Boomers & Beyond October 2017 ebook

Boomers Fairfield County

October 2017

d n o y e B &

Helping Seniors Understand Screening Methods for

Breast Cancer

p3

Motorcycle Mania at Waveny p7

Elderly Heart Issues of Aging and Heart Disease p12-13 Osteoporosis & Nutrition: 5 key steps p16-17

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

October, 2017

PAGE 3

Improving Breast Cancer Awareness for Seniors Seniors might need special attention to make sure they receive the necessary screening for breast cancer as they age. Caregivers, companions, and family members can help schedule doctor’s visits and ensure transportation is in order to guarantee that missed mammograms are not missed opportunities for early detection.

Helping Seniors Understand Screening Methods for Breast Cancer

Mammograms: The best way to confirm any suspicions that you have about the health of your breasts is to schedule an appointment where a screening can be performed using mammography. According to the National Institute for Health, a mammogram is a special x-ray of the breast that often can detect cancers that are too small for a woman or her doctor to feel. Due to the density of women’s breasts before menopause, mammograms are typically only given to women over the age of 50.

Clinical Breast Exams: In addition to receiving mammograms annually, regular clinical breast exams (CBE) should be performed by a health professional, such as a doctor, nurse, or physician’s assistant. During a clinical breast exam, the breasts will be inspected for abnormalities in size and shape, as well as changes in the skin or nipples. The examination will also require the health professional to feel the breasts to inspect tissue for lumps or irregular shapes or textures.

Breast MRI: Using magnetic imaging, MRI’s are used to get a detailed look at the breast health of women with higher risks. Typically used as a follow-up method after the discovery of suspicious physical symptoms.

Breast Self Exam: While it should never replace a mammogram or CBE from a doctor, a self examination of one’s breasts can be performed at home alone. Known as a Breast Self Examination (BSE), women can inspect their own breasts for abnormalities in size and shape by gently palpating the breasts one at a time in front of a mirror. If you choose to perform regular BSE’s at home, remember that there are a number of reasons why you might notice changes in the size or shape of your breasts.

These changes can often be attributed to aging and menopause in older women.

Source: www.aplaceathome.com

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October, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

October Health Education

BIGELOW CENTER FOR SENIOR ACTIVITIES 100 Mona Terrace, Fairfield, CT 06824 (203) 256-3166

Registration Required for all Programs. Space is limited. www.fairfieldct.org/bigelowcenter

Men’s Heart Health Talk.

Wednesday, October 4th at 10:00 a.m. Free.

Advance registration required. Dr. Ari Pollack, a board certified cardiologist affiliated with the Yale New Haven Health System will give a talk on men’s heart health. About 610,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year–that’s one in every four deaths.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.

Tour of Norma Pfriem Breast Center.

Wednesday, October 11th, 10:30 a.m. Free.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Pink Pledge time. Join Nancy Church, Community Education Coordinator of the Norma Pfriem Breast Center, for a tour of the Center on Beach Road. The Center has provided medical excellence and compassionate care for the past 15 years. It was the first freestanding community breast center in Connecticut to offer one-stop coordination of care, patient navigation and rapid diagnosis.

Senior Gems.

Thursday, October 19th at 6:30 p.m. Free.

Katie Vanovitch, owner of Senior Helpers Fairfield, presents “Senior Gems: A New Perspective on Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care.” Learn how different parts of the brain are affected by dementia. Light supper available at 5:30 p.m. Cost: $5.00.

Advance registration is required. Please call 203.256.3166.

Medicare Open Enrollment Help.

Tuesday, October 24th. Free. Appointments available between 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. During open enrollment, which runs from October 15th thru December 7th, 2017, for a January 1st, 2018 effective date, you can switch your Part D or Medicare Advantage plan. Lisa Alhabal, CHOICES counselor with the Southwest Connecticut Area on Aging, will be available to help Medicare recipients who are interested in changing their Part D Prescription Drug Plan or their Medicare Advantage Plan. She’ll assist those interested in reviewing their current plan and comparing it to other options, and will help with the enrollment process. The information provided is free and unbiased.

Each meeting will take about 30 minutes, so appointments are a must. Please bring all of your current prescriptions in their original containers and your Medicare Card.

A Matter of Balance.

Tuesdays, beginning October 24th from 10:00 a.m. to noon for eight weeks.

