Collin County SENIOR Magazine Spring 2010

Page 1

Collin County

Fall/Winter2009 Spring 2010

PLUS:

Florence

Henderson Complimentary Issue

2

CSS • Spring 2008

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Collin County

SPRING 2010

Publisher’s Notes

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lthough it is almost March, I bring greetings and best wishes of this stillyoung year to you. Snowy weather—practically everywhere—has been the headline-making news so far and certainly that’s better than the financial gloom of a year ago. Here at SENIOR Magazines, 2010 means that we are entering our fifth year. And that makes it doubly appropriate that we add a new fifth magazine to our publishing family. So, with this Spring 2010 issue, Scottsdale SENIOR Magazine joins Collin County SENIOR Magazine, Colorado Springs SENIOR Magazine, Denton County SENIOR Magazine and Texoma SENIOR Magazine. If you have friends or relatives in the greater Scottsdale, Arizona area, be sure to tell them to look for Scottsdale SENIOR Magazine—or better yet, provide us (by e-mail, by phone or USPS) the names and addresses and we’ll send them—entirely complimentary as always—the very first issue of Scottsdale SENIOR Magazine. Personally, I am so very pleased to be able to feature a true American sweetheart (her birthday, in case you didn’t know, is Valentine’s Day!) on our spring cover. Like so many, I was a Brady Bunch watcher and thus am a long-time fan of Florence Henderson. It’s wonderful to learn more about her and I hope that many of you will be able to attend a performance of her one-woman show. Read more on pages 6 and 7. As you read about Florence, you’ll learn too just how appropriate this next item is. Florence has a new service to help folks—especially her demographic (fellow seniors)—find their way through the intricacies of the internet. And if you avail yourself of the services of her FloH Club you’ll be able to visit our fully-redesigned SENIOR Magazine website.Yes, it IS bigger and better for now you can read articles from all of our regional magazines in one place, on-line. And we’re on Facebook and Twitter too. Have a glorious Spring!

Josh

Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

Associate Publisher GARY JACOBSON, Scottsdale, AZ Features Writer/Copy Editor HELEN V HUTCHINGS Graphic Designers SALLY SUE DUNN MICHAEL REISING Distribution JENN STEINKE, Colorado CARRIE GANDY, Texas & Oklahoma Advertising/Sales JOSH CATES, All Markets Josh@YourSENIORmagazine.com GARY JACOBSON, Scottsdale, AZ Gary@YourSENIORmagazine.com SENIOR Magazine, Inc. President & CEO, Josh Cates Vice President & CFO, Bob Cates Subscriptions/Customer Inquiries SENIOR Magazine P.O. Box 64108 Colorado Springs, Colorado 80962 www.YourSENIORmagazine.com 719-481-9626 (Colorado) 940-231-2220 (Texas) All advertisements in this Magazine are placed by third-parties. [We] do not control or endorse such advertisements or their content. Further [We] do not manufacture, sell, distribute or provide any of the goods or services advertised herein (unless otherwise expressly stated herin). [We] hereby expressly disclaim any liability with respect to the information contained in such advertisements and any goods or services advertised herein. [We] further disclaim any and all warranties or respresentations, express or implied, with respect to such information and such goods and services, including any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose (it being understood that [We] do not acknowledge that any such warranty exists). [We] are not liable or responsible for any loss, injury, damage, or harm that you may suffer as a result of the information contained in any advertisement or the goods or services advertised herin. [We] refers to the name of the Magazine, The Senior Resource Guide.

POSTMASTER: Keyword: Your SENIOR Magazine

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief JOSH CATES

Send address changes to: SENIOR Magazine P.O. Box 64108 Colorado Springs, CO 80962-4108


Contents Spring 2010

HOSPITALS

ADULT HOME CARE

Find the Right Doctor for You We’ve Got Your Back Nursing Excellence

9 11

Warning Signs of Dementia How Safe Do You Feel

ATTORNEYS Fighting Old Age

13 page

DENTISTS Much More Than Meets the Eye Frustrations with Dentures You Can Look Sensational

14 17 19

FINANCE & INSURANCE Medicare and Long Term Care 21 2010 Checklist 22 Retirement Facts That May Be Fiction 23 FUNERAL PLANNING Should We Go or Just Send Flowers

25

HOME HEALTH Exercise is Good for Heart and Soul 29 31 Breathing Better with COPD 33 A Benefit Covered 35 The Decision 37 It’s All in a Picture 38 The Need for Hospice

65

39 41 43

PHARMACIES & EQUIPMENT

The Road to a Satisfying Sex Life

What is Cholesterol

page

44

66

page

Improving Communication

What is Cholesterol

44

PHYSICIANS Shingles Freedom From that Gotta Go Feeling Facts You Should Know Before Buying Macular Degeneration New Year - No Pain Medication Refreshing Tired Eyes Test Your Knowledge ????????????KLEIN???????????

47 48 49 51 54 55 57 59

RETIREMENT LIVING Water and Senior Citizens Retirement Living, Not What it Used to Be The Time of Your Life ???????????? Improving Communication Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

60 61 62 63 66


ON THE COVER

By: Helen V Hutchings

Florence Henderson on stage in her one-woman show, All the Lives of Me . . . is coming to the greater Dallas/Forth Worth area. However, as we went to press, the dates and locations for Texas performances had not yet been finalized, so watch your local listings.

S

he sings. She dances. Of course, she’s an accomplished actress and performer, truly an all-around entertainer. But Florence Henderson also skypes, and e-mails messages and photographs to family and friends, and surfs the net. Florence is very much a testament to the wisdom of remaining engaged and active—mentally and physically—for she too is “one of us”. Florence Henderson’s Broadway debut was, similar to anyone starting out, a small part. But her abilities and talent quickly caught the eye of the likes of Rogers and Hammerstein and Joshua Logan. Thus two years later in 1954, at the ripe old age of 20, Florence was cast as the star, originating the role of Fanny on Broadway in the musical Fanny. Nearly 1,000 performances later (and remember in those days you really had to “project” vocally as there were no individual microphones amplifying each cast member), it is understating things just a bit to observe Florence Henderson’s career was “well launched”. On Broadway and as part of touring companies she’s be Maria in The Sound of Music, Anna opposite Ricardo Montalban in The King and I, Nellie Forbush in South Pacific, Annie in Annie Get Your Gun and so many more. In 1969 television came calling in what would turn out to be another “biggie” in Florence ’s professional career. She was cast as Carol Brady, aka “mom”, in The Brady Bunch. The series ran for five seasons but even though it technically ended in 1974, it has never been off the air right up to today as it currently is syndicated and on the air in 122 countries around the world plus the US .

Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

There’s more to the lady than just her work on stage and screens (big and little). Although her first marriage in 1956 to Broadway producer Ira Bernstein ended in divorce in 1985, they had had two sons and two daughters. Florence openly says that events of the mid-80s left her shaken and she battled depression. Seeking help to cope with her depression led to Florence meeting Dr John Kappas. They subsequently were wed in 1987. Renowned hypnotherapist Kappas is credited with not only defining the profession but establishing the first training program, the Hypnosis Motivation Institute, the first-ever in its field to be nationally accredited by the US Department of Education. With Kappas Florence shared love, but he also helped her gain a new level of awareness and skills. Today Florence herself is a certified hypnotherapist. Together they coped with and battled the cancer that ultimately claimed Kappas in September 2002. Since then, Florence has been an advocate and motivational speaker for women’s health issues and is, among her other humanitarian activities, a spokeswoman for City of Hope Cancer Research Center. This indomitable lady has no plans to retire—and she walks the talk. She has a new venture and a new show, and with both she bears witness to her belief in the importance of exercise and trying to have and attain a personal harmony between that mind, body and spirit triad. Entertaining on stage, however, came to her more easily than her adeptness with computers. Although Florence Henderson embraced


the new technology, learning to master it in fact took “a little help from a friend”. As Florence told one interviewer, she was having difficulties doing anything more on her cell phone than place a phone call. Within minutes her friend had explained and shown her how to operate its features like an old hand. Same thing with her personal computer. This experience became the inspiration behind the FloH brand which is dedicated to the concept of Better Living for Seniors and is centered around feeling better through exercise and healthy eating, as well as thinking better through new experiences and tools for living. The first service—fitting into that tools for living category—was launched just last October. In association with a technology partner, it is called the FloH Club; and is a membership, telephone-based, technical support service for older adults. Floh Club matches member-callers with technicians who work remotely from their own homes. Several membership levels are available depending upon a member’s needs. Each membership is matched or paired to one individual computer (pc’s only please, not currently available for Mac or Apple users) and includes a monthly newsletter about technology for older adults from Henderson. Services include anything from simple e-mailing and making online purchases safely, to step-by-step guides on video conferencing, instant messaging, or troubleshooting support for slow or poor computer system performance, error messages, virus/spyware removal and data backup. Additionally, FloH club members can learn how to set up and use wireless networks, printers, digital cameras and more. Because entertaining others does come easily to Florence and because she’s reached that time of life when she has experiences and a message to share—she’s embarked on a one-woman show that is a very personal retrospective. This writer has not had the pleasure of attending a performance of Florence Henderson’s one-woman show that she calls All the Lives of Me . . . A Musical Journey, but reactions from those who have are telling. Like a true Hoosier (yes, Florence was born in Indiana, and since the mid-90s has returned each year to warble God Bless America prior to the start of the Indianapolis 500) she opted to preview her new show on homestate audiences in Indianapolis, backed by no less than the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Critic Philip Potempa concluded his review with, “Henderson can still hit all the high notes and her larger-than-life persona and zest for entertaining is easy to embrace as it keeps audiences enthralled with her song and story.” Lest you discount reaction from a home-town audience and

reviewer, January 2010 Florence took her show to the Rrazz Room in San Francisco. More glowing reviews were forthcoming from David Wiegand writing in the San Francisco Chronicle: “In truth, Henderson, svelte and terminally perky, sings only about a dozen numbers over the course of her 90-minute show, and a couple of those songs are novelty numbers cleverly meant to concede the fact that she may not be a spring chicken, she may or may not have had work done, she really, really likes men, regardless of her squeaky-clean TV image, and so what? She deceives the audience as only a superb performer can: Within minutes, you’ll think she’s in your living room, chatting over cocktails. And by the end of the show, the only question you’ll want to ask is, do you really have to go?” And while the curtain will fall, signaling the end of each performance of All The Lives of… (of course, only after Florence has been called back for an encore), America’s museum, The Smithsonian in Washington, DC, has ensured that Florence Henderson’s place in the entertainment cosmos is preserved for all time as part of the National Museum of American History’s entertainment collections. As shown in photo below Florence Henderson has been honored, along with some of her contemporaries, as one of the Legendary Leading Ladies of Stage and Screen. A fitting tribute indeed to a lady who continues to give of her time, her energy and her talents to entertain and delight us all.

The Smithsonian Nationaltory’s Museum of American His of Legendary Leading Ladiese at Stage and Screen on stag . the presentation ceremony Inset, left to right, Olympic swim champ turned actress Esther Williams, comedienne Rose Marie, Hello Dolly! Carol Channing, catwomane in television’s Batman Juli Newmar, star of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds andcover Marnie Tippi Hedren, our star Florence Henderson and Space star of Lassie and Lost in June Lockhart.

Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010


Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010


adult home care

Warning Signs of Dementia

F

Article courtesy of Visiting Angels amilies should be aware of the warning signs of dementia, including memory loss and personality changes, in order to provide proper care for elderly loved ones. Visiting Angels provides living assistance services in the individual’s and families’ homes, and can assist with loved ones with dementia. The onset of the psychiatric and cognitive symptoms of dementia can vary depending on what is causing it, and the location and number of damaged brain cells. Some types of dementia progress slowly, while others cause a sudden onset of symptoms. Warning signs can and should be carefully observed. With aging adults, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, but it can also be caused by a blockage of blood supply to the brain, sustained use of alcohol, head trauma, as well as various other causes including liver disease. Dementia refers to a group of symptoms caused by the damage or death of the brain’s nerve cells. Warning signs can

include when an individual has trouble with new memories, relies on memory helpers, has trouble finding words, and/ or struggles with completing familiar actions. There can be confusion about time, place, or people, and the misplacement of familiar objects. Depression, irritability, and even personality changes can be seen in a person with the onset

“Warning signs and symptoms should be observed closely in order to communicate well with physicians for proper diagnosis and treatment.” of dementia. The loss of interest in important responsibilities may be a warning sign, as well as bad decision making. Other psychiatric symptoms which are warning signs are seeing or hearing things, or expressing false beliefs. An individual is likely to need elder care services if they are exhibiting these warning signs in order for them to be safe.

Warning signs and symptoms should be observed closely in order to communicate well with physicians for proper diagnosis and treatment. A patient should be seen by a doctor who is an expert in dementia, and should have complete medical tests as well as neuropsychological tests. Visiting Angels provides non-medical home care services and its staff is trained and qualified to care for individuals with dementia. This allows for the individual to remain in the safe and familiar surroundings of their own homes while still receiving the care and attention needed to deal with the symptoms and complications associated with dementia. In addition, Visiting Angels caregivers provide invaluable observation and feedback that is extremely useful for ongoing diagnosis and treatment. For more information on Visiting Angels, please contact one of their two offices serving Collin County. In Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco and surrounding communities phone 214-491-1999. Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010


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How Safe Do You Feel?

