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Understand the risk factors of elderly suicide and how to reach out

Starting a conversation about mental health might make them feel hopeful.

by Kara Lewis

Loneliness and deteriorating health contribute to elderly suicide, an often overlooked national health crisis. More than 48,000 Americans died from suicide in 2018, according to research from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Though middle-aged men have the highest risk for suicide, seniors follow close behind — especially those 85 and older — with 19 suicide deaths per 100,000 people.

Despite these numbers, elderly suicide is rarely discussed. Jill Harkavy-Freidman, vice president of research at AFSP and associate professor of clinical psychology at Columbia University, shares her advice for observing warning signs, improving senior mental health, and reaching out to aging loved ones.

Risk factors for elderly suicide fall into three categories: long-term, recent, and situational. Long-term factors can build up and make a person more vulnerable over time. Recent factors represent new and immediate concerns, while situational factors involve having access to means used for suicide. However, Harkavy-Freidman emphasizes, “Suicide is complex. It’s never one single factor.”

Starting a conversation about mental health might make them feel hopeful, and is better than bottling it up inside. Ask seniors what they’d like in their lives that they don’t have now, and how they can create that.

Jill Harkavy-Freidman, vice president of research at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Long-term factors of elderly suicide include:

  • Having a mental health condition
  • Having a chronic health condition
  • A history of substance abuse
  • Family genetics
  • A history of early trauma
  • Having a head injury
  • Recent factors include:
  • Being intoxicated
  • Isolation, or loss of social interactions
  • Losing the ability to function independently
  • Experiencing an unanticipated stress

Situational factors include:

More than 90% of elderly firearm deaths are suicides, while only 50% of firearm deaths in the general population are, according to AFSP.

Though elderly suicide and depression may seem difficult to talk about, Harkavy-Freidman urges family members, caregivers, and other loved ones to push past this discomfort. “Seniors are used to talking about death, and you’re not going to shock them by discussing it. Also, you can’t make someone suicidal,” she says. “Starting a conversation about mental health might make them feel hopeful, and is better than bottling it up inside. Ask seniors what they’d like in their lives that they don’t have now, and how they can create that.” Ask if there’s anything you can do to help them achieve those changes.

Start with a simple, “How are you?” Even if your senior loved one isn’t considering suicide, regular conversations — either in-person or virtually — can fend off loneliness and senior depression. If they’ve recently lost a spouse or companion, show you’re willing to listen if they want to talk about their grief.

“We all have mental health, so we all have to do mental health check-ins,” says Harkavy-Freidman. “Ask people what they like to do and if there’s anything that they’re missing.” Caregivers and loved ones can encourage seniors to go for walks, become involved in social activities even while social distancing, play games and puzzles for mental stimulation, and turn to relaxation and meditation techniques, all of which promote senior mental health and well-being.

Jill Harkavy-Freidman, vice president of research at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Physical health can have a profound effect on mental health. Harkavy-Freidman recommends talking to your senior loved one’s doctor about their medications and any side effects that might affect mental health. If your aging parent has a chronic health condition, like COPD or diabetes, talk with them and their doctor about ways to best manage symptoms. Fewer health concerns can help seniors attain peace of mind and reduce anxiety.

For more information on elderly suicide prevention, tune into AFSP’s Talk Saves Lives, a virtual training program on how to intervene. Veterans in crisis can send a text to 838255, the Veterans Crisis Line. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text TALK to 741741.

Take steps to safeguard your sight as you age

“I think this helps me to maintain healthy retinas.”

Retinal conditions, including diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy, are among the leading causes of blindness and low vision in the U.S., yet they represent an unseen threat for millions of older Americans who are not aware of the symptoms and risk factors, according to a nationwide survey commissioned by the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS).

During September’s Healthy Aging Month, America’s retina specialists urge the public to learn the signs and symptoms of retinal conditions that are more common with age, adopt healthy habits that protect sight, and seek care immediately if they experience sudden changes in vision rather than delaying care during the COVID-19 pandemic, which could lead to vision loss.

