Fairfield County Boomers & Beyond March 2017 ebook

Boomers d n o y & Be FairďŹ eld County

March 2017

The Greens at Greenwich Luxurious assisted living p3

VNA of Hudson Valley Providing nursing, hospice and home aide services p19

Waveny Comprehensive continuum care p2

StarOne Home Care & Medical StaďŹƒng Transforming healthcare p9

Fairfield's First Selectman joins Bigelow Center for Senior Activities Encourages others to become members

Fairfield First Selectman Mike Tetreau recently celebrated his birthday by becoming a member of the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities at 100 Mona Terrace. Since the Bigelow Center accepts Connecticut residents over the age of 50, First Selectman Tetreau was officially welcomed as a new member.

Fairfield residents can join the Center at no cost. A few programs and activities have nominal fees, but most are free of charge.

First Selectman Tetreau said, “The Bigelow Center is a very active and vibrant place in Fairfield and I would personally like to invite any Fairfielder age 50 and over to become a member. The wide variety of programs, talks, events, trips, active games, and more than 30 different types of health and exercise programs provide choices for almost everyone.”

According to the Bigelow Center, “In the U.S., there is no one definition of ‘Who is a senior?’ People may consider themselves seniors because of changes in social roles, employment or activity or when they become grandparents, are invited to join AARP, or qualify for Medicare. More than 25% of the active members of the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities are Baby Boomers.”

Human and Social Services Director Terry Giegengack said, “I encourage anyone in Fairfield age 50+ to come on down and take a tour of the Bigelow Center. The application is free and if you use email, just give the Center your email address on the free application and you will receive a weekly email update on upcoming activities and programs. There is also a Facebook page and an informative monthly newsletter.”

Ms. Giegengack continued, “And watch for the news this summer. The Center boasts nine statewide medal winners in Pickleball!

Word has it that these winners have been invited to compete in the national games in 2017.”

The Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.to 3:30 p.m. On Thursdays in March, the Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. From April to June, on Thursdays, the Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

From March to June, the Center will also be open on Saturdays from 9 a.m.to 12 p.m.

For more information on becoming a member, call 203-256-3166.

Source:www.fairfieldct.org

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Home Care Versus Nursing Home Care

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March, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

How to safely age at home

Most elders would prefer to stay in their own homes, where they know their neighbors and can associate memories with each piece of furniture and object around them, rather than move to an institution as they age.

Things that can make "aging in place" -- the current term for staying in one's own home as one ages -- problematic are tasks such as cooking, cleaning, toileting, shopping, doing laundry, and driving, as well as falls, which for frail elders could initiate a downward spiral.

Support Systems • Help could come from family members, friends, or neighbors, who take care of the specific thing the elder has trouble with -- such as doing laundry or shopping.

• Or, some elders turn to their religious community, as often there are volunteers willing to enable a senior to age in place.

• Another option is to call the local Agency on Aging (800- 677-1116) to see if there are programs that help elders age in place. In some areas, "villages" have been created, whereby local merchants have banded together to provide the services seniors need to stay there, and seniors who pay a fee can make just one phone call to arrange for the necessary help.

• Finally, in-home care can be hired to provide the extra help needed for the senior to be able to age in place. In some cases, expenses will be reimbursed by Medicare, but seniors will need to

check with the home care agency to find out about this possibility. Care.com is a website that lists people throughout the United States who provide care to seniors, includes photos and descriptions of their experience, and does free background checks for members. You can search by zip code. For specific listings, go to Care.com.

Preventing Falls Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists • You can now hire a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist -- someone who can assess a home to determine how to make it as safe as possible for a senior, and who can then make the necessary repairs. These specialists have been trained to add a wide range of safety features that can enable an elderly person to live independently. They can be found on the internet at CAPS by clicking on the Education tab, scrolling down to Designations, then selecting Certified Aging-In-Place Specialists.

Home Care Agencies • Most home care agency employees have received training in how to assess a senior's home to determine what about it could pose a risk of falling. The senior would then have to make her own arrangements to have her home adapted.

New Technology Can Help Seniors • Electronic devices are now available to help monitor whether or not a senior has taken his or her medication -- and if not, to remind the senior -- or to determine whether a senior has opened the refrigerator.

• Emergency buttons can be worn around the neck and pressed if a health or other emergency should occur, in which case a person will speak to the senior through the device, assess the situation, and call for appropriate help.

• Cameras can be installed to track a senior's movements, allowing adult children to monitor the senior and be assured that he or she is functioning well.

With all of these options available, aging in place is an increasingly viable choice. Seniors and their loved ones need to assess whether this alternative is indeed best, the risk being that the senior may become too socially isolated despite being in familiar neighborhoods and homes.

