Fairfield County Boomers & Beyond February ebook

Boomers d n o y & Be Fairfield County

February 2015

Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association Celebrates 100 years of exceptional care! p5

The Greens at Cannondale

Assisted living Community with all the amenities! p7

SyNeRGy Home Care

the most trusted name— call today for a free consultation! p16

HEART HEALTH

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February, 2015

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Come see what’s happening on Main Street.

The Village at Waveny provides a unique gathering place designed to stimulate and engage memory impaired seniors. The familiar, comforting environment of small town Main Street is a site for interaction among our Assisted Living residents, Adult Day Program participants, volunteers, staff, family and friends. The Village is located in New Canaan, Connecticut, where seniors from all areas are welcome. Find out more about everything we have to offer by calling Ginny Carroll at 203.594.5331 or visiting waveny.org.

You don’t have to be an eldercare expert to appreciate continuity in care.

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As your needs and preferences change, we’ve got the solution.

At Waveny LifeCare Network, person-centered care is at the heart of our mission. Like a river, our programs, services and residential options flow together fluidly to benefit those we serve. We welcome older adults from all areas. To find out more or arrange for a tour of our award-winning New Canaan campus, call us at 203.594.5331 or visit us online at waveny.org.

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County February, 2015

AT

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THE GREENS AT GREENWICH

An ASSiSTed livinG CommuniTy, We offer A WIDE VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES FOR OUR RESIDENTS

Get this: Seniors who jog can walk like 20-somethings, according to study Adults over age 65 who run at least 30 minutes three times per week are less likely to experience age-related physical decline in walking efficiency than those who walk, according to a small new study by researchers at Humboldt State University and the University of Colorado in the US. For those who jog, walking comes at a lower "metabolic cost,"-- the scientific expression for saying it's easier -- which not only makes life easier but also preserves one's ability to walk.

This is important, they say, because decline in walking ability through gait changes due to poor posture or high metabolic cost of the effort is a key predictor of morbidity in older adults.

"What we found is that older adults who regularly participate in high aerobic activities -- running in particular -- have what we call a lower metabolic cost of walking

than older, sedentary adults," says Justus Ortega, a Kinesiology Professor at Humboldt State and director of HSU's Biomechanics Lab. "In fact, their metabolic cost of walking is similar to young adults in their 20s."

In the study, Dr. Ortega and his team worked with 15 joggers over the age of 65 who claimed to run at least 30 minutes per day, three times per week. They also worked with 15 seniors who claimed to walk three times per week for 30 minutes.

Researchers asked participants to walk on a treadmill at three speeds (1.6, 2.8 and 3.9 miles per hour) and measured their oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production.

The joggers were seven to 10 percent more efficient at walking than the exercise walkers, and their metabolic cost was similar to that of 20-somethings -- due, the team speculates, to healthier mitochondria in the muscles.

(This isn’t one of them.)

Whether it’s yoga, music, art or drama therapy, trips to cultural events or a walk in the woods, our memory support programs are tailored to meet the mind, body and spiritual needs of each resident.

Call The Greens at Greenwich today to arrange a tour.

Because not all assisted living communities are the same

1155 King Street Greenwich, CT 06831

(203) 531-5500 (203) 531-1224 FAX

www.thegreensatgreenwich.com

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February, 2015

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

OVERCOMING O VERCOMING “THE “THE U UNTHINKABLES” NTHINK ABLES” THROUGH THROUGH

GERIATRIC G ERIATRIC CARE CARE MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT Waveny LifeCare Waveny LiffeCare eCare Network’s Community-Based ty-Based Geriatric Care Manager, Joan Merrill, says s “The Unthinkables” of aging aren’t improbable ble or even uncommon And, uncommon.

An nd when they do occur, nd, occur, engaging an e xperienced Care Ca are Managerr can help to o transf form orm experienced transform impossible situations ations into workable ones. nes.

