This coming year brings much promise for many of us. We are all hopeful for a better, more stable, economy. With a new year, it is also traditional to hope for continued good, or improved, health. Many of us make our resolutions on just this subject. I will be one of them.
I was listening to ElderCare Talk Radio recently. Dr. Aboo Nasar and nurse practitioner Kim Kesch were the featured guests. The information provided was most interesting to me as is generally the case with this talk radio program. They briefly discussed a new study on a drug related interaction syndrome in seniors.
Although I knew this was a serious problem, especially in seniors, I was surprised to learn that drug interaction is now considered a “syndrome”. Professionals are seeing more and more problems with medications in the senior population. Too many are prescribed, often at the patients request after seeing an advertisement.
This can cause multiple side effects and interactions. Often time’s medications are not taken appropriately. Ms. Kesch pointed out that how you take your medication is as important as the dosage and the time you take it. For instance, one medication prescribed often for bladder infection, Nitrofurantoin, loses some of its potency if not taken with protein. The bottle will often read, “may take with food”.
That does not tell the person the correct information. Did you know that taking more than eight medications per day would create a 100% probability that you will suffer a fall? The increased chance of falls means an increased incidence in hip fractures. Hip fractures are a very significant player in overall health decline. They often are the underlying cause of death in our senior population. A medication evaluation is very important and is highly recommended, especially for those taking multiple medications, plus over the counter medications and supplements. This is yet another case of less being more. I believe that the less medications you take, the better off you will be.
This article is not meant to be an advertisement for either Dr. Nasar or Ms. Kesch’ practice, however, I have heard Dr. Nasar speak on several past occasions.
He utilizes a mix of both Eastern and Western methods in his practice of medicine. Additionally he cautions us all about the interaction of herbal supplements with medications. One of the things that impressed me about his practice is how closely he will work with his patients to find the balance they need between eastern and western practices, medications, supplements and nutrition.
One of the items stressed during this recent radio program was that food is medicine. It is most important to look at our diets to obtain better health and reduce the need for medication. The American population, as a whole, generally over eats while at the same time is under nourished. This occurs because so much of what Americans eat is high in non-nutrient calories. Soda’s, sweets, alcohol and fried foods are some of those types of “food” items. An “anti-aging diet” is often recommended. This way of eating is low in calorie (1,450-1,700 per day) but high in nutrition, fiber and minerals. A Mediterranean style diet and/or a European way of eating are also much better options than our traditional American habits and are similar to the “anti-aging” plan.
The common Mediterranean dietary pattern has these characteristics:
• high consumption of fruits, vegetables, bread and other cereals, potatoes, beans, nuts and seeds
• olive oil is an important monounsaturated fat source
• dairy products, fish and poultry are consumed in low to moderate amounts, and little red meat is eaten
• eggs are consumed zero to four times a week
• wine is consumed in low to moderate amounts
This lifestyle also means eating your fruits and vegetables raw whenever possible, cooking our meals ourselves, and having proper socialization during the meal. (Please consult your physician before embarking on a new lifestyle, or diet, plan.)
Dr. Nasar also stated that stress is the most toxic condition our bodies deal with. One of the side effects of stress is the production of the hormone cortisol. It is the fight or flight hormone associated with adrenaline among other things. It is necessary for the conversion of proteins to energy. However, too much of anything is bad for you. Sustained increases of this cortisol can destroy muscle and bone, slow healing and normal cell growth and impair digestion. It also can increase blood sugar, affect other hormone levels and interfere with our sleep patterns. Some people turn to alcohol in a misguided attempt to relieve the symptoms of stress. Alcohol is very high in non-nutrient calories and can actually increase the level of cortisol in the body. To top it off, most people that drink do so at night when cortisol should be at its lowest level. They then wonder why they are awake at 3 am. To quote Dr. Nasar; “cortisol is like battery acid” to our systems. You may be asking, how can I keep this seemingly nasty hormone at a safe level? Some herbs and supplements may help. Ask your doctor about them. Better yet, reduce your stress level and don’t drink frequently or in access. Women should have no more than one glass of wine per day.
To reduce stress try: message or yoga; get plenty of rest (8 hrs or more sleep per night); use meditation or self- hypnosis; do not skip meals and eat healthily; reduce intake of coffee; exercise up to 1 hour per day; and enjoy sex regularly if able (yes, it does make a difference).
