2 • Morning Journal Prime Time • Friday, February 14, 2014
Paying for long-term health care
(Family Features) There are important realities every American must know about long-term care. Long-term care is more expensive than most people think. And, most importantly, the cost of care is usually paid for out of savings and income. About 70 percent of people turning 65 can expect to need some kind of longterm care as they age. A number of public programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, may help pay for some long-term care services under certain circumstances. However, each program has specific rules about what services are covered, how long you can receive benefits, whether or not you qualify for benefits, and how much you have to pay in out-of-pocket costs. To accurately plan for your long-term care needs, it is very important to know the facts about what may or may not be covered. Medicare focuses on acute care costs Medicare covers medically necessary care and focuses on medical acute care, such as doctor visits, drugs and hospital stays. If very specific conditions are met, Medicare will help pay for all or a portion of a short stay in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care or home health care. Medicare does not cover custodial long-term care services. Medicaid only available if income and assets are low enough Medicaid is a joint federal and state government program that helps people with low income and assets pay for some or all of their health care bills. It covers medical care, long-term care services in nursing homes and long-term care services provided at home.
Rules about who is eligible for Medicaid benefits and what services are covered are based on federal requirements, but states have considerable leeway in how they operate their programs. Paying out-of-pocket for care If you have enough income and savings, you will need to pay for long-term care services on your own, from your incomes, savings and, possibly, the equity in your home.
Many people believe wrongly the medical insurance or disability insurance they currently have will pay for all or much of their long-term care. In general, health insurance covers only very limited and specific types of longterm care. Disability policies serve to replace income and, as such, do not cover long-term care at all. Long-term care insurance is designed to cover long-term services and supports. Policies reimburse policyholders a daily amount (up to a pre-selected limit) for services to assist them with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing or eating. You can then select a range of care options and benefits that allow you to get the services you need, where you need them. If you are in poor health or already receiving long-term care services, you may not qualify for long-term care insurance. For more information about additional methods of paying for long-term care, including reverse mortgages, annuities and trusts, visit www.longtermcare.gov. Or, for information on the cost of care in your area, visit http://longtermcare.gov/costs-how-to-pay/costs-of-care-in-your-state/.
Morning Journal Prime Time • Friday, February 14, 2014 • 3
Which plans provide highest-quality care?
(NewsUSA) - Choosing the right health care plan can have a big impact on your quality of life, especially if you're a senior or otherwise Medicare eligible. With the 5-star Special Enrollment Period underway through November, now is the time to consider whether your current plan provides the high-quality care and value of a 5-star Medicare health plan. To help Medicare beneficiaries understand why quality matters and what it means to their health, Kaiser Permanente, which has the most 5-star plans nationwide for 2013, is sharing information about a key area to consider when evaluating a Medicare plan -preventive care. "Medicare members should select a plan that is proactive in helping them stay healthy and active as they age. They need to know if their plan does a good job preventing them from getting sick through screenings, vaccines and tests," said Jed Weissberg, M.D., medical director, Kaiser Permanente Medicare plans. "They also need to know how well their plan manages chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes." Kaiser Permanente scores well above the national average in preventive screenings. For example, only one in six traditional Medicare members -- 16 percent -- used a free preventive service in 2011, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. By contrast, nearly 90 percent of eligible Kaiser Permanente Medicare members received breast cancer screenings, and nearly 88 percent received colorectal cancer screenings, as reported by the 2012 Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set, commonly known as HEDIS. Ratings matter, because if CMS rates a Medicare health plan 5 out of 5 stars, beneficiaries can feel confident about choosing the highDULT AY ARE est-quality plan available and join that plan almost any time of year. • PASSPORT
Talk to your doctor
(NewsUSA) - Do you or someone you know take a medication to alleviate a condition like chronic pain, or perhaps to treat high cholesterol or high blood pressure? Well, while treating your issue, the medication may also cause a side effect that many of us don't want to talk about... constipation. That's right, while your medication can effectively manage your condition, it might also occasionally cause your bowels to "clog up." Constipation is really not that unusual, so you don't have to feel embarrassed to talk about it with your doctor or pharmacist. According to Registered Pharmacist Jim Morelli, "Many people are unaware that their prescription, as well as some over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, can cause occasional constipation." The list of culprits include certain products from classes of medications such as analgesics, high blood pressure medications, and high-cholesterol drugs. Occasional constipation can be uncomfortable, but there should be no shame in discussing this condition with your health-care provider. It's important to talk to your doctor about any side effects that you may experience while taking prescription or over-thecounter products. If you become constipated, try Senokot-S Tablets. Senokot-S Tablets contain a natural vegetable laxative ingredient, plus a stool softener, to provide gentle, overnight relief from occasional constipation. Please read full product label before use. For more information, go to www.senokot.com.