Source:www.care.com

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation honored by West Hartford and the state Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Hughes Health & Rehabilitation Honored by the Town of West Hartford and State of Connecticut: Hughes Health & Rehabilitation was visited by West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor, pictured at left, and State Senator Beth Bye, third from left, to honor the facility’s numerous regional and national awards it received during the past year. Mayor Cantor presented a Town of West Hartford Proclamation and Senator Bye gave a General Assembly Official Citation to senior staff at Hughes’ West Hartford facility. Both proclamations noted Hughes’ achievement in providing quality care and winning the Gold – Excellence in Quality Award by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living for superior performance in the long term and post-acute care profession; the Women’s Choice Award as one of America’s Best for Extended Care for the third consecutive year; the Hartford Business Journal’s Connecticut Family Business Award; and for the sixth consecutive year, a Best Nursing Home in America award by U.S. News & World Report.

March, 2017

PAGE 5

Photo credit: John Marinelli

Pictured with Mayor Cantor and Senator Bye are, from left, Hughes Health & Rehabilitation’s Vice President Mark Finkelstein, Assistant Director of Nursing Iride Beiletti and Director of Nursing Lina Dureza.

What is Pulmonary Rehabilitation?

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program of exercise, education, and support to help you learn to breathe—and function—at the highest level possible.

At pulmonary rehabilitation you’ll work with a team of specialists who will help you improve your physical condition. You will also learn how to manage your COPD so you will stay healthy and active long after you complete the course.

In order to qualify for pulmonary rehabilitation, you must be referred by your doctor and have spirometry test results within the past year that show you have COPD. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory (non-reversible) asthma, and some forms of bronchiectasis. This disease is characterized by increasing breathlessness.

Your rehabilitation team will take a complete health history, talk with you about your current level of activity, and help you set goals for what is most important to you.

You will walk as they monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen level.

Don’t worry if you can’t walk very far!

Pulmonary rehabilitation professionals are experts at working with people with severe shortness of breath, and they’ll make sure you’re safe.

You may only be able to start out exercising at a slow pace, even for only a minute or two. That’s okay. If you need supplemental oxygen you can use it. Your oxygen level, heart rate, and blood pressure will be monitored so you can exercise safely and effectively. You will be surprised at how much you can accomplish!

At pulmonary rehabilitation, you will also learn about: breathing techniques, medications, nutrition, relaxation, oxygen, travel, how to do everyday tasks with less shortness of breath, and how to stay healthy and avoid COPD exacerbations. You’ll also learn how to cope with the changes that often come with COPD - depression, panic, anxiety, and others. A bonus is that you’ll also meet people with COPD who have many of the same experiences, questions and feelings that you do.

To learn more about Pulmonary Rehabilitation, visit www.copdfoundation.org

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March, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Advertiser’s Index

ColumbiaDoctors.....................................................................................20

The Greens at Greenwich........................................................................3

MDHearingAid......................................................................................11 Physicians Mutual Insurance Company.................................................15

StarOne Home Care & Medical Staffing.................................................9

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)

••• MARKETING DIRECTOR

Our View The world of healthcare constantly changes, and it’s important - especially as we age - to keep up on advancements in the field of medicine and other factors that contribute to healthy living.

This month’s issue of Boomers & Beyond takes a look at some of the latest approaches to rehabilitation and home care – two topics of key interest to many readers as we and our loved ones grow older.

You’ll also find helpful pointers on managing diabetes, and discover ways to help boost your vision and hearing; plus, check out experts’ suggestions on easy ways to take care of your teeth and mouth in order to enjoy a lifetime of good oral health.

Brain Awareness Week also takes place this month (March 13-19), highlighting scientific research in brain science.

It’s also a great time to read about simple techniques that help enhance brain health and cognition, which can be especially helpful for seniors.

Wishing everyone good health throughout the month!

And please continue to contact us with questions, ideas and suggestions for future issues.

We can be reached at info@healthcarenewspaper.com.

Gregory W. Buff

(Greg@belsito.com)

••• MANAGING EDITOR

Cathryn Burak

(Cathy@healthcarenewsmagazine.com)

•••

SENIOR SALES CONSULTANT

Maureen Rafferty Linell (MRLinell@charter.net)

••• MARKETING EXECUTIVE

Anthony Mairo

(Anthony@healthcarenewsmagazine.com)

••• CIRCULATION

Michelle Belsito

Next Month Retirement Communities Helping your loved one feel comfort and staying active when needed

(Michelle@healthcarenewsmagazine.com)

Managing Hearing Loss

Dale McKnight

Rehabilitation Overcoming Injury

•••

SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS

Corporate Information

Healthcare News - Fairfield County, CT edition - Vol. 4 No.3 - 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.