********************************************************************************
Wishing you all a Wonderful, Healthy and Blessed 2010
Live; Laugh; Love
Nancy Coulter Beland
Owner, Starfish Resources*
www.starfishresources.net
760 522 6478
starfishresources@gmail.com
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Seniors being robbed with fraudulent inquiries and scams
By Nancy Beland, Owner Starfish Resouces
Making a Difference for Seniors
www.starfishresources.net
The famous showman P.T. Barnum reportedly once said, “There is a sucker born every minute”. Many that knew the man said this statement was out of character. In fact, the statement has been accredited to several other people of that time. Whether or not P.T. Barnum actually said it does not truly matter. What does is that the statement is technically true. There are many gullible people in the world. Most folks aren’t taken in because of their I.Q., education level or their income status. Generally, it’s because they are trying to do the right thing. And, while meaning well they get ripped off.
Seniors are particularly vulnerable to fraudulent scams. Specifically scam artists will generally target them. Recently a new scam came to light right here in San Diego. Two senior residents from the same retirement community have been taken in by this new scam. One lost quite a bit of money while the other was barely saved by a vigilant bank clerk. Here is how this new scam goes.
A young man phones the senior. He is quite excited and upset.
He may even cry. He calls you Grandma or Grandpa. He tells you
that he is in trouble and he needs your help. He needs money. He
begs you not to tell his parents. He says he is either in jail or in Canada
and can not get back into the US without this money. He instructs you
to take a cab, go to the bank, withdraw the required funds and wire the
money to him. He gives you the address. He again begs you not to tell
his parents as they will be very upset and disappointed in him.
He is very convincing.
Of course, this is not your grandson. Heaven only knows where this money will actually end up. But you can believe it’s not going to help anyone you know.
If a caller says any of the following to you, hang up.
“You must act now! Or the offer will not be valid”
“you have won a free gift, or prize,” but you have to pay the postage or handling
“You must send money, a check, or give credit card or bank account information
“You don’t need to check the company or the offer out with anyone such as family or the better business bureau or consumer protection agency.”
“You don’t need any written information or references regarding the offer or the company”
“You can’t afford to miss this”
Scams are showing up on emails frequently, too. One recent scam going around states that the recipient of the email has won a prize which is being help by FedEx in either the United Kingdom or in Africa. All you have to do is send them then handling fees and the prize will be released to you immediately. Do not believe it!
Additionally, the Better Business Bureau warns online shoppers to be on the lookout for tricky pop ups after your purchase. These discounts that are being offered are from 3rd party marketing firms, and are not related to the purchase you just made.
Here are some tips to help you:
1) Know who you are dealing with (be sure to verify any information or identification)
2) Do not let anyone into your home without proper reason and ID. If the person says they are from the phone company, they should have a company ID with them to prove it.
Why are they there? Did you request assistance? If not, you should call the company they say they are from to verify the reason for the visit. Leave the person wishing to enter on the porch with the door locked between you. If they are legitimate they will wait.
3) Sign up for direct deposit for any checks that may be coming to you (such as your social security)
4) Register your home phone with the do not call registry to reduce telemarketer calls (1-888-382-1222).
5) Ignore direct mail advertising – do not even open it. Throw it away.
6) Do not listen to any offers regarding Medicare prescription plans presented over the phone. If you have questions regarding your plans contact Medicare directly 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227).
7) Assign a power of attorney – forms are readily available from your attorney, the senior center, the internet – you can change your assignment any time you wish.
8) Do not give out personal or financial information over the phone or to anyone that asks you unless you have solicited them. If they have contacted you, they should have whatever information they need. If not, hang up or walk away.
9) Ask anyone requesting charitable funds over the phone to mail you the information and you will consider it.
10) If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t true. Hang up or walk away.
Always report any fraudulent activity such as scams to the authorities.
For a free package on consumer protection contact:
The Federal Citizen Information center
Pueblo, Colorado
1-888-8 PUEBLO (1-888-878-3256)
Making a Difference for Seniors
www.starfishresources.net
The famous showman P.T. Barnum reportedly once said, “There is a sucker born every minute”. Many that knew the man said this statement was out of character. In fact, the statement has been accredited to several other people of that time. Whether or not P.T. Barnum actually said it does not truly matter. What does is that the statement is technically true. There are many gullible people in the world. Most folks aren’t taken in because of their I.Q., education level or their income status. Generally, it’s because they are trying to do the right thing. And, while meaning well they get ripped off.
Seniors are particularly vulnerable to fraudulent scams. Specifically scam artists will generally target them. Recently a new scam came to light right here in San Diego. Two senior residents from the same retirement community have been taken in by this new scam. One lost quite a bit of money while the other was barely saved by a vigilant bank clerk. Here is how this new scam goes.
A young man phones the senior. He is quite excited and upset.
