Palouse Seniors, Fall 2019

Palouse

Seniors

FALL 2019

INSIDE:

How to choose a dementia caregiver Palouse Seniors is an advertising supplement of the Lewiston Tribune and Moscow-Pullman Daily News

2 | August 17, 2019 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

PALOUSE SENIORS

The facts about osteoporosis O Courtesy of Metro Editorial

steoporosis is often seen as a problem for the elderly, and the National Osteoporosis Foundation notes that being over 50 is a major risk factor for osteoporosis. But that doesn’t mean people younger than 50 can’t develop the disease. The misconception that osteoporosis exclusively afflicts aging men and women only highlights the need to learn more about the disease.

cannot feel their bones weakening, IS OSTEOPOROSIS osteoporosis is often called a “silent COMMON? disease,” notes the NOF. Despite Osteoporosis is common its silence, osteoporosis is a serious across the globe. According to threat, increasing a person’s risk for the International Osteoporosis bone breaks from falls.

Foundation, one in three women over age 50 and one in five men WHAT HAPPENS TO BONES WHEN A PERSON over age 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures.

HAS OSTEOPOROSIS?

The NOF notes that, under a microscope, healthy bones look like a honeycomb. When a person has osteoporosis, the holes and spaces WHAT IS in the honeycomb are considerably OSTEOPOROSIS? larger than in healthy bones.

Osteoporotic bones are not as Osteoporosis is a disease of the dense as healthy bones, and as they bones that occurs when the body become less dense, they weaken loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. Because people and are more susceptible to breaks.

Pullman Regional Hospital

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR OSTEOPOROSIS?

The NOF categorizes risk factors for osteoporosis as uncontrollable and controllable. Uncontrollable risk factors include age, family history, low body weight (being small and thin), and a history of broken bones. Gender also is an uncontrollable risk factor, as women are more likely than men to suffer from osteoporosis. In fact, the NOF notes that a woman’s risk of breaking a hip due to osteoporosis is equal to her risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer.

Controllable risk factors for osteoporosis include not eating enough fruits and vegetables; consuming too much protein,

sodium and caffeine; a sedentary lifestyle; smoking; and excessive consumption of alcohol.

Insufficient calcium and vitamin D intake is another controllable risk factor for osteoporosis. Speak with a physician about osteoporosis and the role that diet and exercise can play in prevention.

Osteoporosis affects people across the globe. Taking steps to reduce your risk for osteoporosis can prevent broken bones and other negative side effects of this disease.

ENJOY PALOUSE SENIORS IN PRINT: Palouse Seniors is published quarterly, with 6,500 copies distributed in the Moscow-Pullman Daily News and Lewiston Tribune. Readers can also pick up a copy at the Moscow-Pullman Daily News and Lewiston Tribune offices.

ONLINE: Check out the latest edition in digital format online atDNews.com, just click on the Special Sections tab.

To advertise your business or service, contact Sally Imel at simel@lmtribune.com or Faith Evans at faith@inland360.com

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Cancer Care Northwest

4 | August 17, 2019 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

PALOUSE SENIORS

Losing weight after menopause M Courtesy of Metro Editorial

enopause is a time of change in a woman’s life. Much as the start of menstruation is accompanied by great fluctuations in hormones that can cause different symptoms, so, too, is the end of menstruation.

decreased physical activity.

According to JoAnn Pinkerton, MD, executive director of the North American Menopause Society, most women will gain about five pounds during the menopause transition. Women who do not gain weight may notice that fat is being repositioned around During menopause, many their midsections. Other factors women experience weight gain and have trouble shedding pounds. also may contribute to this weight gain..

Researchers are not quite sure why women gain weight during Losing weight during the menopause. However, the health menopause transition can and wellness site Healthline advises be challenging, but it is not that both elevated and low levels impossible. of estrogen can lead to increased • Cut down on calories. Postfat storage. This is compounded by menopausal women can cut back a loss of muscle mass that occurs on calories because they likely do due to age, hormonal changes and not need as much as they did when

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they were younger. Eating may be out of habit, not necessity.