M

anaging a lo loved ved one one’s’s car caree can be ooverwhelming, verwhelming, to say th the he least. When situations move moove quickly aand nd re require quire iimmediate mmediate decisions, pr professional rofessional Car Caree M Managers anagers lik like ke JJoan oan M Merrill, errill, BSN, RN, CM CMC, C, can bridge the gaps between between seniors, ffamilies amilies aand nd tthe he h healthcare ealthcare system to streamline streamline complexities, com mplexities, coordinate coordinate care care and an nd respond respond to emergency ev events. ents..

“I kno know ow w the system m and how hoow to cut through through the th he rred ed tape,” tape,” says Merrill. know Merrill. “I make maake it my business to kno ow the right resources direction resources to enlist, professionals professionals to engage, and dir eection to provide. provide. It’s It’s what I do.” do.”

A seasoned Geriatric Caree Manager works seasoned G eriattric Car Manager who wor k with private ks private clients thr throughout Merrill has pr provided oughoutt Fairfield Fairfield County, Countyy,, M errill h ovided this hi service servvice i for f over over e a decade d d now noow w through thr h ough h Waveny Wavveny LifeCare Lif LifeCar C e Network, a non-p profit continuum of elder caare based in Network, non-profit eldercare New Connecticut.

New Canaan, Con nnecticut.

She Caree M Management She describes her style s of Car anagement as a ““multimultidisciplinaryy by nature,” thorough by nat ture,” combining a thor ough understanding of today’s ever-changing healthcaree system w today’s ev er-changing healthcar with patient advocacy, workk and nursin nursing savvy. advocacyy, counsel counseling, ling, social wor ng savvy y..

“What “What I do is espe especially peciallyy important impor p tant when ‘The Unthinkables’ Unthinkables U nthinkables’ occur – those things thinggs you you hope will never never happe en, but which occur happen, do,” shee says. too often do,” Unthinkables nthinkabless” may include a sudden illne ess, a change “The U Unthinkables” illness, ition, an unexpected hospit alization or a in health or cogni cognition, hospitalization elease wi ithout any clear discharge plan p in place. hospital rrelease without ated, highly “These situations ar aree almost always complica complicated, stressful and emoti ionally exhausting for ev erryon ne inv olved,” stressful emotionally everyone involved,” errill. says M Merrill.

They’re aalso lso the rig ght times to engage Car a anagement.

They’re right Caree M Management. multiple clinicians, medicatio ons, legal and In the midst of multiple medications, ecommendations, differ ences in opin nion and medical rrecommendations, differences opinion ons, she says a G eriatric Car re M anager heightened emotio emotions, Geriatric Care Manager care coor dination to make ke decisions will take the lead in care coordination eryonee inv olved. easier for ev everyone involved.

Joan M Merrill, BSN, RN, CMC Certtified Geriatric Care Manager Certified for o Waveny Waveny Lif feCare eCare Network for LifeCare

Especial llyy, she says, in cir cumstances es when the family Especially, circumstances is far rremoved em moved fr om the older adult When yyou ou add from adult.. ““When in a fact tor of distance e eally get disjointed factor distance,, things can rreally or lost in n translation, errill, who adds that the translation,”” says M Merrill, degr ee of o confusion, potential for miscommunication, degree and like elihood of rre-hospitalization e-hospitalization n also become much likelihood gr eater.. IIn n these cases, having an obj ective pr ofessional greater. objective professional pr esent to t adv ocate, oov versee and coor ordinate is essential. present advocate, oversee coordinate “I n som me rrespects espects I’ m almost like a pr ofessional oldest “In some I’m professional daughter err,” says M errill with rregard egard too her job daughter,” Merrill job’s’s dynamic.

“S omeoone with a dev out concern for or the older adult, “Someone devout who always ways has their best inter ests att hear interests heartt and a passion for achieving the right outcome. ome.” outcome.”