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4 • Morning Journal Prime Time • Friday, February 14, 2014
Preventing slips, trips and falls with Chi (NAPS)—Many older adults have found benefit from the centuries-old Chinese martial arts tai chi and qigong. “Chi” or “qi” (chee) means “life energy.” “Qigong” (cheegoong) literally means “life energy cultivation.” Tai chi consists of a series of flowing movements while qigong focuses on the repetition of isolated movements and breathing.
Along with doing exercises that promote flexibility, seniors can also help prevent falls and serious injuries by taking a few simple precautions at home:
For example, Robert Johnson, M.D., Kaiser Permanente chief of Palliative Care in Walnut Creek, Calif., has practiced tai chi and qigong since the 1970s. He believes these mind-body exercises promote good health, flexibility, strength and balance, which help reduce the risk of falling among seniors.
Make Your Home Safe • Reduce tripping hazards such as throw rugs, raised doorway thresholds, or loose carpet. • Keep paths clear of electrical cords and clutter. • Add grab bars where necessary—in hallways, stairways and bathtubs. • Add a rubber bath mat in the shower or tub. • Improve lighting throughout the house and use night-lights in hallways and bathrooms. • Keep a phone and flashlight by the bed.
Each year, one out of three adults, age 65 and older, falls due to lack of balance or other reasons. Consider that a record 11,000 baby boomers turn 65 and become Medicare eligible every day, and that can add up to a lot of falls and serious injuries. “We spend most of our day in sedentary jobs. Many of us sit in front of a computer or television for hours at a time,” Dr. Johnson said. “To age well, we need to move, stretch and keep our joints lubricated and flexible. Otherwise, our muscles, joints and tendons become stiff and brittle, and that can lead to falls and disabilities.” Dr. Johnson recommends moving the joints in a circular motion. For example, place the hands on the knees and rotate the knees together in a clockwise and then counterclockwise motion. Also, try sitting in a squat position and stand up slowly to strengthen the quadriceps. At share.kaiserpermanente.org /article/how-strong-is-your-chi/ you can see a short video in which Dr. Johnson demonstrates a few basic exercises and explains why they’re helpful.
Kaiser Permanente offers tai chi and qigong classes at several of its medical facilities. Visit www.kp.org to find classes in your area and learn more about other exercises for strength and balance as well as preventing falls. You can also check out www.kp.org/ carestories for more health-related videos. For questions and advice about a specific condition or starting a new exercise regimen, consult with your physician. Dr. Robert Johnson says traditional Chinese exercises can improve flexibility, strength and balance.
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Morning Journal Prime Time • Friday, February 14, 2014 • 5
How Baby Boomers get fit by Joy Powell, President, Fitness Market
(NAPS)—A new generation is getting involved with gyms and fitness programs in record numbers—the baby boomer generation. The 78 million Americans who make up this generation are savvier and better versed in fitness than any other aging generation seen before as exercise has been more ingrained in their culture and daily routines. Healthways and the SilverSneakers® Fitness Program recognize that baby boomers’ reasons and motivations for getting fit are as varied as their workout interests. From tennis and yoga to hiking and dance, exercise offers many benefits for older adults, including reducing and minimizing the signs, symptoms and risk factors for chronic diseases and conditions like arthritis, obesity and diabetes. Additionally, exercise can help fight depression and improve energy, balance and strength. SilverSneakers, the nation’s leading exercise program designed exclusively for older adults, knows there is no one-size-fits-all solution for anyone, and trying to fit exercise into a busy schedule can be hard.
