#GUIDETOAGINGWELL
BETTER with AGE BY
S U S A N PA S T E R N A K A N D S H A N N A N YO U N G E R
PHOTO COURTESY OF XX
The aging process doesn’t have to be something that “happens” to us while we sit idly by. Sure, genetics play a role, and you can’t stop the clock, but every day we’re learning more about what we can do to live our best, healthiest lives now, and in turn, set ourselves up for greater health, vitality, and disease prevention as we age. Read on and be inspired to age gracefully and delight in the process.
SEPTEMBER /OC TOBER 2016
makeitbetter.net
97
SPONSORED CONTENT
BRIDGING THE GAP FROM HOSPITAL, THROUGH REHAB, TO HOME B Y A L D E N E S TAT E S
The Alden Network’s Post-Acute Rehabilitation and Transitional Care Centers offer patients a continuum of care from the hospital, through rehabilitation at an Alden facility, to home. Exclusive Post-Acute Programs — OrthopedicPro™, CardioPro™, NeuroStrokePro™ and PulmonaryPro™ — help individuals become as independent as possible following an injury, surgery or illness. Daily individualized therapy sessions help patients regain the stability, functionality and confidence they need to function to the best of their ability. 5-Star Rating Rated five stars by U.S. News & World Report year after year, Alden facilities on Chicago’s North Shore in Skokie, Evanston and Des Plaines set the standard in post-hospital transitional care and post-acute services. They all offer a combination of five-star amenities, intensive therapy, highly trained staff and exceptional customer service. Better Outcomes As post-acute care leaders, Alden facilities are recognized for their shorter lengths of stay, five-star patient care and impressively low re-hospitalization rates. These characteristics are important industry standards for patients. Successful Transitions The Alden Network advantage offers all Alden patients a professional team of Transitional Care Partners to aid in every aspect of their recovery. This includes: • Outpatient Rehabilitation to continue building strength, flexibility and maximum functionality • Home Medical Equipment to help individuals function as independently as possible in the home • Pharmacy Services that include providing all the prescriptions needed at discharge so patients do not need to worry about filling prescriptions right away • Home Health Care that offers a wide range of rehabilitation and therapy services in the comfort of the home, including physical, occupational and speech therapies, skilled nursing, wound management and telemonitoring • Private Duty Nursing for patients or caregivers that provides the level of care needed to stay safely at home • Hospice Care that helps relieve pain and allows patients and families to achieve closure and gain peace of mind • Adaptive Equipment that can be customized for the home to assist with completing activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming and feeding
The new lobby at Alden Estates of Evanston Post-Acute Rehabilitation and Transitional Care Center (top). Patients benefit from daily therapy in the recently renovated Therapy Gym at Alden Des Plaines (bottom).
The Alden Network, along with its Transitional Care Partners, offers patients a unique alignment of medical care and services. Individuals benefit from a successful transition between health care settings and receive the care, equipment and services they need to achieve maximum recovery.
TAKE A TOUR TODAY Wondering which Alden facility on the North Shore is the best for you? Schedule a tour and see for yourself.
Alden Des Plaines 1221 East Golf Road | Des Plaines 847-768-1300 | www.AldenDesPlaines.com Alden Estates of Evanston 2520 Gross Point Road | Evanston 847-328-6000 www.AldenEstatesofEvanston.com 98
SEPTEMBER /OC TOBER 2016
makeitbetter.net
Alden Estates of Skokie 4626 Old Orchard Road | Skokie 847-676-4800 www.AldenEstatesofSkokie.com Alden North Shore 5050 West Touhy Ave. | Skokie 847-679-6100 | www.AldenNorthShore.com
OUR V I L L A S COME S TA N D A R D w i th a R ESTAUR A N T, SPA AN D P O O L .
In a community with spa services, a salt-filtered pool and other amenities, Vi at The Glen is senior living with a distinctly North Shore lifestyle. Our spacious, maintenance-free villas let you enjoy the privacy of your own home while staying connected to the neighborhood and lifelong friends you know so well. This is North Shore living at its finest. Reserve your private tour today.
Call 844.360.9456 or visit TheGlen.ViLiving.com 2500 Indigo Lane, Glenview, IL 60026
GLMIB2016
CC-Lake, Inc. is the sole entity responsible for the performance of the continuing care contracts at Vi at The Glen.