By: Chelsea Smith of Family Care and Concierge Services e all have heard the expres- not. Unfortunately, acute onset emersion, “In the comfort of your gencies do not always occur when you own home.� This phrase are near a telephone. makes one think about the warmth, coNow, it is not necessary to use a ziness and safety we all feel in our own phone to alert friends and loved ones private residence. We take precautions to when you need help right away. Imagguard against outside intruders by secur- ine pushing one button resulting in ing locks on our doors and windows. We phone calls automatically being made safeguard against fire by installing smoke to up to four people whom you have detectors, and we insure our property designated in advance. Additionally, and lives by purchasing insurance. the calls can be routed to the next desBut, what if the peril exists within ignee if the first does not answer. our very being? Each year, thousands Imagine the peace of mind of knowof people die unnecessarily in their ing when help arrives, and if you are own homes, not just from accidents, no longer conscious, that all of your but from a lack of trained and proper medical information is easily accessible medical personnel responding when by plugging in a single device that you unexpected acute illness occurs. If you always have on your person. And, imagwere home alone and a heart attack ine being able to be found easily if you suddenly occurred, being able to sum- should suddenly become disoriented mon help as quickly as possible could while alone and away from your home. be the difference between survival or All of this is available and can secure

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PLANNING

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Special Needs & Quality Care Long Term Care End-of-Life Decision Making Health Care Decisions Medicaid Public Benefits Profiles and Planning

SPECIFIC ELDER LAW ISSUES Mental Health Issues Medicaid Directives Nursing Home Issues Age Discrimination Elder Abuse Neglect & Exploitation Medicare Grandparents Rights

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Fighting Old Age “Nothing in life is so exhilarating as to be shot without result.” The Malakand Field Force by Winston Churchill, published 1898

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By: Virginia Hammerle ather your weapons and prepare for war. We are all in the midst of defending against the tribulations that come with old age. Protect your health. We’re not talking vitamins and exercise here. We’re talking about making sure that people respect your decisions. You need a Medical Power of Attorney. If you have a stroke or are sedated in an operating room, you need to have a delegate who will make health decisions for you. Not the doctor, not the minister, and maybe not your child or parent. Your delegate needs to know how you feel about feeding tubes, limb amputation, and cancer treatments. Your delegate needs the ability to put personal feelings aside to follow your wishes. You need a Directive to Physicians. Death is inevitable, so let’s put some controls on human intervention. This form is also statutory, with a place to add as many specifics as you want. Do so. You need a Designation of Guardian. The laws have rigged guardianship in such a way that you have to pay the attorneys who are trying to declare you incompetent. The protections against a bogus guardianship case are few. Spike their efforts and make your own preferential declaration regarding a guardian. If “they” determine that you need a guardian, at least you’ve chosen the person. There are actually two types; guardian of the person and guardian of the estate.

The powers of attorney described in this article are your first defense against a guardian being necessary. The declaration is the way to control your destiny if a power of attorney does not hold up. Protect your belongings. Your age makes you a target. Housekeepers and aides can literally imprison you and cut off access to the outside world. Your name is repeatedly sold to marketing houses and scam artists. Even your family members may decide they want to get their inheritance early. You need a Power of Attorney. Designate someone to act for you on financial matters. You can make it effective immediately, or you can delay so it only takes effect if you are incapable of mak-

ing your own decisions (think stroke or alzheimer’s). Do it now, while you are able to put together a portfolio of your assets. Your designated attorney-in-fact can pay your bills, make investment decisions, sell real estate and deposit checks. You can specify additional powers in the form, including making gifts. You may need a trust, a corporation, a family partnership or some version thereof. And especially if you have enough assets, this becomes very worthwhile. Do it right and you may even garner tax advantages. These entities are not for the faint of heart and do-it-yourselfers. In general: Make sure you use the Texas statutory form for the powers of attorney, designation of guardian and directive to physician. Doctors, lawyers and courts recognize the forms and are more apt to follow them. Draw up your battle plan, and then follow it. S Virginia Hammerle is the owner of Hammerle Finley Law Firm and a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. This article is for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. For more information on this and other topics, visit w w w. h a m merle.com or call 972-5699900. Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

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dentists

Much More than Meets the Eye Never heard of a Prosthodontist? Read on.

D

By: David D. McFadden, DMD, FACP ental reconstructions tion about the “restoration and replaceare an extremely com- ment of damaged and missing teeth”. plex undertaking. Board Certification status addiMost dentists promote tionally separates a small subgroup of the final esthetic result Prosthodontists in the US. Only 375 because that’s most important to the pa- private practitioner prosthodontists tient. However, the outcome is the sum of are “board certified” by the American many components that include advanced Board of Prosthodontics. education, experience, skill, a commitment to excellence and patience. What comprises a thorough examination, Unfortunately for the dental condiagnosis and treatment plan? sumer, general dentistry goes by many names; cosmetic dentistry, sedation • Your dentist should perform a detailed dentistry, sleep dentistry and implant examination of the oral cavity, take addentistry. None of these terms are rec- equate x-rays, make molds of the teeth ognized with specialty designation or and evaluate all the data carefully. as a dental specialty by the American Dental Association. Not one day of ad- • A diagnostic wax-up may be indiditional education is required to use these cated. The wax-up is a three dimenterms. Prosthodontics is the only recog- sional proposal for the outcome, in nized specialty by the American Dental wax, that the dentist and patient can Association for complex dental care. view and discuss. Prosthodontics is THE specialty for reconstructive dentistry. To become a prosthodontist, a dental student must be accepted to an additional 3 year residency program at an accredited dental school or hospital after completing 4 years in dental school. There are no shortcuts to good outcomes. Complex dental procedures are expensive and time consuming. In this author’s opinion, anything beyond one single dental crown is considered complex. When done thoroughly, crowns, bridges, dental implants and removable prostheses require extreme precision. It is of paramount importance to become educated in choosing who completes your reconstructive care. www. acp.org is the official website for the American College of Prosthodontists. There you can find unbiased informa-

Because most patients are focused on how the restoration looks upon completion, they forget that for a dental treatment to really be successful it must also last. Proper and thorough diagnosis and planning cannot be overlooked when making these important dental decisions. Dr David McFadden, a graduate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dentistry, earned his certificate in Prosthodontics from Baylor College of Dentistry and was awarded Board Certification from the American Board of Prosthodontics. He was the Founder and Director of the UT Southwesten Dental Implant Center. He is now in private practice in Dallas and may be reached at 214-956-9100.

• A dental CT scan is another three dimensional diagnostic tool that shows bone support for existing teeth or future dental implants. The treatment phase must be adequate. • If the patient grinds their teeth, it should be addressed in the treatment plan. • Tooth length, width and color are also significant factors when considering complex dental care. • Bone support must be addressed. • Each tooth’s root system must be evaluated as it also provides part of the foundation for the dental prosthesis (crown, bridge, etc.)

When evaluating the before and after photographs of this patient, note the preoperative tooth length and gum contours. Whether it’s one tooth or all 28, all these details and more, need consideration if the outcome is going to be deemed successful. Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

15


Frustrations with Dentures…

P

By: Ed O’Keefe hyllis had been hiding something. A busy grandmother, who ran the family business while taking care of her grandkids, looked like she “had it all”. But she was struggling with an increasingly frustrating problem that plagued her for 20 years. Phyllis had lost her teeth early, at age 45. Thus she dealt with the limitations of dentures, sometimes unable to eat certain foods. Through time and nature, Phyllis had lost most of the bone that supported her dentures. Her gums had sores from the dentures rubbing since they didn’t fit any more. She feared her teeth might pop out at any moment which paralyzed her in social settings. Dentures made her seem older than she was. Phyllis never complained; it wasn’t in her nature. But she was unhappy. Her husband commented the hardest part for him wasn’t the physical changes, but that, “Her youthful spirit started to age. My words didn’t matter. She said she

16

Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

just felt older, less attractive.” Fortunately for Phyllis, advancements in dentistry provided her with options that weren’t available to her in the past. Now, Phyllis is laughing, smiling and enjoying those grandchildren with the confidence and pleasure she desires. Her friends admire her new beauty and have actually admitted gossiping about what plastic surgery she might have had. After all, “she is looking 10 years younger!” And her husband says she looks like the beautiful woman he fell in love with many years ago. Most importantly she has that twinkle in her eye and bounce in her step again. You may be wondering about the ‘solution’…and I’ll tell you that in a moment, but first, I’d like to share with you seven reasons why people look for long-term dental solutions. 1. They are irritated and frustrated with ill-fitting, rubbing, unattractive dentures. 2. They dislike the layer of denture adhesive that can interfere with enjoyment of food. 3. They don’t like the wrinkles that may appear from loss of bone

that support facial muscles. 4. They want to eat foods without fearing not being able to chew comfortably or adequately. 5. They want to stop getting sores from loose fitting dentures rubbing the gums. 6. They want to stop being self conscious. 7. They want to stop looking older than they really are due to tooth loss. Why aren’t more seniors aware how dentures or missing teeth can affect their health? Respected research from the Mayo Clinic found that people who are missing teeth are likely to die 10 years earlier than their peers with all their teeth. (Dental Survey, April 1933) That same survey indicated that at least 69% of adults, ages 35 to 44, have lost at least one tooth. Of people ages 65 to 74, 26% have lost all their teeth. Life expectancy has increased from 45 to 70 years creating the need for the body to be properly fueled to achieve its long term goal, to live. There are medical and dental effects associated with missing teeth. A link between the loss of teeth from gum disease and the increased risk of stroke and heart attack has been well researched. When the teeth are lost, the damage the gum disease created doesn’t go away. The body has been permanently weakened. People without teeth spend approximately 17% more on drugs due to increased health issues. With missing teeth, there is evidence of an increased rate of stomach and intestinal disorders related to the inability to chew properly. Full denture patients have shorter life expectancy due to a loss of function and diminished sense of taste, and a higher rate of systemic disease affecting the whole body. Due to the loss of taste, people with missing teeth and dentures tend to add excessive amounts of salt, sugar and seasonings to flavor their food. Increased sugar consumption can lead to diabetes and obesity in a group that is al-


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“ you will be surprised to find out that mini implants are

a fraction of the price of traditional implants.

ready at higher risk for these conditions. Increased salt intake has been linked to high blood pressure and an increased risk of strokes and heart attacks. There is an increased risk of death due to vomiting if you have no teeth. This hardly ever gets mentioned except in CPR courses. The best news is that the same solution Phyllis received is available to you. That solution is having your dentures or missing teeth stabilized with mini dentals implants. Mini implants provide a base and support to stabilize dentures. This technique is the latest dental implant procedure to help people who suffer from illfitting loose dentures and missing teeth. If you have considered implants in the past, but found that they were too expensive for your situation, you will be surprised to find out that mini implants are a fraction of the price of traditional implants. Here’s how it works: Placement of the mini-implants is accomplished

quickly and easily in a procedure that is performed in the dental office. Using a precisely controlled, minimally invasive technique the implants are placed into the jaw bone. The heads of the implants protrude from the gum tissue and provide a strong, solid foundation for securing the dentures. This technique works for both upper and lower dentures. This is a simple, one-step procedure that will have you out of the office in no time. In North Dallas Dr Trisha M Le is a leader in providing dental implants and miniimplants to her patients. “The benefits of implants far outweigh the benefits of wearing dentures or living with missing teeth,” Dr Trisha Le reports. “Many people who are interested in restoring their smiles want to know ‘how much does it cost?’ and ‘how long will it take?’ I let them know about all the options that are available for their situation. Our goal is to use the newest dental techniques to provide state-of-the-art, com-

fortable and personalized dental care.” Dr. Le has a busy successful practice and interviews each of her potential new patients before accepting them for care to determine their needs and desire for better oral health. There are two ways to become one of Dr Trisha Le’s patients: First, if you want to get information in advance, she has a report titled “Nine Critical Secrets: How You Can Turn Back the Hands of Time!” A free copy of this report can be obtained by calling the 24-hour, toll-free recorded message hotline at 1-888-494-4955 ext 90032 and request the free report. Or you can visit us at www. yourdentalreports.com For a free consultation with Dr Le, call her office at 972-200-0625. You can have this free consultation without feeling any pressure to make a commitment to becoming a patient while developing a personalized plan just for you.

Family Dentistry of Plano Trisha M. Le, DDS Creating Beautiful Smiles

Why thousands of Collin County residents have been choosing Dr. Trisha Le:

Experience

Dr. Trisha Le has been practicing dentistry for more than 15 years, and much of her staff has, too. Like hundreds of other Collin County residents, you’ll feel comfortable knowing that Dr. Le’s advice comes from such a significant background. Services we provide: • General Dentistry • Implant Dentistry • Sedation Dentistry • Orthodontics

Call:

972-200-0625

www.YourDentalReports.com 6300 Stonewood Drive • Suite 210 • Plano, TX 75024 Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

17


Cosmetic Dentistry of North Texas

our n y r o f tio Call onsulta C Free

Before and After

www.CosmeticDentistPlano.com • Contact lens thin • No needles or shots* • No Pain* • No grinding down of healthy tooth structure* Before and After

* In most cases Come learn about Dr. Jopling' s exclusive "Smile Radiance Rejeuvination" technique. Many patients say they look and feel 10 to 15 years younger after Dr Jopling's "Smile Radiance Rejeuvenation Procedure". Dr. Jopling has been Revitalizing Smiles in North Texas for over 20 years. Dr. Jopling can Revitalize your smile using conservative techniques to Rejeuvenate what time has slowly taken away. He has an artistic eye and technical abilities which allow him to design a naturally beautiful, attractive smile for each patient desiring to improve their smile.

Cosmetic Dentistry of North Texas • 5200 Village Creek Dr., Suite 101, Plano, Texas 75093

(972) 351-8137


dentists

You can Look Sensational and Feel Younger with Lumineers or Invisalign!

I

By: Douglas E. Jopling, DDS n my 21 years of practice I have focused on improving the appearance of the smiles of my patients. In that time, I have developed a technique which takes the patient from their desire to enhance their smile to actually creating this life-changing work-of-art. I call this technique I have developed: “Smile Radiance Rejuvenation ™”.

Dr. Jopling has developed a Revolutionary Technique that can Revitalize your Smile and take it from “Good” to “Great”. My technique begins with a thorough interview with the patient to discover what their desires are for their smile. Some dislike the yellow, stained appearance from years of drinking coffee or smoking. Others have chipped and worn teeth caused by crowding which will continue to worsen if not corrected. Many others simply have shorter, older looking smiles, worn down by the rigors of use and aging. Once I have an understanding of what they want, I formulate all of the treatment options to achieve the final result. I take digital photographs of the patient at different angles. I design a modified, computer-enhanced image of them with their proposed new smile. The patient and I review the shape, color and overall appearance of this simulation and make any modifications at this time. My technique first employs the most conservative, and cost-effective methods to achieve the results the patient desires. Some cases may require only whitening. Some may only need Invisalign® orthodontics, while others will need LUMINEERS® porcelain veneers to accomplish our goals.