He may even cry. He calls you Grandma or Grandpa. He tells you
that he is in trouble and he needs your help. He needs money. He
begs you not to tell his parents. He says he is either in jail or in Canada
and can not get back into the US without this money. He instructs you
to take a cab, go to the bank, withdraw the required funds and wire the
money to him. He gives you the address. He again begs you not to tell
his parents as they will be very upset and disappointed in him.
He is very convincing.
Of course, this is not your grandson. Heaven only knows where this money will actually end up. But you can believe it’s not going to help anyone you know.
If a caller says any of the following to you, hang up.
“You must act now! Or the offer will not be valid”
“you have won a free gift, or prize,” but you have to pay the postage or handling
“You must send money, a check, or give credit card or bank account information
“You don’t need to check the company or the offer out with anyone such as family or the better business bureau or consumer protection agency.”
“You don’t need any written information or references regarding the offer or the company”
“You can’t afford to miss this”
Scams are showing up on emails frequently, too. One recent scam going around states that the recipient of the email has won a prize which is being help by FedEx in either the United Kingdom or in Africa. All you have to do is send them then handling fees and the prize will be released to you immediately. Do not believe it!
Additionally, the Better Business Bureau warns online shoppers to be on the lookout for tricky pop ups after your purchase. These discounts that are being offered are from 3rd party marketing firms, and are not related to the purchase you just made.
Here are some tips to help you:
1) Know who you are dealing with (be sure to verify any information or identification)
2) Do not let anyone into your home without proper reason and ID. If the person says they are from the phone company, they should have a company ID with them to prove it.
Why are they there? Did you request assistance? If not, you should call the company they say they are from to verify the reason for the visit. Leave the person wishing to enter on the porch with the door locked between you. If they are legitimate they will wait.
3) Sign up for direct deposit for any checks that may be coming to you (such as your social security)
4) Register your home phone with the do not call registry to reduce telemarketer calls (1-888-382-1222).
5) Ignore direct mail advertising – do not even open it. Throw it away.
6) Do not listen to any offers regarding Medicare prescription plans presented over the phone. If you have questions regarding your plans contact Medicare directly 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227).
7) Assign a power of attorney – forms are readily available from your attorney, the senior center, the internet – you can change your assignment any time you wish.
8) Do not give out personal or financial information over the phone or to anyone that asks you unless you have solicited them. If they have contacted you, they should have whatever information they need. If not, hang up or walk away.
9) Ask anyone requesting charitable funds over the phone to mail you the information and you will consider it.
10) If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t true. Hang up or walk away.
Always report any fraudulent activity such as scams to the authorities.
For a free package on consumer protection contact:
The Federal Citizen Information center
Pueblo, Colorado
1-888-8 PUEBLO (1-888-878-3256)
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Depression in Seniors during the Holidays
Depression occurs in seniors- Especially during the holidays
For many Americans the holiday season begins at Thanksgiving.
“The holidays” bring a variety of emotions with it.
We feel joy, gratitude, excitement and love.
Generally, our gatherings are filled with happy times
and can be a wonderful reminder of days gone by.
For some, however, these reminders can bring a sense
of sadness or grief. This time of year may also bring
feelings of stress, fear, anxiety, loneliness, and depression.
“The blues” can be quite common during this time of year.
Seniors, especially can be affected. Most seniors have
suffered many losses in their time. These losses can include
loss of independence, personal health, friends, hobbies, loved ones,
etc. In some cases, they may be suffering with full-blown depression.
Some seniors may try to hide the fact that they are feeling down and/
or depressed. For many there was a stigma attached to depression along
with other mental illness. In their day, there was a great deal of
misunderstanding about those diagnoses. Those afflicted where often
ashamed of the illness and it was rarely discussed openly.
This is still true for many seniors today.
If the blues are caused by a death, the person may still be in mourning.
Discussing the loss and reminiscing about the person may be helpful in
resolving that grief. The person may be mourning the loss of an item or
activity such as a home or change in physical condition. In these cases,
sometimes offering an activity may be helpful. For instance, if one used
to knit and can no longer make those lovely sweaters for gifts, teaching
someone else how to create such items may relieve that sense of loss.
If the loss is over a home or apartment, you might try to find out exactly
what it is that the person is missing. A garden can be replaced with a
window version or an herb garden. A workroom could perhaps be replaced
with the activity of helping another with small chores or minor repairs.
There may be other reasons for your senior’s depressed mood. Medications
can often cause feelings of depression. (e.g. medications for arthritis,
heart disease, hormone imbalances, thyroid conditions, high blood pressure, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s) A change
in the dose or a choice of other medication may be the answer. Pain,
electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, steroids, and B-12 deficiency can
also be a culprit. Some cases of depression may be helped with psychotherapy.