#GUIDETOAGINGWELL
FINDING LIFE AFTER AN ALZHEIMER’S DIAGNOSIS BY SHANNAN YO U NGER
Michael Folio’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 56 blindsided the corporate executive and his wife, Cheryl Levin-Folio, of Highland Park. They faced the question: “Is there life after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis?” It’s a question asked by the more than 5 million Americans with Alzheimer’s according to the National Institute on Aging. That number is expected to grow, with an estimated 7 million people afflicted by the year 2025, and will climb to an estimated 15 million in 2050, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information,” which is different than sometimes forgetting names or appointments but remembering them later. Other signs include losing track of dates and the passage of time, difficulty understanding spatial relationships, changes in the ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers, stopping in the middle of a conversation with no idea how to continue or repeating oneself. DON’T IGNORE IT When signs become visible, it is important to see a doctor. “Most families that have been touched by dementia wait until it is too late, whether that’s out of love or respect or even shame, but the consequences of waiting can be devastating,” says Dr. Demetrius Maraganore, medical director of the NorthShore Neurological Institute and chairman of the department of neurology at NorthShore University HealthSystem. An Alzheimer’s diagnosis sooner rather than later gives the affected individual and their family a chance to participate in the decision-making about their future. “It also gives the patient and their loved ones a chance to engage and form meaningful partnerships with healthcare providers,” he says. PREVENTING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE “Alzheimer’s is preventable. The evidence is indisputable,” Maraganore says, explaining that there are 20 modifiable risk 100 SEPTEMBER /OC TOBER 2016
makeitbetter.net
Michael Folio and Cheryl Levin-Folio with Oliver and Baxter
factors. Addressing these can delay the onset of the disease and reduce the number of cases. Those risk factors include: Diet and Exercise: Maraganore says that following a Mediterranean diet and exercising vigorously on a regular basis can reduce the risk for dementia by 60 percent. Sleep: Good sleep habits can also reduce one’s risk. Maraganore notes that people who sleep less than six hours a night or more than eight hours a night have an increased risk for dementia. Hypertension, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, anxiety and depression: All increase the risk for Alzheimer’s and all are preventable or treatable, the experts note. Intellectual engagement: Staying mentally active is tremendously important. Consider hosting a game night with friends and family for both the intellectual and social benefits. Socializing: “Social interactions are hugely important,” notes Dr. Bruno Giordani, associate director of the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center at the University of Michigan, who says that socializing can also reduce stress, which is another factor. Genetics: Doctors agree that this risk is particularly modifiable for those with a family history of late-onset Alzheimer’s. “Genetic factors are powerful, but you also have the opportunity to do something about it,” says Maraganore. SLOWING THE PROGRESS OF THE DISEASE AND IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE Levin-Folio and her husband are dedicated to living their best possible life despite the disease. She explains that her husband functions at a higher level than expected, and they attribute his success to the creative program they follow that includes a combination of outdoor activities and collaborative efforts with friends, family, and their dogs. “Things have changed, but the love story between us is there,” she says. Levin-Folio stresses the importance of being proactive and open about Alzheimer’s. “Don’t hide from it. Denial isn’t helpful,” she says. “I hope more and more people come out and talk about it.”
PHOTO BY RITA SPEVAK
As a growing number of Americans are forced to face the disease, experts stress the benefits of early diagnosis and offer advice for prevention.
Introducing our exclusiveFreedom Client Wellness Tracking System (FreedomCWTS).
Extraordinary Health & Wellness Right at Your Doorstep 1 Hour to 24/7 Coverage - Caregivers • Companions • Nurses • CNAs
847-433-5788
www.freedomhomecare.net Serving the North Shore, Chicago, and the Western Suburbs Since 1997
Health & Wellness Services:
Companion Home Services:
• • • • • • • • •
• Accompanying Clients to Appointments • Running Errands & Shopping • Light Housekeeping & Personal Laundry • Meal Preparation • Personal Care Services Including Grooming, Bathing & Dressing Assistance • Morning Wake-up & Evening Tuck-in • Concierge Services
Case Management Medication Management & Reminders Diabetic Care & Supervision On-going & Chronic Illness Supervision Basic Wound Care & Dressing Changes Post-Hospital Care & Day Surgery Care Respite Care Bedside Care in Hospitals Alzheimer’s / Dementia Care
“I have been working with seniors for over 20 years as a Gerontologist and Geriatric Care Manager… I truly love working with seniors and their families. My clients come from different hospital systems and the North Shore community at large. When guiding seniors and their families who need private duty home care, I feel a sense of security and comfort when Freedom Home Care works with me and my clients. They strive to provide exceptional quality care to seniors in need!” Julie Fohrman, MA Gerontologist in Highland Park, IL.