As par aveny LifeCar etwoork, M errill can partt of W Waveny LifeCaree N Network, Merrill pr ovide her clients with a unique, additional dditional benefit – provide immediate ate access to W aveny’s compr rehensive networ Waveny’s comprehensive networkk of rrenowned enoowned w elder care ser vices, v pr ogrrams, and living eldercare services, programs, options. ““Whether Whether it care, rrehabilitative eh habilitative ser vvices, it’s’s home care, services, outpatie ent, shor tt- or long-term car e, W aveny has it outpatient, shortcare, Waveny co vered,, and I can facilitate access. covered, access.””

“I hav t str eength of an entir work behind me, havee the strength entiree networ network me,”” ssays ays M errrill. ill ““And A d that And h ’s a pr eetty po ow werful f l thing. hi ” Merrill. that’s pretty powerful thing.”

To T o learn n more about Geriatric Care e Management, please call 2 203.594.5396 03.594.5396 or visit waveny.org.

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County February, 2015

PAGE 5

Measles Outbreak is Serious Problem in U.S. RVNA Urges Connecticut Residents to Check Vaccination Records Despite the fact that a highly effective measles vaccine has been available in the U.S. since 1963, measles is a serious problem in the U.S. right now.

According to the CDC, 644 cases were reported in 2014, the most since 2000.

And an outbreak is currently taking place in California and five other states that has been traced to a non-vaccinated visitor to Disneyland. Secondary cases are being reported in California, which is not surprising given that measles is one of the most contagious of all infectious diseases.

According to Theresa Santoro MSN, RN, President of RVNA (Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association), “Measles can quickly lead to outbreaks in groups of people that are unvaccinated because the early symptoms mimic many common viruses, and people can be contagious for four days before the telltale rash symptom appears.”

Measles is a virus that is spread through coughing and sneezing. The virus can live for up to two hours on a surface or in the airspace where an infected person coughed or sneezed. The symptoms of measles typically appear seven to 14 days after a person is infected. Measles typically begins with fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes and progresses to a rash, which usually starts on the face and spreads, along with a high fever.

Communities with low vaccination rates are more likely to experience outbreaks because people with immunity do not spread the disease.

Complications from measles can be serious, including severe diarrhea, permanent hearing loss, pneumonia, encephalitis, brain damage, mental retardation, and death.

Children younger than five years of age, adults older than 20 years of age, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems are at particular risk for complications.

So what can a resident of Western Connecticut do to avoid contracting measles? Santoro says that the best way to avoid contracting the virus is by being vaccinated. It usually takes 10-14 days

after the immunization for a person’s body to develop immunity.

“Pull out your vaccination records to confirm that you have been immunized,” suggests Santoro.

But what if your records are lost or destroyed? There is a simple blood test that can be ordered by a primary care physician to determine if a person has immunity to measles or not, either from having had the disease or receiving the vaccine. People born in the U.S. before 1957 are considered to have immunity from measles.

Adults that are unsure of their vaccination history and know that they have not had measles can be vaccinated.

RVNA has measles vaccine in stock; other health care providers may as well.

“We recommend that people visit their primary care physician to discuss their particular situation,” says Santoro.

If they would like to receive the vaccine from RVNA, they just need to make an appointment and bring a prescription for the vaccine with them.

Children are routinely vaccinated at their pediatrician’s office during wellchild exams, but if for some reason your child has not received the measles vaccine, Santoro urges you to do so quickly. RVNA can administer the measles vaccine to children.

Measles is quite common in many countries outside the U.S., so another step that Connecticut residents can take to protect themselves is to be vigilant while in places where international travelers congregate, such as theme parks, international airports, cruise ships, etc.

Connecticut residents traveling abroad may also want to have a travel consultation with a travel health specialist, such as RVNA’s own Mary Ellen Porrata, APRN, to discuss their itinerary and health history, and to receive any recommended vaccines.