“We urge the public to learn the signs and symptoms of retinal disease, and to seek care immediately if they experience sudden changes in vision,” said ASRS President Timothy G. Murray, MD, MBA. “Simply put, delaying care leads to vision loss. We are seeing this clearly among patients who are delaying care due to COVID-19 and experiencing measurable vision loss.”

One of the most common retinal conditions is AMD, which affects 11 million Americans. It is the leading cause of vision loss among older Americans, yet few know the basics about this sight stealing condition.

Of those surveyed, more than 2 in 5 (43%) did not identify gradual or sudden loss of central vision as a symptom of AMD. And nearly half (47%) incorrectly think AMD causes flashing lights or floaters. In fact, in the early stages, AMD may have no symptoms at all. Hallmark symptoms of AMD include distortion (warping) of straight lines; a decrease in the intensity or brightness of colors; a gradual or sudden loss of central vision; and dark, blurry areas in the center of vision.

On top of not understanding symptoms of AMD, many do not fully appreciate the common risk factors. Only about a fifth (21%) correctly identified obesity as a risk factor, and only 1 in 10 (10%) correctly identified that eating too few fruits and vegetables may increase the risk of AMD. Other risk factors include age (the older you are the greater your risk), history of smoking, family history, being Caucasian or of European ancestry and high blood pressure.

Another retinal condition, diabetic retinopathy, is the leading cause of blindness in U.S. working-age adults. The condition affects 7.7 million Americans and that number is expected to double by 2050. Even so, the public is unsure of diabetic retinopathy symptoms. Fewer than half of adults 40+ (47%) correctly identified blurry central vision as a symptom of diabetic retinopathy and only 37% identified seeing spots or floaters as a symptom. Other symptoms to be aware of that can occur in one or both eyes are a shadow across the field of vision, difficulty reading, eye pressure and difficulty with color perception.

Some risk factors for diabetic retinopathy are well known, such as having Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes. And the longer you have diabetes, the greater the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Yet nearly two-thirds (64%) of those polled did not identify high cholesterol as a risk factor for diabetic retinopathy and nearly half (48%) did not identify high blood pressure. Other factors that increase risk are kidney disease, pregnancy, a history of smoking and poor control of blood sugar levels over time.

Retina specialists encourage consumers of all ages to take steps to maintain healthy retinas and reduce the risk of developing retinal conditions including:

  • Quitting smoking
  • Staying active
  • Controlling blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol
  • Eating nutritious food including dark, leafy greens and fish
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Getting regular dilated retina exams

The public can test their knowledge of healthy habits that support good vision by taking ASRS’s Healthy Sight for a Lifetime Quiz here: bit.ly/ASRSQUIZ.

For more information about maintaining retina health for good vision, visit asrs.org/retinahealthseries.

 

 

Vol. 13, No. 26 – Sept 23 – Oct 6, 2020 – Forever Homes Wanted

Hi: I’m Buddy, an almost 9 year old gentle German Shepherd mix who is in need of a new home as although my owner loves me very much, due to unexpected life changes, he can no longer take care of me. I’m an active dog who is house and crate trained. I know some basic commands and would do best as the only pet in the home. Minimum 6-foot fence required. Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L. CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.


These two are inseparable. The grey female is very verbal and lets you know if her brother is out of sight. They were raised in one of our wonder foster homes and are now ready for their forever home. They are still with their foster mom who can be contacted at [email protected]. Ventura County Animal Services – Camarillo location – 600 Aviation Drive. A759006 and 759007 Tom and Jerry

Anacapa Island dock planned for replacement

Channel Islands National Park Superintendent Ethan McKinley has announced the beginning of the design planning process to replace the existing deteriorating dock at Anacapa Island to improve visitor access and safety.

To improve safety, the new dock will have a vertical lifting platform that will allow visitors and park staff to easily move from vessels to the landing dock. This new lift system requires widening the dock footprint by approximately six feet.

