Category Archives: Senior Living

What to tell your doctor

by National Institute on Aging

When you are planning for a doctor’s visit, these are some ways you can make the most of your time there:

It is tempting to say what you think the doctor wants to hear, for example, that you smoke less or eat a more balanced diet than you really do. While this is natural, it’s not in your best interest. Your doctor can suggest the best treatment only if you say what is really going on.

Pick three or four questions or concerns that you most want to talk about with the doctor. You can tell him or her what they are at the beginning of the appointment, and then discuss each in turn.

Although your doctor might like to talk with you at length, each patient is given a limited amount of time. To make the best use of your time, stick to the point. For instance, give the doctor a brief description of the symptom, when it started, how often it happens, and if it is getting worse or better.

Tell the doctor if you feel rushed, worried, or uncomfortable. If necessary, you can offer to return for a second visit to discuss your concerns. For example, you could say something like: “I know you have many patients to see, but I’m really worried about this. I’d feel much better if we could talk about it a little more.”

Even the best doctor may be unable to answer some questions. Most doctors will tell you when they don’t have answers. They also may help you find the information you need or refer you to a specialist. If a doctor regularly brushes off your questions or symptoms as simply a part of aging, think about looking for another doctor.

Controlling high blood pressure

You can have high blood pressure, or hypertension, and still feel just fine. That’s because high blood pressure often does not cause signs of illness that you can see or feel. But, high blood pressure, sometimes called “the silent killer,” is very common in older people and a major health problem. If high blood pressure isn’t controlled with lifestyle changes and medicine, it can lead to stroke, heart disease, eye problems, kidney failure, and other health problems. High blood pressure can also cause shortness of breath during light physical activity or exercise. You may now be wondering, what can I do to lower my blood pressure? There are many methods that can lower your blood pressure from prescribed drugs to looking at solutions from home. It hasn’t yet been approved by the State but lots of people have seen their blood pressure reduce from searching up on how to make your own kratom capsules from home. Your GP/ Doctor would be the best person to consult before attempting to reduce your blood pressure from home.

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries. When the doctor measures your blood pressure, the results are given in two numbers. The first number, called systolic blood pressure, is the pressure caused by your heart contracting and pushing out blood. The second number, called diastolic blood pressure, is the pressure when your heart relaxes and fills with blood. Your blood pressure reading is usually given as the systolic blood pressure number over the diastolic blood pressure number, such as 138/72. Normal blood pressure for adults is defined as a systolic pressure of less than 120 and a diastolic pressure of less than 80. This is stated as 120/80.

One reason to visit your doctor regularly is to have your blood pressure checked. Routine checks of your blood pressure will help pick up an early rise in blood pressure, even though you might feel fine.

Recent updates to guidelines from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology changed the definition of high blood pressure or hypertension for most people. High blood pressure is now generally defined as 130 or higher for the first number, or 80 or higher for the second number

However, there are important considerations for older adults in deciding whether to start treatment for high blood pressure, including other health conditions and overall fitness. If your blood pressure is above 130/80, your doctor will evaluate your health to determine what treatment is needed to balance risks and benefits in your particular situation.

For older people, often the first number (systolic) is 130 or higher, but the second number (diastolic) is less than 80. This problem is called isolated systolic hypertension, which is due to age-related stiffening of the major arteries. It is the most common form of high blood pressure in older people and can lead to serious health problems .

If your blood pressure is lower than 90/60, you have low blood pressure, or hypotension. You may feel lightheaded, weak, dizzy, or even faint. Low blood pressure can be caused by not drinking enough liquids (dehydration), blood loss, some medical conditions, or too much medication.

There are many lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk of high blood pressure:

Keep a healthy weight. Being overweight adds to your risk of high blood pressure. Ask your doctor if you need to lose weight.

Manage stress. This is a big one. Relaxing and coping with problems can help lower high blood pressure. One solution to combating stress that everyone seems to be talking about is CBD oil. Research has also shown that cbd blood pressure have a correlation, so if you do have a high blood pressure, CBD might help you. It’s thought that the stress and anxiety reducing properties of CBD can consequently lower blood pressure. If natural remedies like this interest you, take a look at CBD oil UK for more information.

Exercise every day. Moderate exercise can lower your risk of high blood pressure.

Eat a healthy diet. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products may help to lower blood pressure.