Free. The Fairfield Health Department returns with an award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. This program emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls. Many older adults have concerns about falling and restrict their activities. Participants will learn to view falls as controllable,

set goals for increasing activity, reduce fall risks at home and improve strength and balance. Register directly with the Fairfield Health Department. For more information or to register, please call Santina Jaronko, Health Educator, Fairfield Health Department at 203.256.3150. Space is limited.

Hearing Loss and Cognition.

Wednesday, October 25th at 10:00 a.m.

Free. Audiologist Nancy Jablonski and Hearing Instrument Specialist René Vicedomini will discuss the impact of hearing loss on the brain and its possible association with dementia. Will hearing aids help? Hearing screenings will follow by appointment. Call the Center at 203.256.3166 to arrange one.

Hands-On Training for Caregivers.

Thursday, October 26th at 6:30 p.m.

Free. David McAllister, Licensed Physical Therapist and creator of caregivereducationservices.com, will give a training program about managing a loved one who is bed ridden. Topics will include safety for those using assistive devices, preventing aspiration, meal consistency and hydration, medication management and mobility tips. Light supper available at 5:30 p.m. Cost: $5.00. Advance registration is required. Please call 203.256.3166.

Benefits of Exercise on Brain Health

By Theresa Santoro, MSN, RN, CHCA President & CEO, RVNA

A new review of current studies suggests that a combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training is beneficial to brain health, in addition to improving general health and reducing disease risk. The research review indicates that middle aged people, over age 50, can improve their thinking and memory skills by adopting regular aerobic and resistance exercise at a moderate to vigorous level. Different types of exercise are linked to different types of benefits. Aerobic exercise and tai chi seem to enhance overall brain function. Resistance training is linked to improved memory. A combination of the two types of exercise seems to have the greatest positive effect. The biggest brain boost comes from routines that are of moderate to vigorous intensity done as often as possible for between 45 minutes to an hour. Additional benefits from this type of exercise are improved cardio-respiratory fitness and muscle strength which are important in maintaining overall good health. For people who want to become more active, it’s important to check with your doctor to make sure it’s safe to begin exercising. Getting instruction from a fitness professional can help ensure you’re getting the right exercise and setting achievable goals.

Founded in 1914, RVNA is an accredited nonprofit Medicare-certified home healthcare agency that also supports public health and safety, and promotes the highest quality of life. RVNA provides compassionate care to all individuals, whether young or old, through a continuum of care that encompasses health care at home and in the community. RVNA also provides home health aides and companionship through a nonmedical subsidiary called HomeCare by RVNA and outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy in its Rehab by RVNA facility at 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield.

Is home for people diagnosed with some form of dementia or memory impairment. Our philosophy of care centers on the whole person; body, mind, and spirit. We understand that each individual is unique and is deserving of dignity and respect. We celebrate their stories and experiences everyday.

1155 King Street, Greenwich, CT 06830 • 203-531-5500 • www.thegreensatgreenwich.com

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October, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Advertiser’s Index

ColumbiaDoctors.....................................................................................20 The Greens at Greenwich........................................................................5

Hearing Help Express.............................................................................11

MDHearingAid......................................................................................14 VNA of Hudson Valley........................................................................19 Waveny Lifecare Network.......................................................................2

Boomers

Fairfield County

& Beyond

845-534-7500 • (fax) 845-534-0055 Info@HealthcareNewspaper.com

PUBLISHER

Joseph P. Belsito Joe@belsito.com

••• GENERAL MANAGER

Nancy Sorbella

Nancy@healthcarenewsmagazine.com

Our View

By Nancy Sorbella

GENERAL MANAGER

The unfortunate casualties in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma at a Florida Nursing Home is a reminder of the special needs of our elderly population. It also brings to light the importance of doing your research when looking for a nursing home for you or your beloved parent.

Is the facility amply staffed? Do they have an effective emergency protocol?

This edition is filled with Boomers & Beyond approved Assisted Living and Home Care facilities to help get you started. We know that the best advocate for an aging parent is their family.

There are many engaging activities available for seniors in Fairfield County this October. Whether you like reading, writing, brain games or simply enjoying lunch with companions this season, The Bigelow Center for Senior Activities offers it all. Want to attend a talk on Men’s Heart Health or Hearing Loss? See page 4 for a list of educational opportunities.