Cancer Awareness and Care Occupational Therapy

Man on brink of heart attack stops at nothing to find the right doctor and diagnosis Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Frank Cammarata, 73, is a bodybuilder who regularly would be able to bench press 300 pounds, and do 78 pushups and 20 pull-ups.

But last winter he started to experience sudden bouts of shortness of breath. He was unusually tired and dizzy at times, and his vision was blurred when he was at the gym and doing his usual daily activities. He also found that he had to take a rest shortly after starting to shovel snow last winter, and says he felt as if he was about to pass out from going up even a short flight of stairs.

“I thought it might just be my age catching up with me, or perhaps that it could be my heart,” says Cammarata of Meriden, Conn.

He visited several doctors for check-ups about his persisting symptoms, including several cardiologists, but they all gave him a clean bill of health.

Cammarata recalls that he was often nicknamed “Dr. Google” by his various physicians, based on the extensive online research he would do before his doctor appointments in the hunt for answers to his unexplained symptoms. Even a trip to his local Emergency Room, advanced blood tests, electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, and other tests turned up nothing unusual.

But his family medicine physician, Dr. Alex Faustin, a graduate of UConn School of Medicine, recommended that Cammarata further pursue his symptoms at Connecticut’s academic medical center, UConn Health. So Cammarata called UConn Health, asking for “a heart doctor with a lot of experience.”

He was connected with interventional cardiologist Dr. Aseem Vashist, associate professor of medicine at the Calhoun Cardiology Center at UConn Health.

“Dr. Vashist was the first heart doctor that truly listened to me fully,” said Cammarata. “Despite all previous heart tests being negative, Dr. Vashist told me he was going to take my reported heart symptoms very seriously.”

To confirm whether Cammarata had any hidden heart blockages that could be causing his symptoms, Vashist performed a minimally invasive radial access heart angiogram through the artery in his wrist at UConn Health’s Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.

The angiogram revealed that Cammarata did indeed have significant atherosclerosis, including a 90 percent complex blockage involving the bifurcation branch of a major heart artery, putting him at risk for a heart attack at any time.

Due to the complex location of the heart blockage, Vashist said he was most likely a candidate for open-heart surgery known as coronary-artery bypass surgery.

But Cammarata asked, “Is there a Plan B?” Complications or a long recovery period were possibilities he wanted to avoid. He wanted to be able to continue taking care of his wife Nancy, who has advanced adrenal cancer.

So Vashist and his team placed two cardiac stents via the wrist to prop open Cammarata’s blocked heart artery, helping him avoid invasive bypass surgery.

“Dr. Vashist really listened to me and to my ongoing symptoms,” says Cammarata. “His suspicions about a possible heart blockage were spot on.

“Finding a doctor who listens and has experience is really important,” he adds. “I am very happy that Dr. Vashist was a thoughtful listener and proactively saved my life.”

March, 2017

PAGE 7

provided

A follow-up stress test has confirmed that Cammarata now has normal heart function.

“His story embodies the advanced and compassionate care we provide here at UConn Health,” says Vashist.

Cammarata says he hopes that speaking about his case can help others. “I hope my experience might motivate someone to pursue persistent symptoms despite tests that may indicate nothing seems wrong,” he says. “My story is good lesson to everyone. Always listen to your body. You know it best, so stick with your instincts.”

To learn more about the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center at UConn Health visit, health.uconn.edu/cardiology.

New England Young at Heart 2017 Senior Prom (Must be 50 or older)

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How is Diabetes managed?

PAGE 8

March, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Diabetes is managed by keeping blood sugar under control and as close to normal as possible. For most people with diabetes, a healthy range is between 90 and 130 mg/dl before meals and less than 180 mg/dl at one to two hours after a meal. This is the key to avoiding complications and discomfort.

Here are some ways to manage diabetes:

Quit Smoking.

The NYS Smoker's Quitline (1-866-697-8487) provides help to people who want to stop smoking.

A1C Blood Test.

This blood test measures the average blood sugar over the last three months. It should be done two to four times a year. An A1C measure of less than 7 percent is the goal.

Blood Pressure.

This should be checked at each visit to a doctor or health care provider. A blood pressure reading of less than 130/80 mmHg is the goal.

Exercise.

Work up to at least 30 minutes a day, most days of the week. Regular physical activity helps to manage diabetes. People with diabetes should talk to their doctor or health care provider before starting any exercise plan.

Choose Healthy Food.

