according to the Centers for Disease Control but experts say that many risk factors are within your control.
According to Dr. Mark Berger, chief of cardiology at Pennsylvania Hospital, the percent of Americans focused on a heart-healthy lifestyle is rising, but they’re still a minority. He recommends six key steps people can take to cut down their risk.
01.26.10
Growing up with asthma and being on the short side, Steven Arbitman always wanted to find something physical he could do well and which would help him assert himself among the kids who made fun of him. As a teen, he found it in the ancient Chinese martial art of Tai Chi.
Known for its flowing movements, controlled breathing and focused concentration, Tai Chi aims to harness “chi,” the energy force, to achieve control, harmony, and balance. “I found something I could do, and it became a passion,” Arbitman says. “The ‘force,’ as they say in ‘Star Wars’ is with you. Only in Tai Chi, the ‘force’ is real.”
01.12.10
When she was 52, Jeanne McKenna, had to leave the bank job she loved because she had become permanently disabled from chronic pain that made it impossible for her to sit, stand or concentrate for any period of time.
In the 20 years since, she has been unable to lift a grandchild, take long walks, or do more than light housework; but she has found that some aspects of her osteoarthritis have improved over the years through a combination of surgery, medication, and a pain management program.
Among her self-help activities is a three-time weekly regimen of water aerobics. Beginning as a student, McKenna is now a certified aqua therapy instructor. “Everyone in the pool loves it,” she says of the classes. “It’s altogether different in the water — the pain goes away.”
01.05.10
If the fountain of youth is ever found, it will be no coincidence if there are people dancing around it.
Dancing’s benefits include burning calories, cardiovascular conditioning, strengthening bones and developing social ties, according to the Mayo Clinic.
“Dancing can burn as many calories as walking, swimming or riding a bicycle,” according to a Mayo Clinic Health Letter, which states that “during a half hour of sustained dancing you can burn between 200 and 400 calories. One factor that determines how many calories you'll expend is distance. In one study, researchers attached pedometers to square dancers and found each person covered nearly five miles in a single evening.”
Recent research also shows that exercise – and dancing in particular - has a positive impact on mental health, depression, anxiety and dementia.
11.17.09
Misconceptions, modesty and lack of health insurance are among the barriers which prevent many minority and older women from being screened for breast cancer, resulting in higher death rates, according to officials of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
A grant from Komen’s Philadelphia affiliate aims to breach those barriers, providing mammograms at no cost at Drexel’s Hahnemann University Hospital; and no-cost transportation to those exams.
11.10.09
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease and can also lead to complications such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and blindness. Diabetes education and prevention is the theme of World Diabetes Day 2009, which takes place on Saturday, November 14 this year. In Philadelphia, World Diabetes Day events take place from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Temple University’s School of Podiatric Medicine at 8th and Race Streets.
The event includes mini-lectures by area doctors on diabetes prevention and management; glucose and blood pressure screenings; foot exams; 250 free influenza shots; and raffles for athletic footwear. For more information or to register for workshops, call 215-948-2362.
09.22.09
If you want to be able to ski, or play ball or golf again after surgery to repair or replace knee, shoulder or hip joints, your physical therapist may be your best friend.
"Physical therapy helps restore normal biomechanics and motion," says David Bull, manager of an outpatient therapy site at Rothman Institute. "It's about proper posture and position, re-learning how to move most appropriately."
09.14.09
Lighthouse International has issued what it calls a "wake-up call for baby boomers to take their eye health more seriously." Dr. Tara Cortes, Lighthouse president and CEO, warned: "We are on the verge of a national vision loss epidemic, and baby boomers ... are at risk for such diseases as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma," yet many don't take preventive measures.