Make the most of each day and thank you for joining us each month!

Get in touch with us at info@healthcarenewspaper.com.

••• MARKETING DIRECTOR

Gregory W. Buff

Greg@belsito.com

••• MARKETING CONSULTANT

Anthony Mairo

Anthony@healthcarenewsmagazine.com

••• MANAGING EDITOR

Cathryn Burak

Cathy@healthcarenewsmagazine.com

••• SENIOR SALES CONSULTANT

Maureen Rafferty Linell MRLinell@charter.net

••• CIRCULATION

Michelle Belsito

Michelle@healthcarenewsmagazine.com

Corporate Information

Healthcare News - Fairfield County, CT edition - Vol. 4 No. 10 - is published monthly, 12 times a year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Postage Paid at New Windsor, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Healthcare Newspaper, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY, 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication.

Next Month National Alzheimers Awareness Month Memory Programs, Home Care, Assisted Living, LTC Diabetes American Diabetes Month World Diabetes Day—November 14 Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Motorcycle Mania at Waveny Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

On Monday, September 25, Waveny LifeCare Network held a special “Motorcycle Mania” day for all assisted living residents at The Village at Waveny and participants in Waveny’s Adult Day Program. Motorcyclists among Waveny’s staff rode their bikes into work for the day, and put them on display in The Village’s Garden for all to see, touch, learn about and explore. In addition to a variety of motorcycle themed programs and activities, special guest, Ed Train, shared photos and stories from his recent cross-country motorcycle tour. For more information about Waveny’s Adult Day Program, which offers flexible days and free local door-to-door transportation throughout most of lower Fairfield County, call 203.594.5429 or visit waveny.org.

October, 2017

PAGE 7

photos provided

Hepatitis C: What Baby Boomers Many people living with hepatitis C Need to Know do not even know they are infected.

PAGE 8

October, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

It’s a shocking fact: 75 percent of people with hepatitis C were born between 1945 and 1965, and a large percentage of people living with hepatitis C don’t even know they are infected. Hepatitis C is a chronic contagious disease in which the virus remains in the body for a long time and, less commonly, it can present as an acute illness within six months of exposure to the virus. Though they may take decades to become apparent, symptoms can include fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, dark urine, and joint pain.

Even without the presence of symptoms, people infected with hepatitis C are still at risk of very serious health issues such as liver damage, liver cancer, liver failure, and even death. Thanks to recent medical breakthroughs, however, hepatitis C can be effectively treated and cured. And a simple blood test can tell you if you have it.

Get the facts and protect yourself.

1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends those born between 1945 and 1965 get tested for the disease.

If you are a baby boomer you should talk to your doctor about getting tested. Boomers are five times more likely to have hepatitis C. No one is sure exactly why. A simple blood test, known as a Hepatitis C Antibody Test or Anti-HCV Test, is used to find out if someone has contracted hepatitis C. The test results are generated in a few days to a few weeks, and allow your doctor to treat the virus effectively.

2. You can spread hepatitis C even if you don’t have symptoms.

For those who resist getting screened, it is important to keep in mind that even if you don’t have symptoms, you can spread hepatitis C to loved ones through blood contact. The CDC estimates expanding testing guidelines could identify 800,000 additional hepatitis C cases, and by providing treatment to these people, more than 120,000 lives could be saved. If you are a baby boomer, it is important to discuss getting screened with your doctor, even if you have no reason to believe you are infected.

3. Hepatitis C is treatable and curable.

Numerous highly effective medications are used to treat hepatitis C. Treatment depends on several factors, such as viral load (how much of the virus exists in the body), the specific strain of the virus, if liver damage has occurred, other health conditions, and response to previous treatments for the disease. Recently, there have been many advances in the treatment of hepatitis C. If you are infected, discuss treatment options with your doctor.

4. If left untreated, hepatitis C can lead to liver damage and liver failure.

The earlier the diagnosis, the better. Antiviral medications can cure approximately 90 percent of hepatitis C infections but the biggest barrier is diagnosis, which can be difficult since people can live for decades without any symptoms. This is why talking to a doctor and getting screened is so vital.

Early diagnosis leads to early treatment and the prevention of health problems that hepatitis C can present over time such as liver damage and disease.

