In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “the first wealth is health.”
While maintaining ones good condition is of crucial importance, these days experts are asking whether we’ve become “hyperaware” of our health and well being, subjecting ourselves to needless testing, invasive procedures and costly X-rays.
In the Internet age when access to round-the-clock healthcare coverage is broadcast seemingly nonstop, medical advertisers are on every channel and the masses are sure to know someone who’s had something, it is becoming more and more challenging for doctors to ease the public’s often unfounded fears about illnesses considered imminent. While many of these tests can prevent disease and save lives, the increased patient demand for all-inclusive testing has doctors treading a thin line: are they addressing legitimate concerns or creating new problems needlessly?
A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that medical practitioners now order about 68 million CT scans each year, triple the number ordered in 1995. The downside? A single CT scan exposes patients to 100 times the radiation dose of a regular X-ray and could possibly be the cause of two percent of cancer cases that will be reported over the next 20 to 30 years. False positives, in similar tests can lead to the unnecessary ordering of more invasive tests, which can be painful and even result in infection and other problems down the line.
The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) released recommendations for deciphering which tests you need and which you can live without in this month’s AARP Magazine.
Those you need:
- Abdominal ultrasound
o What it is: Ultrasonic waves that can reveal a potentially fatal aortic aneurysm in the main blood vessel of the abdomen.
o When to get it: It’s a one-time screening if you are a man between 65 and 75 and have ever been a smoker.
- Blood cholesterol
o What it is: A blood test to measure LDL (low-density lipoprotein), the “good” cholesterol; HDL (high-density lipoprotein), the “bad” cholesterol and total cholesterol.
o When to get it: On a regular basis; high cholesterol it considered a red flag for heart disease and other medical issues, so results should be discussed with your doctor.
- Blood glucose
o What it is: A test for levels of blood sugar which can reveal the risk for or presence of diabetes.
o When to get it: If you have high blood pressure or a family history of diabetes.
- Blood pressure
o What it is: A test that measures the force of blood flow inside arteries; high levels could signal heart disease, diabetes or other issues.
o When to get it: At least every two years if pressure is less than 120/80 and once a year if it is 120 to 139/80 to 90; more often if it is higher.
- Bone density
o What it is: An X-ray that measures calcium and other minerals in the bone to check for the risk of osteoporosis.
o When to get it: Starting at age 65 or at 60 if you have risks factors, such as low body weight or a family history of osteoporosis.
- Colonoscopy
o What it is: An exam that uses a camera to check for cancer, polyps, ulcers and other abnormalities in the colon and rectum.
o When to get it: Starting at age 50 and every 10 years afterward – more often if you have risk factors – until age 75.
- Mammography
o What it is: A low-radiation scan of breast tissue in women to check for abnormalities.
o When to get it: Every one to two years starting at age 40.
- Pap smear
o What it is: A test to detect changes in the cells of the cervix that indicate cervical cancer.
o When to get it: At least every three years, but if you’ve had three consecutive normal tests within the past 10 years, you can stop at age 65.
Tests you might not really need:
- Full-body CT scan
o What it is: Computerized X-rays that produce multiple 3D images of a person’s torso.
o The debate: According to the USPSTF and AARP, medical clinics have promoted the scan as a way to pin-point early warnings of diseases. However; most medical experts advise against it when no symptoms are present. It’s expensive, uses high amounts of radiation and often renders false positives or reveals harmless abnormalities.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
o What it is: A blood test to check for PSA, a protein made by the prostate. Elevated levels could detect cancer.
o The debate: Evidence for or against the need for routine testing for men 50 through 74 is inconclusive. Some groups, such as African American men have higher rates of the disease; physicians often recommend yearly screenings for them and other patients.
- Virtual colonoscopy
o What it is: A CT scan, called CT colonoscopy, to check for colorectal cancer. Polyps and other abnormalities in the colon and rectum.
o The debate: A noted study found this scan to be as accurate as a regular colonoscopy and less invasive. Other research found that it produces more false-positives, leading to unnecessary biopsies and testing. The USPSTF is neutral on the issue.
So keep your feelers out and your eyes open for anything abnormal such as pain, fatigue, or a persistent cough, and just take an extra moment with your doctor to consider whether you are getting the right test for the right reasons. Additionally, ask the right questions, avoiding double doses of tests and try to keep a detailed X-ray history.