EXPERIENCE…
an exceptional lifestyle
Enjoy a worry-free, relaxing lifestyle and cooperative ownership at Luther Village, an active-adult retirement community in the heart of Arlington Heights!
• Low Monthly Fee and No Second Person Fee • Activities, Classes & Entertainment • Maintenance-Free Living Experience the Luther Village difference!
Celebrating
www.LutherVillage.com offered by Shaw Realty Services
of Excellence
1220 Village Drive, Arlington Heights, IL • 847-506-1919 Luther Village is a nondenominational development of The Shaw Company managed and offered by Shaw Realty Services.
AN ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITY WITH AFFORDABLE STUDIOS • SPACIOUS 1 & 2 BEDROOMS • DELIGHTFUL VILLA & COURTYARD HOMES
#GUIDETOAGINGWELL
Dave and Nancy Napalo
EASY LIVING BY S U S A N PA S T E R N A K
Senior retirement living gets a makeover as active younger seniors seek independent living without hassles.
With some 77 million Baby Boomers planning to retire over the next two decades, it’s no wonder the senior housing industry is in transition. With life expectancy continuing to increase in the U.S., those retiring at age 65 will have to decide where to spend the remaining 20 or more years of their lives. Thus, senior housing organizations are eager to appeal to younger boomers with independent living options that fulfill the needs of on-the-go seniors. “Some people really thrive in a community setting,” says Julie Fohrman, founder and principal of North Shore Geriatric Care Management, and a licensed gerontologist. “They move there before it’s too late and they have a whole sense of community, especially if they don’t have family in town, are childless seniors, or they want a local advocate.” For the Napalos, the decision was made with a practical and forward-thinking mindset. Like many their age, they were looking to downsize after raising their family in Wilmette in a large fivebedroom home. They even considered building a new home 102 SEPTEMBER /OC TOBER 2016
makeitbetter.net
in the type of green setting Dave loves. However, they knew that with grown children who live out of town, they would likely have to move again once they need more help, and the idea of staying in their home with a caretaker was not appealing. “Someone said this is a combination of a college campus and a cruise ship,” Dave Napalo says. “There’s the healthful aspect of staying socially engaged. You can stay in your own home, but if you’re not seeing people regularly or have limited transportation, the opportunity for social engagement just isn’t there to the degree that would be healthy for us.” They settled on Lake Forest Place and are thriving in the community, where they have lived for a year. One can see why. Their 2600-square-foot home is maintenance-free: One phone call and someone arrives to fix whatever is broken, all included in their monthly dues. When they travel — they just returned from two weeks in Turkey — they simply fill out a form and someone manages their home in their absence. They have the flexibility to eat in the dining room, cook at home in their gourmet kitchen with vegetables grown on site in the community garden, or head to the city for a night on the town. Most importantly, they have the peace of mind that if and when one of them needs more care, assisted living and nursing care is on the premises. Life Plan Communities “tend to be appealing to that segment of the population that is by nature, planners,” says Dave Schless, president of the American Senior Housing Association, an industry advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C. “We know that with education there’s an opportunity to increase
PHOTO BY SUSAN PASTERNAK
Dave and Nancy Napalo are fond of their jaunts to the city for culture and dining, and are hard to pin down at home because of their busy travel schedule. So, it might be curious to some that they reside at the Presbyterian Homes Lake Forest Place, a Life Plan Community, also known in the industry as a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), known to most as catering to those in their 70s and 80s. Both 65 years young, the Napalos are part of the changing face of senior retirement living.
the percentage of folks who move in to these types of communities. They tend to be among the most vibrant communities that we offer as a whole.”