Look and Feel 10 to 15 years younger in just a couple of visits. The driving force behind my technique is to always make use of treatment methods which limit removal of any of the patients tooth structure. Restoration of proper function is also paramount in the “Smile Radiance Rejuvenation™” modality. For many years dentists have used aggressive techniques requiring removal of large amounts of enamel and dentin. I can Revitalize a chipped, worn, stained smile without removing any of the patients tooth structure in most cases. I do this using Invisalign® orthodontics or LUMINEERS® porcelain veneers. This enhancement of the lower third of the face makes dramatic changes to the patient’s appearance. Many have told me and my team that they look and feel 10-15 years younger after undergoing my Technique. Our patients often share with us how pleased they are when their friends tell them how much younger they look. We take great pride in being able to provide our patients with a Rejuvenated, Revitalized smile that time and daily use has taken away from them. The best part of this “Smile Radiance Rejuvenation™” is that I am not grinding away the patient’s teeth in most cases. I am simply repositioning or enhancing what the patient already has; replacing what has been reduced by natural aging. The teeth remain strong or become even stronger, and I return them to a time when they had a Fuller, Wider, Brighter smile. Many patients tell me they never had a smile so beautiful before.

Worn-down teeth are what made your grandmother look so Old! The lower third of the face serves as the foundation which all other facial structures rest upon. A Smile Revitalization is the single most noticeable improvement anyone can make which is not directly obvious to others. If the front teeth are chipped and have worn down over time, we can actually make the lips appear fuller again without any injections or artificial fillers. When the front teeth wear down the lips roll inward and appear thinner and smaller. People seek ways for lip enhancement which may only last for a few months before having to be placed again. As we age, the front teeth wear down and the elasticity of the lip tissues is reduced. The lips can be plumped permanently using my technique when teeth are restored to their proper length, proportion and position. Short, worn teeth are what made your Grandparents look old. You can permanently fill-out your lips with “Smile Radiance Rejuvenation ” People can enjoy their life more without crowded, crooked, stained, worn, or cracked teeth. Don’t wait any longer if you have been bothered by the appearance of your smile. I have conservative solutions for you that will preserve what you have. I am happy to share my Rejuvenation technique with you and help return your smile to its former Radiance. S TM

Call to learn more about Dr. Jopling’s Smile Radiance Technique. He has been Revitalizing Smiles in North Texas for over 20 years. 972-733-3338 Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

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Enjoy Your Retirement

PlAnnIng IS bRIngIng thE fUtURE Into thE PRESEnt, So yoU cAn do SomEthIng AboUt It now”. —AlAn lAkEIn, AUthoR

building blocks for your retirement income plan Social Security & Pensions—Before taking your Social Security or a pension, study your choices! Your decision can impact how much lifetime income you & even a spouse will receive over your life times!

Savings, IRAs & Investments—Withdrawal Strategies from your different “buckets” can impact how long your savings last as well as the taxes you owe each year! Have a plan! Plan for the Unexpected—Emergency Funds ~ Interest Rate Changes ~ Inflation ~ Portfolio Values Expenses—Don’t forget “healthcare”, “insurance”, “taxes” & more. Review & adjust yearly. planning a sound financial retirement roadmap is not to be taken ligHtly. Just as you wouldn’t let an electrician or friend do surgery on you, seek help from a trained financial advisor in preparing & reviewing your retirement plan & investments. Because retirement planning decisions can impact your life for years to come, second opinions should also be a planning priority! for Help in reviewing your retirement income plan, call me today!

rebecca thompson, crpc®, aams® financial advisor

CHARTERED RETIREMENT PLANNING COUNSELOR® AND ACCREDITED ASSET MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST® collin county (214) 733-0137 (toll free) 888-247-1829 Branch Office: 2000 N. Central Expressway, Suite 218, Plano, Texas 75074 Ph: (972) 379-2323. Investment Advisor with and Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through TransAmerica Financial Advisors, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC & Registered Investment Advisor

New

Medicare choices in 2010 could mean better coverage for less money!

Call today to learn about these new choices, and for your annual complimentary review!

Senior Life Division

Medicare Plans Medicare Supplements Health Insurance Long-Term Care Policies Life Insurance

Benchmark Financial Services is a local company with a Senior Life Division dedi-

cated to helping seniors review & find Medicare healthcare and prescription plans that best fit each individual’s needs. With a strong commitment to offer independent, unbiased advice, we are licensed with over 30 national companies and are not “employed” by any of these companies whose plans we might recommend. 20

local (469) 247-1829 or toll free (888) 247-1829

Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

Your Local Agent: Tucker Thompson

Certified Senior Advisor


Finance & Insurance

Medicare and Long Term Care Who Pays for What?

W

Article courtesy Benchmark Financial Services ithout a crystal the facility for the first 20 days of your stay. ball, none of us In 2010, you’re responsible for $137.50 per can know when or day facility charges for the 21st-100th day. if we’ll ever need Medicare won’t cover any part of stays over help taking care of 100 days. Some Medicare-approved, short ourselves. Whether from a short or long term, physician-prescribed home healthcare term situation caused from a bad fall, and approved durable equipment for home dementia, stroke, or any other debili- use may also be partially paid by Medicare. tating medical condition, we may one Some people qualify for additional day not be able to feed ourselves, bathe, government help through Medicaid. dress, go to the bathroom without help, Generally in Texas your monthly income or make sound, safe decisions while per- must be less than $2,022 for singles and forming our daily activities. $4,044 for married. You can’t have more National cost of nursing home care than $2,000 in assets/investments includthree years ago averaged $171/day or ing cds, bonds, stocks, mutual funds, $5000/month. Those figures are higher gold, mineral rights, bank accounts, etc. if today. Paying for even six months of you’re single and $3,000 if you’re married. assisted or fulltime care in your home When people apply for Medicaid, states can severely deplete savings. This article are also required to find out if assets were highlights how some of these potential given away or re-titled in an attempt to expenses can be paid for while also mini- meet Medicaid’s qualifications. If found, mizing negative impact and unnecessary penalties are assessed and heirs can also outflow from your savings. be held responsible for paying back what Medicare or Medicaid may offer the government feels is owed. Because the coverage. Other sources of funds, aside laws are specific and also vary from state to from personal savings, can include us- state, it’s best to contact your state or local ing cash value you may have in life Medicaid office for detailed information. insurance policies, taking out a home If you haven’t looked closely at the equity loan, buying an immediate an- newer long term care policies available nuity, or purchasing a long term care today, you should. More flexible features insurance policy. and their affordable premiums make them On the www.Medicare.gov website, un- a vital component for protecting your savder paying for long term care, you’ll find the ings from the potential drain of long term following statement: “Medicare generally care medical expenses. Historically sold as doesn’t pay for long-term care. Medicare also individual plans, if a person died without doesn’t pay for help with activities of daily needing long term care the benefits would living or other care that most people can do stop. Today, many policies permit unused for themselves”. But Medicare will cover benefits to transfer to a surviving spouse. some short term home healthcare, skilled Premiums are calculated by age and health nursing, and hospice care. For example, if at application, as well as by the type and you meet Medicare’s medical requirements dollar amount of coverage chosen, as well and enter a certified skilled nursing facility as the elimination period. The elimination directly from a hospital, Medicare will pay period can range from 0 days to 365 days

“If you haven’t looked closely at the newer long term care policies available today, you should. More flexible features and their affordable premiums make them a vital component for protecting your savings from the potential drain of long term care medical expenses.” and is the time that must lapse before any benefits are paid: the shorter the elimination period, the higher the premium. By deciding, for example, that your savings would be used to cover the first month or two of a potential assisted living cost can help reduce your premium. A year in a nursing home today may cost $65,000. If a healthy 60 year-old paid $3,000 a year for a long term care policy, he or she would reach 80 before spending $60,000. Regardless of your financial status, it’s very important to update yourself on the options available today to make sure you are doing all you can to protect and help ensure that you and your spouse (if applicable) will be able to maximize and use the assets you have worked a lifetime for. For more details about the newest long term care policies, immediate annuities or how to tap into any life insurance policies, please call Tucker Thompson, Benchmark Financial Services, at 972-548-1629 or 888-247-1829. Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

21


2010 Checklist

Article courtesy of American Bank of Texas arly in each new year, it is al- access to a computer, or 800 numbers ways good to go over a checklist if you don’t. Additionally, it is always to make sure important mat- a good idea to have a copy of all credit ters are reviewed, current and correct. card numbers in a safe, protected area in With our often fast-paced and very case they are lost or stolen. busy daily lives we need to take a fresh Tax Information It is always good to look every now and then to make sure get a head start on gathering your prethings are in order. vious year’s tax records and to file your tax return as early as possible. If you do your own taxes, forms and schedules A few suggestions of things to assess can be requested from the IRS by mail and review follow. or downloaded from the IRS website, Credit Report It is important that each www.IRS.gov. You will also be helping year you obtain a current copy of your your accountant prepare your return if credit report. It is necessary to protect you start early. yourself from possible identity theft Home and Health Maintenance and important to have on hand as you Make a list of any home maintenance tend to your affairs during the year. You items that need to be taken care of, can get one free credit report annually such as checking the attic insulafrom each of the major credit bureaus; tion, fireplace cleaning, checking the Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. All air conditioning and heating unit, of them have online services if you have cleaning gutters, checking the win-

E

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Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

dow caulking, making sure your car is inspected—to mention a few. Don’t forget to discard expired medications (but do so properly—most hospitals and clinics will accept for proper disposal—do NOT flush or put in trash) and make plans for your annual routine health check ups as well. Finances Review your financial accounts to ensure you are maximizing your dollars and earning the highest amount possible. It is always good to have a strong working relationship with your banker and/or financial advisor as he or she can be one of your best allies when financial needs or concerns arise. Our economic conditions are uncertain these days, but being prepared can eliminate a great deal of stress and worry. Take time now to get organized and enjoy the days ahead.


Finance & Insurance

Retirement Facts That May Be Fiction By: Merrill Anderson Co. © 2009 All rights reserved here are enough books and other than what you are earning currently? forms of guidance about retireBottom line: Analyze your indiment that one would expect to vidual situation to determine how find all the advice necessary to secure a much income you’ll need during your comfortable retirement. But not all of retirement years. the advice and strategies necessarily will Conventional wisdom indicated that meet your needs. What’s more, some facts money from your tax-sheltered retirement about retirement and retirement planning plans is likely to be taxed at rates less than that have been conventional wisdom for those at which you were taxed during your years could be worth challenging today. working years. You made contributions to a For instance: Conventional wisdom 401(k), IRA or other retirement plan with suggests that you’ll need 60-80% of in- pretax dollars. But you’ll begin paying tax come earned in your working years to live when you take your money out, and genercomfortably in retirement. These figures ally at ordinary income tax rates. pop up frequently and are based upon When trying to figure out what you the assumption that certain job-related will net after tax from a distribution (and other) expenses will disappear once from your retirement plan, it’s probably retirement begins. Is it logical to assume a good idea to assume that the money that you can live happily ever after on less will be taxed at whatever top tax rate money than you earned in your working you’re currently paying. years? Do you really want to live on less Another conventional belief was retirees

T

should switch from stocks to fixed-income investments, such as CDs and bonds. This statement is simply too general to apply in all circumstances. The best approach is for each individual to tailor his or her portfolio to personal tolerance for the ups and downs of the markets, and adopting techniques that handle risk in an intelligent manner, reducing uncertainty as much as possible, while seeking opportunities that will help your portfolio grow. Please contact Bill Marley, Financial Advisor, SharePlus Financial Services, at 972-354-2808 with any questions about Investments or this article. Securities and insurance products offered by UVEST Financial Services and its affiliates. Member FINRA/SIPC. UVEST and SharePlus Financial Services are independent entities.

Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

23


ordability is on ff a n e h W We can assist you with all aspects of your funeral service, regardless of where you own cemetery property or with whom you may have pre-arranged your service.

ly one concern, not your only co Family owned and operated

ncer n.

Professionals dedicated to helping families create meaningful, appropriate and affordable tributes We serve all cemeteries

Offering professional guidance in all aspects of advanced planning Caring, Dignified, and Sincere

2120 W Spring Creek Pkwy Plano, Texas 75023

972.596.8200

allenfamilyfuneraloptions.com


Funeral Planning

Should We Go or Just Send Flowers?

M

By: Rick Allen, Allen Family Funeral Options any of us have and honor the one who has died, the faced the dilemma funeral service is not for that person. of whether or not The funeral service provides an opto attend funeral portunity for anyone who has been services for some- affected by the loss to share his or her one we knew or send a floral arrange- feelings openly with others, accept the ment instead. Sometimes we see the loss and to say goodbye. So, one reason necessity in doing both. But when we have in favor of attending the serthe decision is to do one or the other, vice is the positive effect it could have what factors do we use in arriving at for us. As one who has lost immediour conclusion? Obviously, a conflict ate members of my family, I can assure in schedule has to be considered first, you the people who choose to attend but when the calendar is clear do we have a positive effect on those who are tend to look for reasons to go or rea- closest to the one who has died. sons not to go? Seeing and talking with your friends When the person who has died is a and co-workers at a funeral for your member of the family, little thought is loved one imparts warmth and comnecessary; attendance is all but man- fort to a hurting heart. Many times we datory. Extended family is even con- learn things about the deceased that we sidered a “must” by most people. The did not know. Leaving a funeral feelstruggle for the vast majority comes ing as if you know the deceased even with making this decision when the better than before often gives a greater deceased is an acquaintance from long appreciation for that person’s life. ago, the family of a friend, or someWe too can get a chance to share one we may have known profession- a story with the family about their ally. Thus, the question that normally loved one. They may not have known faces us is, “Why can’t we go?” something they said or did that made Let’s look at the obvious first. Fu- a positive mark on our lives. So, while nerals are not fun. The mood is usually it’s often easy to find an adequate reasad and people may even be gloomy. son to skip a service, the good that Additionally, we are expected to wear can come our way or that we can pass dark suits, ties, dress shoes, and all of on to others can far outweigh the these are usually not terribly comfort- short period of time we could hold able. If the weather is hot or rainy, this back for ourselves. will often have a negative effect on our Look for ways to make something decision as well. The truth is, we don’t you think will be difficult an easier exhave to look too far to find an abun- perience for everyone involved. You may dance of reasons (excuses) to not at- be positively surprised. tend a funeral. On the other hand, consider the Rick and Melanie Allen, owners of good things that might occur if you Allen Family Funeral Options may be go. Although funerals pay tribute to reached at 972-596-8200.