For more information visit aarp.org/womenchecklist and/or aarp.org/menchecklist.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Elder Abuse - What Is It? How Should Professionals in the Field and Others Respond?
They call it a silent problem. The act by a person who stands in a trust relationship resulting in the harm of the health and welfare of an older adult.
Its name is elder abuse and estimates show that it affects up to 10 percent of adults age 65 years of age or older. Some say that for every case reported, at least five cases go unreported! One study conducted in 2009 even estimated that 50 percent of people living with dementia experienced some kind of abuse.
Experts offer that the results of elder abuse can manifest themselves in a variety of ways. Most disturbing is that its victims are three times more likely to experience premature death, according to a recent presentation given at the Institute on Aging.
"There is a reluctance to admit what is going on," said Erika Falk, Psy.D., Director, Geriatric Assessment Services, San Francisco Elder Abuse Forensic Center. At her recent talk, these very issues were addressed among industry professionals, educators and the general public. "There is shame, fear of losing independence and fears of being moved that are all associated with these events." Reasons that Falk sites for abuse going unreported or missed include what she calls ageism, disbelief and the ever-frightening assumption that "It's not my business." Others, she said, claim ignorance, feel that they might lose a client's trust of feel that nothing can help.
Frightening percentages gathered from data about the abusers shows that up to 90 percent of elder abuse is perpetrated by family members. Likewise, 50 percent were adult offspring, 20 percent were spouses/intimate partners, 48 percent women, 52 percent men and 30 percent were themselves over 60 years of age, according to the Institute on Aging.
Signs of abuse are subtle and often go overlooked or mistaken for "usual signs of aging." Additionally, outside signs shown by a potential abuser can include excessive concern about cost, attempts to dominate an elder, when one won't let an elder talk, verbal abuse and/or other controlling behavior.
As professionals in the field and concerned loved ones it is important to be aware of any signs and to be prepared to handle the situation before it escalates. To confront an individual who you are concerned might be experiencing abuse, there are examples of help and consolation that you can offer immediately. Let an individual know:
- "I am concerned about your safety and well being."
- "You are not alone."
- "The abuse is not your fault; only your abuser can stop the abusive behavior."
- "No one deserves to be abused; there is no excuse for abuse."
- "There are options and resources available."
For counsel, tips and to report suspected abuse in your family or community contact the Institute on Aging's Elder Abuse Prevention Program at 415-750-4180 ext. 222 or The National Center of Elder Abuse at www.ncea.aoa.gov.
Additional resources include:
- The American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging: www.abanet.org/aging
- Family Caregiver Alliance: www.caregiver.org
- Administration on Aging: www.aoa.gov
Its name is elder abuse and estimates show that it affects up to 10 percent of adults age 65 years of age or older. Some say that for every case reported, at least five cases go unreported! One study conducted in 2009 even estimated that 50 percent of people living with dementia experienced some kind of abuse.
Experts offer that the results of elder abuse can manifest themselves in a variety of ways. Most disturbing is that its victims are three times more likely to experience premature death, according to a recent presentation given at the Institute on Aging.
"There is a reluctance to admit what is going on," said Erika Falk, Psy.D., Director, Geriatric Assessment Services, San Francisco Elder Abuse Forensic Center. At her recent talk, these very issues were addressed among industry professionals, educators and the general public. "There is shame, fear of losing independence and fears of being moved that are all associated with these events." Reasons that Falk sites for abuse going unreported or missed include what she calls ageism, disbelief and the ever-frightening assumption that "It's not my business." Others, she said, claim ignorance, feel that they might lose a client's trust of feel that nothing can help.
Frightening percentages gathered from data about the abusers shows that up to 90 percent of elder abuse is perpetrated by family members. Likewise, 50 percent were adult offspring, 20 percent were spouses/intimate partners, 48 percent women, 52 percent men and 30 percent were themselves over 60 years of age, according to the Institute on Aging.
Signs of abuse are subtle and often go overlooked or mistaken for "usual signs of aging." Additionally, outside signs shown by a potential abuser can include excessive concern about cost, attempts to dominate an elder, when one won't let an elder talk, verbal abuse and/or other controlling behavior.