5. Liver disease, liver cancer, and deaths from hepatitis C are on the rise.

Earlier this year, the CDC, the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries released their Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1975 – 2012 (ARN). The results show that from 2003 to 2012, liver cancer increased by 72 percent, with hepatitis C contributing to half of all cases in the U.S. The liver cancer death rate is increasing faster than any other type of cancer.

The only way to find out if someone has hepatitis C is to get tested.

Thanks to recent medical breakthroughs it is a disease that can be effectively treated and cured. Hepatitis C doesn’t have to be deadly. Take charge of your health and get tested. Encourage others to get educated and talk to their doctors to help prevent the spread of hepatitis C.

Source:www.grandparents.com

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

October, 2017

PAGE 9

Wonderful things to do in October BIGELOW CENTER FOR SENIOR ACTIVITIES 100 Mona Terrace, Fairfield, CT 06824 (203) 256-3166

Registration Required for all Programs. Space is limited. www.fairfieldct.org/bigelowcenter

New! Write Away.

The Senior Book Club will discuss March: Book One by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell.

This novel is an account of Congressman John Lewis’ lifelong struggle for civil and human rights. Wednesday, October 4th at 11:00 a.m. Free.

Tech Tutoring is back!

Bring your mobile phones, tablets and laptops! Get free help solving those pesky hardware and software problems. No appointments necessary. Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to noon with Volunteer Kathleen Legrande; and Thursdays, starting October 5th, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., with SHU students.

Don’t forget the Friends’ Retro Bash set for Saturday, October 14th.

The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the music starts an hour later. $25 per person. Call 203.256.3166 to reserve your place.

Expressive writing can lead to better health by reducing heart rate and blood pressure, minimizing stress, strengthening the immune system and improving your self-esteem.

Join instructor Lauren Lanham as she helps you identify what “keeps you up at night” and explains how to express it with pen and paper, for only you to read. No writing experience is necessary. This free five-week workshop is scheduled for Wednesdays, October 4th through November 1st, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.

Lunch Bunch: Golden Corral in Milford.

Wednesday, October 4th at 10:30 a.m. Cost: $3:00. An endless buffet features familiar favorites and new menu offerings. Lunch on your own dime. There will be time to shop at Big Lots and Michaels Craft Store.

Tour Fairfield’s New Regional Fire School and Emergency Training Center.

Friday, October 6th at 10:30 a.m.

Free. The school brings together the best instructors in Fairfield County and beyond to support emergency services and promote emergency and disaster preparedness in the community. Limit: 14 people.

Brain Games Lunch and Learn.

Tuesday, October 10th at noon. Free.

Brain teasers and lunch provided by The Greens at Cannondale and Wilton Meadows. Facilitated by Danielle Anacona.

Water Conservation.

Wednesday, October 11th at 11:00 a.m.

Free. Twig Holland, Program Coordinator for Aquarion Water Company, will give a talk on drought and supply conditions and discuss a number of simple and inexpensive water saving measures.

Fairfield Museum and History Center.

Wednesday, October 18th at 10:30 a.m. Free.

See the current exhibit– Uncle Sam Wants You: Fairfield in World War I. Learn how posters, publicity campaigns and censorship affected our community during the Great War.

New to the Bigelow Center?

Join us for an orientation courtesy of Bigelow Center Volunteer Coordinator, Cathy Rotanz.

She’ll welcome new members with an informal coffee in the dining room and give a tour of the Center and its many activities. Thursday, October 26th at 9:30 a.m. Free.

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October, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

l

Lifeline

Monthly Tips for Seniors

Connect the dots…

Halloween Safety Tips for Seniors

Halloween is a time for scary costumes; scary faces, haunted houses, ghosts and ghouls. While this may be fun for some, it may also be a very scary time for seniors.

Not just because of masked children in vampire suits, wolf men and wicked witches, in fact, children and their parents do not really pose a threat, it is the constant knocking and large masked visitors that can be very intimidating regardless of their intentions.

This is a night when our nation’s older population, as well as many others, come in contact with, and speak to more unfamiliar faces in a few short hours than any other time of the year.

Anyone planning on handing out candy has the responsibility of keeping themselves and their guests safe.