“when the decision is to do one or the other, what factors do we use in arriving at our conclusion?”

Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

25




Senior Select Home Health Services

“Providing Quality Services For A Quality Life” • Skilled Nursing

• Geriatric Care Manager

• Physical Therapy • Home Health Aide • Occupational Therapy • Medical Social Worker • Speech Therapy • Registered Dietitian • Certified Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nurse Licensed and Certified by Medicare FREE in-home consultation by a Registered Nurse or Physical Therapist

(972) 569-8157 (866) 569-8157 www.SeniorSelectHomeHealth.com


Home Health & Hospice

Exercise is Good for Heart and Soul

By: Carey Coleman, RN and Professional Geriatric Care Manager with Senior Select Home Health he physical benefits of exercise have long been touted, but what about the emotional and psychological effects? Experts agree, and research data supports, that people who exercise regularly are less likely to have depression symptoms. Furthermore, those patients who are diagnosed with mild to moderate depression are being “prescribed” exercise is an effective treatment with impressive results. This offers an important treatment alternative to patients who are reluctant to take medications for fear of side effects, or the perceived stigma associated with antidepressant drugs. What’s more, some brand new research questions the overall effectiveness of these medications. In fact, new studies reveal that exercise reduced depression symptoms by 50% in individuals who participated “The effect you find in aerobic activities three to five times a week. “The effect you find when uswhen using ing aerobic exercise alone in treating clinical depression is similar to what aerobic exercise you find with antidepressant medicaalone in treating tions,” said Dr Madhukar Trivedi, a professor of psychiatry and director of clinical depression is UT Southwestern’s mood disorders research program. similar to what How is that possible? When the human body exercises, it releases you find with chemicals called endorphins. These antidepressant chemicals react with the receptors in the brain. This results in positive medications,” feelings (euphoria) and diminished perception of pain (analgesia). Additionally, endorphins have a sedative, calming property.

T

Participation in a regular exercise program has also demonstrated improvements in the following areas: A boost in self esteem, confidence and positive mood; reduced anxiety and stress; improved sleep/wake patterns; increases appetite; strengthens cardiovascular and respiratory systems; and helps improve muscle tone and strength while also reducing body fat Yet with all the benefits of exercise, it is interesting to note that according to The American Heart Association only approximately 32% of Americans report that they participate in regular exercise. Whether you are currently a faithful exerciser (good for you!) or contemplating starting a new workout program, the key is to find something you enjoy. In addition, exercising with a partner or in a group also demonstrates much lower “drop-out” rates. Try to think outside the traditional “treadmill” or “aerobic class” box. Some examples of moderate exercise (at least three times a week) include: walking; dancing; biking; running (at a moderate pace); swimming; playing tennis; golfing (if walking and not using the cart); gardening and yard work; housework (especially sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, etc.); and yoga. So, whether you are fighting depression, want a healthier body or want to improve your quality of life (or all three combined), it’s time to get moving! Author Carey Coleman is an RN and Professional Geriatric Care Manager at Senior Select Home Health. She may be reached by calling 972-569-8157 Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

29


Legacy of Caring

COPD

can be a devastating disease. Let Jordan Health Services play a key role in the Care and Management of your COPD needs. Jordan Provides: Cardio-Respiratory assessments Prevention strategies Medication teaching focus Self care management Safe use of Oxygen Healthy eating Symptom management

If you or a family member suffers from COPD call us today to see how our Home Care staff can help you.

14295 Midway Road, Suite 400 Addison, TX 75001 972.720.1600 800.64.NURSE (800.646.8773) www.jhsi.com 30

Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010


Home Health & Hospice

F

Breathing Better with COPD

By: Brittany Hartman & Kathy Stevens, Jordan Health Services or many of us those New smoking is key. It is the single most efYear’s resolutions have fective way to prevent the development been forgotten, but for of COPD. If you already have COPD, those with chronic ob- quitting can slow down or even stop the structive pulmonary dis- progression. It is never too late to quit. ease (COPD), there is no better time Talk to your physician about smoking to resolve to breathe better. cessation medications and programs to COPD is a serious lung disease that help you quit. over time makes it difficult to breathe. A little exercise goes a long way. Light COPD is also known as emphysema exercise can make you feel more enerand chronic bronchitis. COPD is the getic while conditioning your muscles. fourth leading cause of death in the Exercise at any level holds benefits for United States and causes serious, long- COPD patients, but before jumping term disability. into any exercise program; be sure to The “airways” are the tubes that carry consult with your physician. air in and out of the lungs through the A healthy diet is important, but nose and mouth. Healthy airways and for people with chronic obstructive air sacs in the lungs are elastic, mean- pulmonary disease, eating well is even ing they bounce back to their original more crucial to overall health. Good shape after being stretched or filled with nutrition helps COPD patients fight air; just the way a new rubber band or infections, prevent illness, and may cut balloon does. This elastic quality helps down on hospital visits. retain the normal structure of the lung As with any disease it is very imand ensure the air moves quickly in and portant to follow the treatment advice out. In people with COPD, the air sacs of your health care practitioner. Treatno longer bounce back to their origi- ment of COPD is different for everynal shape. The airways can also become one, so be sure to take your medications swollen or thicker than normal, and and follow your doctor’s advice on how mucus production might increase. The to treat your disease. If you have quesfloppy airways become partially blocked tions—ASK! See your doctor regularly, or obstructed, making it even harder to even if you are feeling fine, and be sure get air in and out of the lungs. and take a list of all your medications Symptoms of COPD include; a chron- with you to the doctor. ic cough, shortness of breath while doing Avoid exposure to pollutants. Try simple activities such as getting dressed, to stay away from things that could irand coughing up mucus. The most com- ritate your lungs, like dust and strong mon cause of COPD is repeated expo- fumes. Stay indoors when the outside sure to tobacco smoke. This includes air quality is poor. Steer clear of cigayour own or someone else’s. Other things rette smoke. Take precautions against that could put you at risk are exposure to the flu. Avoid crowds during flu seachemical fumes, dust, and air pollution son and always remember your flu and over a long period of time. pneumonia vaccine. You can never There are many things you can do to undo the damage done to your lungs make living with COPD easier: Quitting but following these steps can help pre-

vent COPD as well as make living with the disease much easier. If you or someone you know has COPD, please let Jordan help. Our skilled staff of health professionals can provide cardio-pulmonary assessments, medication teaching, self-care, safe use of oxygen, healthy eating, and management of symptoms. Ask today how you can get more information for you or your family about COPD by contacting 800-64-NURSE (800-646-8773) or go to www.jhsi.com.

“As with any disease it is very important to follow the treatment advice of your health care practitioner.” Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

31


Bringing Comfort and Healing into Your Home Home Health Bridge Hospice When you need extraordinary care for yourself or your loved one.

Quality care designed to meet your unique needs.

Home Health provides skilled nursing and therapy as well as specialized care. Bridge provides quality, transitional care for terminally ill patients not yet ready to embrace hospice. Hospice care is designed so patients with a terminal illness may live as fully and painfree as possible.

Speaks to the heart of the organization Visiting Nurse Association . . . serving Collin County since 1979.

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Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

For More Information: 972-562-0140


Home Health & Hospice

Hospice:

A Benefit Covered by Medicare and Medicaid

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By: Robert Smith, Visiting Nurse Association ften patients and their are identical regardless of the payer families are reluctant source—Medicare, Medicaid or your to discuss the option insurance company: A physician must of hospice care with certify that a patient has a life-limiting the physician when illness; The prognosis for living is less confronted with the diagnosis of a ter- than six months if the disease follows minal illness. Don’t be hesitant to do it’s normal progression; The focus of so. Sometimes physicians and clini- care is on symptom and comfort meacians fail to suggest hospice until the sures rather than curative care. patient is near death and the benefits When talking with your doctor are lost to the patient and loved ones. about the possibility of hospice, you Your discussion with your physician are entitled to choose any Medicareabout hospice should include your certified hospice agency that provides right to choose the agency you prefer. services in your community. It is imRemember, hospice is a service cov- portant for you and your loved ones ered by Medicare, Medicaid, and some to visit with a representative to know private insurance companies. what range of services a hospice agency Hospice is not giving up on life or provides, including assistance with care simply choosing to die. It is a health outside normal business hours. service based on a philosophy that you Regardless of the agency you choose, may wish to prepare for death in a safe under Medicare and Medicaid benefits, and supportive environment, usually patients are eligible to receive all mediyour own home. Hospice provides com- cations related to their hospice diagnofort care and pain management so that sis and including new medications as patients enjoy quality of life during the the disease progresses (medications you final phase of a terminal illness. may already be taking that are not reHospices services are provided by a lated to the hospice diagnosis are not team of healthcare professionals who fol- covered under the Medicare benefit). low a plan of care that is unique to the This can sometimes be confusing; howpatient’s diagnosis and specific needs. ever, a patient’s hospice team will assist The hospice team is typically comprised in assessing and identifying medicaof a physician, registered nurse, social tions that are covered. worker, home health aide, chaplain, and Medicare beneficiaries who receive volunteer. The team works closely with hospice care are also eligible for medthe patient’s primary care physician to ical equipment and supplies needed continuously re-evaluate services that to accommodate their needs such as may be needed. The team assists in all a hospital bed, special mattress for aspects of care for the patient and fam- skin care, wheelchair, bedside comily. Following death, bereavement care is mode, and oxygen therapy. During also available to family and loved ones. the course of care, there may be a Many people never realize they need for additional services that are are eligible for hospice. The criteria also covered by Medicare.

When you and your family are faced with the crisis of a terminal illness, there are so many questions and concerns that need to be addressed. Do take time to talk to your physician about hospice care, an opportunity to spend your final days with the comfort of knowing that you are receiving quality care and are in your own home, with your loved ones. Understanding your right to choose the agency you want and receiving the full benefits provided to you by Medicare, Medicaid, or other private insurances, can help ensure peace of mind Additional information about hospice care can be obtained by contacting Director of Marketing Elaine Harrison, RN at 214-689-2661 or harrisone@ vnatexas.org “Hospice is a health service based on a philosophy that you may wish to prepare for death in a safe and supportive environment, usually your own home.”

Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

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e are called to be a reflection of God’s unconditional love to those we serve, with special concern for the sick and elderly. This mission inspires us to provide quality, compassionate care to our patients, supplementing and supporting the efforts of their families and caregivers. We believe that the highest standards of care should be delivered with dignity and respect for those in physical need.

Skilled Nursing Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy Physical Therapy Social Work Home Health Aide Cardiopulmonary Rehab 710 Century Parkway Allen, Texas 75013 34

Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

214.547.7496


Home Health & Hospice

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The Decision

By: Jennifer Scott, Total Patient Care oanne awoke to the closing of the front door. She glanced at the clock on the bedside table—five a.m., she noted. Who was up at this early hour? Joanne got out of bed and put on her robe and headed to the front door. She opened the door and there was Aunt Bee hustling down the sidewalk, pocketbook clutched under her right arm. “Aunt Bee” Joanne called out. Aunt Bee turned around and stopped. “Go inside, child,” she said, “I’ll be back in a short while. I’m just going to the store.”

“It’s too far to walk, come back and I’ll have Danny drive you,.Joanne replied.“No need to worry Danny. It’s just around the corner. Go back inside or you’ll catch your death of cold.” A chill ran through Joanne, twisting and churning in the pit of her stomach as she realized that there would be no rational conversation with Aunt Bee. The front door opened again and Danny came out. He knew instantly that something was terribly wrong. It took Danny and Joanne almost 15 minutes to coax Aunt Bee to return to the house. Back inside Danny said, “Here Aunt Bee let me help you with your coat.” He removed the coat then stared in disbelief. It seemed as if Aunt Bee had tried to wear everything in her

closet. She had on two sweaters, two pair of pants, on top of which she had managed to force the arms of a third sweater through her legs and somehow had buttoned it in the back. Joanne felt sick; the realization of how far Aunt Bee’s dementia had progressed hit her like a wall of intense sound. How did she not notice? She and Danny would have to make a decision. Aunt Bee could no longer be left unsupervised. This story has been replayed in many households. How often have we driven along the highways and read the lighted billboards, “Missing elderly, Driving Toyota Lic. Plate #TLD 000. Call police.” How many family members have faced the same situation with mom or dad or other loved one no longer able to be left alone or to care for him-/herself due to some medical condition? The feelings of guilt as families realize the loved one requires more care than they can provide. The agony of possibly having to go against the expectations of family and society can be overwhelming. Our society prescribes that family members have mutual responsibility for one another as members lose their mental and physical capabilities. But, at what price? When we are under strain we are apt to lose our reasoning power. We get tunnel vision, we over-generalize, see catastrophe where none exists. Making the right decision can then become very stressful. Too often our decision is tempered by what we believe others expect from us rather than from looking at the facts objectively, gathering all information necessary, and making an informed decision. So what can we do? How can we arrive at a conclusion beneficial to the loved one without it having a profound negative effect on one’s family and sanity?