“We know that measles spreads quickly among those with no immunity to it, and the side effects can be serious, even fatal,” says Santoro. “So during this outbreak, check your vaccination history, and that of your children. Why not protect the ones you love?”

To Contact RVNA Call RVNA at 203-438-5555. Visit RVNA at www.ridgefieldvna.org.

About RVNA Founded in 1914, RVNA provides home health care services, supports public health and safety, and promotes the highest quality of life in Western Connecticut 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Services include home health care, senior care solutions, disease management, an “aging-in-place” program, a travel health specialist, immunization and vaccination clinics, as well as educational and wellness programs.

ESTABLISHED 1914

We’ve come a long way...

Registered Nurses s Physical Therapists s Occupational &

celebrating 100 years of exceptional care!

Speech Therapists s Home Health Aides s Homemakers s Live-ins & Companions s Transitional Care Services s Lifeline Medical Alert s Quality Living at Home s

Whether you are returning home from the hospital, traveling to a foreign country or needing to update your vaccinations, you can receive comprehensive care with RVNA’s extraordinary and professional staff. One call will provide all the support you need.

Your time is valuable. RVNA’s care is remarkable.

RVNA Care Solutions s Maternal Child Health s Well Child Clinics s Flu & Shingles Vaccine s HPV Vaccine s

For a century, our exceptional home and community health care services have been available throughout Western Connecticut. Ask for us by name, RVNA is your VNA

Travel Vaccines s

90 East Ridge | Ridgefield, CT | 203.438.5555 | ridgefieldvna.org Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Staff Drop-in Site 250 Main Street South | Southbury, CT | 203.264.3250

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February, 2015

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Our View

Advertiser’s Index ColumbiaDoctors..................................................................15 Glen Island Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.................11 The Greens at Cannondale....................................................7 The Greens at Greenwich......................................................3 Long Ridge of Stamford.........................................................9 Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association.....................................5 SYNERGY HomeCare..........................................................16 The Wartburg......................................................................13 Waveny Lifecare Network......................................................2

Fairfield County

Boomers d & Beyon

Valentine’s Day is all about love, romance and cupids: The extra-special attention each February 14th brings back the warm feelings we felt when we first fell in love.

For many seniors, this annual day of love and affection can be just another day. Or worse: A day of increased loneliness and sorrow.

Many seniors are widowed or living alone, and finding a special way to show them some extra love on Valentine’s Day can make a big difference.

There are so many ways to bring happiness to seniors on Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to show them love.

There are any number of foods and activities seniors can enjoy on Valentine’s Day. In fact, this is a great time to also pass out hugs to your favorite people. You are never too old to have a Happy Valentine’s Day! Looking for some ideas? Here you go: - Get the kids involved – seniors love homemade valentines, even better if they include a recent photo.- A special treat is even sweeter when it’s shared, so sit awhile and share something yummy.

- Be there –your time and presence can add happiness to a day that may have otherwise been lonely.

Jim Stankiewicz, General Manager

845-534-7500 • (fax) 845-534-0055 Info@HealthcareNewspaper.com PUBLISHER Joseph P. Belsito (Joe@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• GENERAL MANAGER James Stankiewicz (Jim@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• MANAGING EDITOR Cathryn Burak (Cathy@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• SENIOR SALES CONSULTANT Maureen Rafferty Linell (MRLinell@charter.net) ••• MARKETING EXECUTIVE Anthony Mairo (Anthony@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• CIRCULATION Michelle Belsito (Michelle@healthcarenewspaper.com) ••• SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS Brendan Coyne John Jordan

Corporate Information Healthcare News - Fairfield County, CT edition - Vol. 2 No. 2 - 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 in Boomers & Beyond…

Improving your Hearing Audiologists guide you to the best options

Home Care How to maintain security and comfort

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Enhancing the lives of people with COPD

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County February, 2015

PAGE 7

Three great activities for seniors on Valentine’s Day If you're looking to spend Valentine’s Day with someone really special, consider bringing a bit of happiness to an elder. You’ll find that you get much back than you give!