Cut down on salt. As you get older, the body and blood pressure become more sensitive to salt (sodium), so you may need to watch how much salt is in your diet.

Drink less alcohol. Drinking alcohol can affect your blood pressure.

Don’t smoke. Smoking increases your risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

Get a good night’s sleep. Tell your doctor if you’ve been told you snore or sound like you stop breathing for moments when you sleep.

For More Information About High Blood Pressure

American Heart Association
1-800-242-8721 (toll-free)
[email protected]
www.heart.org

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
1-301-592-8573
[email protected]
www.nhlbi.nih.gov

MedlinePlus
National Library of Medicine
www.medlineplus.gov

Smokefree60+
www.60plus.smokefree.gov

National Cancer Institute
1-877-448-7848
(1-877-44U-QUIT/toll-free)
[email protected]

Free community education classes and events

Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association supports the total well-being of our community. As part of their services, they host free monthly education classes throughout the county, which include the following:

Diabetes Class

Ventura: Tuesday, August 7th, from 1-2:30pm at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association, 1996 Eastman Ave, Suite 109. These meetings are held on the 1st Tuesday of each month. General information is provided about Type 2 Diabetes including prediabetes, with emphasis on meal planning, medication, exercise, blood sugar monitoring, and new developments in diabetes.

Call 642-0239 for more information.

Joint Replacement Class

Ventura: Monday, August 13th for both English and Spanish speaking. English 4:00-5:00 pm and Spanish 5:30-6:30 pm at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association offices, in the Community Room at 1996 Eastman Avenue, Suite 109 in Ventura. You will learn what to expect before, during and after knee or hip replacement surgery and how to be an active participant in your care.

For information or to RSVP call Dinah Davis at (805) 642-0239 ext. 739.

Social Services/Bereavement Groups

Ojai Caregiver Support Group: Mondays, August 6th and 20th (1st & 3rd Mondays, unless it falls on a holiday) from 10:00 am – 11:30 am at Continuous Care Center, Fireside Room, 1306 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai (behind Ojai Valley Community Hospital). Find encouragement and hope during your time as a caregiver. Share, listen and explore thoughts and feelings about the struggles, losses and successes of caring for your loved one. For more information, call (805) 633-9056.

Ojai Adult Bereavement Support Group: Tuesdays, August 14th and 28th (2nd & 4th Tuesdays) 10:30 am-noon at Help of Ojai, West Campus 370 Baldwin Rd., Ojai. These groups are open to individuals who have experienced loss and are free of charge. Call 642-0239 for more information or email [email protected].

Oxnard Adult Bereavement Support Group: on Mondays, August 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 3:00-4:30 pm at First Presbyterian Church, 850 Ivywood Dr., Oxnard. These groups are open to individuals who have experienced loss and are free of charge. Call 642-0239 for more information or email [email protected]. If you have any schedule questions, please check the website calendar (http://lmvna.org/calendar/index.html) or call us.

Ventura Adult Bereavement Support Group: Wednesdays, August 1, 8, 15. 22, and 29 from 6:30-8:00 pm at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association office, 1996 Eastman Ave., Suite 109. These groups are open to individuals who have experienced loss and are free of charge. Call 642-0239 for more information or email [email protected].

Newly Bereaved Support Group in Ventura: Thursday, August 9th from 6-7:30 pm at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association office, 1996 Eastman Ave., Suite 109. This monthly group is designed for adults who have recently experienced the loss of a loved one and is free. Call 642-0239 for more information or email [email protected]. These groups meet every 2nd Thursday of each month.

Alphabet Soup: What is the Parkinson’s Foundation?

We hear about so many great local and national Parkinson’s organizations that at times it can become confusing! We call it “Alphabet Soup” when you hear people talk about PF, NPF, PDF, MJFF, APDA, PAN, PMD and the list goes on… Each organization offers something in service to the community, but who’s on first and what’s on second??

The Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group is pleased to host the Parkinson’s Foundation on August 8 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at The Lexington Assisted Living, 5440 Ralston St in Ventura. The Parkinson’s Foundation has been around since 1957 with the singular mission to improve the lives of people living with Parkinson’s Disease.

Sarah Osborne will talk about what this means and how the Parkinson’s Foundation achieves their mission through resources, education and advocacy for you and your care-partner. She will also give a presentation on the Parkinson’s Foundation “Aware in Care” patient safety kit that prepares and empowers people with Parkinson’s before, during and after a hospital visit, and details on how you can obtain one. The kit contains tools and information to share with hospital staff during a planned or emergency hospital visit (at home or abroad!).

