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Swelling of the legs, feet and ankles is a common problem in seniors. The medical term for this is edema. Edema is the trapping of excess fluid in any part of the body, but occurs most commonly in the ankles, legs and feet. One source estimates almost 4.4 million people in the U.S. suffer from edema. Edema causes a puffiness of the tissue under the skin. The skin may appear stretched or shiny. Pressing on the swollen area may leave a dent when the pressure is relieved. Usually swelling of the legs and feet comes on gradually and may not be noti...
Detecting Alzheimer’s disease in its earliest stages Australian scientists say they now are much closer to developing a screening test for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease. The investigators have identified blood-based biological markers that are associated with the build-up of amyloid beta, a toxic protein in the brain. This plaque build-up develops years before symptoms appear and irreversible brain damage has occurred. “Early detection is critical, giving those at risk a much bette...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following meetings and trainings this month: June 4, Caregiver Peer Support Meeting at Sterling Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. June 11, Caregiver Peer Support Meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 to 3 p.m. June 17, Caregiver Training at Kenai Senior Center, 1 to 3 p.m. Topic is “Mayo Clinic for Heart Health.” Understand your condition, eat well to feel well, and learn about soothing therapies. June 25, Caregiver Peer Support Meeting at Soldotna Senior Center, 1 to 3 p.m. There is...
Tax time has just passed. For many people, that’s a time to take stock of finances and to start planning for the future. That should include plans in case you or a family member need long-term care. It’s a tough topic. But if you plan ahead, you’re more likely to get the kind of care you want. Here are some questions and answers to help you jump-start the process. If you need long-term care, what are your preferences? Once, long-term care meant staying in a nursing home. Not anymore. Today, there are assisted living facilities, retir...
National Stroke Awareness Month takes place in May every year. On May 11, 1989, President George Bush signed Presidential Proclamation 5975 designating May as National Stroke Awareness Month. Since then, National Stroke Association has been honoring this special time of the year to increase public awareness of stroke in an effort to conquer it. Here are some facts about stroke in Alaska, provided by the Alaska Dept. of Health and Social Services Division of Public Health, Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program: What is stroke costing...
Alaska Health Fair, Inc. wraps up its spring health fairs this month at various locations around the state. The health fairs offer free health screenings and education, low cost blood tests and can help you learn about your health and detect potential problems early, when treatment or changes in personal habits can be most effective. The test results give you and your health care provider important information about your physical condition and vital organ functions. Remember, if you plan on any tests requiring a blood draw, drink lots of water...
Understanding your benefits and knowing your hospital status (whether you are an “inpatient” or “outpatient”) can help determine what you pay out-of-pocket or if your services will be covered by Medicare. Medicare Part A (hospital) provides coverage for services as an inpatient when a doctor formally orders your admission to the hospital. Medicare Part B (medical) covers outpatient services such as emergency room services, outpatient surgery, lab tests, x-rays and observation services, and the doctor has not admitted you as an inpatie...
Dear Pharmacist: I have your Diabetes Without Drugs book and it has helped me, but I’m still on two of the original five medications for this condition. What nutrients should I take with my medicine? -- B.B., Micanopy, Florida Answer: For my new readers, the term “drug mugger” is something that my followers understand from 14 years of my writing, and it’s also the title of one of my books. It refers to how medications (or foods) reduce levels of vitamins, minerals and beneficial flora (probiotics) and cause side effects. But if you don’t k...
Lupus is one of the cruelest, most mysterious diseases on earth – an unpredictable and misunderstood autoimmune disease that ravages different parts of the body. Research shows lupus, which affects an estimated 1.5 million Americans, is more pervasive and more severe than people think, and has an impact that the public doesn’t realize. May is Lupus Awareness Month and the Lupus Foundation of America is urging the public to join them throughout the month to educate others and improve public understanding of lupus – an important key to unloc...