Good nutrition is a very important part of diabetes management. People with diabetes should work with their diabetes healthcare team to develop an eating plan that meets their personal food preferences while keeping blood glucose in a healthy range. By choosing nutritious foods and balancing what and how much you eat with activity level, blood sugar levels can be kept as close to normal as possible.

Take Your Medicine.

It is important for people with diabetes to know what medicines they are taking, why they are taking them and how to take them. People with diabetes should tell their doctor or health care provider if they are taking any herbs or other supplements.

Check Blood Sugar.

A doctor or health care provider can explain how to test blood sugar and how often it should be checked.

Cholesterol.

A lipid profile blood test should be checked once a year. This includes total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and HDL. The total cholesterol should be less than 200 mg/dL, the LDL (known as the bad cholesterol) should be less than 100 mg/dL and the HDL (known as the good cholesterol) should be greater than 40 mg/dL for men and greater than 50 mg/dL for women.

Flu Shot.

A flu shot should be given once every year. A doctor or health care provider may also order a pneumonia shot.

Eye Exam.

A dilated eye exam should be done every year by an optometrist or ophthalmologist (an eye doctor who specializes in eye diseases). During a dilated eye exam, eye drops are used to make the pupil (the black part of the eye) bigger. This allows the eye doctor to see the back of the eye.

Finding eye problems early and getting treatment right away will help prevent more serious problems later on.

Foot Exam.

It is important that people with diabetes take off their shoes and socks at every doctor's visit and learn how to check their feet daily for cuts, breaks in the skin, or ingrown toenails. The doctor also needs to know if there are any changes in the color or shape of the feet, or if there is any pain or lack of sensation.

Kidney Test.

People with diabetes need to have a blood or urine test ordered by their doctor every year to check how well their kidneys are working.

Dental Exam. t is important that people with diabetes have their teeth and gums checked every six months.

Coping Skills.

People with diabetes may need to talk to their health care team about any feelings, problems or questions they may have. People with diabetes are at higher risk for depression.

Source; www.health.ny.gov

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

How to improve night driving March, 2017

PAGE 9

Tips on glasses and lenses

If you are an older driver, what can you do to keep yourself and loved ones safe on the road at night?

First, assess your ability to drive safely.

Also take these steps:

• Make sure you visit an eye care professional at least once every two years, or even more frequently if you have a significant eye condition or visual complaint. Tell your eye doctor about any problems you experience on the road at night so that you can undergo specialized testing, such as evaluation of your visual field or contrast sensitivity.

• If you have diabetes, get your eyes examined at least once yearly, and closely follow your doctor's recommendations regarding diet, blood sugar control, insulin and self-care to reduce the risks of diabetic retinopathy, which can progress to severe vision loss without warning.

FIND A DOCTOR: An eye doctor can assess your vision and possibly help you see better at night.

• Seek immediate care when you detect symptoms of sight-threatening eye diseases. Remember that many symptoms of eye problems appear late in the disease process, so your urgent response is extremely important.

• Ask your eye care professional to prescribe special eyeglasses that may help you see better on the road at night. Anti-reflective coatings can cut down on glare. Lenses developed with wavefront diagnostic technology can reduce halos, star bursts, glare and other distracting aberrations.

• If you are a candidate for cataract surgery, ask your surgeon about replacing your clouded natural lenses with an aspheric intraocular lens.

These artificial lenses are engineered to provide better contrast sensitivity and crisper vision than would be possible with the implantation of traditional, spherical intraocular lenses.

• Be extra cautious when approaching intersections, where 40 percent of fatal collisions involving older motorists occur, according to a March 2007 study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The most common reason for these crashes was a failure to yield, especially when making a left turn.

Source://www.allaboutvision.com/over40/night-driving-tips.htm

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Hearing loss in seniors Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

– Ear problem or not?

PAGE 10

March, 2017

Approximately one-third of folks in this country between the ages of 65 and 74 have some level of hearing loss. This loss is often associated with the reduction of adequate functioning within the ear itself – Presbycusis. This is the normal aging of the ear in older people which correlates into such difficulties as differentiating particular sounds/conversations in a group of people. There is also the loss of hearing due to Tinnitus – a ringing in the ear possibly caused by loud noises (too many rock concerts as kids), medicines, issues with the heart, etc. And there is loss of hearing due to blockages – Conductive Hearing Loss, often from build of up of ear wax or some form of fluid. Remember when you spent too much time swimming as a kid and couldn’t hear well for a little while?

That was a form of conductive hearing loss.