Low key dance: One of the best ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with seniors is to throw a dance. You don’t have to do anything too enthusiastic, but some light decorations and good old tunes can really make for a fantastic evening. Asking a senior to dance with them can certainly make their day.

Play some cards: If you are looking for something fun to do with a group of seniors then you should try playing a game of cards. Cards can be fun for people of all ages, and will probably put a smile on the faces of the seniors you are working with.

Watch a classic romance movie: One great activity that you can do with seniors on Valentine’s Day is watch a classic romance movie. You can help bring back some great memories with films that they grew up with. In order to make sure you get a favorite film, take some time to talk with the seniors beforehand and ask them what movies they like most.

Get creative: Pick up some art supplies, such as watercolors, crayons, or colored pencils and see what hidden talents your senior citizen is harboring. This activity not only is creative, but you might be surprised at the conversation that flows over water, paint and paper.

Live Better

It’s time to…

T REAT YOURSELF TO THE BEST. ll your life you worked hard to be the best. The best parent, the best provider, and the best professional you could be.

You put the needs of others before your own.

Now isn’t it time to put yourself first? Why not treat yourself to the best at The Greens at Cannondale? Our assisted living community offers spacious living accommodations, filled with all the amenities you deserve; three restaurant-style meals in our elegant dining area, daily housekeeping, personal care and the opportunity to challenge yourself through one of our many daily activities and educational opportunities that will expand your interests and your mind at the same time, helping you to become the best version of yourself possible.

Call today to schedule a tour so we can show you what it means to Live Better.

Located on nine lush acres, The Greens at Cannondale stands out in a class all by itself. Each day we strive to exceed our well-known reputation of excellence in senior living throughout Fairfield County.

Live Better

435 Danbury Road Wilton, CT 06897 203.761.1191 www.thegreensatcannondale.com

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February, 2015

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Deb Koziol’s Story Cardiac Arrest Survivor, Age 55, Cranston, RI A heart defect she’d had since birth caused Debra Koziol to go into sudden cardiac arrest. Her husband’s CPR training—and a lifetime of keeping her heart healthy— saved her.

Debra had spent her life trying to stay healthy. She exercised often and watched her diet.

In her 20s she’d been diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse—a condition causing her heart to occasionally skip a beat. Her doctors said her MVP wasn’t cause for concern.

In August 2006, Debra was on the couch reading a book to her grandson when her husband saw her suddenly tip over. Her eyes were open and fixed, so he immediate called 9-1-1 and began CPR. The paramedics arrived, put Debra on a machine that provided compressions, and intubated her because she wasn’t breathing on her own. For more than 30 minutes she didn’t breathe on her own, which put her at risk for brain damage.

Debra, who was 47, had experienced a sudden cardiac arrest. That’s a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating stopping blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. To start her heart beating again, she was shocked six times with an automated external defibrillator on the way to the hospital.

At the hospital, doctors put her into an induced coma to allow her heart to rest; her survival the first night was uncertain.

After three days, Debra began to come out of her coma. It was two weeks before she was strong enough to have open-heart surgery to repair the leaking mitral valve that had strained her heart. Due to complications, it was two months before she could have surgery to implant a cardioverter defibrillator, a device to shock her heart should it ever stop again.

After her recovery, Debra participated in cardiac rehab and learned more about her condition and how to keep her heart healthy.

She’d had always tried to lead a healthy lifestyle, but today she’s more consistent about exercise. She’s made important changes to her diet, too, minimizing saturated fats and carbs.

Today, Debra has no limitations due to her condition, but she’s under the close care of a cardiologist. All four of her heart valves leak, and one section of her heart is slightly enlarged.

Debra’s doctor says that her husband’s quick action and her good health at the time were critical to her survival.

“My doctor told me that I may not have even survived the CPR if my heart hadn’t been as strong as it was,” she said.