BUILDING HAPPINESS
This buy-in concept of senior housing — you pay an upfront fee and then monthly maintenance that continues for the duration of your life — is just one option in a growing industry catering to different needs. Many seniors have found themselves in NORCs (naturally occurring retirement communities), where the residents have all aged in place after moving into the buildings at younger ages. They don’t have access to the breadth of services and support found in life-cycle communities, but they do have social opportunities with their peers. Many other seniors take the extra housing step of downsizing, and then moving to an assisted living or nursing facility if the need arises. However, that strategy can be perilous, as space is not always available when it is needed. “When you are looking for a quality place, in general there’s about a two-year waiting list,” Dave Napalo says. “When it becomes obvious that it’s necessary, it’s often too late.” While the buy-in option does not come without a hefty price tag (the lowest entrance fee runs around $230,000 for a high-end life-cycle community on the North Shore, with monthly fees starting around $3,000 per month), it does provide a full complement of activities for retirees, focusing on social, physical, spiritual and intellectual pursuits. Still, demand for continuing-care living is increasing. Nationwide, there are currently 598 entrance-fee Life Plan Communities, with 39 being expanded and 41 new communities in the works. To be sure, moving to a Life Plan Community at a young age is not for everyone, as the housing concept is still, for many, considered a place for the aged. For Nancy Napalo, it took some convincing of her friends that this was the right place for her and Dave, as many of them considered the couple too young for such a community. In fact, many of their friends wondered if one of them had a health crisis. Considering the life she and Dave now have though, filled with engaging friends, physical fitness, volunteerism, and a busy travel schedule, her friends’ minds are at ease about the Napalos’ wellness. “This does not feel old to me,” Nancy says. “We have a built-in community and our own house. It’s all a huge relief.”
Senior Lifestyle is bringing BEST-IN-CL ASS Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care to Lake Bluff, Illinois
OPENING EARLY 2017 NOW TAKING RESERVATION DEPOSITS Call 224-220-1692 or visit our Welcome Center to learn more!
RETIREMENT LIVING 29330 N. WAUKEGAN ROAD | LAKE BLUFF, IL 60044 WWW.SENIORLIFESTYLE.COM Shall be applying for assisted living license
#GUIDETOAGINGWELL
Woman gets mammogram to check for breast cancer.
ARE YOU AT RISK FOR BREAST CANCER? BY SHANNAN YO U NGER
Although breast cancer is the most common cancer occurring in women, experts say there is plenty you can do to lower your risk. Breast cancer is the cancer with the highest incidence among women, regardless of race or ethnicity, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). More than 230,000 people were diagnosed with the disease in 2013, the most recent year for which numbers are available. Many people are aware of the disease, but not what they can do to reduce their risk. “We strongly encourage women to take steps to reduce their risk of breast cancer,” says Maryann Rasmussen, senior market manager of the Lakeshore Division of the American Cancer Society (ACS). “Prevention is much easier than having to treat or cure cancer.” Breast cancer experts shared a few of the many risk factors for breast cancer and ways women can manage them to keep their risk as low as possible. VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY Many people associate exposure to the sun with an increased risk of skin cancer, but by staying inside and covered up, many people are missing out on the vitamin D that comes from spending time outside, and that can elevate the risk of other cancers, including breast cancer.
104 SEPTEMBER /OC TOBER 2016
makeitbetter.net
Dr. Eugene Ahn, medical oncologist at Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Midwestern Regional Medical Center, calls the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency a “silent epidemic.” “Fifty percent of women in the United States are vitamin D deficient, with 75 percent of women in the Midwest having a deficiency,” he explains, noting that greater time spent indoors and out of the sun is perhaps partly fueled by fear of elevated cancer risk, but staying inside may not be the answer. “A recent study showed that the top third of people with the most sun exposure even accounting for skin cancers had the least cancer risk, and those in the bottom third had equivalent cancer risk to active smokers,” he explains. Ahn suggests women get a simple blood test to check their vitamin D25 level and speak with their physician regarding the appropriate level of vitamin D for them. A supplement can often correct a deficiency without increasing exposure to UV rays. ALCOHOL INTAKE You may want to think twice before raising a second glass given that doing so often could increase your breast cancer risk.