• Increase exercise. While mature women may not have the endurance of younger women, they can make up for it by scheduling shorter, more frequent exercise sessions. The general recommendation is 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days per week. But this can be split up into different sessions per day.

Incorporate resistance training to help combat muscle mass lost from aging. The more muscle one has, the more calories burned, even at rest.

• Cut out sweetened beverages and desserts. Cutting back on sugary items can trigger weight loss. Researcher Bethany Barone Gibbs, Ph.D., of the University of Pittsburgh, noted that participants

in a school-sponsored weight-loss study who were able to decrease their consumption of desserts and sugar-sweetened beverages tended to have more success losing weight and keeping it off than those who did not.

• Talk about medications.

Speak with a doctor about medications, some of which can contribute to weight gain.

Many women are prescribed antidepressants in midlife to combat, among other things, symptoms of menopause. Side effects of such medications can include weight gain.

Women gaining weight during menopause can discuss their concerns with their doctors, trainers and dieticians and work toward healthy goals for postmenopausal weight loss.

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Games that can challenge the brain

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Courtesy of Metro Editorial

ames are as popular as ever. For evidence of that, one need look no further than his or her own smartphone.

The number of hours people spend playing games on their smartphones might surprise even the most ardent players.

neuroscientists and other brain experts. The BrainHQ platform includes various brain training exercises with hundreds of levels that can help people improve their brain function, including memory and retention.

• Writing in the Stars: Similar to a crossword puzzle, this game According to the mobile research provides a list of nine words to users, who must then find the six firm Apptopia, between May and words that connect to from a sixJuly of 2018, mobile users spent point star before they can move on a whopping 3.38 billion hours playing the wildly popular strategy the next level. Available at www. happy-neuron.com, Writing in the game “Clash of Clans,” making Stars aims to help users improve it the most popular smartphone game in the world during that time their logical reasoning. period.

• Private Eye: With a goal of helping users improve their focused Games might be seen as a way attention and concentration, Private to unwind, but some games can Eye (www.happy-neuron.com) potentially do more than merely asks players to peruse a grid full of provide a way to escape the daily intricate layers and symbols in an grind. Brain teasers, riddles and crossword puzzles are just some of effort to find the item that does not belong. the types of games that can help people engage and challenge their • Braingle: With more than brains while still providing a bit of 200,000 members, Braingle (www. escapism. braingle.com) is a popular online community where users can go to A Healthier Michigan, which access brain teasers, trivia quizzes, is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue IQ tests, and more. Users even Shield Michigan and aims to help rank the games, allowing novices locals adopt healthier lifestyles, to find games that might help them notes that the following exercises, games and platforms can help men hone certain skills or ease their way into challenging their brains with and women challenge their brains games. in unique ways.

• BrainHQ: According to Posit Science, which created the system, BrainHQ (www.aarp.brainhq. com) is a system of training the brain that was developed by

Millions of people across the globe play games every day. Though players often play games to have fun, they might be helping their brains without even knowing it.

Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | August 17, 2019 | 5

Pullman Transit’s Dial-A-Ride Service Providing Specialized Transportation To the Pullman Community since 1979

(509) 332-5471

City of Pullman •

For our seniors age 65 or older or riders with a disability/medical condition that prevents use of our fixed route system.

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Door to door transportation seven-days-aweek within Pullman City Limits with trips available the same hours as our fixed routes (24-hour advance notice may be required for late night rides).

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All vans are equipped with wheelchair lifts, air conditioning and a professionally trained driver.

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Start visiting your favorite shopping center, restaurant, a medical appointment, or just go see friends and family.

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Visit Pullmantransit.com for an online application or call our customer service staff at (509) 332 5471.

6 | August 17, 2019 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

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Common cataract causes and treatment

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Courtesy of Metro Editorial

ataracts are the most common cause of vision loss among people age 40 and older. According to All About Vision, cataracts also are the principal cause of blindness in the world.

There are more cases of cataracts worldwide than there are glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, states Prevent Blindness America.

Fortunately, cataracts are easily recognized and treated.

