Page 26 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - July 2019 - 26-07

Page 26
Senior Times - July 2019
Be Treated Like Family
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PREVENT OR MANAGE THE
By: Healthy Aging Team, NCOA
Age, family genetics, and gender make it nearly impossible for older adults to avoid becoming a chronic disease statistic.
Eighty percent of adults 65 and older have at least one condition, while 68% have two or more.
With these kinds of odds, you might wonder if there is even anything you can do to prevent the onset of a con- dition, or make managing an existing condition easier. The answer is yes. Here are the ten most common chronic conditions adults 65+ on Medicare were treated for in 2015, and what you should know about each.
Giving
11% of older adults on Medicare were treated for Alzheimer’s dis-
ease or another form of dementia. Alzheimer’s Disease is one specific type of dementia – a condition that causes memory loss and difficulty thinking or problem-solving to the point that it interferes with every day activities. Dementia is not a normal part of aging and is caused by changes in the brain over time.
• Exercise. Staying active isn’t just good for your heart; it’s also great for your brain.
• Sleep. Your brain does important stuff while you are sleeping, so getting at least seven hours of deep sleep a night is crucial.
• Be smart about your diet. Research suggests that some foods can nega- tively affect your brain.
14% of older adults sought treat- ment for depression – a treatable med- ical condition that is not a normal part of aging. Depression causes persistent feelings of sadness, pessimism, hope- lessness, fatigue, difficulty making
Caregivers
Peace of Mind
The biggest risk factors for these conditions are things you often can’t control, including age, family history, and genetics, but studies have suggest- ed incorporating the following habits into your life style could slow or pre- vent onset.
Marian E. Burch Adult Day Care Center
Providing support Monday-Friday, 7am-4:30pm so you can keep your loved one in their own home environment as long as possible.
Number 6: Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
• Care Conference meetings with Caregivers to discuss loved ones’ progress.
• Transportation, Nutritious Meal, and snacks.
• Variety of daily cognitive and physical activities, including music, art, and community out- ings.
• Full-time nurse providing medication management and medical monitoring. Our nurse works closely with your primary care physician.
• Full-time Certified Nurse Aides providing personal care including whirlpool baths, shaving and per- sonal care.
• Pre-arranged Overnight Respite
• Restorative Therapy available.
• Full-service beauty shop and podiatry services available.
• Serving adults 18 years and older Monday - Friday, 7am-4:30-pm
• Financial assistance available to those who qualify.
Marian E. Burch is a department of Calhoun County Medical Care Facility since 1983.
18% of older adults were treated for CKD or a slow loss in kidney function over time. People dealing with CKD have an increased risk for developing heart disease or kidney failure. You can do the following to prevent or diminish symptoms of CKD:
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• Early detection and treatment. Talk to your doctor regularly, stay cur- rent on screenings, and keep up on prescriptions you need to diminish symptoms.
Number 10: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Manage stress levels. Reach out to family and friends during rough spells and consider regular meditation.
• Eat a healthy diet. What you put into your body can affect your mood, so focus on foods that are high in nutrients and promote the release of endorphins and those “feel good” chemicals, and limit consumption of things like alcohol, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and highly processed foods.
• Routine exercise. Exercise has a number of physical and psycholog- ical benefits, including improving your mood through the release of endorphins and other “feel good” brain chemicals, boosting self-con- fidence and self-worth through meeting goals and improving your physical appearance, and increased socialization through interactions at gyms and group classes.
• Talk to your doctor. If you’ve expe- rienced any of the warning signs of depression, talk to your doctor, and ask about your treatment options. Antidepressant medications or psy- chotherapy could be right for you.
If you or someone you love has had thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.8255 (TALK).
11 % of older adults were treated for COPD, a disease that includes two main conditions – emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD makes it hard to breathe and causes shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness.
• The number one way to prevent COPD, or slow its progression, is to quit or avoid smoking. Also try to avoid secondhand smoke, chemical fumes, and dust, which can irritate your lungs.
• If you already have COPD, complete the treatments that your doctor has prescribed, get the flu and pneumo- nia vaccines as recommended by your doctor, and continue to remain active.
Number 9: Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Number 7: Heart failure
14% of older adults were treated for heart failure – a condition that occurs when the heart cannot ade- quately supply blood and oxygen to all of the organs in the body. The heart might become enlarged, develop more muscle mass, or pump faster in order to meet the body’s needs, causing you to feel tired, light headed, nauseous, confused, or lack an appetite. The best prevention is to follow a doctor’s rec- ommendations to decrease your risk for coronary heart disease and high blood pressure.
Number 8: Depression
• Understand what damages your kidney. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the greatest risk factors for kidney damage, so taking steps to prevent these diseases is your best strategy.
decisions, changes in appetite, a loss of interest in activities, and more.
Steps you can take to help with depression include:
Number 5: Diabetes
27% of older adults were treated