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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.
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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
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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Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010
dentists
Much More than Meets the Eye Never heard of a Prosthodontist? Read on.
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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…
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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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Collin County SENIOR • Spring 2010
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.
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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
25
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.
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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
27
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 28
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-
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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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, 38
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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.”