Sarah Osborne is the Parkinson’s Foundation Community Program Manager for California. She came to the foundation after her younger brother was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease at the age of 32. Prior to joining the foundation, Sarah earned her B.S. in Journalism and worked in medical and healthcare marketing. She’s also been teaching Pilates, Yoga and Indoor Cycling with the YMCA since 2007 and believes in the power of movement for Parkinson’s Disease and for us all!

The Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group welcomes the public, our members and their care-partners, and new friends who find themselves navigating the challenges of ageing, Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological conditions. Please feel free to join us on Wednesday, August 8th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at The Lexington Assisted Living, 5440 Ralston St. They are an independent and volunteer-organized group, not affiliated with or a part of any other organization or group. For more information, call Patty at 805-766-6070.

Thanks to the generosity of the Lexington Assisted Living, meetings are held every second Wednesday of the month from 1 to 3PM. There is a drop-off/loading and unloading driveway in the front of the Lexington Assisted entrance. Extra parking is graciously available across the street in the Baptist Church parking lot. Reservations are not required. Attendees are invited to check in at the front desk for directions to the 3rd floor and sign-in at the meeting.

7th Annual Golden Future 50+ Senior Expo

Golden Future Expos presented their 7th Annual Golden Future 50+ Senior Expo on Saturday, July 14. at the Ventura County Fairgrounds inside the San Miguel Expo Hall.

The event featured over 60 vendors with products, services, and resources tailored for Baby Boomers, Seniors, Caregivers, and Friends/Family.

The Golden Future 50+ Senior Expo connects local seniors, their families and caretakers with a variety of services and resources available to them.

Included were:

  • Free Health Screenings
  • Free Makeovers
  • Live Entertainment
  • Great Speakers & Workshops
  • Hourly Door Prize Drawings & Giveaways
  • Fitness Class
  • And much more!

Healthy habits can lengthen life

“Drinking and smoking hasn’t affected me. I look pretty good for 40.”

Physical activity is one of five healthy lifestyle factors that can lower your risk for several diseases and lengthen your life. Have you heard the advice to exercise, choose a healthy diet, keep a lean weight, never smoke, and limit alcohol?

Researchers wanted to find out whether people who follow this advice live longer than those who don’t. So, they compared lifespan and other data from thousands of adults with all five of these healthy habits to those without.

People in the healthy habits group got at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. They ate the recommended amounts of fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and healthy fats. And they limited salt, sugary drinks, trans fat, and red and processed meats. They also limited alcohol. Women had no more than one drink each day and men no more than two drinks. They also maintained a normal weight and didn’t smoke.

The people in the other group didn’t exercise, have a healthy diet, or limit drinking. They smoked and were overweight.

Based on the results, the researchers estimated that a 50-year-old woman who had all five habits would live, on average, to age 93. In contrast, if she didn’t have any of these habits, she would live on average to age 79.

For a 50-year-old man, the average lifespan was about 88 years old with healthy behaviors and only 76 years without.

“This study underscores the importance of following healthy lifestyle habits for improving longevity in the U.S. population,” says Dr. Frank B. Hu of Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, senior author of the study.

Senior News Line

Cherished memories bound together.

by Matilda Charles

I know what my project is going to be when it’s too hot to go out this summer: I’m going to complete a Bio Binder Cherished Memories book.

The purpose of the 100-page Cherished Memories book is to leave for your family a record of all your memories. Better than that, however, is having the opportunity to think back over your own life, what your dreams were, how you got to where you are today, what you hope for your family, and more.

To see what the binder looks like, go to Amazon and search for “Cherished Memories.” You’ll see the option of using a Kindle version or the 3-ring binder. Click on Look Inside and scroll down the sample pages. It starts with an Introduction to show you how to use the book. Section 3 is about birth to age 12, where you write information about your childhood experiences and memories, what you did for fun, and school.

By Section 6, it gets into your personal values and the philosophies you want to pass on to others. Section 7 is My Favorites, and it’s my own personal favorite section. It gives a place to document favorite animals (maybe the pets you had as a child), books, television shows, foods and more. There’s also the option to add newspaper clippings, photos, letters and your family tree.

You don’t have to start at the beginning — pick your favorite section and begin there.