SilverSneakers offers these workout tips for baby boomers to ensure they enjoy and stick with their workout routine. Exercise with a friend. Healthways research has shown that 80 percent of baby boomers prefer to exercise with friends or a group they feel comfortable with. This gives people motivation and accountability while making the activity more enjoyable. Select an exercise that you enjoy. Not surprisingly, you’re much more likely to stick to activities you enjoy and that fit into your schedule. Think back to activities you did when you were younger and try different types of exercise to find what works best for you. SilverSneakers offers a variety of classes to suit each person’s needs. Do a mix of cardio and strength training. Don’t just focus on one or the other; do a mix of both to increase strength, endurance and flexibility. Healthways is incorporating baby boomers’ needs and wants into its menu of fitness programs with the new FLEX program. FLEX is a community-oriented program consisting of instructor-led fitness activities at churches,
community centers and parks. Classes are designed to create a sense of community beyond the gym, with flexible and fun options that keep participants engaged and active. For more information, to see if you are eligible for SilverSneakers and FLEX, and to find a class in your area, visit www.Silver Sneakers.com. • Joy Powell is president of the Fitness Market for Healthways. She oversees a variety of fitness programs, including the award-winning SilverSneakers® Fitness Program, the nation’s leading exercise program designed specifically for older adults.
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6 • Morning Journal Prime Time • Friday, February 14, 2014
Take your multivitamin to control diabetes For people with diabetes, taking a multivitamin every day can mean much more than a little protection against the common cold. Research is finding that multivitamins can be the first line of defense against many different types of infections, including respiratory infections and influenza.
Infection occurred in only 17 percent of diabetic patients who took a multivitamin versus the 93 percent who took a placebo. The study also found that regular multivitamin usage reduced the rate of minor urinary tract and gastrointestinal infections in people with diabetes.
"Once a person with diabetes gets an infection, it's much harder for them to get rid of it, and it can lead to dire consequences, even death," says Registered and Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist Debra Spector. "And since some diabetic patients don't normally respond well to treatment, prevention is key."
Because of the nature of the disease, it's not uncommon for diabetics to experience nutrient deficiencies. Diabetes medications and frequent urination can lead to the loss of vital nutrients that protect the body. "Since there are many health risks that can result from vitamin and mineral deficiencies, I encourage my diabetic patients to find a multivitamin supplement with more potent levels of important nutrients to meet their needs," says Spector.
Taking a special diabetes multivitamin -- usually found in the diabetes section of a drugstore, not the vitamin section -- allows a diabetic person to be proactive with their health, and avoid nutrient deficiencies that can lead to problems. The year-long study among 130 patients, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found that the incidence of infection was much lower among diabetics who took a multivitamin versus those who did not.
"It should contain Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), an important nutrient that most 'regular' multivitamins do not have. I like Multi-betic Diabetes Multi-Vitamin since it has 23 important nutrients, including ALA, designed to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, support vision and promote nerve function." Learn more about Multi-betic and other diabetic products at www.diabeticproducts.com.
Morning Journal Prime Time • Friday, February 14, 2014 • 7
Online talk show explores retirement (NAPS)—There is good news for adults who are about to retire. There is a new Web-based talk show designed to give them fresh perspectives on aging and creative ways to approach their lives in retirement. In partnership with Lutheran Social Services of New York, the Ammerman Center for Creative Aging has launched an initiative called “Ignite Your LIFE.” The mission of this initiative is to serve, educate, support and engage individuals and the wider community in celebrating the aging process.
The initiative’s “Ignite Your Life Talk Show” is streaming live from Valparaiso University on Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at 1 p.m. Central Time. With the help of the University and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans’ sponsorship, the show will highlight newly developed research related to aging, and engage and inspire participants by redefining what it means to be 50 and beyond. To learn more, visit www. igniteyourlife.info.
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8 • Morning Journal Prime Time • Friday, February 14, 2014
A message from the heart (NAPS)—An increasing number of people have discovered a way to tell their families and friends how much they care for them—even when they’re not able to actually say so. That’s because these folks have found an ingenious new service that lets you create notes for the most important people in your life and then, once you pass away, each person receives the letter you left. You can say anything, how much you love them, how proud you are of them, a piece of advice, or just something you never got around to saying. Your note can become a precious keepsake, handed down for generations. How It Works Once you sign up, you simply write your notes and choose up to three “verifiers,” trustworthy individuals who will notify the service if anything unfortunate happens to you. Then, Heart Writing sends your notes by mail or e-mail.