Light it up: Leave interior and exterior lights on even if you are away from home. You don’t want to alert vandals that your house may be empty by leaving all of the lights out. If you are handing out treats, make sure your exterior is brightly lit. This may deter troublemakers if they can be seen.

Keep all guests outside: Never invite trick-or-treaters inside, hand out treats on your steps or front porch only. If someone asks to use your bathroom or phone, don’t even consider this as an option unless you have a bunch of adults present in the home with you. Protecting your home means drawing a line and the front door is a good place to do just that.

Invite friends over: Ask a younger relative or neighbor to drop by for a few hours during the trick-or-treating hours, or maybe even spend the night. This will deter your home from becoming a target Remove hazards: Keep any open flames, or candle lit pumpkins away from walkways or stairs where costume tails or capes could come in contact with them. Also remove any decorations from footpaths that could pose a tripping hazard for trick-or-treaters.

Communicate: Talk to neighbors in advance about watching each other’s property, especially if one of you will be out that night. Or maybe make plans to get together and hand out treats together.

The final and most important rule is to have fun! Once you have addressed your concerns and taken precautions to keep yourself and your property safe, Halloween offers a strong sense of community that brings along with it many smiles, giggles, laughs and fun that can be shared by everyone.

Source: www.saratogian.com

Get Your Flu Shot!

Provided by the Fairfield Health Department The flu vaccine will be available as an injection or for healthy people age 5-49 as a nasal spray. For high dose injectable vaccine for those ages 65 and over, please call the Public Health Nursing Office to check for availability. The Pneumonia vaccine will also be available. Medicare Part B, ConnectiCare, Aetna, Cigna, and Anthem are all accepted and there is no co pay.

Cash price for the flu vaccine is $30 and $65 for the Pneumonia vaccine. Patients should also have their insurance card with them and wear clothes that make it easy to expose the upper arm. For questions about the flu vaccine, call your primary care physician. If you have questions about the flu clinics, please contact the Public Health Nursing Office at 203-256-3150.

Dates: Tuesday 10/17 from 10:00 – 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday, 10/18 from 10:00 – 4:00 p.m

AARP Driver Safety Classes

It Pays to Refresh Your Driving Skills!

The course teaches proven driving techniques to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. You’ll learn important facts about the effects of medication on driving; how to reduce driver distraction; how to maintain the proper following distance behind another car; proper use of safety belts, air bags, antilock brakes and new technology found in cars today; techniques for handling left turns, right-of-way, and roundabouts.

Dates: Tuesdays, 10/10 and 11/07 Time: 9:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Cost: $15 for AARP Members / $20 for non-members.

Checks only,payable to AARP.

Registration Required for all Programs. Space is limited. http://www.fairfieldct.org/bigelowcenter

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

PAGE 11

October, 2017

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October, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

How to Get a Healthy Heart

As we approach a certain age, many of us start to consider heart disease and what we can do to prevent it. Why the worry? Well, as the leading cause of death for men and women, almost 600,000 of us, or 1 in every 4 of us in the United States die of heart disease every year. This is a guide to improving heart health and adds some tips that most of us don’t think of.

Weight - Aging and Heart Disease

As we age our bodies lose muscle leading to a decreased metabolism. One way to counteract that is to continue to build muscle into old age by lifting weights and doing resistance exercises.

But, another obvious way is to consume a little less. When we do that, we need to realize that we have to get the same nutrients from less food.

So, eating “nutrient dense” foods are key. You can get started with this issue by looking at your own BMI and seeing if it is in a normal range. Maintaining a healthy weight is a goal worth achieving for a healthy heart.

Diet Ideas and Tips for a Healthy Heart

1. Eat more fruits and vegetables. There is nothing more basic than the fact that vegetables and fruits offer vitamins, minerals, and fiber to help control choloesterool. If you do nothing else, work on incorporating more plant life into your diet. Some ideas are to eat salads every day, make yourself raw snack veggies like carrots, celery, pepper strips, and cucumbers.

And soups are a great way to add vegetables into your diet.

2. Select Whole Grains. Avoiding overly processed and baked good foods and white flour are key. When you have a choice to make – go for the whole grain version in pastas, breads, and other types of foods. When possible, skip the bread and eat your grains whole for example in oatmeal or rice.