Another way to approach this would be to create one of the binders with your parent. Just asking the questions themselves will open up lots of great discussions, especially if you include your own children in the project.

You can go directly to the seller at biobinders.com/bb_purchase.htm to read more about the binder and check out other companies that sell memory binders.

Old scams don’t go away, and one of the scams that has come around again is the secret shopper scam. Most people like shopping, and if someone offers payment for it, many of us will try it. After all, it sounds like fun.

Secret shoppers often are hired by legitimate companies to visit one of their stores and make a purchase. Afterward you make a report on things like cleanliness, pricing, employee attitude and more. In response you might get either a free gift or a cash payment.

When it comes to scams, however, you’re given the payment first. You’ll be sent a check and will be told to cash it, and then go shopping immediately. You’ll likely be told to “test” the service at the Western Union desk, or whatever location will transfer money. You’ll be instructed to test the system by sending the money you’ve just received when you cashed the check. What you won’t find out for a long time is that the check you cashed is no good. You used your own money to send a wire transfer, and you’ll never get that money back.

Or you might be told to use the cash to buy a handful of gift cards. Again the check will bounce and you’ll end up out of pocket for all that money.

Warnings: If you’re ever asked to cash a check and send someone else the money, it’s a scam. Don’t ever pay to sign up as a secret shopper, even to buy a so-called directory. And don’t fall for the certification fraud — you don’t need a certificate to do secret shopping.

If you’re interested in having a legitimate part-time job as a secret shopper, go online to mysteryshop.org to search their database of legitimate companies. Read more at the www.consumer.ftc.gov website about secret shopping scams.

(c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.

Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder

Analysis of large data sets from post-mortem brain samples of people with and without Alzheimer’s disease has revealed new evidence that viral species, particularly herpesviruses, may have a role in Alzheimer’s disease biology. Researchers funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health, made the discovery by harnessing data from brain banks and cohort studies participating in the Accelerating Medicines Partnership – Alzheimer’s Disease (AMP-AD) consortium. Reporting in the June 21 issue of the journal Neuron, the authors emphasize that their findings do not prove that the viruses cause the onset or progression of Alzheimer’s. Rather, the findings show viral DNA sequences and activation of biological networks—the interrelated systems of DNA, RNA, proteins and metabolites—may interact with molecular, genetic and clinical aspects of Alzheimer’s.

“The hypothesis that viruses play a part in brain disease is not new, but this is the first study to provide strong evidence based on unbiased approaches and large data sets that lends support to this line of inquiry,” said NIA Director Richard J. Hodes, M.D.

Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out simple tasks. More evidence is accumulating to indicate that this loss of cognitive functioning is a mix of many different disease processes in the brain, rather than just one, such as buildup of amyloid or tau proteins. Identifying links to viruses may help researchers learn more about the complicated biological interactions involved in Alzheimer’s, and potentially lead to new treatment strategies.

The research group, which included experts from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, and Arizona State University, Phoenix, originally set out to find whether drugs used to treat other diseases can be repurposed for treating Alzheimer’s. They designed their study to map and compare biological networks underlying Alzheimer’s disease. What they found is that Alzheimer’s biology is likely impacted by a complex constellation of viral and host genetic factors, adding that they identified specific testable pathways and biological networks.

The researchers used multiple layers of genomic and proteomic data from several NIA-supported brain banks and cohort studies. They began their direct investigation of viral sequences using data from the Mount Sinai Brain Bank and were able to verify their initial observations using datasets from the Religious Orders Study, the Memory and Aging Project and the Mayo Clinic Brain Bank. They were then able to incorporate additional data from the Emory Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center to understand viral impacts on protein abundance. Through the application of sophisticated computational modeling the researchers made several key findings, including:

Human herpesvirus 6A and 7 were more abundant in Alzheimer’s disease samples than non-Alzheimer’s.

There are multiple points of overlap between virus-host interactions and genes associated with Alzheimer’s risk.

Multiple viruses impact the biology of Alzheimer’s disease across domains such as DNA, RNA and proteins.

Important roles for microbes and viruses in Alzheimer’s disease have been suggested and studied for decades, the authors noted. Since the 1980s, hundreds of reports have associated Alzheimer’s with bacteria and viruses. These studies combined suggest a viral contribution but have not explained how the connection works.