WHAT ARE CATARACTS?

colors, sensitivity to light, glare, and the need for brighter light for reading and handling tasks are common symptoms.

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision.

The lens is the clear part of the eye that helps focus light Ñ and images WHAT CAUSES Ñ on the retina. The lens must be CATARACTS? clear to receive a sharp image. If Various things, including aging the lens is cloudy, vision will be or injury to the eye tissue, can blurred. cause cataracts. Prior eye surgery, diabetes, long-term use of steroid Cataracts tend to form slowly. medications, and inherited genetic Initially, they only affect a small disorders also can cause cataracts, part of the lens, and they’re not says the Mayo Clinic. Smoking very bothersome as a result.

However, over time, cataracts can and alcohol use as well grow and impair vision. Seeing as consistent ÒhalosÓ around lights, fading of exposure to UV sunlight also may contribute to the formation of cataracts.

With aging, the lenses in the eyes become less flexible, less transparent and thicker.

Tissues within the lens can break down and clump together, clouding small areas within the lens of the eye, thereby forming a cataract.

Life Care Center

Cataracts may be a subcapsular cataract, which occurs at the back of the lens. A nuclear cataract forms in the center of the lens.

A cortical cataract starts in the

periphery of the lens and works its way inward to the center.

TREATING CATARACTS Cataracts need only be treated if they are affecting vision severely or preventing examination or treatment of another eye problem.

An eye care professional will discuss with patients if surgery is needed.

The National Eye Institute says surgery is safe and effective. In roughly 90 percent of cases, people who have undergone cataract surgery have better vision afterward.

The surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear, artificial one. The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis and patients typically stay awake during the surgery.

Routine eye examinations are a key part of an overall health plan. They can shed light on the formation of cataracts and help people develop effective treatment plans.

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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | August 17, 2019 | 7

How to choose a dementia caregiver Courtesy of Metro Editorial

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hen a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, a family’s life can turn upside down. In such situations, families may not know much about the disease, including what to expect with treatment and how soon before the dementia patient begins to need care that the family cannot capably provide.

difficult for dementia patients.

care may be necessary.

The Alzheimer’s Association says that providing good care for someone with dementia goes beyond meeting basic needs. It also means finding caregivers who treat the whole person and provide an environment that can enable the person to be safe yet independent.

Some families start with a visiting caregiver who can come to the house. For example, a service like Visiting Angels is certified to offer care according to advanced dementia care protocols after working with leading dementia specialists. Caregivers may offer In order to get started, one should companionship and helpful reminders. Others may assist clients first assess the needs of their loved with personal tasks. One key aspect Over time, dementia patients’ one with dementia. How many of dementia care is preventing loved ones are likely to benefit services he or she will require wandering. Alz.org indicates that from the expertise and assistance depends on whether that person of qualified dementia caregivers. can use the bathroom, walk, eat, or six in 10 people with dementia will wander. A person with Alzheimer’s It can be overwhelming for loved bathe independently. Alz.org says may not remember his or her ones to offer the right level of care care needs tend to be lesser in the for someone who is unable to early stages of dementia. However, name or address and can become perform the activities of daily living. during the middle and end stages of disoriented, even in familiar places.

Bathing, medication management, dementia, 24-hour supervision and Caregivers can put protocols in place to help reduce wandering. dressing, and feeding are often very potentially more intensive medical

Tri-State Hospital

Alert bracelets and GPS tracking devices can help in this regard as well.

At some point, caregivers can help families transition someone with dementia to nursing facilities with memory care divisions. Social workers and other aides may help families navigate the legalities of medical insurance and longterm care insurance as well as government assistance programs that may help offset the costs of more intensive care.

It’s never too soon to develop a care plan for someone with dementia. Qualified and compassionate caregivers can help ease the burden of dementia on patients and their families.

8 | August 17, 2019 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

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Health screenings men should discuss with their physicians R Courtesy of Metro Editorial

Doctors consider a man’s age and other risk factors to determine when and how frequently he will need certain medical screenings.