Still others may require new medication and/or additional treatments.
Anyone experiencing the symptoms of full-blown depression should seek the
help of their primary care physician. Depression is a serious illness.
It can and should be treated. Watch for signs of suicidal thoughts or
comments about death and/or suicide. These should never be ignored.
Things that you can do to help someone who is mildly depressed or
experiencing the “blues”:
Encourage regular exercise
Encourage regular social activity
Music and laughter will often lift a mood
Insure healthy meals and proper nutrition
Medications should be taken as prescribed
Be sure that treatments are followed and are followed-up on
Have them volunteer with an organization they may connect with
Invite the person for outings allowing them to make connections with others
Be sure to tell the person how important they are to you. Sometimes your smile, hug and/or concern
can be all the difference.
Self Test for Depression
Loss of appetite
Lost sense of purpose
Changes in sleep patterns
Unexplained aches and pains
Increase in anxiety or worry
Changes in weight (up or down)
More nervous or agitated than usual
Loss of interest in personal care or hobbies
Slower response to questions or other stimuli
Difficulty thinking, concentrating or remembering
Complaints of fatigue, sadness or a sense of worthlessness
**********************************************************************************
Wishing you all a happy healthy holiday season
Live; Laugh; Love
Nancy Coulter Beland
Owner, Starfish Resources
www.starfishresources.net
For many Americans the holiday season begins at Thanksgiving.
“The holidays” bring a variety of emotions with it.
We feel joy, gratitude, excitement and love.
Generally, our gatherings are filled with happy times
and can be a wonderful reminder of days gone by.
For some, however, these reminders can bring a sense
of sadness or grief. This time of year may also bring
feelings of stress, fear, anxiety, loneliness, and depression.
“The blues” can be quite common during this time of year.
Seniors, especially can be affected. Most seniors have
suffered many losses in their time. These losses can include
loss of independence, personal health, friends, hobbies, loved ones,
etc. In some cases, they may be suffering with full-blown depression.
Some seniors may try to hide the fact that they are feeling down and/
or depressed. For many there was a stigma attached to depression along
with other mental illness. In their day, there was a great deal of
misunderstanding about those diagnoses. Those afflicted where often
ashamed of the illness and it was rarely discussed openly.
This is still true for many seniors today.
If the blues are caused by a death, the person may still be in mourning.
Discussing the loss and reminiscing about the person may be helpful in
resolving that grief. The person may be mourning the loss of an item or
activity such as a home or change in physical condition. In these cases,
sometimes offering an activity may be helpful. For instance, if one used
to knit and can no longer make those lovely sweaters for gifts, teaching
someone else how to create such items may relieve that sense of loss.
If the loss is over a home or apartment, you might try to find out exactly
what it is that the person is missing. A garden can be replaced with a
window version or an herb garden. A workroom could perhaps be replaced
with the activity of helping another with small chores or minor repairs.
There may be other reasons for your senior’s depressed mood. Medications
can often cause feelings of depression. (e.g. medications for arthritis,
heart disease, hormone imbalances, thyroid conditions, high blood pressure, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s) A change
in the dose or a choice of other medication may be the answer. Pain,
electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, steroids, and B-12 deficiency can
also be a culprit. Some cases of depression may be helped with psychotherapy.
Still others may require new medication and/or additional treatments.
Anyone experiencing the symptoms of full-blown depression should seek the
help of their primary care physician. Depression is a serious illness.
It can and should be treated. Watch for signs of suicidal thoughts or
comments about death and/or suicide. These should never be ignored.
Things that you can do to help someone who is mildly depressed or
experiencing the “blues”:
Encourage regular exercise
Encourage regular social activity
Music and laughter will often lift a mood
Insure healthy meals and proper nutrition
Medications should be taken as prescribed
Be sure that treatments are followed and are followed-up on
Have them volunteer with an organization they may connect with
Invite the person for outings allowing them to make connections with others
Be sure to tell the person how important they are to you. Sometimes your smile, hug and/or concern
can be all the difference.
Self Test for Depression
Loss of appetite
Lost sense of purpose
Changes in sleep patterns
Unexplained aches and pains
Increase in anxiety or worry
Changes in weight (up or down)
More nervous or agitated than usual
Loss of interest in personal care or hobbies
Slower response to questions or other stimuli
Difficulty thinking, concentrating or remembering
Complaints of fatigue, sadness or a sense of worthlessness
**********************************************************************************
Wishing you all a happy healthy holiday season
Live; Laugh; Love
Nancy Coulter Beland
Owner, Starfish Resources
www.starfishresources.net
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