Yet, not all hearing loss is directly associated with an ear problem. Some hearing loss, in seniors especially, may be a result of the brain aging and not part of an ear issue. As the brain ages normally, its’ ability to process various sounds, at the same time, becomes problematic. This is often called a “feedback” or “timing” problem. By this, it is meant that the brain does not, for example, separate the various sounds heard while you are standing in the middle of a crowded room with people all talking at the same time. The sounds tend to run over each other or blend together, making it very difficult to understand/hear what the person you are with is saying. Believe it or not, this entire breakdown process begins around age 50 and continues to degenerate from there, often preceding perceived hearing loss, which most people then claim to be a problem with their ears.

Although there is no cure for Presbycusis, being proactive can certainly make a difference in a hearing loss sufferer’s life. First, an early diagnosis, or at least acknowledgment of the issue, is important.

For example, is the sufferer: • • • •

Having difficulty hearing because of extraneous noises?

Turning up the volume on the TV or radio?

Noticing higher voices, such as women or children, seem problematic?

Isolating herself from social situations or not blending into conversations as much as before?

• • • • • • •

Speak a bit more slowly.

Speak in your normal voice – do not necessarily raise your voice.

Speak as clearly as possible.

Always face the person to whom you are speaking.

Don’t be awkward about repeating what you said.

Use body expressions, i.e., hand gestures, smiling, or head nodding, etc Be patient

When any or all of these symptoms are becoming noticeable, the first step is to the doctor for an evaluation. Next is to begin some clear and decisive action for all those who come in contact with the sufferer. For example:

Remember, the senior who is experiencing a hearing loss may also be embarrassed about that loss and may simply need to have someone understand what they are experiencing in order for her to get the assistance required to begin some form of correction.

Also, understand that not all hearing losses are a result of a problem with the ear itself, but could be a result of an aging brain and a timing problem. The sooner you get this person to their doctor, the better.

Source:www.visitingangels.com

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

March, 2017

PAGE 11

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9 Brain Boosters to Prevent Memory Loss PAGE 12

March, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Everyone has memory blips from time to time -- the word that's on the very tip of your tongue or the house keys that aren’t where you swear you left them. As you get older, these kinds of slip-ups may happen more often.

You don’t have to resign yourself to memory loss. These simple steps can help keep your brain sharp.

1. Step It Up A 30-minute daily walk is one of the best things you can do for your body, including your brain.

“Physical exercise has the best evidence for preserving memory and mental function with aging,” says R. Scott Turner, MD, PhD, director of the Memory Disorders Program at Georgetown University Medical Center.

Exercise can help prevent things that can lead to memory loss, such as: • • • • •

Diabetes High blood pressure High cholesterol Obesity Stroke

Some studies suggest physical activity also triggers the release of a protein called BDNF that promotes healthy nerve cells in the brain. That could give your memory a boost.

3. Engage Your Brain “Just like physical exercise, mental exercise is good for you,” says Mustafa Husain, MD, director of the geriatric psychiatry division at Duke University School of Medicine.

Play cards, join a book club, watch a football game with friends, or play a brain-training app.

Any mentally challenging activity will keep your mind sharp.

4. Stay Social Card games and book clubs also keep you socially active -- another plus for your brain. “The more social connections someone has, the better they are at preserving mental function and memory,” Turner says.

Social interaction also helps memory as it helps your mood. “We see a lot more depression in people who are socially isolated,” Husain says. “Depression itself can cause dementia.”

2. Go Mediterranean A healthy diet is always good for your brain.

One eating style may save your memory best.

"There's good evidence for the Mediterraneanstyle diet," says Argye Hillis, MD, professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Keeping to a Mediterranean diet doesn't mean pasta and pizza, she says, "but lots of fruits and vegetables, fish rather than red meat, and olive oil."

One study found people who closely followed this diet were nearly 20% less likely to have thinking and memory problems.

5. Sleep Right “Attention and concentration go down when sleep is restless, and mental function is not as sharp as it is in those who have normal, restful sleep,” Husain says.

Try these tips to get better sleep:

• Avoid big meals before bed.

• Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning.

• Don't drink caffeine or alcohol close to bedtime.

• Avoid smoking or other forms of nicotine.

6. Stop Stress “Being under stress is very bad for your brain," Turner says. High levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, make it harder to pull information from your brain's memory.

Try different ways to relax, like meditation, yoga, or massage.

7. Stub Out Cigarettes Smoking speeds up memory loss as you age. If you smoke, quit.

Smoking's effect on memory is probably due to small strokes it can cause in the brain, Turner says. Try nicotine replacement, medicine, or counseling to help you kick the habit for good.