Debra is now 54 and a strong advocate for CPR training. She shares her story through the American Heart Association and urges others to get training.

Debra’s condition never produced symptoms before her sudden cardiac arrest. That’s why she emphasizes the importance of keeping your heart healthy: it will be better able to withstand an emergency.

“It could be something other than heart disease, but your heart still has to be strong to withstand whatever you’re fighting,” Debra said. “I tell women, ‘Hopefully you’ll never be the one in the ambulance, but if you are, how strong do you want your heart to be?’”

photo credit and story source: American Heart Association Go Red For Women.

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County February, 2015

PAGE 9

Great food and drink gift ideas for your senior loved one on Valentine’s Day Aging parents and grandparents welcome something special to please their taste buds, especially on Valentine’s Day. Hint, hint.

Especially if they no longer drive, have less money for luxuries or just enjoy indulging.

That’s why serious indulgences (things they probably wouldn’t buy for themselves) make perfect Valentine’s Day gifts.

Here are some ideas: Cookies Who doesn’t like home-made cookies?! How about baking your senior loved one an assortment of cookies? Or buy bakery cookies. Breakfast pastries and coffee cakes are additional suggestions–freshly baked or frozen. Individual pies, small cakes, cupcakes, decorated for Valentine’s Day, are always a hit.

Jams and jellies Jams and jellies in little jars are welcome gifts for those living alone.

There’s variety and they won’t get old as quickly.

Fruit baskets Think red fruits (strawberries, apples), combined with purple and green grapes and possibly more exotic fruits (kiwis, mango), bananas, tangerines and/or a pineapple plus dried fruits and packages of nuts. You can order one or put the fruit basket together yourself.

Beverage options are unlimited Gifting bottles of flavored waters serves two purposes: older people often don’t drink enough (they don’t feel thirst as younger people do); they taste good and are good for hydration. Especially if parents take pills, we know drinking lots of water is important. In addition, hot chocolate mix in a can makes a wonderful, comfort food gift. A fine bottle of wine or liquor, case or 6-pack of beer (micro-brew?) are other options.

Tea Canisters or boxes are always popular with tea drinkers. Starbuck’s VIA coffee packets are handy and pricey (Costco has packaged the Columbia coffee single servings in many VIA packets [can’t remember how many] for around $15–$16– no doubt a good buy). Older people may hesitate to buy these “luxuries” for themselves. Both tea bag packets and Via packets can be incorporated into a Valentine–so can gift cards.

Candy Who doesn’t love candy on Valentine’s Day? This is something your favorite senior loved one(s) might not buy themselves.

PAGE 10

February, 2015

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Stress Management Don’t Lets Stress Take a Toll on Your Health Everyone feels stress in different ways and reacts to it in different ways. How much stress you experience and how you react to it can lead to a wide variety of health problems — and that’s why it’s critical to know what you can do about it.

What's the link between chronic stress and heart disease?

More research is needed to determine how stress contributes to heart disease — the leading killer of Americans. But stress may affect behaviors and factors that increase heart disease risk: high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, smoking, physical inactivity and overeating. Some people may choose to drink too much alcohol or smoke cigarettes to “manage” their chronic stress, however these habits can increase blood pressure and may damage artery walls. & Beyond Westchester

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And your body's response to stress may be a headache, back strain, or stomach pains.

Stress can also zap your energy, wreak havoc on your sleep and make you feel cranky, forgetful and out of control.

Does chronic stress cause high blood pressure?

Chronic stress has not been shown to directly cause high blood pressure, but it can lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices that are associated with high blood pressure. While the exact causes of high blood pressure are unknown, contributing factors include being overweight, eating too much sodium (salt), lack of physical activity and drinking too much alcohol. Chronic stress can take a physical toll on you. It can weaken your immune system and cause uncomfortable physical symptoms like headache and stomach problems.

How do I know if I need a stress management class?