The new dock, designed to last 50 years, will be about two feet higher than the existing landing with the ability to later be raised an additional three feet in the event of sea level rise.

The dock replacement project will also enhance visitor experience, improve passenger and cargo operations, preserve cultural landscape characteristics, increase sustainability, and ensure the protection of marine and terrestrial environments.

To ensure the safety of park visitors, Anacapa Island will be temporarily closed to the public while construction takes place. Construction is estimated to occur in fall 2021. Updates on the project schedule will be posted on the park website at www.nps.gov/chis.

The public is invited to attend a virtual meeting to learn about the dock project on Wednesday, September 23 at 3:00 pm.

To join visit https://aq.webex.com/aq/j.php?MTID=m33bafa209f7eb5ff330a465c6af25b0a and use access code 133 653 5468 and password SRyJgdVr254. Join by phone via 1-404-397-1516 US Toll or

1-877-309-3457 US Toll Free.

The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking your input to help inform the planning process for the Anacapa Island Dock Replacement project. To submit comments during the open comment period of September 9 through October 9, 2020, visit the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment project page at www.parkplanning.nps.gov/CHIS.

Community Memorial Health System offers low-cost screenings during October

Community Memorial Health System is dedicated to providing the best screening and imaging technologies to all women in the community. Early detection and awareness of breast cancer saves lives. Call now to schedule your mammogram!

CMHS is proud to participate in National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by offering low-cost breast imaging to all women who schedule a screening for the month of October at the Breast Center at the new Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura or at Ojai Valley Community Hospital.

During October at the Breast Center, Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) is available for dense breast patients for $150. Automatic Whole Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) is FDA-approved and used in combination with mammography for those who have dense breast tissue. Also at the Breast Center in October, 3D Breast Tomosynthesis is available for $90. Digital tomosynthesis creates a 3-dimensional picture of the breast using X-rays and is the latest breast imaging technology approved by the FDA. At Ojai Valley Community Hospital during October, traditional 2D mammography is available for $65. (These discounted rates are the cash price paid at the time of service.)

To schedule a mammogram or screening, call the Breast Center at 805-948-5093 or call Ojai Valley Community Hospital at 805-640-2250. Visit the Breast Center at bc.cmhshealth.org to learn more about the services and screenings offered. The Breast Center is the first medical facility in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties to be a designated Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology. The Breast Center is located at 168 N. Brent St., suite 401 in Ventura.

Dignity Health St. John’s Regional Medical Center to open first all-private-room NICU in Ventura County

Dignity Health St. John’s Regional Medical Center is pleased to share that its new all private room Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) welcomed its first patient on Tuesday, September 8. The Level III NICU features 20 all private rooms, allowing parents to stay close to their newborns receiving intensive care. The NICU is the first of its kind in Ventura County.

The new family-centered unit, located adjacent to Labor and Delivery and the Mother Infant Unit, creates a healing atmosphere for baby with the added comfort of privacy for parents to breastfeed and practice skin-to-skin bonding. Private rooms allow one of the parents to stay overnight with their newborn, while creating a more collaborative relationship between parents and care team.

“A parent never expects that their baby will need to spend time in a NICU. However, those who do will tell you that the most difficult part of the experience is leaving their baby at the hospital at the end of the day,” says Darren Lee, President and CEO of St. John’s Regional Medical Center and St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital. “Our new family-centered NICU provides parents with the space and privacy to bond with their baby while the baby receives excellent specialized care.”

The 12,492-square-foot unit exceeds the size of the hospital’s previous NICU, which included two open layout rooms that grouped patients into eight-bed pods. The new space includes two isolation rooms and rooms that adjoin can be used to accommodate twins. In addition, the unit includes a family lounge with a kitchenette and shower to ensure the comfort of the parents.

“A family-centered approach to care has proven to improve the growth and outcome of our NICU babies,” said Annie Nguyen, interim Medical Director of the NICU at St. John’s Regional Medical Center. “We are excited to offer our NICU babies and their parents with the space to grow and bond.”