Elderly Heart Issues of Aging and Heart Disease

3. Use Flax seed. Flax seed is a wonder food full of healthy omega 3 fatty acids which are thought to be very protective of the heart and arteries. You need to store the seeds in the fridge and grind them in a coffee grinder right before eating for the best benefits. Add to salads, baked goods, or oatmeal for a nutritious boost. Flax has some laxative effects, so limit yourself to just a tablespoon or two a day.

4. Cut the fat. We all know beef and other high fat meats have a bad reputation for “clogging arteries.” Many of us also really like bacon cheeseburgers… So, the point is not to never again eat these things, but eat them infrequently and when you do, eat a small portion.

Cheese and other dairy products are also very

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

high in the types of fats that lead to inflammation and high cholesterol. When possible, limit your intake and select the low-fat varieties of dairy products for a healthier heart.

Some foods that are very enjoyable can also be good for our hearts: 1. Red Wine. Something in red wine called reservitol, is protective for the arteries. Doctors usually do not encourage us to drink more than one glass a day, however, since alcohol in larger quantities can lead to other health problems.

2. Dark Chocolate. The darker and more pure the chocolate, the better it is for your health.

Again, chocolate is high in other things like fat – so limiting intake to an ounce or so a day is important. But, it has ingredients that are belileved to reduce heart disease by as much as one third.

3. Green and Black tea. The jury is out on caffeine in general with some studies showing that high caffeine intake can cause heart rhythm issues and other studies showing a protective effect. So, if you like your caffeine, green and black tea may be a good choice since they contain flavinols that are believed to protect and maintain a healthy heart.

4. Walnuts. Most nuts are pretty healthy for us in small doses. But, walnuts have the highest concentration of omega-3 fatty acids that protect the heart.

Exercise for a Healthy Heart

According to the National Institution of Health, there ar four types of exercise: Endurance, Flexibility, Balance, and Strength. Of these, endurance, or “cardio” exercises are the best for a healthy heart. Endurance/cardio exercise increase the heart and breathing rates and include things like walking, running, hiking, swimming, biking, aerobics, etc. It is important to do some cardio every week – how much depends on your health factors. It is important to always check with a doctor first before starting any new exercise routine, particularly if you are advanced in age or have any other chronic conditions. If while exercising you find yourself feeling dizzy or unable to catch your breath, you are probably working too hard and should stop.

The Human Heart – Emotions

Is it a myth to die of a broken heart? Have you ever had a “racing heart” when you were excited?

Or did your heart ever feel like it was beating up into your throat when you were frightened? Frustration can even lead to a tightening feeling in the chest. Even ancient people have long associated the human heart with our emotions.

October, 2017

PAGE 13

As it turns out, the connection is true. Chronic frustration, stress, fear and even depression can be bad for the heart and lead to an increase in heart disease. Some research has suggested that three things can be particularly healthy for our hearts:

Gratitude. No matter what the situation, most of us have something to be grateful for. Making a list and conjuring the feeling of gratitude about what you can appreciate about your life every day appears to have a real effect on the smoothness and rhythm of the heartbeat. So, a few minutes a day to remind yourself of what you have to be grateful for can lead to a healthy heart.

Laughter. Watch comedies on tv, read the comic strip in the paper, and hang out with fun people who have a good sense of humor.

Connection. Being isolated and not having much social engagement is shown to have a relationship to higher rates of heart disease. Get out, find a group, take a class, call an old friend – your heart will be lighter.

Sleep and Heart Health

Many people find sleep to be no problem, but some of us can’t fall asleep easily, we wake too early, or we sleep too lightly. Ways to improve sleep:

• Limit caffeine intake and stop consuming it by 2pm • Nap if you feel tired, but limit it to 20 minutes so that it doesn’t effect your longer night sleep • Keep a regular sleep schedule going to bed and waking the same times every day • Don’t watch tv or use other electronic devices before bed – or if you do, go to a different room so your bedroom is just for sleeping.

• Early or mid day exercise, particularly in fresh air, has been shown to improve night time sleep. Exercising too close to bedtime can energize you too much.

The research shows the most correlation between sleep and increased risk of coronary heart disease when people are getting less than 5 hours per night. Ideally, most people should have between 7-8 hours of sleep per night.

So, keep a healthy heart in mind as you sleep, eat, and go about your day. If you can do even some of these things, it will help!