Stress management classes can help you learn to handle your stress, especially if you have a "Type A" personality (constantly rushing, angry, hostile or competitive) or if your stress is nonstop. Stress management classes can be found at community colleges, rehab programs, in hospitals or by calling a therapist in your community.

Classes normally last for 10 to 12 weeks and offer many techniques to help you.

Positive Self-Talk Self-talk is one way to deal with stress. We all talk to ourselves; sometimes we talk out loud but usually we keep self-talk in our heads. Self-talk can be positive ("I can do this" or "Things will work out" or “I’ll do the best I can.”) or negative ("I'll never get well" or ,". + $ , $# "& * + + +,* ++ '+",". + $ , $# ! $(+ 1'- $% '/& & '&,*'$ +,* ++ "I'm so stupid" or “Everything is going wrong.”). ",! (* ," 1'- & $ *& ,' ,-*& & ,". ,!'- !,+ "&,' ('+",". '& + ' ! $( 1'- $ ,, * Negative self-talk increases stress. Positive self-talk helps you calm down and (* ," ('+",". + $ , $# . *1 1 3 "& ,! * , 1'-* +# '* 1'- ' ,' '* /! & . *control stress. With practice, you can learn to turn negative thoughts into positive ones.

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Count to 10 before you speak.

Take three to five deep breaths.

Walk away from the stressful situation, and say you'll handle it later.

Go for a walk.

Don't be afraid to say "I'm sorry" if you make a mistake.

Set your watch five to 10 minutes ahead to avoid the stress of being late.

Break down big problems into smaller parts. For example, answer one letter or phone call per day, instead of dealing with everything at once.

• Drive in the slow lane or avoid busy roads to help you stay calm while driving.

• Smell a rose, hug a loved one or smile at your neighbor.

• Consider meditation or prayer to break the negative cycle.

the spot. Try these emergency stress stoppers. You may need different stress stoppers for different situations and sometimes it helps to combine them.

• Count to 10 before you speak.

• Take three to five deep breaths.

• Walk away from the stressful situation, and say you'll handle it later.

• Go for a walk.

• Don't be afraid to say "I'm sorry" if you make a mistake.

• Set your watch five to 10 minutes ahead to avoid the stress of being late.

• Break down big problems into smaller parts. For example, answer one letter or phone call per day, instead of dealing with everything at once.

• Drive in the slow lane or avoid busy roads to help you stay calm while driving.

• Smell a rose, hug a loved one or smile at your neighbor.

• Consider meditation or prayer to break the negative cycle. source: American Heart Association Go Red For Women.

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County February, 2015

PAGE 11

Five tips for helping a loved one adjust to a retirement community It can be tricky to know how to get Mom or Dad comfortable with living in a retirement community. Though you looked at plenty of senior communities and finally settled on the ideal fit, moving in will take adjusting. Consider these tips to help your loved one adjust to his or her new living situation.

Encourage older adults Place some confidence in your loved ones after moving in.

They'll most likely be intimidated and unsure how to act. Inspire them to be social and make friends, noting that there are plenty of seniors their age in the community. Making friends can make an unfamiliar place seem like home. Tell them to ask questions if they're unsure of something or curious about some of the community's activities. Most importantly, remind them to be open-minded constantly. At first, they might be

nervous and judgmental of others or the environment. Note that this transition is a big change, and with it requires an open mind.

Prepare them There are a few ways you can prepare a loved one for transitioning into a retirement community. Help them pack everything they will need and go over the community's rules, and the layout of the campus.

Note when meal times are and where areas like the bathroom are.

Make it feel like home Be sure to bring along items from home to warm the place up. Curtains from the family room, a familiar blanket or just some family photos can make his or her room feel a lot warmer. If they're feeling lonely, they can look at these items and feel better.

Don't feel guilty Caregivers shouldn't feel ashamed for putting their loved ones in a retirement community.

These communities promote socializing and medical assistance if needed.