The Maternity and Birthing Center at SJRMC offers a loving start for every baby and loving care for every mom. Our private labor and delivery, and recovery suites are equipped with advanced equipment to ensure the safety of the mother and baby.

SJRMC has obstetricians on-site 24/7, as well as highly trained labor, delivery, and pediatric nurses, to ensure that mothers and babies receive the highest level of care at all times. To learn more about the Maternity and Birthing Center at SJRMC and our expansion projects visit, dignityhealth.org/stjohnsregional.

The 16-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St. John’s provides family centered care for newborns requiring highly specialized attention. Learn more about other classes, events and support groups at DignityHealth.org/StJohnsRegional/Classes-and-Events

You can purchase books at the online store

Ventura Friends of the Library invite you to visit their newly launched online store for local sales. You can purchase books at the online store and pick them up at Hill Road Library!

They are also accepting donations of books at those times.

Purchase Friday through Sunday – pick up Tuesday 1 pm to 3 pm

Purchase Monday through Thursday – pick up Saturday 10 am to noon.

Purchases will be available to pick up in the loading dock area (by the rear patio gate) We will wear masks and observe social distancing. We will also accept donations of books in bags or boxes during these times.

Answer in a Breeze

Question:

I don’t know what council district that I live in for the coming city council election?
How do I find out?

Randy Vita

Answer:

Randy: You can go to https://map.cityofventura.net/java/ccvd/ (A little complex) and type in your address to find your district.

To expand on your question this is the make up of our city council (and a little more information).

Matt LaVere, Mayor – at large

Sofia Rubalcava, Deputy Mayor – District 1

Lorrie Brown, Councilmember – District 6

Jim Friedman, Councilmember – District 5

Cheryl Heitmann, Councilmember – at large

Erik Nasarenko, Councilmember – District 4

Christy Weir, Councilmember – at large

There are 7 members of the Ventura City Council. Each member must be a registered voter in the City. Each member represents the interests of the City as a whole. Starting with the 2018 Election, four (4) Councilmembers were elected by Districts with the remaining three (3) Councilmembers to be elected by Districts in 2020. Until a City Councilmember is elected by Districts, they remain “at-large”.

The newly elected Councilmembers assume their seat on the City Council in December and serve for a term of four years.

At the same time, the Council is reorganized and one of its members is selected to be mayor (we don’t vote for our mayor). The Mayor serves a term of 2 years. He/She is the presiding officer of the Council. The Mayor has been delegated the responsibility to act as the City Council’s ceremonial representative at public events and functions. The Deputy Mayor is also selected in the same manner and serves a 2-year term.

To be placed on the ballot a candidate must circulate a nomination form provided by the City Clerk, gathering not more than 30, but not less than 20 signatures of registered voters in the City to qualify for placement on the ballot.

Have a question send to [email protected] and we will try to get an answer.

Wide-ranging shows at Ventura gallery

From Sept. 25 through Nov. 14, Buenaventura Art Association will highlight four members whose works reflect the unique talents and interests of each artist: Janet Black, Christopher King, Darlene Roker and Laura Walter. All except King, an Ojai resident, live in Ventura.

Their art will be shown at Buenaventura Gallery in Bell Arts Factory on Ventura Avenue, which has limited hours during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is open noon-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and by appointment by calling 805-648-1235. Works by other BAA artists will be on display in a concurrent show and also available for purchase.

California Émigré – Torn paper collage and mixed media (no paint) – Janet Black

“For this show I’ve decided to focus on what I really enjoy, cats,” said Black, who will show a half-dozen framed works. “I enjoy them, find them to be a fascinating subject, and it’s just a simple pleasure for me to make one into an art piece.

“I’ve been doing what I call ‘figurative collage’ for about 15 years, but was mostly a painter before that,” she said. “I think of the collage as ‘painting with paper.’ ”

King creates watercolors in traditional Chinese and Japanese sumi-e styles, which he studied for seven years in Massachusetts. He will display six to eight hung pieces, plus others unframed. Since moving to Ojai, King said, he has been seeking to capture the spirit of California’s mountains and seashore.