#GUIDETOAGINGWELL
“Numerous studies have demonstrated that the intake of moderate amounts of alcohol, one to two drinks per day, is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer,” says Dr. Dean Tsarwhas, medical director of oncology services at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Grayslake Outpatient Center. Dr. Catherine Pesce, a breast surgeon at NorthShore University HealthSystem, says, “Data on alcohol shows that it is okay in moderation, meaning no more than two to three drinks per week.” One drink equals one ounce of liquor, six ounces of wine or eight ounces of beer. DENSE BREASTS Women with dense breasts are more likely to get breast cancer, and it can also be harder to detect tumors in dense breasts via mammogram, according to the CDC. Dense breasts are common and not abnormal, says Tsarwhas. There are four levels of breast density, with one being the least dense and four being the densest, with the least amount of fatty tissue. “In groups three and four, it is known that mammograms are not as good and can miss things,” says Pesce. Women cannot control their breast density, which declines with age. Being aware of it, however, enables women to make informed screening decisions with their doctors. Laws in Illinois and other states require that women be told if their breasts are dense. At NorthShore University HealthSystem, women in groups three and four can have automated whole breast ultrasound. “Our experience with it has been incredible,” says Pesce. “We have found breast cancers in women that mammograms have missed when they were very small, easily treatable and curable.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF CANCER TREATMENT CENTERS OF AMERICA
Ahn also notes that women with dense breasts should “be aware that MRI is considered a better imaging surveillance strategy than mammograms, but it comes with its own caveats, particularly higher risk of false positives and unnecessary biopsies.” He adds, “Women with dense breasts can certainly take to heart the advice on reducing their risk, especially staying physically active, eating a diet less exposed to animal fat and limiting alcohol intake. Since the relative impact of each of those interventions is considered uniform for all people, the absolute impact for a woman with dense breasts would be expected to be even higher.” HORMONE THERAPY “Current or prior estrogen and progesterone hormone therapy is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer,” says Tsarwhas. “Estrogen therapy alone without progesterone, used in women who have had a prior hysterectomy, is not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.” He advises women to weigh the possible risks and benefits with their doctors and says factors to consider include a woman’s baseline risk of breast and other cancers, risk of other medical conditions and bone health. DIET AND EXERCISE You are what you eat, and body weight and diet can both impact an individual’s risk for any cancer and specifically breast cancer, particularly when it comes to weight gain after menopause, according to Breastcancer.org.
Dr. Eugene Ahn from Cancer Treatment Centers of America
“There is no magic diet that can prevent cancer, but there are general recommendations that are very logical, such as eating lots of fruits and vegetables and whole grains and having only lean protein and not much read meat,” says Pesce. Obesity and inactivity are also known risk factors for breast cancer, according to Ahn. Physicians also stress that maintaining a healthy lifestyle and staying physically fit have tremendous benefits, both in terms of reducing cancer risk as well as promoting good cardiac health and overall well being. MENSTRUATION STARTING BEFORE AGE 12 Women who started their periods prior to age 12 have a higher risk of breast cancer later in life, according to Breastcancer.org, but the experts found the increased risk to be minimal and not a cause for much concern. “The general concept is that unopposed estrogen with less progesterone increases risk of breast cancer. Theoretically, this trend you describe would increase risk of breast cancer, but the degree of increased risk is relatively small and probably far dwarfed by the positive impact of healthy lifestyle choices,” explains Ahn. ONE THING YOU DON’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT: DEODORANT The physicians all say patients have asked about how the use of deodorant affects risk of breast cancer, and they all agree that it is strictly a myth that deodorant use causes breast cancer. WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO TRY TO CONTROL YOUR RISK Unfortunately, not all risk can be controlled. Pesce notes that she has seen breast cancer patients of all shapes and sizes. “Breast cancer does not discriminate,” she says, but adds that it is not a reason for women to give up on controlling their risk. “I will always be a promoter of a healthy lifestyle. It’s always good to be doing something rather nothing.” Tsarwhas agrees. “When it comes to our health, sometimes events happen despite our best efforts, and we don’t always have control,” he says. “This shouldn’t dissuade us from trying to live as healthy a lifestyle as possible and to remain up-to-date with recommendations for screening and surveillance.” For ways to join the American Cancer Society in the fight against breast cancer, visit CANCER.ORG/CANCER/BREASTCANCER/ SEPTEMBER /OC TOBER 2016