As professionals in the field and concerned loved ones it is important to be aware of any signs and to be prepared to handle the situation before it escalates. To confront an individual who you are concerned might be experiencing abuse, there are examples of help and consolation that you can offer immediately. Let an individual know:
- "I am concerned about your safety and well being."
- "You are not alone."
- "The abuse is not your fault; only your abuser can stop the abusive behavior."
- "No one deserves to be abused; there is no excuse for abuse."
- "There are options and resources available."
For counsel, tips and to report suspected abuse in your family or community contact the Institute on Aging's Elder Abuse Prevention Program at 415-750-4180 ext. 222 or The National Center of Elder Abuse at www.ncea.aoa.gov.
Additional resources include:
- The American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging: www.abanet.org/aging
- Family Caregiver Alliance: www.caregiver.org
- Administration on Aging: www.aoa.gov
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Ageless Elders Defy Stereotypes and Beat the Odds
After a friend recommended the film Young at Heart (2007), which documents the true story of a traveling rock band whose member's average age is 81, I got to thinking about common stereotypes on aging. In the movie, the singing chorus features rock, punk and disco numbers and they refuse to let age and ill health get them down.
It made me wonder if people were participating in similarly vivacious activities in senior living environments and so I took my new found curiosity to the proverbial street to meet some new faces and find some new places that are going against the norm.
At OnLok, which has eight facilities in San Francisco, I stopped in at the 1333 Bush and Polk street location to hear the thumping and melodic sound of violins, guitars and trumpets lilting in and livening the already bustling hallways. I looked to the left. I looked to the right. I smiled.
Mariachi music!
For the Cinco de Mayo holiday, the facility's active recreation staff arranged for the festive band to join residents in the common area for an afternoon of celebration, dancing and singing. Feet were stomping. Hips were swaying. Guitars were playing and some jumped from their seats as if unable to contain their merriment! It was almost impossible not to join the party.
A colleague reports that Mystic Oaks, in Scott's Valley organizes weekend outings. They go camping; have trips to nearby Monterey and go to lunch in nearby cities. They have a client that is going to be 109 this year!
High above city streets at San Francisco Towers on Pine Street in San Francisco, seniors epitomize class and sophistication. They enjoy afternoons playing intense card games in the penthouse billiard room that spills out onto a luxurious roof top, decorated by an immaculate garden maintained by the green-thumbed residents.
Scrabble is not just a game at AlmaVia on Thomas Moore Way, in San Francisco. At the senior center, it's a fiercely competitive sport with a dedicated club of players who participate for the championship titles which are posted in the shared common area.
What I found at these facilities was that they don't call them "the golden years" for nothing! From offering gut-busting fitness programs to ambitious group outings to sports, clubs and posh beauty parlors, many of the care facilities that I was lucky to have visited, I did not want to leave when it was time to go home! They made me feel excited about the years ahead, touched and motivated by the active individuals who I found living and working there.
E-mail us your stories about remarkable living and inspiring activities you've witnessed recently, at any age!
It made me wonder if people were participating in similarly vivacious activities in senior living environments and so I took my new found curiosity to the proverbial street to meet some new faces and find some new places that are going against the norm.
At OnLok, which has eight facilities in San Francisco, I stopped in at the 1333 Bush and Polk street location to hear the thumping and melodic sound of violins, guitars and trumpets lilting in and livening the already bustling hallways. I looked to the left. I looked to the right. I smiled.
Mariachi music!
For the Cinco de Mayo holiday, the facility's active recreation staff arranged for the festive band to join residents in the common area for an afternoon of celebration, dancing and singing. Feet were stomping. Hips were swaying. Guitars were playing and some jumped from their seats as if unable to contain their merriment! It was almost impossible not to join the party.
A colleague reports that Mystic Oaks, in Scott's Valley organizes weekend outings. They go camping; have trips to nearby Monterey and go to lunch in nearby cities. They have a client that is going to be 109 this year!
High above city streets at San Francisco Towers on Pine Street in San Francisco, seniors epitomize class and sophistication. They enjoy afternoons playing intense card games in the penthouse billiard room that spills out onto a luxurious roof top, decorated by an immaculate garden maintained by the green-thumbed residents.
Scrabble is not just a game at AlmaVia on Thomas Moore Way, in San Francisco. At the senior center, it's a fiercely competitive sport with a dedicated club of players who participate for the championship titles which are posted in the shared common area.
