SEPTEMBER 2014
TM
SINCE 1980 — VolUME 34 • NUMBER 9
KYPHOPLASTY:
Help for Back Pain from Compression Fractures Q & A ABOUT FLUZONE HIGH-DOSE SEASONAL FLU VACCINE
PAGe 6
give attention to signs & symptoms of well being
PAGe 12
WHY DO WE INSURE THINGS INSTEAD OF PEOPLE?
PAGE 20
Lawrence Lempert had experienced back pain before, but the pain he felt after taking a fall was severe and debilitating. “It became impossible for me to move or function,” Lempert said. “I needed help to do even simple tasks.” The back pain from Lempert’s fall was due to a vertebral compression fracture, the type of fracture that can befall patients with osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones weaken and become brittle. Lempert was referred to Gerald E. Trimble, M.D., a board-certified pain management doctor at Minimally Invasive Spine Care with offices in St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Although Dr. Trimble noted that pain could play the important role of warning when a medical condition requires attention, chronic pain is another matter. “Chronic pain serves no other purpose than to make a patient miserable,” Trimble said. “At Minimally Invasive Spine Care, we view chronic pain as a disease process, not just a symptom that has to be tolerated as part of an
underlying condition. We believe that the source of pain should first be identified, then the underlying pain mechanism should be addressed and treatment administered accordingly. In each case, we approach pain relief with the least invasive methods possible, with the goal to postpone—or even eliminate—the need for invasive procedures.”
About Vertebral Compression Fractures A vertebral compression fracture occurs when the thick cylindrical bone at the front of a single vertebra fractures and collapses. In addition to the pain, vertebral compression fractures can result in a loss of height—sometimes as much as six inches over time— as well as spinal deformity known as “kyphosis,” which is marked by a stooping posture. Dr. Trimble usually begins treatment of a vertebral compression fracture using conservative methods such as a back brace or medication management including calcium supplements. See KYPHOPLASTY, Page 27
Nehemiah Persoff Retired from Screen to Canvas By Nick Thomas Since retiring from acting more than a decade ago, versatile character actor Nehemiah Persoff has become a successful artist, painting from his seaside home in Cambria, Calif. (see www. nehemiahpersoffpaintings.com). The Cambria Center for the Arts hosted a birthday celebration on Aug. 4 for Persoff, who turned 95 a few days earlier. This included screening a selection of his films, and the artist even auctioned some of his works, donating the proceeds to the Center. In 1989, Persoff experienced a TIA, or transient ischemic attack, which is similar to a small stroke and often considered to be a “warning stroke.” “The doctors told me to slow down,” Persoff said. However, he heeded the medical advice and believes that painting contributed to his recovery. “It certainly helped avoid another incident,” Persoff said. “I would recommend to all seniors that they try painting. They will be surprised by their ability and the peace and calm that concentrating on the painting provides.” Persoff’s screen career spanned six decades, beginning in the late 1940s, and he became one of Hollywood’s most prolific character actors. Raised in Jerusalem, his natural See PERSOFF, Page 27
Screenshot of Persoff as cabdriver in “On The Waterfront.”
Senior Voice America…in print, on the web and on the air with Health, Wealth & Wisdom. Tune in to AM 1250 WHNZ Monday thru Friday, from 7 to 9 p.m. as Publisher Evan Gold brings you the information to live an active mature lifestyle. ime T w e N ot! Visit our new website, Tampa Bay’s leading news source Sl for seniors, www.seniorvoiceamerica.com.