makeitbetter.net
105
There where you need us Clinical Expertise & Leadership. As the region's leading non-profit provider of palliative, supportive and end-of-life care for patients of all ages, we offer deep knowledge and experience across a broad spectrum. Customized Care and Support. We work with patients and their families to create a customized care plan that supports their goals of care. Responsive & Accessible, 24/7. We are dedicated to helping you receive the care, treatment and support you need, respecting your goals and wishes with sensitivity to your religious & cultural preferences. Our team of trained nurses are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Winnebago
Boone
Lake McHenry 90
JourneyCare DeKalb Kane provides care & support to patients and Kendall families in nearly 400 communities across 10 counties in the Chicago area and northern Illinois
294
94
355
DuPage
Cook 290
88
55 294
94 80
Will
57
Call us to discuss how we can help you and your family in dealing with serious illness REFERRALS: 224-770-2489
GENERAL INFORMATION: 847-467-7423
www.journeycare.org
CJE SeniorLife
Enhancing the Lives of Older Adults Through an Innovative Continuum of Care
Weinberg Community for Senior Living Gidwitz Place for Assisted Living The Friend Center for Memory Care | Bernard Heerey Annex Adult Day Services
t t t
1551 Lake Cook Rd., Deerfield | 847.374.0500
Lieberman Center for Health & Rehabilitation Short-Term Rehabilitation at the Haag Pavilion Alzheimer’s Special Care Unit Long-Term Care 9700 Gross Point Rd., Skokie | 847.929.3320 | Located near Old Orchard
t t t
LIFE ENRICHMENT | SUPPORTIVE RESOURCES | HEALTHCARE | RESEARCH AND EDUCATION
3003 West Touhy Avenue | Chicago IL | www.cje.net | 773.508.1000 CJE SeniorLifeTM is a partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community.
874.7.2016
NEW NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL DEVICE DEMONSTRATES THAT OSTEOPOROSIS IS REVERSIBLE BY CHICAGO BIODENSIT Y
Chicago BioDensity, an industry leader in improving bone density, is the first organization to bring BioDensity to Chicago and the North Shore. Chicago BioDensity brings the leading non-pharmacological approach to improving bone density. Under the leadership of Dr. Jason Conviser, a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, Chicago BioDensity provides safe, effective and innovative care. Chicago BioDensity’s multidisciplinary team is comprised of exercise physiologists, behavioral health psychologists and registered dietitians. They work collaboratively with clients to promote improved bone density, balance, flexibility, nutritional health and overall health. Chicago BioDensity recently opened their doors in downtown Chicago, Northbrook and Champaign-Urbana. BioDensity is a brief set of resistance movements that naturally trigger the body’s internal bone rebuilding responses. Closely monitored sessions allow the user to safely complete four simple gestures with the correct amount of pressure to promote bone reformation. The patented technology allows bone regeneration without discomfort or injury. A typical session is five seconds of effort and can be accomplished in street clothes without breaking a sweat in less than 10 minutes. Traditionally, medications are often prescribed to slow the rate of bone loss and/or encourage the body to rebuild bone. These medications are costly and come with many potentially uncomfortable side effects. Proper diet and exercise, although good for overall health and well being, has not been shown to build bone mass significantly enough reverse to the effects of osteoporosis. Recent research shows BioDensity to be more effective in increasing bone density than other current osteoporosis treatment options. BioDensity may be used independently or in conjunction with other management strategies.
Research illustrates that people using the BioDensity system show a four to 12 percent increase in bone density without the aid of medication. The growing body of research in support of BioDensity has been accepted in major research journals and professional organizations around the world. If you are at risk for osteoporosis or currently have osteoporosis, consider BioDensity. It is a natural solution that allows your body to heal itself at any age. To speak to Dr. Jason Conviser and his staff, please contact Chicago BioDensity. Call 312-283-2650 or visit chicagobiodensity.com today.