He is “exploring how Eastern techniques can inform traditional watercolor painting; how Chinese ‘impressionism’ meets European impressionism, and how ‘accidental’ abstract wash methods meld with figurative work,” King said.

Joshuas, Late Afternoon – Digital Photography – Darlene Roker

Roker, who said she began her professional approach to photography in 2001, will display eight to 10 photos on aluminum.

“I look for movement and color,” she said. “As an impressionistic artist, I ‘feel’ the images I’m trying to portray.”

Walter, an artist and orchestral musician who plays the flute, will have eight or so watercolors on view, “paintings of different animals who might play the flute and how that would work out.” She said she enjoys “telling stories of humor, culture and hope” through art, which she has pursued for 21 years. Walter’s chosen subjects and genres include music and animals, flowers, working with tie-dye and quilting, she said.

Buenaventura Gallery is in Studio 30 at Bell Arts Factory, 432 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura. For more about the 66-year-old nonprofit artists’ cooperative and its programs, visit buenaventuraartassociation.org or call 805-648-1235 during gallery hours.

Ghostly Tales of the Old Mission

by Richard Senate

As Fall approaches, inching its way into Ventura, It is natural to turn to stories of the supernatural and ghosts. The Old Spanish Mission of San Buenaventura is the oldest building in town and as such, it has a bevy of ghostly stories that date back to the 19th Century. All of the 21 Missions of California have similar legends.  In the daytime when the sun shines bright it is easy to dismiss their tales as just so much folklore, but, when the cool fog rolls in from the Pacific and the moon is full, such accounts take on a new life and they become believable.

The most persistent story, and one of the oldest is that of the phantom monk, a gray robed Franciscan padre who wander the Mission grounds.  The earliest stories told that seeing the monk was an omen of approaching death!  Seeing the apparition was a sign one should put their affairs in order, go to church because their time on this Earth was limited.  The Ghostly Monk is still being seen today, but the story has changed.  Today the phantom is a proto-saint out to help people in need.  Now, seeing this figure is a good thing as it means your prayers will be answered.  The accounts I have sound like something from the middle ages.  People go to the church with an insoluble problem.  They pray for a solution, as they leave they see the smiling monk and go home to discover people have changed their mines or that money has arrived from an unexpected source. One young man said that a strange monk had heard his confession and given him absolution.  The young Latino man said the monk’s Spanish was “old fashioned” with out of date words, used two hundred years ago! He believed it was a visiting padre from some conservative order from Spain or Andorra.

When he asked, he was told their was no visiting padres at that time.  Who ever it was, it seemed concerned  for the welfare of the parishioners.  The rule is, if you seek answers, you must pray with a pure heart, and it must be a prayer for someone else, not yourself.  The ghost monk has been seen in the older sections of the Holy Cross school (after hours only) and in the courtyard.  The saintly monk isn’t the only ghost to walk here. A woman in white is seen in the last pew. She has long white hair and appears to be an elderly woman. She is dressed in a long white dress and holds a silver rosary. One witness said said as she moved towards the altar rail, she floated, having no feet!   Once she kneels at the altar, she makes the sign of the cross and vanishes away.

A newer story is that of a burned man, charred all over, clothes burned, as he stumbles down to the altar. The description resembles the Char-Man creature seen on Creek Road. Maybe he was a Roman Catholic in life? Why come here rather than Saint Thomas in Ojai? Perhaps he is converting? Lastly, there is a story of a phantom midnight Mass, where all the church is filled with souls out of purgatory. Native converts, Spanish Grandees, Padres, and Catalan Soldiers, all led by St. Junipero Serra himself. He sings the Mass with lanterns, candles, torches ablaze. So if you see light coming from under the doors and the windows aglow late at night, do not knock on the door. Why? Because the skull faced ghosts will open it and pull you in, when the Mass is done, they will take you with them back to purgatory and you will never be seen again until Judgement Day!