8. Get Checked Sometimes, medical conditions can cause memory loss. Examples include: • • • •

Depression Diabetes Thyroid disease Vitamin deficiency

Certain medicines, such as sleep and anxiety drugs, can also affect your ability to remember.

See your doctor to get checked and treated for these problems and to go over all your medicines.

9. Use Memory Tricks When you have trouble with everyday memory, it helps to have a few tricks up your sleeve.

Every time you learn a new name or word, say it out loud to seal it in your brain. Mentally connect each new name with an image. If you meet a girl named April, picture a tree in bloom to represent the month of April.

To help with recall, post sticky notes around the home and office or set reminders on your phone so you'll know when it's time to take your medicine or head to an important meeting.

Source:www.webmd.com

Griffin Hospital to Host Fall Prevention Program Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

March, 2017

PAGE 13

The Valley Parish Nurse Program at Griffin Hospital and Griffin Hospital Lifeline will host a free Fall Prevention Program on Fri., March 10 from 9 a.m.-noon at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division Street in Derby.

The program will discuss the dangers of falling, especially for seniors, and will help attendees prevent falls by: Assessing their fall risk; teaching them to assess their, or a loved one’s, risk of falling; teaching and practicing exercises to improve balance and leg strength; providing a medication review; encouraging annual eye exams; teaching ways to reduce tripping hazards at home and learning how to get up or to call for fast help if a fall occurs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of three adults 65 and older will fall each year. For those 65 and older, falls are the leading cause of injury, death and hospital admissions for trauma. Those who fall, even if not injured, develop a fear of falling. This fear causes people to limit their activities reducing their mobility, causing loss of physical fitness, which in turn increases the actual risk of falling.

A light breakfast will be provided by Griffin Hospital Lifeline.

To reserve a seat or for more information, contact Esther at 203-732-1523 or ejones@griffinhealth.org.

Griffin Hospital is offering a free fall prevention program on March 10 at the hospital, featuring fall risk assessments, fall prevention techniques and exercises to help improve balance.

IBM (NYSE: IBM) and the Avamere Family of Companies (Avamere Health Services, Infinity Rehab, Signature Hospice, Home Health, Home Care) recently announced a six-month research study that will apply the power of IBM cognitive computing to help caregivers improve eldercare at senior living and health centers. By analyzing data streaming from sensors in senior living facilities, Avamere hopes to gain insights into physical and environmental conditions, and obtain deeper learnings into the factors that affect 30-day hospital readmission rates in patients.

Avamere is working with IBM researchers to monitor movement, air quality, gait analysis, factors that could lead to fall risk, and daily activities, including personal hygiene, sleeping patterns, incontinence and trips to the bathroom. IBM will then leverage its cognitive computing to analyze this streaming sensor data to help Avamere create and maintain a contextual understanding of its residents.

"By combining IBM's expertise in Cognitive Eldercare with Avamere's intimate knowledge of patients in the post-acute setting, we can gain insights that may help transform the way individuals age in place," said Dr. Ruoyi Zhou, Director

of Accessibility Research at IBM. "Helping Avamere uncover new insights can help family members, caregivers, nurses and physicians identify potential risks and better prescribe care to minimize hospital readmission."

According to the United States Census Bureau, by 2020 there will be more people aged 65 and older than there will be children under 5, and this increase of older adults and their dynamic healthcare needs will require more intelligent solutions.

Given the accelerating changes in demographics and healthcare, this project is designed to provide the Avamere Family of Companies with new insights that could help reduce hospital readmission.

"Smarter care management and creative population health solutions are necessary to meet the ever-evolving needs of our seniors," says John W. Morgan, CEO Avamere Family of Companies.

"Avamere has never shied away from taking on difficult problems. We successfully developed and initiated advance care management models and became a leader in value-based payment reform through the Center for (CMS) Medicare's Bundled Payments for Care Improvement pilot program.

Collaborating with IBM Research for this project

provided

IBM and Avamere to bring cognitive eldercare research to Senior Living and Skilled Nursing Facilities

is the next step in how Avamere will deliver patient-centered quality care and outcomes through smart senior living settings."

Infinity Rehab, which provides physical, occupational and speech therapy to Avamere patients and residents, has already taken steps to integrate data collection and analysis into existing modalities to standardize therapies across the entire company. By integrating additional data sources, such as sensors, Infinity Rehab and Avamere hope to improve patient outcomes, increase efficiencies, and reduce cost to payers.

Mike Billings, President of Infinity Rehab, is eager to see how therapists will use the information gleaned from the Cognitive Eldercare solution to enhance patient care. "Managing patient outcomes and clinical utilization is a major focus for us as our industry transitions from performance-based care to value-based care. IBM will help us collect and analyze information that was previously inaccessible to our clinicians. We can then plug that info into our individualized care plans and create approaches to patient health that is both comprehensive and prognostic."