Anyone can join, absolutely free, with a 14-day trial membership at www.HeartWriting.com. Learn More Find further facts, inspiration and ideas online at www.Heart Writing.com.
Morning Journal Prime Time • Friday, February 14, 2014 • 9
Arthritis sufferers turn to chiropractors As America Grays, Arthritis Sufferers Turn to Chiropractors for Relief (NewsUSA) Not only is America increasingly growing gray, it also turns out it's anxious for alternative forms of health care for arthritis -- and many now seem to be finding it in chiropractic care. The usual approach to arthritis commonly involves over-the-counter and prescription medications that can have serious adverse effects. But a recent article in the respected journal "Medscape Rheumatology," titled "CAM for Arthritis: Is There a Role?" -- "CAM" being short for "complementary and alternative medicine" -- confirmed the steady growth in chiropractors' popularity among the nation's nearly 50 million arthritis sufferers. "There's little question in my mind that chiropractic works especially for acute musculoskeletal pain," wrote Dr. Nathan Wei, M.D. That view is certainly shared by the notfor-profit Foundation for Chiropractic Progress' Gerard Clum, D.C., who has long agreed with Dr. Wei's assertion that chiropractors are "in many cases more knowledgeable about the musculoskeletal anatomy than most other rheumatologists" because of their education and experience with managing musculoskeletal conditions. "The evidence-based, hands-on care provided by a doctor of chiropractic," says Dr. Clum, "helps to significantly relieve symptoms such as joint pain and swelling, and improve range of motion, endurance and muscle tone and strength. And patient satisfaction is high as many arthritis sufferers are looking for ways to stay active and avoid prescription medication." Experts say anyone with arthritis should examine all options. To learn more, visit www.yes2chiropractic.org.
Specializing in: In-House Dialysis • Skilled Nursing Rehabilitation • Alzheimer’s Care Green Meadows is uniquely located on over six acres of beautiful countryside in the quaint city of Louisville, Ohio. Away from the hustle and bustle of surrounding cities, Green Meadows offers its residents and visitors a serene atmosphere.2
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10 • Morning Journal Prime Time • Friday, February 14, 2014
ELCH brings new health service to community
East Liverpool City Hospital opened its Senior Behavioral Health Center on Thursday, December 19th. Located within the hospital, the 14 bed inpatient unit will help patients 55 and older overcome severe depression, anxiety, grief, emotional instability, chemical imbalances and other psychological disorders. This new service helps people within the community shorten the length of a loved one's painful experience by enabling them to heal through proven medical and psychological methods. A psychiatrist, social workers, nurses and milieu specialists are teamed together to promote the best care possible by treating mental, physical and social impediments. The program enables afflicted individuals to regain their confidence and independence. An open house was held on Wednesday, December 18th for people from local health care agencies. They were on-hand to observe River Valley Health Partners $1 million dollar investment into the facilities. The newly renovated floor will offer patients common rooms for dinner and activities and quiet rooms for reading and contemplation. The updated area fosters a healing atmosphere that can accommodate people projecting varying degrees of emotion. The amenities are peaceful, and patients can benefit from receiving the services only a community hospital can offer; access to physicians, lab work, prayer and visitation with pastoral care, and medication from the hospital phar-
macy. River Valley Health Partners Senior Behavioral Health Center provides the best option for treating your family members. The service provides support close to home so that you can participate in family and group therapies. The objective of the service is to provide long term improvements to the patient's quality of life by significantly reducing or eliminating the effect of mental and behavioral conditions. For any questions you may have on behavioral health, please contact the unit directly at 330-386-3590. River Valley Health Partners is a health system that comprises the East Liverpool City Hospital, River Valley Physicians, The Therapy Center in Calcutta, The Therapy Center II in Lisbon, and Ohio Valley Home Health Services. River Valley Health Partners health system accelerates your diagnosis, care, and recovery through seamless communication. The organization serves residents of Columbiana County Ohio and surrounding communities in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Contact us at 330-385-7200 or visit the website at www.elch.org
Morning Journal Prime Time • Friday, February 14, 2014 • 11
12 • Morning Journal Prime Time • Friday, February 14, 2014
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