We can take a few steps in order to make an informed decision: • Plan family meetings to discuss problems, evaluate possible options. • Seek advice from professionals who can help identify your concerns, and consider solutions that will be effective for you and your loved one. • Talk with persons who have knowledge and skills in helping families cope with chronic and acute illness such as physicians, pastors, social workers. • Evaluate your financial situation. Research the cost of obtaining care in different settings such as assisted living facilities, group homes, nursing home versus hiring a part-time or full-time caregiver in your home. Research availability of community resources, financial assistance programs. Join a support group. Author Jennifer Scott is the Executive Director of Clinical Services at Total Patient Care. You can reach Total Patient Care for more information at 214-547-7496.

Some available resources include: Alzheimer’s Association: 1-800-272-3900 Alzheimer’s disease education and referral: 1-800-438-4380 American Heart Association: 1-214 373-6300 The Brain Tumor Association: 1-800-933-2873

Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

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The LORD is good to all. He shows His mercy to everything He made. Psalms 145:9

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ercy Hospice is a highly experienced collection of professionals whose primary focus provides an environment of comfort and support for the patients and families, promoting spiritual healing throughout the family.

Providing highly experienced hospice staff Providing physical, spiritual and psychosocial support

MERCY HOSPICE specializing in end-of-life care

417 Oak Bend, Ste 170

Lewisville, TX 75067

972.459.9992

866.566.3729 Toll Free


Home Health & Hospice

“It’s all in a picture.”

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By: Lizzy Lilly, Mercy Hospice very year my husband and I take part in a weekend camp called Camp Conquer. It’s a grief camp in Collin County that helps children ages 9-14 learn to cope with the grief of losing a loved one. When we first started it took a little (okay a lot of ) convincing to get him to go. He’s not a real big “share your emotions” kind of guy. The Sunday night after our first camp, on the car ride home, he made a proclamation that “no matter what, we will be participating in Camp Conquer as long as it exists!” To say the least, I was shocked. I thought for sure he was going to protest and tell me how horrible the whole experience had been, but he surprised me. I asked him what changed his mind and he told me the following story. “Everything changed for me on Saturday night, at the bonfire. (Saturday night the campers write letters to their loved ones and then get to throw them in the fire as a way to say goodbye.) “There was a young boy who had lost his dad to cancer not two weeks before camp. He was a good kid who was pretty messed up by the whole situation. We hit it off right away and got along really well. He was into boxing, just like his dad, and so am I. He stuck by my side from the time we met until the time we left on Sunday morning. His story was no more heart breaking than any of the other

children in camp. In fact, some people would consider it mild in comparison, considering we had kids who had seen their mom or aunt shot to death in cold blood. But it wasn’t his story that got to me. It was that night at the camp fire. After this young boy had burned his letter, he walked up to me and started crying and said, “I can’t remember what my Dad looked like”. I couldn’t do anything but hold him and cry. “When our group of guys got back to the cabin I asked if he had any pictures of his dad; he smiled and ran to get a picture of he and his dad playfighting. I told him, “See, it’s all in the picture. Everything you need to remember the good times you had with your dad are right there.” He laughed and gave me a big hug and went off to play without even a second thought to the events of the night. But it was something I will never forget. Seeing a child realize that the memories he has of his father are of the fun times they had, not that his dad has passed on.” So every year since then we go to camp and we listen to their stories. We hear the pain in their voices; feel the sorrow in their hugs. When the weekend is over we hope that we have touched their lives as much as they have touched ours. It’s not about what we do or to glorify our actions, but it’s about what can be done for the kids who have nowhere to go to get help dealing with their grief.

We, along with Mercy Hospice, want to get the word out. If you know any children between the ages of 9-14 who have lost a loved one and would benefit from this experience, please let us know. You can find out more information at: Camp Conquer Foundation 417 Oakbend, Suite 170 Lewisville, Texas 75067 campconquer@yahoo.com or on the web at www.campconquer.org The dates for camp for 2010 are May 14-16. If you would like more information, please contact us at www. camp conquer.com.

Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

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The Need for Hospice in a Changing Economic Environment

By: Brad Harris, Bluebonnet Hospice he United States health care system is in a state of flux. The dynamic economic conditions and recent developments pertaining to the future of Medicare threaten to create a void in care for our seniors. Potential cutbacks in Medicare will likely affect how our hospitals and physicians are allowed to treat disease processes in the elderly. For seniors on Medicare, without the availability of high priced health insurance, aggressive treatments may become the exception rather than the rule. This may be due to Medicare’s reluctance to pay for aggressive measures in the elderly with a corresponding lack of continuity of care. With these potential cutbacks on the horizon, the need for hospice care will become increasingly important to

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our seniors and their families. The void in continuity of care can be filled by a hospice agency. For disease processes that have been managed unsuccessfully or health conditions which can be impossible to treat, hospice will become even more viable than it currently is. Hospice care is conducted by specifically trained professionals who are able to perform a service unlike any that can be provided by an ICU in any hospital. Hospice care is performed by a special breed of professionals who can manage not only the physical symptoms of a disease process but also the spiritual aspects. Hospice care manages physical, mental, and emotional changes experiences by both the patient and the family. Hospice care is often an

overlooked benefit provided by Medicare. In our dynamic economic conditions, and as changes to Medicare take place, hospice care will be there to fill an all important void. Author Brad Harris is the Assistant Administrator at Bluebonnet Hospice. Bluebonnet can be reached at 469-519-2727 for more information.

“We treat our patients like family.”

Home Health Care

• Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy • Wound Care/Wound Vac. • Comprehensive Diabetic Care • Medication Management • Skilled Nursing • Oncology Care

Hospice

• Medical Director • Hospice Nurses • Hospice Home Care Aides • Social Workers • Chaplains and Bereavement Counselor • Volunteers • Medications Serving several Central, North, and East Texas areas, including: Denton, Collin County, Mt. Pleasant, Greenville, Quitman, and surrounding areas. Collin County Bluebonnet Home Health and Hospice 1333 W. McDermott, Suite 256 • Allen TX 75013 Phone number 469-519-2727

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Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010


Hospitals

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This Year Resolve to Find the Right Doctor for You

Article courtesy of Centennial Medical Center f you have a longtime relationship However, you should find out why a spewith your doctor, whether he or cific doctor is recommended since each she be a primary care physician or of us has different needs and preferences. specialist, you might be tempted Today many hospitals offer free phyto skip this article entirely—but sician referral services. By using a comdon’t. For seniors specifically, being pre- puter database, hospital referral services pared for the unexpected is most impor- can match callers and doctors based on tant; you might find that your doctor re- several criteria including area of specialtires, you must switch to a different health ization, office locations, health insurance, care plan that doesn’t cover care with your physician age and board certifications. current physician or you might have a sudMany managed care and other insurden health issue that requires a specialist. ance plans limit the doctors you can see. Choosing the right doctor for you is Check with your insurance provider to an important decision. The doctor-pa- get the most up-to-date provider list. tient relationship should be a partnerOnce you have the names of some ship that involves open, honest commu- physicians, it’s time to narrow your search. nication. You should work together with Find out more about the doctors on your your doctor to make the best health care list. You may want to ask about things decisions for you. like medical training (schools attended, Before looking for a physician, think residency programs, fellowships, etc), or about what you want and need. For in- length of time in practice. Hospital affiliastance, if you’re looking for a primary tions and area(s) of expertise or interest are care physician are you interested in a important as well as board or other certigeneral physician who provides health fications. You also should check with the care for a wide range of medical prob- state medical licensing board or the Amerlems, or an internist who provides treat- ican Medical Association’s online service ment for adults, or a geriatrician who to see if any disciplinary action has been specializes in the care of older adults? taken against any physicians you are conOther considerations include any sidering. You also may want to use an onspecial health needs that should be ad- line service line such as HealthGrades to dressed by a specialist. Are you looking find more inforfor a doctor who takes a personal interest mation on phyin patients or one with a more business- sicians in your like approach? Do you prefer a male or area. To find female doctor? What age range should out whether a your doctor be in? Is the doctor’s office doctor is board easy for you to get to? certified check Once you decide what’s important to with the Ameryou in choosing a doctor, then you’ll be ican Board of ready to begin your search. If you’re mov- Medical Speing to a new area or in need of a special- cialties at www. ist, you might want to ask your current certifieddocdoctor for recommendations. Some peo- tor.org or by ple rely on the advice of friends or family calling 1-800members when choosing a new doctor. 776-2378.

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You should call the doctor’s office to see if any doctor you are consider is accepting new patients. Talk to the office staff to find out how long it takes to get an appointment. Ask questions about billing including whether the office will submit insurance forms for you. Find out who covers for the doctor and how emergency and weekend appointments are handled. Then schedule an initial visit with the doctor you have chosen. This should be a time to get to know the doctor and see if you feel comfortable with him or her. Be sure and make a list of any questions or concerns you have. If your initial visit doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to try another doctor. Finding a doctor you feel comfortable with means you’re more likely to comply with the health care advice you’re given. Centennial Medical Center is a 118bed acute care facility located at Highway 121 and Coit Road in Frisco. For a free, confidential physician referral, visit www.centennialmedcenter.com and click on “Find a Physician” on the left side of the Web page, or call Centennial Medical Center’s physician referral line at 1-800-330-3819.

Centennial Medical Center

Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

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Relieving pain in your back

The problem with back pain is that it affects your whole body. And it can be so debilitating that it takes the joy out of life. That’s why physicians at Medical Center of McKinney are so passionate about relieving all kinds of back pain. These fellowship-trained specialists use highly advanced, minimally invasive procedures to treat the most common sources of back pain, from disc degeneration to spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis.

for everything attached to it.

All in our state-of-the-art neurosciences department. So if you’re tired of shouldering back pain, consider getting relief. For you. And all your attachments.

does wonders

To learn about other ways we’re improving lives, visit medicalcenterofmckinney.com.

4500 Medical Center Dr. McKinney, Texas 75069 972-547-8000


Hospitals

We’ve “Got Your Back!”

Balloon Kyphoplasty Alleviates Pain and Corrects Spinal Deformity

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Article courtesy of Medical Center of McKinney nce upon a time, those called a “dowager’s hump.”) “While the suffering from a spe- former treatments may have decreased a cific, and quite excru- person’s back pain to some extent, they did ciating, type of back nothing to treat the deformity related to pain had few options osteoporotic fractures,” says Claudia Mcfor relief. Recommended remedies in- Donald, MD, neurosurgeon at Medical cluded bed rest (sometimes weeks of Center of McKinney. “Now, with balloon it), pain management (often through kyphoplasty, patients get immediate pain narcotics), as well as cumbersome back relief, as well as regained height due to braces. Fortunately, for the countless their newly-restored spine. Because of this individuals afflicted with this type of wonderful procedure, there is no longer a back pain, this story continues. reason for people to be bedridden and to Oftentimes, debilitating back pain is suffer from this type of back pain.” caused by small fractures in the spine, also known as vertebral compression How Does Balloon Kyphoplasty Work? fractures (VCF). The culprit of most With a hollow instrument, the surgeon VCFs is osteoporosis, a disease which creates a small pathway through a tiny results in brittle bones that break easily. incision (approximately 1/2 inch in Often called the “silent disease” since length) into the fractured bone. A small bone loss occurs without symptoms, balloon is then guided through the inosteoporosis threatens approximately strument into the vertebrae. The balloon 44 million Americans, or 50% of those is then carefully inflated in an effort to 50 years and older, according to the Na- raise the collapsed vertebra and return it tional Osteoporosis Foundation. to a normal position. Once the vertebra is in the correct No Looking Back position, the balloon is deflated and reMedical Center of McKinney is pleased moved, leaving a cavity within the verto offer balloon kyphoplasty, a minimally tebral body. The cavity is filled with a invasive procedure designed to treat spinal special cement to support the surroundfractures, significantly reduce back pain, ing bone and prevent further collapse. correct spinal deformity and improve The cement forms an internal cast that quality of life. “It takes about an hour to holds the vertebra in place. treat a fracture with balloon kyphoplasty and can be performed as an outpatient Are You a Candidate? procedure under local or general anesthe- To date, more than 450,000 patients sia,” says Kurt Bangerter, MD, a board- worldwide have been treated with balcertified neurosurgeon on staff at Medi- loon kyphoplasty. Candidates for this cal Center of McKinney. “Most patients procedure are primarily post-menoare very satisfied and are able to resume pausal women who are affected by osnormal activities shortly after they are teoporosis; however, men experiencing discharged from the hospital.” vertebral compression fractures may also A VCF can cause severe back pain and benefit from the surgery. if left untreated, can lead to multiple frac“It’s an unfortunate fact that many tures, which can cause kyphosis, (a seri- people don’t know they have osteoporoous health condition marked by forward sis until a bone fracture occurs. That’s curvature of the upper back, commonly why it is so important for people, par-

ticularly post-menopausal women, to do all they can to reduce the risk of osteoporosis,” Dr McDonald says. “Women approaching menopause should speak to their doctors about having a bone density test, which determines the risk of breaking bones before the fact.” If bone density is abnormally low, their doctors can prescribe medication to help reduce the risk of fracture by stopping or reversing bone loss. The Rest of the Story In addition to its distinctive advantage of restoring vertebral height, other benefits of balloon kyphoplasty include: improvement in mobility; significant reduction of pain with rapid relief; reduced recuperation time; low rate of complications; significant improvement in quality of life. “We are very excited about this procedure,” says Dr Bangerter. “It has been very gratifying to see how dramatically balloon kyphoplasty improves the lives of many patients who had previously resigned themselves to daily pain.” More information about balloon kyphoplasty can be obtained from Kurt Bangerter, M.D or Claudia McDonald, MD, at 4510 Medical Center Drive, Suite 300, McKinney, Texas 75069, or by calling 214-544-1300, or going to www. mckinneyneurosurgeons.com.

