Page 7 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - August 2019 - 26-08

When we breathe, we inhale oxygen deep into our lungs. The oxygen enters the bloodstream and passes through
a vast network of arteries that wind through the body. When blood flow is limited due to injury or disease, crucial oxygen cannot properly be circulated.
Because of the restricted blood flow caused by PAD, there is also an elevat- ed risk of heart attack and stroke if the disease is left untreated.
According to the American Heart Association, PAD affects more than 8.5 million American adults and many are unaware. That’s why it is so important for everyone to know the risks factors and symptoms of PAD.
The good news is that PAD is easily diagnosed and, in some instances, can be managed by changes in lifestyle or medicine. You should discuss all pos- sible risk factors for PAD with your primary care provider.
Risk factors for PAD include:
• Stop smoking - the American Heart Association notes that smokers are four times more likely to get and have symptoms of PAD
• A history of smoking • Diabetes
• Advanced age
• High blood pressure • Excess weight
• Work to control diabetes and high blood pressure and high cholesterol
• A family history of PAD-personal or family history of PAD, heart disease, or stroke
trans fats
To learn your risk for vascular
• High cholesterol
• Erectile Dysfunction-especially in
disease, visit bronsonhealth.com/learn- yourrisk or speak with your primary care provider.
men with diabetes
Sarat Vaddineni, MD, FACS, is board certified in general and vascular surgery. He provides vascular ser- vices in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. Whether you have a common or com- plex condition, the team of at Bronson Vascular Surgery works collaboratively to ensure all of your needs are met. Learn more about vascular services at bronsonhealth.com/heartandvascular or call (269) 245-8350.
Possible symptoms of PAD may include:
• Foot or toe wounds that are slow to
heal
• Leg, hip or calf pain or cramping,
especially when walking, climbing
stairs, or exercising
• Skin problems, pale or blue color to
skin on your legs or feet, poor nail growth
Bronson
Senior Times - August 2019
Page 7
LEARN
CLASSES AND EVENTS
Grandparents 101/Baby Basics
Thursdays, August 1 and 8, 6 to 9 p.m.
Bronson Battle Creek Outpatient Center
300 North Ave., Battle Creek
$30 per grandparent couple. Learn the basics of baby care and safety. Register at bronsonhealth.com/classes or call (800) 451-6310.
American Lung Association Better Breathers Club
Thursday, August 8, 2 to 3 p.m.
Bronson Battle Creek Outpatient Center
300 North Ave., Battle Creek
Free. Diagnosed with COPD or another chronic lung disease? Join us to learn ways to better manage your illness while receiving support from others who share in your experiences.
Free Vein Screening
Friday, August 9, 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Bronson Vein Clinic
363 Fremont St., Suite 101, Battle Creek
Free. Appointments are required. If you have medical or cosmetic vein problems, get a free screening today! Visit bronsonhealth.com/veins or call (269) 341-7333.
Brain Awareness: Understanding Memory Loss
Tuesday, August 20, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Kool Family Community Center
200 W. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek
Free. Join us for lunch and learn about memory loss diagnosis, different types of memory loss, and treatment options. To register, call (269) 441-0948 or visit bronsonhealth.com/classes.
Cancer Survivors’ Celebration
Tuesday, October 8, 6 to 8 p.m.
Bronson Battle Creek Cancer Care Center
300 North Ave., Battle Creek
Free. No matter where you are on your cancer journey, you’re a survivor! Survivors – you and a supportive loved one are invited to connect with other survivors and Cancer Care Center staff, while enjoying chair massages, cooking demos, food, refreshments and more. To register, visit bronsonhealth. com/classes or call (269) 341-7723.
SUPPORT GROUPS
One Day at a Time: Breast Cancer Support Group
Thursday, August 29, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Bronson Battle Creek Cancer Care Center, Lobby 300 North Ave., Battle Creek
General Cancer Support Group
Tuesday, August 20, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Bronson Battle Creek Cancer Care Center, Conference Room 300 North Ave., Battle Creek
bronsonhealth.com
BATTLE CREEK
By: Dr. Sarat Vaddineni, MD, FACS
DON’T COVER UP THE SYMPTOMS OF PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE
It’s time to uncover the sometimes hidden or ignored condition, peripher- al artery disease or PAD. This occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your head, organs, arms, and legs. That buildup of plaque narrows the arteries and restricts the flow of blood throughout the body. This decreased blood flow also means that less oxygen is delivered to vital organs and extremities.
Legs and feet can be especially impacted by PAD. When blood flow is restricted or slowed, healthy function in the legs and feet suffer. Symptoms related to PAD may not be readily apparent, or may only occur occasion- ally.
For instance, those living with
PAD may notice leg pain when they are walking or climbing. This pain occurs because the heart tries to pump an increased amount of blood to the extremities during increased levels of physical activity. The pain usually goes away when the activity ends.
Those diagnosed with PAD should:
• Increase physical activity
• Watch the intake of saturated and
Get moving. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that, among seniors, “Moderate or high physical activity is associated with a reduced incidence of cognitive impair- ment after two years.” In addition to regular exercise, a great way to stay active is to spend time with your grand- children or other young family mem- bers. Chasing around after children can keep you physically active and improve your sense of well being.
Play games. Playing games is anoth- er way to maintain and increase brain health. Regularly engage in intellectu- ally stimulating games helps keep your mind active and helps you stay socially connected to your peers.
Engage in social interaction.
Studies have shown that seniors who regularly participate in social interac- tions can retain their brain health. For those friends and family that live far away, correspondence by e-mail or social media can keep you connected.
Volunteer your time. Staying active within your community and continu- ing to give positive contributions are invaluable to both physical health and brain health for older adults by increas- ing longevity, sense of purpose, and more.
Join a group or club. Meet new people and develop satisfying relation- ships with other seniors who have sim- ilar interests. Contact your local senior center or library to find clubs in your area.
Brain
Fitness Tips