Keep in contact with them It's important to keep a regular line of communication between loved ones and caregivers. Constantly get updates on their daily activities and health from them and the assisted living staff.

Regularly visit when you can,

until you know they're more comfortable. However, don't smother them. If they begin to rely on you too much, they won't reach out to their community or make friends. Give them time to meet new people and become comfortable with the staff.

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February, 2015

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Lariat helps lasso stroke The Electrophysiology team in the Joel E. Smilow Heart Institute at Bridgeport Hospital recently performed its first Lariat procedure to prevent strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib). The minimally invasive procedure involves closing off the left atrial appendage of the heart (LAA) with a lasso suture. The first patient was a 79-year-old woman from Milford who was discharged just two days after the procedure.

The LAA is a small pouch on the left atrium of the heart. During AFib, the irregular rhythm of the heart causes blood to pool in the LAA, which allows clots to form. The LAA is responsible for approximately 95 percent of the clots that cause strokes in patients with AFib.“Patients with AFib are five times more likely to suffer a stroke due to blood clots in the LAA,” explained Murali Chiravuri, MD, PhD, who performed the hospital’s first Lariat procedure with the assistance of fellow cardiac electrophysiologist Robert Winslow, MD. “Patients with AFib are often prescribed blood-thinning medication to reduce the like-

lihood of clots forming,” said Dr. Winslow.

“For those unable to tolerate blood thinners, the Lariat procedure offers a highly effective alternate treatment.”

During the Lariat procedure, cardiologists use a delivery device to guide a small, pre-tied lasso suture to the LAA. The suture is tightened around the base of the LAA, permanently sealing it off from the rest of the heart.

Once the LAA is sealed, blood continues to flow normally to the rest of the heart.

The procedure results in minimal discomfort to patients and helps them avoid openheart surgery. In addition, patients do not require the frequent medical visits and blood tests they would require if they were on blood thinners.

“The Lariat procedure provides us with yet another tool to effectively treat heart conditions in a way that reduces discomfort, inconvenience and recovery time for our patients,” said Stuart Zarich, MD, chief of Cardiology at the hospital. “Patient-centered care helps drive quality and innovation.”

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February, 2015

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County

Fight Stress with Healthy Habits Healthy habits can protect you from the harmful effects of stress.

Here are 10 positive healthy habits you may want to develop.

1. Talk with family and friends.

6. Slow down.

A daily dose of friendship is great medicine. Call or writer friends and family to share your feelings, hopes and joys and ask them to share theirs.

Try to "pace" instead of "race." Plan ahead and allow enough time to get the most important things done without having to rush.

2. Engage in daily physical activity.

7. Get enough sleep.

Regular physical activity can relieve mental and physical tension. Physically active adults have lower risk of depression and loss of mental functioning.

Physical activity can be a great source of pleasure, too. Try walking, swimming, biking or dancing every day.

Try to get six to eight hours of sleep each night. If you can't sleep, take steps to help reduce stress and depression.

Physical activity also may improve the quality of sleep.

8. Get organized.

3. Embrace the things you are able to change.

While we may not be able to do some of the things we once enjoyed, we are never too old to learn a new skill, work toward a goal, or love and help others.

Use "to do" lists to help you focus on your most important tasks. Approach big tasks one step at a time. Start by organizing one thing — your car, desk, kitchen or closet.

4. Remember to laugh.

9. Practice giving back.

Laughter makes us feel good. Don't be afraid to laugh out loud at a joke, a funny movie or a comic strip, even when we're alone.

Volunteer your time or spend time helping out a friend. Helping others helps you.

10. Try not to worry.

5. Give up the bad habits.

Too much alcohol, cigarettes or caffeine can increase blood pressure. If you smoke, decide to quit now. If you do drink alcohol, do so in moderation.

The world won't end if your grass isn't mowed or your kitchen isn't cleaned.

You may need to do these things, but right now might not be the right time.

Boomers & Beyond - Fairfield County February, 2015

PAGE 15

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