Medical Center of McKinney Physicians Kurt Bangerter, MD & Claudia McDonald, MD Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

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The New Choice For Inpatient Rehabilitation

Advanced Therapeutic Treatments: Stroke Rehabilitation Orthopedic Conditions Spinal Cord Injury

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1001 Raintree Circle, Allen, TX 75013 www.TwinCreeksHosp.com


Hospitals

Nursing Excellence

One Key to Great Outcomes at Twin Creeks Hospital

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Article courtesy of Twin Creeks Hospital o you are in the hospital. four full-time nurses and one part-time Performs hands-on nursing care, Perhaps you had a stroke, or nurse who are Certified Rehabilitation working with all the continued medical perhaps you fell and broke a Registered Nurses (CRRN),” stated Ms issues these patients battle daily. hip. If you had a stroke you Hudson. Provides specialized education within may have extreme weakness Precisely what is a CRRN? The As- the realm of the physical disability or on one side of your body. You may have sociation for Rehabilitation Nursing chronic illness that aids in the recovery facial droop, difficulty swallowing or defines the Rehabilitation Staff Nurse of the patient, working toward a diseven talking. If you broke your hip, you role as a teacher, caregiver, collaborator charge for home to be with family. The underwent surgery to repair or replace and client advocate. The Certified Reha- rehabilitation nurse is the patient advothe hip joint. Now that your medical bilitation Registered Nurse has studied cate, striving to find the most effective, condition has been stabilized, what will and focused his or her practice on these efficient ways for patients and families be the next step towards recovery? specific areas to provide the best practice to succeed at home. Inpatient acute rehabilitation hos- for the patients serviced. Following are So there you have it. The CRRN takes pitals were created especially for people the general responsibilities of the reha- the holistic approach when providing pawho have had a stroke or suffered a bro- bilitation staff nurse: tient care, keeping in mind the goal for ken hip. The medical personal in inpaSpecialized knowledge and clinical skills the patient is to return home and be able tient acute rehabilitation facilities treat to provide care for people with physical to function as independently and safely people who have suffered from a variety disabilities and chronic illnesses. as possible. So when you are looking for of disease and illness processes. So once a Coordinates with all disciplines in- inpatient acute rehabilitation after disease patient is ready to make that next step in volved with the patient care for effec- or illness remember Twin Creeks Hospital recovery, a great choice would be an in- tive education and discharge planning. in Allen, Texas, where the nurses not only patient acute rehabilitation hospital like This coordination is crucial to the re- care, but have the expertise you require. Twin Creeks Hospital in Allen, Texas. covery of the patient. The rehabilitaTwin Creeks Hospital is staffed with tion staff nurse continues to guide and For more information about Twin Creeks MDs who specialize in physical medi- encourage the patient in all techniques Hospital please contact Rick Tichenor at cine and rehabilitation, physical, oc- taught by the therapists after the ther- 972-908-2000. Or better yet stop by for a cupational and speech therapists and apy team has left for the day. tour of the hospital. rehabilitation nurses. MDs with other specialties are available for consultation as well. The primary job of the entire staff is to help patients achieve their highest functional level possible. Nursing has a major role in providing care while in the hospital. Many nurses specialize in a certain field of medical care. One of those areas of specialty is rehabilitation nursing. Twin Creeks Hospital located in Allen, Texas is an inpatient acute rehabilitation hospital. The focus of the staff at Twin Creeks Hospital is to achieve the highest possible outcomes for their patients. In order to accomplish this goal Beth Hudson, the Chief Nursing Officer staffs Twin Creeks Hospital Photo Caption: Certified Rehabilitation Nurses at Twin Creeks Hospital (from left) are with the best nurses she can find. “We Beth Moore, Jackie Lichenstein, Margaret Landry and Judy Neil. are fortunate here at Twin Creeks to have Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

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What is Cholesterol?

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Dr Donna S Barsky, R.Ph, D.Ph of TexasStar Pharmacy his short guide can help roles of HDL. One, it carries cholesterol you manage a discussion away from the blood vessels and back with your doctor about to the liver so the liver can eliminate it your vascular health. from the body. Two, HDL removes the This is an important is- excess buildup of cholesterol from artesue that can affect your health. rial plaque. If you have a low HDL on What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a fat- your blood test (<40 mg/dl), you will ty, wax-like substance found in the cells of not have the benefit of HDL’s cardiacyour body and blood. It comes from your protective properties. Exercise, weight diet and is also produced by the body. Total loss and addition of nicotinic acid derivcholesterol in the blood includes various atives can help to increase these levels components including HDL, LDL, and Atherosclerotic or artery plaques are triglycerides. Cholesterol has an impor- mostly made up of cholesterol and calcium. tant role in the overall healthy functioning These plaques deposit on the inside wall of of the body. The body needs the right level the artery. The buildup of plaque can reof cholesterol to function properly, but duce blood flow and eventually a complete too high levels of cholesterol increase the blockage can occur, either from the plaque risk of cardiovascular disease. itself or due to rupture of the plaque, with Hypercholesterolemia is the medical collection of a blood clot on top of the term for high cholesterol. High choles- plaque. Depending on the blood vessels interol is a significant risk factor for coro- volved, this process can cause a stroke, heart nary heart disease, peripheral arterial attack, or PAD. If PAD occurs during this disease (PAD), and stroke. process, it can result in decreased function High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is or loss of function in other organs of the known as the “good” cholesterol because body, or an arm or leg. it is believed to have protective properLow-density lipoprotein (LDL) is ties against heart attack. Some medi- known as the “bad” cholesterol because cal experts believe there are two major it plays a role in the development of 44

Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

atherosclerotic plaques. Think of LDL as butter floating in the bloodstream. High LDL levels are the main target of cholesterol-lowering therapies and lifestyle changes. If you have a high LDL on your blood test (>100 mg/ dl), it will increase your risk for coronary heart disease, vascular disease, and stroke. Current guidelines recommend lowering LDL more aggressively in patients with more risk factors or known atherosclerotic plaque. Triglyceride is a form of fat made in the body. There are various factors that can cause high levels of triglyceride, including obesity, diabetes, decreased physical activity, cigarette smoking, and excess consumption of alcohol and trans fat. The importance of routine cholesterol screening is that it can identify high-risk individuals. Early treatment of these individuals can decrease the incidence of coronary heart disease, stroke, and PAD. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) strongly recommends that men aged 35 years and older, and women aged 45 years and older have their choles-


Pharmacies & Equipment terol tested to screen for lipid disorders. According to the USPSTF, there is good evidence that cholesterol testing can find asymptomatic individuals at risk for heart disease, stroke, or vascular disease, and early treatment of these high-risk individuals can prevent and decrease their risk of cardiovascular disease. The USPSTF also recommends that younger adults (men aged 20 to 35 and women aged 20 to 45) have their cholesterol tested to screen for lipid disorders if they have other risk factors for coronary heart disease. These other risk factors include diabetes, a family history of cardiovascular disease before age 50 years in male relatives or age 60 years in female relatives, a family history of familial hyperlipidemia, and multiple cardiovascular risk factors including obesity, hypertension, and tobacco use. The early treatment of these higher-risk individuals can prevent cardiovascular disease. Currently, the USPSTF has no recommendation for or against routine cholesterol testing in younger adults (men aged 20 to 35 or women aged

20 to 45) in the absence of known risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The USPSTF found good evidence that cholesterol testing in low-risk young adults can detect some individuals at increased long-term risk of cardiovascular disease, but the absolute reduc-

“The importance of routine cholesterol screening is that it can identify high-risk individuals. Early treatment of these individuals can decrease the incidence of coronary heart disease, stroke, and PAD.”

tion in risk as a result of early treatment in most individuals is small before middle age. Treatment options include both lifestyle changes and drug therapy. Lifestyle changes include dietary counseling to understand the benefits of a diet low in

saturated fat and high in fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, stopping tobacco use, and maintaining a healthy weight. Drug therapy can be more effective than any other treatment option alone and these include nicotinic acid derivatives (niacin, Niaspan), bile acid sequestrants (Cholestid, Questran), cholesterol absorption inhibitors (Zetia), Omega-3 esters (Lovaza, Omega-3 Oils), fibrates (ie, fenofibrate, Gemfibrozil), and statins (Lopressor, Zocor, etc). New research data suggests that statin therapy may lead to regression in atherosclerotic plaque, and more studies are being conducted to confirm this finding. All statins should always be taken at bedtime because that is when most cholesterol is produced by our systems. In most people, a combination of many therapies can give great results and decrease risk substantially. If you have any concerns or questions about your risks, be sure to ask your doctor or call the pharmacy for recommendations. TexasStar Pharmacy can be reached at 972-519-8475

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Let Us Review Your Medications for Problems. • Free blood glucose meters for yourself, your family and your friends. • Pharmacy provides: Medicare approved sales and rental of wheelchairs, walkers, motorized mobility, stroke patient tools for independence. • Wound care, hospital and medical supplies • Jobst compression stockings • Orthopedic supplies • Specialized prescription compounding • Full service pharmacy • Pharmacy service, the way it should be!

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armacy “Real Ph rvice Real Se le.” p Real Peo

Dr. Donna Barsky, D.Ph., R.Ph. “If you have a Health Care Problem, let us help you solve it” Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

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Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

“Dr Zafar and his team provide me with great care at my independentliving residence an d in the hospital too. His team go beyond the ordinary office ca re. They are very professional and knowledgeable regarding senior ca re.� — Ms. Carol Bake r

iz’s “As Dr. Zafar and Az end his att we ts patien r weekly clinics at ou nce. ide res ng livi nt nde indepe at re ca e We also receiv Logan his office and when dical Me at ed was hospitaliz . Dr , ney Kin Mc of r Cente d ite vis s Zafar and Aziz’ ne him there too. Everyo Zafar associated with Dr nice.� is professional and ens Ow —Mr. Logan and Frances Owens

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Physicians

Shingles 1 Million

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Article courtesy of Wellness Concepts ccording to the Centers for Disease Control at least 1 million people a year in the United States are diagnosed with shingles. Shingles are characterized by a painful skin rash, often with blisters that last from two to four weeks. About one in five experience severe pain. Neurological pain can continue even after the rash clears up. Although shingles is not a lifethreaten condition, it is very painful. The virus is most common in people over 55 years of age with immune suppressed systems Shingles is caused by varicella zoster virus which is the same virus that causes chicken pox. According to the CDC, after you’ve had chicken pox, the virus lies inactive in nerve tissue near your spinal cord and brain. Years later, the virus may reactivivate as shingles. It is unknown exactly what triggers an outbreak. The shingles vaccine has been out

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since 2006, and has been beneficial to seniors. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the vaccine is recom-

“According to the Centers for Disease Control at least 1 million people a year in the United States are diagnosed with shingles.” mended for people age 60 and older. Many seniors are not aware that the vaccine is available or that it’s covered by the Medicare Part D drug plan and many private insurances as well. If not covered by insurance the cost is approximately $200.00. In order to assure coverage we recommend call-

“According to the Centers for Disease Control at least 1 million people a year in the United States are diagnosed with shingles.”

ing your health insurance company. Studies on the vaccine show it reduces the risk of getting shingles by 50% and reduces the risk of getting a more serious case by two-thirds. The signs and symptoms of shingles usually affect only a small section of one side of the body. Those signs and symptoms may include; pain, burning, numbness or tingling, a red rash that begins a few days after the pain, fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over, and itching. Pain is usually the first symptom of shingles. For some it can be intense. Dr Zahid Zafar, Dr Syed Aziz, and Dr Reziuddin Siddique are all experienced internal medicine physicians who treat shingles and are knowledge about the shingles vaccine. If you have any signs or symptoms of shingles or want more information about the vaccine, please make an appointment with our office Wellness Concepts, 214-544-2828. Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

47


Freedom from that gotta-go feeling.

By: J. Kyle Mathews, MD, Plano OB/GYN Associates ou may be one of the 33 million lator, which is not permanent and allows be initiated. This consists of a short surgery Americans coping with bladder the patient to see if the treatment will work to implant a small neurostimulator in your control problems. Once unmen- before committing to a long-term device. upper buttocks under the skin. The device tionable, the problem of bladder control The initial test stimulator consists of a small is controllable by you with a patient prois finally receiving the attention it deserves. thin electrode placed in the back near the grammer and may be adjusted and turned The constant need to run to the bathroom, tailbone. The lead is attached to a small off at any time. or the fear you might leak urine at the most stimulator that you can adjust and conInterstim is safe and effective and has inopportune moment significantly affects trol. During the test stimulation, you will been used in over 40,000 patients worldyour life. Many suffer in silence mistakenly be asked to keep a diary to document your wide. For more information contact Dr believing that their incontinence is a part urinary symptoms. If therapy proves to be Mathews at 972-781-1444 or visit the of aging, or having been told that there is beneficial, long term InterStim therapy can web site at www:drjkm.com no other treatment after medications have proven ineffective for them. Overactive Bladder (OAB), defined as frequent urination with urgency, and sometimes incontinence along with Painful Bladder Syndromes (Interstitial Cystitis), defined as a chronic inflammatory condition of the bladder without bacterial infection, represent two of the most common bladder control issues affecting women in the United States. Initial treatments consist of diet modifications, decreasing caffeine and alcohol consumption, bladder training, biofeedback, and medications. In many patients, these treatments are ineffective and symptoms persist. This is often where treating physicians and patients become discouraged and patients often stop seeking help. Don’t Give Up! There is Hope! An FDA-approved treatment, InterStim, can eliminate or greatly reduce balder control symptoms for people suffering A center of excellence in women’s healthcare dedicated to delivering form urgency, frequency, painful bladder state of the art surgical and nonsurgical treatment options in a syndromes, and urinary retention probcomfortable, compassionate environment designed specifically lems. InterStim therapy, which is covered for women. Ability, Knowledge, and Experience. Call today or by Medicare and health plans, works with the sacral nerves located near your tailbone. visit the website for more information. Your nerves, which branch out to your organs, control a variety of functions. The Plano OB/GYN Associates sacral nerves control your bladder and the J. Kyle Mathews, MD muscles related to urinary function. If the 3108 Midway Road, Suite 200 brain and sacral nerves don’t communicate Plano, TX 75093 correctly, bladder control problems occur. InterStim therapy targets this communication problem and stimulates the sacral 972-781-1444 nerve to restore proper bladder function. The good news about InterStim therapy www.drjkm.com is that it is initially placed as a test stimu-

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WOMEN’S HEALTHCARE

The Center For Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Medicine and Incontinence

48

Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010


Physicians

Facts You Should Know Before Buying Hearing Instruments

By: Elizabeth Brassine, AuD., Hearing Services of McKinney here are five important facts by the aging process. There are some that one should know about common signs that go along with this hearing and hearing instru- loss including people around you seem ments. Understanding these will help to mumble, the TV is turned up loudyou to make a better decision for your- er, and certain high pitched sounds are self or a loved one. more difficult to hear. Hearing loss also Let’s start with hearing instruments has an impact on speech understandcan improve the quality of life. Over ing. In order to improve understanding, 34 million Americans having a signifi- hearing instruments need to be fit apcant hearing loss, and half of all hear- propriately, and one needs to learn to ing impaired individuals are over the age use communication strategies. of 65. The National Council on Aging Today, one doesn’t have to be selfconducted a study which showed that conscious about hearing instruments. 71% of people who wear hearing aids Hearing devices are smaller and more reported an improvement in life overall. sophisticated than ever. Some are so The more you know, the better your small and so effective; even you may not decision will be, is another important realize you’re wearing them. The latest fact. In order to understand your hear- style is called the mini behind-the-ear ing status, you need to understand how and is virtually invisible. the ear works, causes of hearing loss and With the advent of directional microhow it affects communication. Sensori- phone technology, hearing instruments neural hearing loss is commonly caused can actually help you to hear better in

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background noise. Directional microphones allow sound to be selectively amplified, enhancing speech from in front and reducing noise from behind. This technology makes conversational speech easier in background noise environments. Finally, finding the right hearing professional can help you find the right hearing device. You should expect your visit to include the evaluation of your hearing status and eligibility for amplification, learn the cause and degree of hearing loss, determine your specific communication needs and what technologies fill those needs, and explore the options and styles that are available. If you have any concerns about your hearing, contact an audiologist today. Author Liz Brassine, Au.D is Doctor of Audiology at Hearing Services of McKinney and may be reached at 972-838-1300.