The Healthy Elderly Heart

Aging does not necessarily mean that our cardiovascular system must be diseased. Following the healthy heart tips above can help delay and avoid the issues commonly associated with aging and heart disease. The earlier you start with these good habits the better!

Source:www.sageminder.com

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October, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

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Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

October, 2017

PAGE 15

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Friendly Visitor Program SilverSource 2009 Summer Street, 3rd Floor Stamford, CT 06905

About Would you like to be a good neighbor?– Volunteer today!

Our Friendly Visitor program matches isolated older adults and baby boomers with volunteers that provide companionship through weekly visits, phone calls and grocery shopping. This volunteer service provides needed social connections and enables older adults to live as independently as possible while enhancing their quality of life.

We match volunteers with older adults who are in need of companionship or those who need help with shopping. Volunteers are asked to make at least a six month commitment to the program, by calling, visiting or shopping at least one time a week. Clients do not accompany the volunteer to the store, and times are scheduled based on mutual convenience. Since 1997, this program has helped hundreds of people find stimulating companionship as well as lifelong friends. Volunteers build rapport and individual relationships resulting in the development of lasting friendships. Students are encouraged to volunteer and participate in the program with a parent. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit www.silversource.org or call (203) 324-6584 for more information and an application.

Friend

Waveny LifeCare Network 3 Farm Road, New Canaan, CT 06840 Good Match For Kids, Teens, People 55+ Group

Requirements & Commitment Orientation or Training Flexible schedule Cause Areas

Pet Therapist to visit with patients at the end of life

Caring Hospice Services 708A Bridgeport Avenue Shelton, CT 06484 Skills Elder care Animal Therapy Hospice Care

About Share your skills, hobbies and interests by being a companion or assisting in therapeutic recreation programs. Opportunities exist to perform on our world renowed Main Street in the village or design your own program such as sharing a collection, gardening or teaching a class. Some serve lunch, dinner or tea while others prefer to greet visitors at the reception. Waveny is a five-star non-profit healthcare continuum that seeks volunteers with warm hearts and a wide array of interests.

Please go to www.volunteermatch.org/search/ opp2291749.jsp for more information about this volunteer match up.

About Pet therapy volunteers for Caring Hospice of Connecticut in Fairfield County help by providing companionship and a social outlet to patients, who reside in private homes, nursing homes and assisted-living facilities throughout Fairfield County. We are looking for individuals who have an approved animal visitor (dog, cat, etc.) to visit terminally ill patients and their families to provide comfort, joy and companionship.

Go to www.volunteermatch.org/search/opp2193424.jsp for more information about this volunteer match up.

Source: www.volunteermatch.org

Osteoporosis and nutrition:

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5 key steps

A bone-healthy diet can help in preventing and managing osteoporosis.

Like any living tissue, bones need nutrients so that they can grow and then maintain that growth. That's why a key component to both managing and preventing osteoporosis is good nutrition. Is there a bone-healthy diet? The answer is yes. Here are five steps to eating well for strong bones.

1. Eat more vegetables, fruits and whole grains Studies show that eating more vegetables and fruits will lead to improved bone health. These foods are generally lower in calories and fat and are high in fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. They also contain phytochemicals, substances that can help protect against a variety of diseases, including osteoporosis.

Aim to eat four or more servings of vegetables and three servings of fruit each day. Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of magnesium, potassium, and vitamins C, K and A. All play a role in maintaining bone health.

Also eat four servings of grains daily. Choose whole grains when possible because whole grains contain more nutrients, especially magnesium and fiber, than do refined grains.

2. Choose healthy sources of protein and fat Protein is important for bone health, because it's a major component of bone tissue and plays a role in maintaining bone. The best choices include plant proteins, such as beans and nuts, as well as fish, skinless poultry and lean cuts of meat. Plant proteins are rich in vitamins, minerals and estrogen-like plant compounds that help preserve bone. Lowfat dairy products, including milk and plain yogurt, are another good source of protein and also provide calcium, which benefits bone health. Protein should account for 25 to 35 percent of your total daily calories.

You need some fat in your diet for your body to function properly. The best choices are monounsaturated fats, such as those found in olive oil, nuts and seeds. Cold water fish also provide essential omega-3 fatty acids — eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Even these fats, however, should be eaten in limited amounts.