“Health Equity for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Elders of Color,” explores 10 policy areas where health and wellness can be improved for LGBT older people of color. The groundbreaking report examines policy topics such as federal funding gaps, the ways in which health reform implementation can reach marginalized people, LGBT-specific barriers within programs such as Social Security, and much more. The report was prepared by SAGE (Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders) and is available for free download at www.sageu...
Wearing a contact lens at night may help restore age-related loss of near vision It may be possible to get rid of your reading glasses. Many older adults have age-related declines in near vision (presbyopia) requiring bifocals or reading glasses. Now, a newly emerging technique called hyperopic orthokeratology (OK) may provide an alternative for restoring near vision without the need for glasses. Researchers have just completed a small study showing that wearing OK contact lenses overnight can...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following meetings and trainings in May: May 3, Caregiver Peer Support meets at Nikiski Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. Presentation: “Stress: Portrait of a Killer.” May 6, Caregiver Training at Tyotka’s Elder Center, 1 to 3 p.m. This will be the last caregiver training at Tyotka’s until September. May 7, Caregiver Peer Support Meeting at Sterling Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. With a viewing of “Sunset Story,” an award winning documentary telling the story of friendship among women...
One of the best things that you can do for yourself and also for your loved one is to establish a routine or rhythm for the day. Our lives feel more comfortable when there is a rhythm, when one thing leads to another in a familiar way. Don’t let this make you feel that you are “in a rut.” Remember, if you are caring for a person with cognitive impairment, a comfortable and steady routine is a great source of security. If your loved one feels secure it just makes your job that much easier. When your loved one feels secure in a comfortable routi...
A long-time Alaskan whose life was deeply affected by his mother’s Alzheimer’s disease has written a book to help other caregivers who might benefit from his experience. Bob Miller published late last year his memoir, “My Mom Inez: Our Alzheimer’s Journey,” which is the story of a son’s determination to protect and care for his mother as he struggles with the signs of her losing her mind to Alzheimer’s. “This book grew out of my effort to understand, accept and effectively deal with what was going on in my mother’s life, and how it affected a...
Healing wounds in Anchorage I would like to tell you about a wonderful service I discovered in Anchorage. It is called the Wound Center and is run by registered nurses, who work under a physician’s orders. The center provides care services for a variety of wounds such as those caused by diabetes and related complications; leg wounds caused by impaired circulation; non-healing surgical wounds; burns and frostbite and wounds caused by infection or pressure and mobility deficits. Staff assist with...
As people age their ability to fight bacteria decreases and they are more prone to infections of the skin (ulcers) and soft tissue (cellulitis). Most ulcers and cellulitis occur on the feet and legs. The main reasons seniors develop such problems include decreased sensation caused by nerve damage, inadequate blood flow to the lower extremities through clogged arteries, and impaired return of blood from these areas caused by dilated veins. Such veins often cause the legs and feet to swell. Swelling, or edema, impairs the body’s ability to d...
New magnetic approach to treating heartburn It may be possible to replace your daily stomach medicine with a new magnetic device. It is called the LINX system and is composed of a series of titanium beads, each with a magnetic core. The beads are connected to form a ring shape and then implanted at the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a circular band of muscle that closes the last few centimeters of the esophagus. The LES prevents the backward flow of stomach contents. This new medical device...
This month’s column is about retaliation, specifically homes that retaliate against residents who complain or who offend them in some way. Retaliation against a resident can be overt, but often it is not. Staff can delay serving a meal until it is cold, or put residents into an uncomfortably cool shower, or take 45 minutes to answer calls for assistance. It’s an abuse of power, a reminder to residents that they aren’t in charge of their lives anymore. Don’t get me wrong. There are good homes,...
Changing drug plans allowed only in some situations I hope that everyone who is on the Medicare Part D drug program has gotten into the best plan they could find because they will not be able to change into another plan until next October, unless they are also either on Medicaid or an Extra Help Program from Social Security. When the new low-income guidelines are published in February (or March) you may find that you might become eligible and then you can apply for the Extra Help program....