For more information, visit www.avamere.com.

PAGE 14

The

March, 2017

FIVE

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

biggest

DENTAL PROBLEMS for people over

FIFTY

It used to be that as people aged, they didn't keep many of their original teeth.

Dentures and partials were the norm for many people over the age of fifty, but as dental practices and habits have improved, more and more people are keeping their natural teeth.

This is wonderful, but there are dental problems that people over fifty should be aware of and be diligent in caring for their teeth.

1. Dry mouth Saliva actually helps clean teeth regularly, and a dry mouth can be harmful to your teeth.

One reason dry mouth is more common in older age is because it is a side effect of many medications, which is more common among older age groups.

A dry mouth doesn't necessarily mean you are thirsty all of the time, but it can mean bad breath, a sticky feeling in your mouth, and a hard time swallowing. People who suffer from dry mouth can often fix it just by upping the amount of water they are sipping throughout the day or chewing sugar free gum. If dry mouth persists, a dentist can possibly prescribe something stronger.

2. Gingivitis If your gums are red, swollen, and bleed easily, gingivitis is probably the culprit. Gingivitis left untreated can turn into gum disease, which can lead to even more problems, pockets of infection, and eventually loss of teeth. It is a very serious and severe dental problem. Gum disease is easily prevented with regular dental visits and dental care.

3. Tooth decay Tooth decay is a problem as your teeth age because it will happen in places where it normally wouldn't have years ago. Cavities might become common around old fillings, close to the gums near the root, which can become soft and more exposed, and on the surface of your enamel. Regular dental visits and possibly a boost in fluoride will help prevent tooth decay.

4. Overcrowding teeth The older a person gets, the more their teeth shift. Teeth get overcrowded gradually and people might not notice until food starts getting stuck between teeth easier or they have a harder time flossing. An orthodontist can sometimes fix the overcrowding with a retainer, but most likely, overcrowding teeth just need more frequent cleanings to get in between the hard to reach places to prevent tooth decay. The key to a healthy mouth and set of teeth is to make regular dental visits for preventative care.

5. Oral Cancer The chance of having oral cancer rises as a person gets older and the best defense against surviving it is early detection. If your dentist does not check for oral cancer during a normal dental check up, it might be time to switch dentists. It is extremely important to have this done regularly even if you have never been a heavy drinker or smoker.

Source:www.carefreedental.com

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

March, 2017

PAGE 15

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CDC warns of flu surge across country

PAGE 16

March, 2017

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

Flu activity across the U.S. surged in early February, and infections could continue to increase until March according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Deaths from flu-related conditions are at high levels, and the CDC reported that hospitalizations for children under 4 and adults over 65 are up. Hospitalizations for people in their 50s and 60s are also increasing.

Health officials state that it is not too late to get a flu shot - the vaccine takes effect in about two weeks. Flu activity is especially severe now in the South, some Midwestern areas and in the East, particularly Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Circulating viruses include H3N2, H1N1 and B which are all contained in this year’s flu vaccine. The CDC continues to recommend that anyone 6 months and older get a flu shot.

The high risk group includes the elderly, chronically ill and pregnant women. Mothers of newborns should also be vaccinated to protect their newborns who cannot receive the vaccine until they’re 6 months old. For people 65 years and older, the high dose vaccine is recommended. The CDC reports that typically the flu vaccine is between 40 and 60 percent effective. If you do get the flu, antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza can help if taken very early. During a typical flu season, complications such as pneumonia send more than 200,000 Americans to the hospital.

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Death rates fluctuate annually but have been reported as high as 49,000 in a single year.

RVNA continues to provide flu shots at 27 Governor Street during normal business hours. Most insurances are accepted, and no appointment is necessary. Call 203 4385555 for more information.

Founded in 1914, RVNA is an accredited non-profit 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.

FIGURE 1. Number* of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza reported by public health laboratories, by influenza virus type, subtype/lineage, and surveillance week — United States, October 2, 2016–February 4, 2017†

* N = 15,781. † As of February 10, 2017

Figure courtesy of www.cdc.gov

5 Health conditions to watch out for in your golden years Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

March, 2017

PAGE 17

Thanks to advancement in medicine and technology, golden years are no longer what they once used to be. But that certainly does not mean that we’ve discovered ways to remain forever young. Aging is inevitable. Here are five signs that you’re about to enter your golden years.

Cognitive Decline The impact of age on memory is mild. Age-related memory loss results in forgetfulness. This is when an individual may start feeling confused with ordinary, day-to-day tasks such as paying the bills or following simple directions.