Avoid saturated fats, which have been shown to be detrimental to bone health in adults.

3. Get plenty of calcium Calcium is critical to bone health. This mineral is a key building block of bone, and it helps prevent bone loss and osteoporotic fractures in older people. Although the recommended daily intake for most adults ranges from 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams (mg) or more, the typical diet provides much less.

If you're not getting enough calcium, try to increase your consumption of foods that are high in the mineral.

Milk and other dairy products are the richest food sources, but calcium is also found in kale, broccoli, and calcium-fortified foods such as juices, cereals and tofu products.

If you can't get enough calcium in your diet, then you should consider a calcium supplement. A calcium supplement is often recommended for postmenopausal women because it can reduce the rate of bone loss. Calcium should not be taken alone, however. Vitamin D is essential for proper calcium absorption, and magnesium helps direct the calcium to the bone, keeping it out of the soft tissues.

4. Limit sugar, salt and phosphate additives Foods that contain sugars added during processing generally provide a lot of calories, additives and preservatives, but very few vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.

For this reason, dietary guidelines often recommend that you limit processed foods and beverages. Soft drinks are often the biggest culprit.

Too much salt in your diet also can be harmful. Not only can salt cause high blood pressure, but too much salt also can increase the amount of calcium you excrete from your body with urination. Aim for a limit of 2,300 mg of salt daily — the equivalent of about one teaspoon.

Phosphorus is used as an additive in many processed foods. Too much phosphorus in your diet can interfere with how much calcium is absorbed through your small intestine.

To limit your intake of these problematic ingredients, check the labels on the processed foods you buy at the grocery store and choose fresh foods whenever possible.

5. Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption Consuming more than one or two alcoholic drinks a day hastens bone loss and reduces your body's ability to absorb calcium. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for women of all ages and men older than age 65, and up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger.

And drinking alcohol with meals will slow calcium's absorption as well.

Caffeine can slightly increase calcium loss during urination. But much of its potentially harmful effect stems from substituting caffeinated beverages for milk and other healthy drinks. Moderate caffeine consumption — about 2 to 3 cups of coffee a day — won't be harmful as long as your diet contains adequate calcium.

Source:www.mayoclinic.org

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

October, 2017

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Easy Fall Soup In the fall, we want comfort and warmth. No food does

that quite like soup! So, we have modified some popular soups here with reduced sugar, fat, and salt.

Get ready to love…

Mondays

What are your expectations for retirement? What will you look forward to most? While many fantasize of lazy days, no schedules, and no bosses; that's often not the case. Many retirees are extremely busy and wonder how they ever had time for work?

Many retirees love Mondays because of the sheer joy they feel when everyone else they know has to go back to work. And you don't. No longer will you dread that the weekend is coming to an end. Weekdays now represent a whole new world. Many retirees join fitness programs, support groups, attend senior activities and trips and volunteer at local hospitals or meal services.

Boomers & Beyond would love to hear from retirees who would like to share with our readers what they are involved in now that they have time.

Please send your stories to: Cathy@healthcarenewsmagazine.com 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553

Pumpkin Bisque (serves 2-4)

Ingredients 1/2 onion diced 1 TBS. olive oil 2 large Carrots diced One 29-ounce can of pumpkin puree 2 cups low-fat, low-salt chicken broth Salt and pepper to taste ¼ tsp. nutmeg ½ cup half and half cream (optional)

Preparation • Saute onion in oil until soft, then mix in everything else except the cream.

• Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes.

• Let cool for 15 minutes.

• Add cream and serve.

Source: www.sageminder.com

The Viisiting Nurse Association of Hudson Va alley fam mily of organizations - provid ding home health services since e 1898.

VNAHV delivers the best quality professional in-home nursing and rehabilitative services to residents of Westchester and P t Putnam C Countie ties.

Ourr carefully screened and d New Yo orkk State-licensed aides off offer a wide range of services to o help you u maintain your independence. ndence.

(914) 666 - 7616

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Our family-center centered approach allows you to focus on wh hat matters most - quality of life and time spentt with ith your loved l d ones.

VNAHV V.or .org

Corporate Address: 540 White Plains Road, Ste. 300 Tarrytown, NY 10591 Ta

Putnam Addr A ess: 20 Milltow wn Road, Ste. 101 B ewster, NY 10509 Br

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Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County