Page 13 - Senior Times South Central Michigan June 2022 - 29-06

Senior Times - June 2022
Page 13
Staying Safe in the Great Outdoors!
By: Jen Rice, Marketing & Outreach Coordinator, CareWell Services SW
Well, we made it through another Michigan winter! For most of us, warmer temperatures mean more time spent outdoors. Being mindful of a few simple precautions can help keep you safe while enjoying the fresh air and summertime activities.
As we age, our bodies don’t maintain moisture levels as efficiently as they used to, making dehydration a real danger. Keep a cool water bottle handy on hot days and consider an electrolyte solution (depending on your needs). You can talk to your doctor about the right amount of water you need to drink each day to stay healthy.
Stay in the shade as much
as possible (it can be several degrees cooler there than in direct sunlight). Wear light,
cool, loose-fitting clothing and
a breathable, wide-brimmed hat. Be conscious of the symptoms
of heat-related illnesses, which include: excessive sweating, fatigue, dizziness, intense thirst, cramps in the abdomen or legs, cool clammy skin, and/or nausea/ vomiting.
slippery decks, and sandy beaches can all cause us to lose our balance. Make sure you are up-to- date with anything that keeps your senses sharp (eyeglasses, hearing aids, walking devices). At home, we should keep yard and patio areas well lit, and ensure all outdoor stairs have handrails.
Stay Hydrated!
This summer, many of us are looking forward to traveling, seeing friends and family, and enjoying the warm weather. Being aware of how to safely enjoy the great outdoors will ensure that
Prevent Overheating!
sensitive to certain chemicals; however, it is important to protect our skin. If you have concerns about what products are right
for you, ask your doctor about effective sunscreens and bug repellents that are sensitive-skin friendly.
On very hot days, it’s best to limit outdoor time to early in the morning or later in the evening. The sun is strongest from 10am to 4pm. It’s a good idea to
spend those hours indoors in air conditioning, if possible.
People usually think of falls during the winter, when it’s icy outside... but in the summer, we spend more time outdoors, often in unfamiliar terrain! Uneven patio pavers, outdoor rugs,
we can enjoy all the benefits of our beautiful Michigan summers. You may qualify for assistance in making your outdoor spaces safer at home, call CareWell Services Southwest at (269) 441-0930 for more information!
Know When to Stay Inside!
Use Sunscreen and Bug Repellent!
Aging skin can become
Prevent Trips and Falls!
I have educated myself on what to look for when it comes to moles an.d birthmarks, should I have a concern, and it goes back to childhood; the ABC (DE’s). A is for asymmetry,
if one half of the growth
looks different from the other, there is cause for concern. B
Simple ways to keep your skin healthy include limiting your time in the sun, using sunscreen (15 SPF or higher), wearing protective clothing, and
For more information on keeping your skin healthy as you age, visit the National Institute on Aging’s website https://www. nia.nih.gov/health/skin-care-and- aging.
bone density tests, cervical
and vaginal cancer screenings, colorectal cancer screenings, lung cancer screenings, abdominal aortic aneurysm screenings, and more! With a doctor’s referral, Medicare even covers Medical Nutrition Therapy services with a Registered Dietitian if you have diabetes or kidney disease.
Please get the most bang for your healthcare buck by utilizing the preventive services of Medicare.
My Medicare Matters - Preventive Services are Underutilized by Beneficiaries
By: Karen Courtney, MMAP Counselor, CareWell Services SW
Did you know you are able to receive many FREE preventive services through your Medicare? Preventive services are provided without charging your annual part B deductible or the typical 20% coinsurance.
Medicare preventive services and screenings are tools you can use to help self-manage your health.
Getting health screenings on a regular schedule helps find health concerns early, when they are most treatable or even curable.
Moles, Wrinkles, and Age Spots... Oh My!
By: Lynn Moss, Community Program Manager, MMAP Regional Coordinator
The annual “Wellness Visit” involves answering questions on a health risk assessment. This helps you and your provider develop a personalized prevention plan to help you stay healthy and get the most out of your visit. The visit will also include a review
of preventive services, including education and counseling on screenings and recommendations for shots or vaccines as well as referrals for other care, as needed. Your doctor may order other tests, depending on your general health and medical history. Some extra tests might not be covered under preventive benefit, so
you might have a deductible or coinsurance cost.
As we age, our skin becomes drier, thinner, itchier, easily irritated, slower to heal, easily bruised, and blotchy due to the thinning of our protective fat layer and thinning blood vessels. I swear I find a new “fine line” or spot every day and I’m only 31. I know most of these are nothing to worry about and that it is part of becoming older (and wiser), yet there they are.
is for borders, borders that
are irregular and not smooth
are not normal and should be investigated. C is for color, if a birthmark or mole changes color or is more than one color, make a note of it. D is for diameter,
if a growth is greater than the size of a pea, be cautious. E
is for evolving, meaning be
on the lookout for changes in size and shape. Should any of these symptoms occur, it is recommended that you see your doctor or dermatologist right away to rule out skin cancer.
avoiding tanning. It is important to use warm “not hot” water when bathing or washing your face. Also, use mild cleansers and avoid fragrances as they can irritate your skin. You can avoid dry skin by drinking plenty of water and using moisturizers, lotions, and creams. Reducing stress and getting enough sleep may also help, since stress can harm your skin as well as other body systems. Check your skin on a weekly basis and speak up if you have any concerns!
Other underutilized preventive tests and screenings include prostate tests, Hepatitis B and
C screenings and Hepatitis B shots, Glaucoma tests, depression screening, diabetes screening,
the Diabetes Prevention Program (for those who are at-risk or “pre-diabetic,” not for those already diagnosed) cardiovascular screenings, mammograms,
PROMOTING HEALTH
INDEPENDENCE CHOICE