For example, while men between the ages of 40 and 64 are often advised to get blood pressure screenings at least once per year, those with diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, and other conditions may need more frequent screenings.

outine doctor visits are a vital component of a healthy lifestyle. As noted by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, even men who feel healthy and live active lifestyles must make routine visits to their healthcare providers. Such visits can assess risk for future medical problems and offer men the opportunity to update vaccinations. Routine health No two men have the same checkups also give doctors a chance medical histories, which only to screen for medical issues. highlights the need for men of all

Pullman Regional Hospital

ages to schedule annual physical exams with their physicians.

Such exams can reveal potential problems and also make for great opportunities to discuss more specific medical screenings with their physicians. The following are some general screening tests and guidelines recommended for all men between the ages of 40 and 64, courtesy of the USNLM.

PROSTATE CANCER

The USNLM notes that most men age 50 or older should discuss screening for prostate cancer with their physicians. Ethnicity and family history are some of the recognized risk factors for prostate cancer. As a result, African American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer in a first degree relative younger than 65 should

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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | August 17, 2019 | 9

DIABETES

discuss screenings beginning at age 45. There are pros and cons to prostate cancer screenings, and these should be part of men’s discussions with their physicians.

Diabetes screenings are recommended every three years for men age 45 and older. Men who are overweight and younger than 45 should ask their physicians if they should be screened before they reach 45.

COLORECTAL CANCER All men between the ages of 50 and 75 should be screened for colorectal cancer. Physicians may recommend colorectal screening for men under age 50 with a family history of colon cancer or polyps. In addition, physicians may consider screenings for men under 50 who have a history of inflammatory bowel disease.

OSTEOPOROSIS Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men, but that doesn’t mean men are immune to this condition marked by a weakening of the bones due to tissue loss. Fractures after age 50, heavy alcohol use, smoking, and low body weight are some risk factors that can make men vulnerable to osteoporosis.

CHOLESTEROL The USNLM advises men to have their cholesterol levels checked every five years. Men with certain conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, may need to be checked more often.

Health screenings can catch diseases and other conditions in their early stages when they’re most treatable.

Such screenings should be a vital part of men’s health routines.

What You Need to Know About Prearranging Why Should I Prearrange Services?

It’s the right thing to do for you and your family. Here are five important reasons to plan your funeral now: 1.

You’ll protect your family from unnecessary pain & expense.

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You’ll say goodbye in a way that uniquely reflects your personal style — not someone else’s.

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You’ll lessen the financial burden. Our easy payment plans make it easy for you to comfortably pay for your funeral over time, at today’s prices, so your family won’t have to find the money later.

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You’ll minimize disputes between your well-meaning relatives.

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You’ll show your love in a way your family will never forget.

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Good Samaritan

10 | August 17, 2019 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

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5 ways to show grandparents and other seniors how much they’re appreciated

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Courtesy of Metro Editorial

randparents and seniors can share wisdom and a lifetime of experience with the young people in their lives.

Expressing gratitude for such lessons is a great way to show the seniors in your life, whether it’s a grandparent, mentor or family friend, how much they’re appreciated.

Some seniors live alone, while others may be living with their adult children and grandchildren, offering care and support to help make the household function.

Whether grandparents, aunts and uncles or older friends live close by or elsewhere, there are many ways for their loved ones to show them

how much they’re appreciated.

1. Become pen pals. Seniors may have limited mobility or opportunities to get out of the house. Receiving mail is one way to connect with the outside world. Regularly send letters to a grandparent or other senior, sharing tales of daily life and key moments that will bring them joy. Chances are they’ll return the favor with a letter of their own.

2. Explore technology together.

Younger generations can introduce seniors to available technology that can bring them closer. This may email or access social media, mobile Simple work around the house, like include digital assistants that enable phones for calling and texting, doing laundry or light clean-up, also them to share videos, tablets to send and anything else families can can be a big help. customize to their needs.

5. Start a hobby together.

3. Offer companionship.

Develop a hobby that seniors and Spending time with younger young people can enjoy together. generations can motivate seniors Watching classic movies, painting to stay active and engaged. Have ceramics, going to sporting events, games and activities at the ready or or gardening are just a few of the simply provide a listening ear. many hobbies that seniors can enjoy with their young loved ones.