HEARING SERVICES Better hearing for a better life!

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• Hearing Aid Fittings, Maintenance and Repairs • Most Advanced Digital Technologies • Nearly Invisible Fittings/Open Fittings • 30-Day Evaluation Period On All Hearing Aids • Hearing Evaluations For All Ages • Battery Purchase Programs “ After 10 years of training hearing • Custom Ear Protection professionals, I decided to come home to McKinney to do what I love • Assistive Devices Financing Options Available

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LIZ BRASSINE, Au.D. DOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

49


PLANO EYE ASSOCIATES-East

“See what you’ve been missing.”

Providing PERSONALIZED care to every patient in: Comprehensive Eye Exams Contact Lenses Glaucoma Specialist Dry Eyes & Allergies Designer Eyewear Computer Vision

Dr. Timothy Wright, O.D. is pleased to welcome you to his office which has the most advanced technology, and where QUALITY and AFFORDABILITY co-exist. Thank you in advance for your trust. We promise to do our best to earn your confidence, and provide you with a level of excellence in all of your PROFESSIONAL OPTICAL SERVICES & EYE WEAR.

Dr. Tim Wright, O.D. Awarded Best Optometrist by Collin County Readers

Dr. Tim Wright, O.D. is a licensed Therapeutic Optometrist (diagnosis and treatment of ocular disease), as well as a licensed Optometric Glaucoma Specialist.

Call 972-424-6010

www.PlanoEyes.com 1410 14th Street

in the Family Medical Center building

Plano, Texas 75074


Physicians

Macular Degeneration

M

By: Dr. Tim Wright, OD, Plano Eye Associates-East acular degeneration break easily, causing bleeding and damage (MD) is an eye dis- to surrounding tissue. About 80 to 85 order affecting more percent of those with MD have the dry than 13 million form; but most cases of severe vision loss Americans. In fact, can be attributed to the wet form. About more people are affected by MD than by 10 percent of those with dry MD will also glaucoma and cataracts, combined. It is develop the wet form. the leading cause of blindness in those over the age of 55, with a new case of ageCauses related macular degeneration (AMD) di- Since the macula depends on one of the agnosed every three minutes. The cause highest rates of flow through its blood vesof MD is not known, but the condition sels, anything that interferes with this blood runs in families. flow can cause the macula to malfunction. Symptoms Macular degeneration is an eye disease that initially makes it difficult to see fine details. The most common early symptom is that straight lines appear distorted and wavy. You might also notice a small dark spot in the center of your vision that gradually gets larger. As the disease progresses, you may need more light to read or perform everyday tasks. The blurred spot in the center of your vision gradually gets larger and darker. In later stages, you may not be able to recognize faces until people are close to you. In the worst cases, it causes a complete loss of central vision, making reading or driving impossible. Macular degeneration refers to the breakdown of the central portion of the retina. The function of the retina is to receive visual images, to partially analyze them and transmit the information to the brain. There is a rich supply of blood vessels that carry oxygen and important nutrients to the retina. Disruption of this vasculature can be a contributing factor in MD. There are actually two forms of macular degeneration. The first, dry MD, results from a gradual degeneration of the macula. The second, wet MD, is caused when new vessels form to improve the blood supply to oxygen-deprived retinal tissue. However, the new vessels are very delicate and

Nutrition/Supplements Try to choose foods or take supplements that contain 500mg of vitamin C daily, 400-800 IUs of vitamin E and 20mg of lutein, as well as 80mg of zinc and 2mg of copper daily. It is also a good idea to take 15 mg of Beta-Carotene daily unless you are a smoker. Vitamin C-rich foods include citrus fruits, melons, tomatoes, potatoes and broccoli. You can get vitamin E from soybeans, greens, fish, wheat germ, nuts and seeds. Dietary sources of zinc are legumes (peas, dried beans, garbanzos/chickpeas, blackeyed peas, lentils and soy products) and whole grains. Lutein is found naturally in spinach, kale, collard greens, romaine lettuce and peas. Other protective compounds are the red and purple pigments found in berries and other fruit. My recommendations for daily vitamin E are to take 400-800 IU of natural mixed tocopherols. People under 40 should take 400 IUs a day; people over 40, 800 IUs daily. Overall, early diagnosis is critical for successful treatment of either form of macular degeneration. For more information, contact Dr. Tim Wright and Plano Eye Associates-East at 972-424-6010.

The following dietary or lifestyle choices can reduce the supply of oxygen and vital nutrients to the retina and eventually lead to the death of cells: 1. Smoking can decrease blood supply by causing a narrowing of the blood vessels and a thickening of the blood, much the same as in a heart attack or stroke. 2. Diets high in saturated-fats can cause plaque buildup along blood vessel walls impeding flow. 3. A lack of antioxidants may increase the ability of plaque to stick to the vessel walls and promote the damage of the tissue.

Normal Vision

Vision affected by Macular Degeneration

Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

51


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www.veingo.com 52

Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

Dallas

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New Year — No Pain Medication!

By: Dr Jaret Walker, DPM ave you been told that you have peripheral neuropathy or nerve damage? Are you tired of feeling like you are “in a fog” because of your pain medication? Are you tired of being told that there is nothing that can

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be done to relieve your peripheral neuropathy symptoms which may include pain, tingling, numbness, burning or a “sock-like” feeling? Start off this year by asking your doctor about a new approach to treat your nerves and help relieve your

TIRED of taking PAIN MEDS for your Neuropathy? If you are suffering from peripheral neuropathy, a disease of the nerves, this new therapy may help heal your nerve damage. Some causes include diabetes, chemotherapy, medication, and many more.

BURNING TINGLING

New therapy producing amazing results is finally available.

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Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

symptoms with Scientific Therapy. There are alternatives to medication for neuropathy! New technology is emerging with solutions every day. Take advantage of this breakthrough therapy developed by NASA. VST Myodynamic® therapy provides a safe, pain-free, non-invasive method to repair nerve damage from PN. The therapy is an electrical stimulation that heals nerves by increasing the blood flow to your extremities ten times the normal level. The therapy consists of an hour long treatment, three to four days a week, for two to three months. Reducing your pain level significantly is what VST is all about; repairing nerve damage, not masking the pain with medication. Results of a study recently published show 83% reduction in pain and 86% overall improvement in symptoms. Better quality of life (less pain, better sleep, less medication side effects) and reduction in the possibility of falling (improved balance) are the two major categories in which patients report significant improvements. VST works by healing the nerves via increasing blood flow (natural healing) to the damaged nerves. The VST’s breakthrough technology allows the current to travel the nerve itself, not just stay on the surface, providing a deeper treatment. Whether you have peripheral neuropathy in your hands or feet, or whether the cause is diabetes, chemotherapy or unknown, come by and chat with us about this disorder, and how you can talk to your doctor about VST therapy. VST treatments are covered by Medicare, Secure Horizons and most other insurances. Contact Scientific Therapy at 972867-0600 for additional information or to schedule a free consultation. Scientific Therapy is located on the southwest corner of Coit and 15th in Plano, Texas.


Physicians

Refreshing Tired Eyes

By: Steven S. Orten, MD he eyes are a focal point of the face and have a tremendous impact on our appearance. Although, a person may not feel tired, the eyes may appear sad, tired, or older than the rest of the face. The eyes may develop wrinkled and redundant skin, dark circles, puffy eyelids, and droopy brows due to aging, sun-exposure and gravity. Aging changes around the eyes can create functional problems as well. When the skin on the upper eyelid and brow looses tone, the eyebrows drop and an extra fold of skin can hang over the eyelid margin and interfere with vision. If the natural sparkle of youth has faded from your eyes, take heart. A number of facial cosmetic procedures are available to revitalize your eyes and restore a more youthful appearance and a full field of vision. Droopy eyebrows, forehead wrinkles, sagging upper eyelid

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BEFORE

AFTER skin, or a perpetual worried look can be rejuvenated with a brow or forehead lift. These procedures can raise and reshape the eyebrows, lift and tighten the forehead skin, and soften creases on the forehead and between the eyebrows.

Redundant upper and lower eyelid skin may be removed by performing a blepharoplasty procedure. This involves hiding tiny incisions in natural creases of the eyelid or behind the eyelid. Excess skin folds and fat are removed and the incisions are closed with fine sutures, which heal quickly and are usually imperceptible. For unwanted crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead creases Botox or Dysport may be used to temporarily relax, smooth and soften wrinkles around the eyes. Fine wrinkle lines and crepe-like skin may also be tightened by laser surgery or chemical peels. Who knows, correcting that tired eye appearance may give you a fresher outlook on life. Call Dr Orten’s office at 972.378.0060 for a complimentary consultation.

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Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

55


@cjY Mcif @Y[g´ 5[U]b @]ZY ]g mcif fibkUm" KU`_ ]h ]b ghm`Y" Eliminate varicose and spider veins. No surgery. No downtime. No scarring. Walk in and Walk out.

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Ana Cecilia Lorenzo, MD, FACS, RVT Board Certified in General and Vascular Surgery Registered Vascular Technologist

CALL NOW FOR YOUR CONSULTATION

214.387.4202 Centennial Medical Center , Pavilion I 4401 Coit Rd., Suite 401, Frisco, Texas 75035

Restoring Legs to their Healthy Good Looks

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Physicians

I

Test Your Knowledge of Venous Disease

By: Ana Cecilia Lorenzo, MD, FACS, RVT f you are embarrassed by unTreatment for varicose veins sightly, painful spider or variand vein reflux is solely cos4. metic in nature. Another cose veins, you are not alone. Up to 40% of women and 25% of false. Vascular surgeons apmen suffer from varicose veins or preciate venous disease for some form of vein disease. Here’s a true the medical condition that it is. While or false quiz. See how you do. policies may vary among companies, insurance coverage is provided for many The pain caused by vein different venous conditions. The staff dysfunction can be severe of Vein Care Solutions work with nu1. and interferes with daily merous insurance carriers to provide activity. This one is true. appropriate treatment for symptomatic Symptoms can range from venous disease. aching and throbbing to burning and itching. The range of symptoms can Most venous disease can be lead to misdiagnosis especially in padefinitively treated without 5. surgical incisions. True. tients with coexisting nerve and autoimmune disorders. A vascular surgeon Minimally invasive techcan determine the extent of disease niques are preferred since and options for treatment. there is less tissue disturbance and risk for wound healing complications. Turbulence in dilated vari- While the options for vein therapy cose veins can lead to clot are multiple, most procedures are 2. formation that may progress performed in the surgeon’s office. All to involve the deep veins. therapy for venous reflux is performed This one is also true. The on an outpatient basis. more dilated the vein, the more disorderly the flow within it. Turbulent flow Fortunately, assessment of the sympcan lead to clot formation. While most tomatic patient is non-invasive. Dr clots are superficial and benign, some Lorenzo can review the pertinent asclots may propagate, leading to deep vein pects of your medical history and perinvolvement and even clots in the lungs. form a physical exam that is complemented by an ultrasound study of the All patients with significant affected leg. And, with summer just venous disease have vari- around the corner, it’s a good time to 3. cose veins. False. The dys- initiate a treatment program for unfunction of venous disease sightly veins. Have the quality of life can lead to severe swelling you deserve without the embarrasswithout varicose surface veins. Back- ment of varicose or spider veins. Love flow or reflux can cause skin discol- your legs…again. oration or inflammatory change with skin ulceration. Some patients have chronic, non-healing leg wounds as For more information and to schedule a consequence of longstanding vein an appointment with Dr. Lorenzo please dysfunction. call 214-387-4202.

“If you are embarrassed by unsightly, painful spider or varicose veins, you are not alone. Up to 40% of women and 25% of men suffer from varicose veins or some form of vein disease.”

Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

57


Harmony Heart Group is a full service cardiovascular care practice. From in-office evaluation and testing to hospital care, we are with you all the way. For more information please visit

www.HarmonyHeartGroup.com Board certified in Interventional Cardiology and Cardiovascular Diseases.

972-612-4730

1600 Coit Rd. #304 + Plano, TX 75075 Medicare and most insurance accepted.

MORDECAI N. KLEIN M.D., F.A.C.C.