While the current findings are more specific, they do not provide evidence to change how risk and susceptibility are assessed, nor the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s, the authors said. Rather, the research gives scientists reason to revisit the old pathogen hypothesis and will be the basis for further work that will test whether herpes virus activity is one of the causes of Alzheimer’s.

Fall-proofing your home

“I need to be very careful walking down stairs.”

by National Institute on Aging

Six out of every 10 falls happen at home, where we spend much of our time and tend to move around without thinking about our safety. There are many changes you can make to your home that will help you avoid falls and ensure your safety.

Fall hazards in the home, including a scatter rug, dog, and empty slippers

In Stairways, Hallways, and Pathways

Have handrails on both sides of the stairs, and make sure they are tightly fastened. Hold the handrails when you use the stairs, going up or down. If you must carry something while you’re on the stairs, hold it in one hand and use the handrail with the other. Don’t let what you’re carrying block your view of the steps.

Make sure there is good lighting with light switches at the top and bottom of stairs and on each end of a long hall. Remember to use the lights!

Keep areas where you walk tidy. Don’t leave books, papers, clothes, and shoes on the floor or stairs.

Check that all carpets are fixed firmly to the floor so they won’t slip. Put no-slip strips on tile and wooden floors. You can buy these strips at the hardware store. If they aren’t fitted properly, it might be worth looking into working with a professional, similar to those you’d find at Carpet Now (https://www.carpetnow.com/), to work towards resolving the issue.

Don’t use throw rugs or small area rugs. Buy a large, good quality rug from somewhere like Bazaar Velvet.

In Bathrooms and Powder Rooms

Mount grab bars near toilets and on both the inside and outside of your tub and shower.

Place non-skid mats, strips, or carpet on all surfaces that may get wet.

Remember to turn on night lights.

In Your Bedroom

Put night lights and light switches close to your bed.

Keep a flashlight by your bed in case the power is out and you need to get up.

Keep your telephone near your bed.

In Other Living Areas

Keep electric cords and telephone wires near walls and away from walking paths.

Secure all carpets and large area rugs firmly to the floor.

Arrange your furniture (especially low coffee tables) and other objects so they are not in your way when you walk.

Make sure your sofas and chairs are the right height for you to get in and out of them easily.

Don’t walk on newly washed floors—they are slippery.

Keep items you use often within easy reach.

Don’t stand on a chair or table to reach something that’s too high—use a “reach stick” instead or ask for help. Reach sticks are special grabbing tools that you can buy at many hardware or medical-supply stores. If you use a step stool, make sure it is steady and has a handrail on top. Have someone stand next to you.

Don’t let your cat or dog trip you. Know where your pet is whenever you’re standing or walking.

Keep emergency numbers in large print near each telephone.

If you have fallen, your doctor might suggest that an occupational therapist, physical therapist, or nurse visit your home. These healthcare providers can assess your home’s safety and advise you about making changes to prevent falls.

Your Own Medical Alarm

If you’re concerned about falling, think about getting an emergency response system. If you fall or need emergency help, you push a button on a special necklace or bracelet to alert 911. There is a fee for this service, and it is not usually covered by insurance.

The Alzheimer’s Association Confident Caregiver Series presents free legal and financial issues classes

Legal and financial assistance is available for those dealing with Alzheimer’s.

The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease makes planning for the future more important than ever. Concerns about care provision and programs that can help offset costs mean that families need accurate information about legal and financial planning specific to the disease. A lot of the time, families are not prepared to make financial plans themselves due to a lack of understanding about the disease and finances. Most people would be wise to contact professionals, like these Accounting firms in Melbourne, to make a well-thought-out and efficient plan for them.

This program will cover information for families and individuals dealing with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia.

Topics covered will include:

  • Making legal plans that fit your needs
  • Legal documents you’ll need and what they mean for all of you
  • How to find legal and financial assistance
  • Practical strategies for making a long-term plan of care
  • Tax deductions and credits
  • Government programs that can help pay for care

Legal and Financial Issues will be held in the East and West parts of Ventura County. On Tuesday, August 15th from 10 a.m. to noon the class will be held at St. John’s Regional Medical Center Room 2 & 4 located at 1600 N. Rose Ave. in Oxnard. On Thursday, August 21st from 10 a.m. to noon the class will be held at the Simi Valley Senior Center located at 3900 Avenida Simi, Simi Valley. Attorney Craig Ploss will be the guest speaker. Call 800.272.3900 to register.