4. Shop and run errands. Help

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aging loved ones perform the tasks There are many ways to bridge that they may not be able to tackle the generation gap and spend on their own. This can include meaningful time with aging loved picking up groceries or prescriptions ones. or taking them to appointments.

REGENCY PULLMAN

RETIREMENT AND ASSISTED LIVING • Studio, One and Two Bedroom Floorplans • Restaurant Style Dining Experience • Wellness Department with Licensed Nurse and Highly Trained Caregivers • Secured Memory Care Unit with Courtyard • Respite Room Available in Assisted Living and Memory Care for Temporary Stays

Regency Pullman

To schedule a tour, please call Stephanie at Regency Pullman: (509) 332-2629

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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | August 17, 2019 | 11

New pulmonology clinic now open at Gritman

Moscow hospital adds new pulmonologist to help treat diseases like COPD Courtesy of Gritman Medical Center

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WHAT IS PULMONOLOGY?

hronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is the Pulmonology is a medical specialty leading cause of death in that deals with diseases involving the the United States, with some 16 respiratory tract. million Americans diagnosed with the disease, according to the Centers WHAT CONDITIONS DO PULMONOLOGISTS for Disease Control and Prevention.

Millions more are suffering from the TREAT? condition but don’t know they have it.

In addition to COPD, pulmonologists treat numerous COPD is an umbrella term used conditions, including asthma, to describe a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing- bronchitis, emphysema, lung diseases and obstructive sleep apnea. related problems. Though there is currently no cure for COPD, with WHAT EXAMS AND proper care and management, most of TEST ARE OFFERED BY those suffering from the disease can PULMONOLOGISTS? successfully control symptoms and • CT scans, which provide detailed maintain a good quality of life. images of the bones, muscles, Fortunately, treatment and care organs and blood vessels in your options are available here on the chest Palouse at Gritman Medical Center’s • Chest fluoroscopies, an X-ray new pulmonology clinic, which test to how well your lungs are started taking patients in August. functioning Here is more information on • Chest ultrasounds to examine pulmonology: organs and other chest structures

• Pulmonary function tests, to find out how well one can move air in and out of the lungs and how well oxygen enters into the body

• Flexible bronchoscopies, which involve placing a thin tube-like instrument into the airways via the nose or mouth to allow the physician to see inside of the airways and get samples of mucus or lung tissue if necessary.

HOW DO I GET AN APPOINTMENT WITH A PULMONOLOGIST?

If you are experiencing unusual • Pulse oximetry tests to determine symptoms like difficulty breathing, the oxygen saturation level in a persistent cough, blood or mucus your blood in your cough or are having • Thoracentesis to remove and trouble exercising due to breathing sample fluid from around your problems you should visit your lungs primary care doctor, who will • Bronchoscopies to examine your assess your condition and possibly airway and determine if you have refer you to a pulmonology clinic. any issues in your trachea, lower You can also contact Gritman airways, throat or larynx Medical Center’s pulmonology clinic directly at 208-883-6779 for • Sleep studies to help diagnose more information or to schedule an sleep disorders, such as sleep appointment. apnea “Bishop Place has the best entertainment, brings out my creative side and keeps me busy!”

Siepie Wilikes, Bishop Place Resident

ASSISTED LIVING & ENHANCED & MEMORY CARE

Bishop Place’s dedicated staff of nurses and caregivers provide a wide range of personal support services to help our neighbors with their daily needs. Enjoy life enriching activities and social engagements, come see what awaits you at Bishop Place Senior Living.

Bishop Place

Call (509) 334-9488 to schedule a tour, and learn more about these benets of Assisted Living and more!

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Restaurant style dining - all day dining, chef created meals Lifestyle and leisure programs

Housekeeping services Staff on-site 24 hours a day - peace of mind knowing someone is close by Maintenance-free living Complimentary local transportation

There’s More to Life Here!

815 SE Klemgard St., Pullman (509) 334-9488 • www.bishopplace.net

12 | August 17, 2019 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

Gritman

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