What I found at these facilities was that they don't call them "the golden years" for nothing! From offering gut-busting fitness programs to ambitious group outings to sports, clubs and posh beauty parlors, many of the care facilities that I was lucky to have visited, I did not want to leave when it was time to go home! They made me feel excited about the years ahead, touched and motivated by the active individuals who I found living and working there.
E-mail us your stories about remarkable living and inspiring activities you've witnessed recently, at any age!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Looking at the Future Through Someone Else's Eyes: The Status of Elder Care in America
Nobody likes to be thought of as a statistic. Most of us choose to believe that we live relatively happy, healthy lives. Still, when looking at the numbers regarding the state of elder care across the board, one will find that it is riddled with holes and a cause for concern.
At Ageless Elder Care Management we work to close the loop for seniors who want to take advantage of the wealth of services that are available in the Bay Area and beyond, but don't always know how to go about doing so.
To date, the Bay Area alone is home to more than 3,000 elder care facilities with a range of offerings. Each promises quality care, but how can one best choose the right facility for themselves or their loved ones?
It's not just seniors facing challenges, as the ramifications affect us all.
Take, for instance, these real-world examples:
- A Senate committee warns gaps in federal assistance for seniors will only grow as the baby boom generation enters the retirement years.
- The New York Times reports on a Gallup survey of not-yet-retired Americans, that asked if they anticipated having enough money to retire “comfortably” when the time came. For the first time this decade, the majority said they doubted they would have enough saved up to live comfortably when they retire.
- Reports show that 90% of people over the age of 65 have one or more chronic diseases; one third of people over the age of 65 will experience a fall. Within a decade, two out of every three of the baby boom generation will have to take care of their elderly parents.
- Specialied illnesses like Alzheimer's disease affects as many as 5.3 million Americans and has needs very different from someone who is aging and has medical needs generally speaking. The national Alzheimer's Association estimates that Alzheimer's Disease and dementia triple the cost of health care for seniors, in part, the cost is because of the skilled training required to treat it.
- The Boomerater™ Report, deals with some tough decisions that family members confront in taking care of aging parents and relatives. They say that there are a number of factors to consider when seeking elder care including: is the individual willing to move or do they want to stay at home? Do they have access to quality in-home care? Is there a good assisted-living community nearby? What is the financial situation? How is their health and do you anticipate that they may need more care as time goes on?
We're trying to connect some of the dots for people and families to form a more cohesive definition of elder care services as a whole.
Thank you for your involvement and support!
At Ageless Elder Care Management we work to close the loop for seniors who want to take advantage of the wealth of services that are available in the Bay Area and beyond, but don't always know how to go about doing so.
To date, the Bay Area alone is home to more than 3,000 elder care facilities with a range of offerings. Each promises quality care, but how can one best choose the right facility for themselves or their loved ones?
It's not just seniors facing challenges, as the ramifications affect us all.
Take, for instance, these real-world examples:
- A Senate committee warns gaps in federal assistance for seniors will only grow as the baby boom generation enters the retirement years.
- The New York Times reports on a Gallup survey of not-yet-retired Americans, that asked if they anticipated having enough money to retire “comfortably” when the time came. For the first time this decade, the majority said they doubted they would have enough saved up to live comfortably when they retire.
- Reports show that 90% of people over the age of 65 have one or more chronic diseases; one third of people over the age of 65 will experience a fall. Within a decade, two out of every three of the baby boom generation will have to take care of their elderly parents.
- Specialied illnesses like Alzheimer's disease affects as many as 5.3 million Americans and has needs very different from someone who is aging and has medical needs generally speaking. The national Alzheimer's Association estimates that Alzheimer's Disease and dementia triple the cost of health care for seniors, in part, the cost is because of the skilled training required to treat it.
- The Boomerater™ Report, deals with some tough decisions that family members confront in taking care of aging parents and relatives. They say that there are a number of factors to consider when seeking elder care including: is the individual willing to move or do they want to stay at home? Do they have access to quality in-home care? Is there a good assisted-living community nearby? What is the financial situation? How is their health and do you anticipate that they may need more care as time goes on?
We're trying to connect some of the dots for people and families to form a more cohesive definition of elder care services as a whole.
Thank you for your involvement and support!
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