312-283-2650 chicagobiodensity.com
107
SEPTEMBER /OC TOBER 2016
makeitbetter.net
#GUIDETOAGINGWELL
STRONG BONES:
HOW TO GET THEM, KEEP THEM, AND AVOID FRACTURES BY SHANNAN YO U NGER
Bone health rarely tops the list of people’s health priorities, but taking care of your bones is a matter of lifelong importance. Here’s how to do all you can for yourself and your children to avoid osteoporosis and fractures by maximizing your bone health now and in the future. If you ask people about their primary health concerns, bone health isn’t likely to come up. But every 20 seconds, someone in the U.S. breaks a bone as a result of osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. “Unfortunately, because we don’t see it, many people tend to take it for granted, but bone health is an integral part of overall well-being,” explains Susan Randall, senior director of Science and Education for the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF). “It’s important to keep the skeleton strong to stand, move and bend — critical components of staying mobile and independent throughout life. “
108 SEPTEMBER /OC TOBER 2016
makeitbetter.net
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone or fails to make enough, resulting in bones that are weak and break easily. One in two women will break a bone during her lifetime, with osteoporosis responsible for 2 million broken bones and $19 billion in costs annually, according to the NOF. The best way to reduce your risk of fractures is to take steps now to build and maintain strong, healthy bones. IMPROVING BONE HEALTH A combination of diet and exercise is necessary for good bone health at every age. Calcium is deposited and withdrawn daily
#GUIDETOAGINGWELL
from your bones, and if you don’t take in a sufficient amount of calcium, you could be withdrawing more than you’re depositing. Calcium supplements are widely available, but taking a pill may not be the optimal way to get it. “When calcium supplementation was studied, researchers questioned whether taking too much contributes to increased risk of cardiovascular issues, so it’s important to talk with your doctor and weigh the benefits and risks to determine what’s best for you,” says Dr. Aarti Malik of NorthShore University HealthSystem. Turns out your parents were right to encourage you to drink your milk though, as, according to Malik, “So far no one has suggested ill effects with dietary calcium intake.” Milk and dairy products are excellent sources of calcium, but they are not the sole sources. “For people who are following non-dairy diets, many of the soy and almond milks are fortified with calcium,” says Malik. Broccoli and leafy green are also good sources. The body also requires sufficient levels of vitamin D to ensure calcium absorption. “Living in Chicago, vitamin D deficiency is a fairly common problem and supplementation can help with that,” says Malik.
“Following menopause, women need to be super vigilant about what they are doing to maintain bone health. They will lose bone density but can minimize the impact by doing other things right,” says Cody.
Maintaining a healthy weight is also important for bone health, as being underweight increases the chances of fractures and bone loss.
OLDER INDIVIDUALS Many bone breaks are the result of falls, so Cody urges people to take steps to make their home safe. “If we can keep people on their feet, we can prevent them from breaking a bone,” says Cody.
The Surgeon General’s Report on Bone Health and Osteoporosis emphasizes that weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise is another important part of keeping bones strong and healthy.
Women should have a baseline bone density test by 65, sooner if they have a family history of bone breaks. Men should have a bone density test by age 70.
GROWING STRONG BONES Parents who want to help kids grow strong bones should pay attention to their children’s diets, as most kids do not get enough calcium to help ensure optimal peak bone mass, according to the National Institutes of Health Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center. “Kids have a window of opportunity between ages 9 and 14. During that time they will build more bone than they ever lose in their entire lifetime,” says Kathleen Cody, executive director of American Bone Health and the Foundation for Osteoporosis Research. Eighty percent of a person’s skeleton is built by age 20. In addition, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all kids be supplemented with vitamin D. Exercise also plays a crucial role in forming strong bones during childhood and the NOF recommends that children and teens be active everyday and get at least 60 minutes of moderate exercise. BONE LOSS Unfortunately, a certain amount of bone loss over time is inevitable. After about the age of 30, the body stops making new bone. Bone density declines with age, and accelerates for women after menopause with the reduction of estrogen, which is important to bone building.