However, an advanced stage of cognitive impairment is Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This progressive and degenerative condition can cause irreparable damage to the brain. People with AD may experience mild-to-moderate memory lapses. A healthy and nutritious diet with daily physical and mental exercises can help keep AD at bay.

Possible Vision Loss Age-related vision problems are very common among the elderly, including macular degeneration and glaucoma. Macular degeneration occurs when the part of the eye that allows you to make out fine detail (called the macula) begins to deteriorate. Seniors in their 50s face a 2% risk of developing this condition.

Glaucoma, on the other hand, is characterized by an increase in eye fluid pressure which damages the optic nerve. What’s dangerous about this medical condition is that there are no clear symptoms. It’s only when an individual starts to lose their vision that they realize that something is wrong. In any case, make sure to schedule frequent checkups with your eye doctor.

Osteoporosis A healthy bone structure is needed for support and vitality. As you progress in age, your body starts absorbing old bone tissue much faster than it can produce new tissues- resulting in weaker bones. This condition is known as osteoporosis.

Due to osteoporosis, your bones become fragile and can easily break if you fall on hard surface. Every year, millions of seniors report fractures and broken bones due to osteoporosis.

This condition has no clear symptoms and it is best to consult your physician on a bone density test (DEXA scan) as you approach your golden years.

Coordination Issues Many seniors complain about facing difficulty in maintaining their body balance. This includes feeling dizzy often. While unhealthy diet and lack of exercise have been singled out as two important contributors to loss of body balance, improper medications is also a culprit.

As you progress in age and feel that the room around you is spinning or you face difficulty standing straight, then consult your physician at your earliest.

Source:www.behance.net

Constipation and Incontinence These two bathroom-related issues are pretty common among seniors, with women being more susceptible to both. Chronic constipation occurs when one experiences less than three bowel movements in a week and passes dry and hard stools.

Dehydration, lack of fiber and lack of physical activity are three of the most common reasons for constipation. Similarly, urinary incontinences are common in women aged 50 and above and develop due to weakened pelvic muscles. It is important to consult your doctor on these issues.

Can patients fight Parkinson’s disease in the boxing ring?

PAGE 18

March, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

For the millions of individuals living with the effects of Parkinson's disease, they are dealing with muscle stiffness, loss of balance, tremors and increasingly worsening problems with mobility. Over the years, research has continued to support the idea that physical activity can help to improve the quality of life for those living with the disease. In fact, the National Parkinson Foundation cited research that those who get at least two and half hours of exercise per week will have a more gradual decline in symptoms.

Studies have found that exercise including boxing, strength training and yoga can all help to fight back against the neurodegenerative brain disorder.

Boxing Today, many patients living with Parkinson's disease are turning toward uniquely tailored boxing classes to help fight back against the chronic brain disorder, reported The Washington Times. Offering classes specifically for patients with the condition, many gyms around the country are opening their doors to non-contact boxing sessions that focus on aerobic activity, strength training and flexibility - all areas recommended by the National Parkinson Foundation.

One group has noted that the boxing classes help to improve overall strength, hand-eye coordination, balance, agility and accuracy, noted the source. Each of these physical abilities are compromised in patients living with Parkinson's disease. The Washington Times also cited research that supports pushing those with the disease out of their comfort zones, as boxing can do.

Moreover, members of the class noted that being able to workout with others struggling with the same disease has been beneficial.

Yoga Just as boxing can help to improve areas of the body at risk from Parkinson's disease, yoga has been shown to help improve posture, flexibility, stiffness and balance among those living with Parkinson's disease, according to Parkinson’s News Today. The fluid movements of the exercise can help to strengthen the body's core, which has a lot to do with mobility and movement.

Citing the journal Neurology Now, Parkinson’s News Today noted that modified boat pose, mountain pose, three-part breath, warrior 1 variation and relaxation pose each have benefits that can help to improve comfort of patients. Much of it has to do with strengthening the muscles that support the body, as well as movements that ease stiffness and tension.

Strength training If patients fail to engage in physical activity after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, they may risk losing the ability to exercise again, noted Bel Marra Health. A lack of exercise that doesn't incorporate strength training results in weaker muscles. Conversely, however, by including strength training as part of a regular exercise regimen, patients with Parkinson’s disease have been known to improve balance, gait and movement.

Incorporating one of these three exercises into a regular workout routine at least two to three times per week can greatly help those with Parkinson's disease reduce the associated symptoms and live a more comfortable, mobile life.

Source: www.interimhealthcare.com/news

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PAGE 20

March, 2017

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County