Patient power Jan 2017

January 1, 2017

PATIENT POWER Health Insights for Seniors, Loved Ones and Caregivers

Remember Bathroom Safety Besides the cover story, another holiday is Bath Safety Month. So look into safety tools like a bath/shower mat that doesn’t slip, grab rails and water temperature controls.

Keep a flashlight for going to/ from bathroom in the dark. For more ideas check this great handout from the University of Georgia: http://bit.ly/2gDyZTs

Beware of Winter Sun

photo: Joe Shlabotnick

Most people think sun damage only occurs in the summer.

Think again. Make sure you always wear sunscreen, especially when snow/ice causes sun reflections.

Take Time to Hunt for Happiness

But Remember Vitamin D

• Being part of the “Sandwich Generation” and taking care of kids, pets, partners AND older family/friends.

Fifteen minutes of sunlight is recommended to get important vitamin D dosage, but remember orally. In one report relating to preventing falls,the Mayo Clinic notes up to 1500 IU of D2 or D3 was taken daily (with calcium) for up to 62 months.

• Looking towards retirement and wondering if the dollars will truly be sufficient.

Patient Power

I found “Hunt for Happiness” week listed the week of January 15 to 21 and think it’s a great idea, especially as we age. There are so many things—many not under our control—that can make our days stressful. Think about it:

• Coping with a chronic health issue. For example, hypertension (high blood pressure) is found in about 63% of both men and women between ages 65 and 74.

All is not lost!

The bottom line is there ARE ways to stay cheerful. I was taught WM Medical Communications, Inc.

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Famous Birthdays Still Going Strong

January 1, 2017

• Robert “Bob” Menendez: January 1, 1954. U.S. Senator (D-NJ) since 2006.

to keep a “happiness journal” and trust me, most of what I enter isn’t amazing. It’s simple things like learning a new program; making a decent (not always great) dinner, even getting the laundry folded. (Those extra-deep sheets get me crazy!)

• George Foreman: January 10, 1949. Athlete, business genius

Here’s some other quick advice for enjoying a new year’s beginning…and most of it doesn’t even much hunting to find:

• Betty White: January 17, 1922.

Actress, author, animal rights activist and MUCH more.

“Try to cheer someone else up.” Part of a Mark Twain quote and good advice. It can be as simple as a phone call or pretty card to someone, especially if you know they’re alone.

• Buzz Aldrin: January 20, 1930.

Astronaut, second man on the moon.

Go with the flow. Take a deep breath, maybe even meditate… just for a few seconds can help.

• Chita Rivera: January 23, 1933.

Active performer since 1950.

Winner of Kennedy Center Honor and Presidential Medal of Freedom. ……………………………………….

Learn to say “No.” I have a dear friend who helps everyone. At least she did. She finally got so exhausted she took some advice and learned why to say “No”…and how to do it.

Try not to fear failure. I’ve written about older adults looking at new things to do. Maybe they’ve already retired, maybe they’re in a job they can’t take anymore and feel their dream is viable. Try it! Even when things don’t work perfectly, we learn. When my husband first went into his own business I brought him a desk stand that said, “It’s not as sad to have tried and failed as to have failed to try.” Trust me. It helped.

Don’t be an imitator. Unless you’re looking for the comedy career, be yourself. Do not wear 12-inch heels ‘cause they’re in style. If you look great in gray hair, don’t dye it ‘cause all your friends do. Don’t spend money foolishly to keep up with the Joneses. An article in Psychology Today points out that yes, comparisons are natural…but advises working hard against being hyper-critical of ourselves.

Wendy Meyeroff is president of WM Medical Communications, Inc. based in Baltimore, MD, but serving clients throughout the U.S., Canada and overseas for over 20 years. Her specialty: writing for and about America’s aging population in print and then one of the first called online.

See her at www.wmmedcomm.com

Patient Power

Experiment with a new activity. Consider the possibilities.

Learn knitting. Take a cooking class. Take up “Tweeting.” (Call me when you’re the expert.) Try dancing. Buy—and use—a bike/ trike. I have a cousin who’s done the latter to both lose weight and make sure arthritic knees stay exercised so she’s ready for surgery. (Of course always check with your health professional, especially when a physical activity’s involved.)

I trust this gives you a few ideas. Don’t forget to explore online, ask family, friends, neighbors, even health professionals.

WM Medical Communications, Inc.

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