Physicians

Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

59


A

Water and Senior Citizens

s we age, the balance between our need for water and our thirst for water shifts. In fact, the less water an older person drinks, the less thirsty they become, leaving them open to the risk of serious dehydration and other complications. Confusion over the difference between hunger and thirst intensifies over the years, making it all the more important to conscientiously drink adequate amounts of water throughout the day. At the very minimum, one should consume one cup of water for every 20 pounds of body weight daily; that’s around six to eight glasses for the average person. Increased fiber intake among seniors, which is usually recommended for older people to aid in preventing constipation and other health concerns, also increases the need for water. The human body is at least 50% water, of which two to three quarts are lost on a daily basis. Even bones are over 20% water! Aside from replenishing what is lost

in order to hydrate the blood and tissues, water also lubricates joints, regulates temperature, and moistens the lungs to allow for respiration. Inadequate water intake over time prevents these processes from occurring and contributes to arthritis, sore muscles, heavy breathing, and a higher body temperature. This means that not drinking enough water over time can result in more severe effects at an older age, which means preventable problems during what should be the golden years. Senior citizens are at particular risk for dehydration because their kidney function has diminished to some degree. Symptoms of dehydration include confusion, drowsiness, labored speech, dry mouth, and sunken eyeballs. Side effects for seniors who do not drink enough water, however, extend far beyond dehydration. Even short-term water deprivation has been known to cause chronic pain. Over time, lack of water can include complications such as: loss of muscle tone, excess

Loss of memory and mental resources doesn’t have to mean a loss in quality of life. At Provident Living Centers, people with Dementia and Alzheimers Disease can find a place they feel secure, cared for and have the freedom that parallels their abilities. Come see how we have defined Alzheimers Care with a Difference!

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Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

weight gain, slow metabolism, increased toxicity, organ failure, arthritis, migraines, and digestive complications. In order to maintain health, the kidneys must excrete a minimum of ten ounces of waste per day. When water is not available, there is nothing present in which to dissolve the body’s waste products (uric acid and urea) for expulsion. As a result, they build up within the body, leading to kidney stones, while putting additional strain on the kidneys to find adequate liquid with which to expel toxins. Considering the abundance of water in our daily lifestyles, the fact that most senior citizens are consistently dehydrated to some degree is alarming. With the abundance of water in the diet, the average senior citizen still requires over two and a half quarts of pure water each day to maintain good health. Note: This piece is an edited version of an article originally appearing on http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/watereducation/water-senior.htm.


Retirement

Retirement Living Not What it Used to Be!

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By: Shirley Long, Parkview in Frisco etirement is taking on a whole new look as baby boomers reach this milestone in their lives. There has been a misconception by many people that retirement means quitting…sitting in the lounger…losing contact with social relationships…poor health. In fact, retirement is a journey and the process of transitioning to a new lifestyle. It should be a time to enjoy life and to get involved in as many activities and events as you can. A key to maintaining your health and enjoying your senior years is based on keeping a healthy lifestyle and an active social environment. A growing number of seniors are choosing to move to retirement communities. This decision may be based upon the realization that they simply no longer want to deal with the expense and frustration of maintaining a home or possibly because of declining health issues. Whatever the reasons for making this lifestyle change; an independent living community is probably the first choice that people look to. Independent living is just what the name implies, the ability to maintain one’s lifestyle and residence without assistance. If medical care or help with some of the activities of daily living are necessary, residents in independent living communities are permitted to bring in outside assistance from family, home health care services, or personal assistants. One of the many joys of moving to an independent community is that you don’t have to think about labor-intensive home maintenance tasks anymore. No more cleaning out the gutters, chang-

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ing air filters or light bulbs, overseeing lawn care or dragging those garbage cans to the curb. And there is such peace of mind when you want to leave for an extended vacation as you don’t have to worry about leaving your home vacant. It is a time for carefree living. Some of the reasons most often expressed by those who have already chosen to live in an independent living community include the excitement and freedom to travel, learn new hobbies, make new friends, and just enjoy themselves. We are living longer and longer and it is important to remember that aging is a normal part of life. Mental health, physical health, spiritual nourishment, and emotional well-being are all important components of enjoying retirement years. With plenty of activities, healthy lifestyle habits, and strong social support, seniors can look forward to a long life and personal fulfillment. It is important to remember that 65 is no longer “old” and some people do not want to be called senior citizens. The baby boomers really should be called baby bloomers as they are finding new fulfillment in a community of peers where they can enjoy ready access to a wide variety of social, fitness, educational and enriching activities. Independent Living Communities provide the greatest versatility and freedom of all of the senior housing options. Residents enjoy their own private apartment in a community of seniors. So forget the pre-conceived idea of what a retirement community used to look like and take time to visit one of the many new independent communities

near you. You will find well-designed apartment homes, tastefully decorated gathering areas, fitness centers, movie theaters, salons, restaurants, pools, hot tubs, social events, transportation, outings, and an environment that promotes personal freedom as well as physical and emotional health. It is important that you find a community that answers to your needs and provides a comfortable atmosphere where the initial feeling tells you that “this is home!” Author Shirley Long is Marketing Manager at Parkview in Frisco which is located at 7450 Stonebrook Parkway, Frisco, Texas 75034. To learn more about Parkview in Frisco, an all-inclusive lifestyle community for seniors, call 972-3776744 or visit www.parkviewinfrisco.com

Some key benefits of independent living include: • Socialization and activities with people of your age and interests • Nutritious meals (offered at some communities) • Memory-building activities that enhance mental health • Spiritual opportunities and fulfillment • Maintenance-free living Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

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For the Time of Your Life

in the Prime of Your Life!

Article courtesy of The Chateau ctive senior living is a term that describes living communities for residents who are 55 years or better. It is a wonderful way for people to live and enjoy the next phase of life. Living with people near your age brings many benefits: You have much in common, you enjoy doing some of the same things, and you have memories to share and time to make new memories. It is also a time to simplify your schedule and have peace of mind. You can focus on important things like physical health, social motivation, and your mental well being. It is nice to know that there are a number of beautiful apartment homes available for active seniors in the greater Dallas area. These homes usu-

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ally include washer/dryer connections and full-size kitchens with upgraded appliances. Common amenities may include an on-site business center, a

“...choose the one that best meets your needs, and allows you the opportunity to simply enjoy and live your future.”

fitness center, exercise classes, an area for arts and crafts, hair and nail salon, and wellness center. Additional features of these communities can include a large pool area for keeping cool and water aerobics, a dog park for your four-legged companions, BBQ stations for grilling, and a garden area to meander through under than the clear, blue sky while enjoying your neighbors. Take time to tour several active senior living communities, and choose the one that best meets your needs, and allows you the opportunity to simply enjoy and live your future. The Chateau may be reached at 972-5406888. Also refer to our ad on this page

the

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Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010


Retirement

Autumn Leaves 2/26 Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

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DaySpring is an intimate Assisted Living Community nestled in the heart of residential Plano. Offering warm, inviting interiors, and service-orientated convenience. All this and a positive spiritual environment are just a few reasons our residents choose DaySpring as their home.

Services Available • Caring staff 24 hours a day • Three home cooked meals served daily • Exciting & original activity programs, social, and religious activities • Scheduled transportation • On-site Sunday & Wednesday Evening services and Bible Studies • Weekly housekeeping & laundry services • Kitchenette & private bath in all apartments • Medication management & assistance • Beauty & barber shop onsite

Call today for your complimentary tour and lunch!

972-769-1109 6400 Cheyenne Trail - Plano, TX 75023

License #030165


Retirement

The Road to a Satisfying Sex Life

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Article courtesy of Heather Sutton Walsh, MD, PhD xperts and popular culture cular disease: smoking, high blood presall agree: better sex and bet- sure, and high cholesterol. Women with ter intimacy lead to overall hypertension may have decreased vagiwell being. However, many nal lubrication, decreased orgasm, and women do not have a fully increased pain. Some antihypertensive satisfying sexual life, and a majority of medications can induce sexual dysfuncthem do not seek help from their doc- tion in otherwise normally functioning tors. Many factors contribute to our si- patients. Experts theorize that women lence related to sexual health, but chief with diabetes may experience decreased among these is the idea that we are the sexual function due to neuropathy, horonly one with our particular problem. mone changes, and vascular disease. Many factors affect female sensuality. Women with diabetes may also have Masters and Johnson created a model of decreased vaginal lubrication, decreased normal sexual function that described a orgasm, and increased pain with interprogression from excitement, to plateau, course. Sexual problems related to cancer can develop after surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormonal manipulation, and medications. Married women are at higher risk for depression than nonmarried women. Depressed women are at risk for sexual disorders. Another mental health issue that affects sexual function to orgasm, and then resolution. Today, is chronic and acute stress. the sexual model proposed by Rosemary Relationship variables, attitudes towards Basson is considered more representa- sex and aging, and cultural background tive of female sexuality. Basson described have a greater impact on sexual function women’s desire as a response to intimacy than hormones and aging. Indeed, it has and sexual stimulation. Some women do been shown that a good relationship pronot necessarily have a strong desire to have tects against sexual decline in menopause. sex, but once they are stimulated by a lov- While hormones (estrogen and testostering partner, desire develops. one) are important in maintaining normal Medical barriers to sexual well-being sexual function in women, the extent is still most often develop from chronic disease, unclear. Aging will naturally lead to a deespecially coronary heart disease, diabe- cline in sexual activity, and a decline in hortes, depression, and cancer, or hormonal mone levels can lead to a decline in desire, issues that may or may not be related to vaginal atrophy, and/or delayed orgasm. increasing age, and side effects of mediThere is controversy regarding the cations. These conditions can interfere sexual effects of hormonal contracepwith all aspects of sexual functioning. tion. Some research reports an increase Female sexual dysfunction is related in desire with oral contraceptive use, to the same risk factors as coronary vas- while others show little to no change,

and still others show decreased desire. Some prescription medications improve sexual function, while others impair it. Common medications that may impair sexual function include antidepressants, antihistamines, antihypertensives, antipsychotics, anti-anxiety meds, cardiovascular agents, and chemotherapy. Relationship and communication barriers are also frequent sources of female sexual problems. The ability of partners to have conversations about intimate issues such as lubrication, sexual self image, body image, and clitoral stimulation is the foundation of sexual health in committed relationships. Couples need to understand that long-term sexual relationships are complicated and change over time. As individuals change, the couple’s relationship changes, and there may be gender differences in feelings and thoughts about sexuality. To be successful in long term relationships, it is critical for couples to have interactive skills to build sexual communication and sexual technique compatibility, and to learn how to successfully manage health, psychological, and life stage issues. Female sexuality experts agree there should be a focus on the more positive aspects of sexuality for women. Your doctor should be willing to have open, frank discussions about any sexual concerns you may have. He or she can offer help for sexual problems and also assist those without sexual problems who simply wish to enhance their sexual lives. Since sexual problems usually involve both medical and psychological issues, these problems need careful assessment. Treatment for any underlying disorders is important, as is consideration for referral to a sex therapist. Lubricants can be recommended to reduce sexual discomfort and potentially enhance feelings of sensuality and intimacy. These products may help women overcome medical and psychological barriers to sexual well-being. Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

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Improving Communication with Care Providers

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By: Susan Rogers, MSG, Prestonwood Rehabilitation & Nursing Center t least once a week some- and services. Most are committed to one will come to my of- providing your loved one the best fice anxious to move their care, however, mistakes do happen. It loved one to our com- is important for you to be observant munity because they are and attentive. If something doesn’t dissatisfied with the care provided at an- make sense or doesn’t “feel right”, ask other facility. I listen to their list of com- for clarification. You may also need to plaints and then ask them how the other verify that everything your loved one facility responded when they shared tells you is accurate, too. Sometimes their concerns with them. Most people medications, poor hearing, fatigue or quickly respond that they didn’t feel other factors can cause someone to comfortable expressing their concerns misunderstand or misremember. to the staff, so they decided to move their parent to another facility instead. There’s No Time Like The Present Whether your loved one is receiving The care provider will be best able to rehome health services, visiting a doctor, solve any questions or concerns if you confined to a hospital or recovering in a express them in a timely and factual skilled nursing facility you can improve manner. Make note of the date, time communication with the care providers and persons involved. to ensure that your family member gets the best care. You Attract More Flies With Honey When voicing a complaint it is always Start Off On The Right Foot wise to use what my son calls a “compliWhether moving your mother to an ment sandwich”. Start and end with a assisted living community, setting up compliment and your complaint will be home health care or admitting her into better received. You may say something a skilled nursing facility for rehabilita- like “How can we work together to find tion, the process can feel overwhelming. a solution?” or “Help me to underIt’s a good idea to have someone else stand…” There will be an adjustment with you when you meet with the staff, period as your loved one and the care especially during your initial visit. Feel providers get to know each other, and free to take notes and to ask for clarifica- open communication make this transition if you don’t understand something. tion go more smoothly. Be up-front about your expectations, hopes and fears, and you may be surHelp Is Just A Click Away prised about what you learn. Lastly, you Most communication with care providwill want to verify that the care provider ers is done face to face or over the phone, knows the best way to reach you. but e-mail can be a valuable tool as well. With e-mail you can ask a question or Trust, But Verify share a concern 24 hours a day. You also Most care providers have chosen their have a record of your correspondence profession because they care about the for future reference. people they serve. Most have the best No care provider is perfect, and peointentions in mind as they provide care ple make mistakes. By using these tips, 66

Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010

you should find that your communication with care providers has improved and you are able to resolve questions and concerns more quickly. Author Susan Rogers is the Community Liaison for Prestonwood Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. For more information, on this topic and Prestonwood you can call 214-731-5955.

“Most people quickly respond that they didn’t feel comfortable expressing their concerns to the staff, so they decided to move their parent to another facility instead.”


PRESTONWOOD Rehabilitation

Nursing Center

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Private or shared rooms.

PRESTONWOOD Rehabilitation

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Inpatient and Outpatient Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies.

Short-term Rehabilitation After Hospitalization. Residential nursing care & personal care assisance.

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214.731.5955

www.prestonwoodrehab.com


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