MEN NEED TO PAY ATTENTION TO BONE HEALTH, TOO Bone health is not just a women’s issue. It’s true that men are less likely to break a bone, but one in four men will do so at some point in life, and the consequences can be more dire. Men are more likely than women to die within a year of breaking a hip. CONTROVERSY OVER MEDICATION While all medications have side effects, the ones that accompany drugs to treat osteoporosis have come under fire recently. Malik says that patients are less likely to get and fill prescriptions for osteoporosis medications than they were several years ago. “There are a number of medications available now that have a long track record of effectiveness and safety, but because of fears about very rare side effects, many patients do not take any of these drugs to reduce their risk of fractures,” says Randall. Cody notes that people underestimate the risks associated with fractures and fail to consider that 25 percent of those who enter the hospital with a hip fracture die within the year. “Nobody thinks twice about drugs for heart attacks, but they do when it comes to medication for osteoporosis,” he says. “People are willing to take a chance with hip fractures, but they really do need to weigh risks and benefits.” Read more about aging well at MAKEITBETTER.NET/AGING SEPTEMBER /OC TOBER 2016
makeitbetter.net
109
SPONSORED CONTENT
HOME CARE
A SOLUTIONS-BASED APPROACH BY B ROAD S T R EE T
Research states that 90 percent of aging adults prefer to remain in their home. And for good reason. Our homes are the center of our life experience, a place synonymous with comfort and self-sufficiency. Now consider a collaborative home care service that includes not only personal assistance and companionship but can also
provide professional services to help manage health conditions and support healthy living habits; all coordinated with an individual’s personal network of physicians and family members. It’s about creating a continuum of care throughout all aspects of the individual’s lifestyle — a dynamic solution that supports the unique situation and individual requirements as they change over time. Broad Street, a home care agency serving the North Shore, understands this approach. Talk to them about how they can customize a service designed with your needs and preferences in mind.
1229 Green Bay Road, Wilmette, IL 847-728-0134 BroadStreetHomeCare.com
Assisted Living For Today’s Independent-Minded Adult At Presbyterian Homes, we believe assisted living doesn’t mean giving up your independence. So, we offer you just the care you need, along with a few other things – like friendships, financial security and new interests. If you would like to see what our assisted living communities have to offer, please call us today.
THE HIGHLANDS AT WESTMINSTER PLACE 888-835-8992
THE HIGHLANDS AT LAKE FOREST PLACE 888-284-0133
THE HIGHLANDS AT KING HOME 888-462-0916
THE HIGHLANDS AT THE MOORINGS 888-708-2110
presbyterianhomes.org
PHOTO <CREDIT>
Aging is about change. While health becomes a major consideration as we evolve in years, it doesn’t need to become a liability. Quality of life for seniors rests upon being empowered to live independently. Yet so much of what we see in the world around us tells us that old age is a downhill path towards immobility, institutionalized living and clinical mazes. The question becomes: How can we support the process of aging at the highest level — fully addressing our specific needs while continuing to enjoy the life experiences we value? The answer may lie in home care services.
#GUIDETOAGINGWELL
SENIOR LIVING DIRECTORIES
Name/Location A-Abiding Care, Park Ridge, 847-698-1400, aabidingcare.com
Alden Courts of Des Plaines, 847-294-0644, aldencourtsofdesplaines.com
Phys ical T hera py Relig ious Serv ices Rest aura nt-S tyle Dinin Shor g t Ter mC are Spee ch a nd Occ upat /or iona l The rapy Tran spor tatio n Se rvice s
Adu lt Da y Ca re Alzh eime r’s C are Barb er/B eaut ician Exer cise Area Hos pice Prog ram Libra ry
Find the right Chicago-area assisted living facility, retirement community, nursing home facility, continuing care facility or home health and hospice facility for you or your loved ones.
Alden Des Plaines, 847-768-1300, aldendesplaines.com
Alden Estates of Barrington, 847-382-6664, aldenestatesofbarrington.com
Alden Estates of Evanston, 847-328-6000, aldenestatesofevanston.com
Alden Estates of Skokie, 847-676-4800, aldenestatesofskokie.com
Alden Gardens of Des Plaines, 847-294-0644, aldengardensofdesplaines.com
Alden Long Grove, 847-438-8275, aldenlonggrove.com
Alden North Shore, Skokie, 847-679-6100, aldennorthshore.com
Bella Terra, Morton Grove, 847-965-8100, bellaterramortongrove.com
Belmont Village of Glenview, 847-657-7100, glenview.belmontvillage.com
Brentwood Nursing, Riverwoods, 847-947-9000, brentwoodnorthrehab.com
Broad Street Home Care, Wilmette, 847-728-0134, broadstreethomecare.com
Brookdale Hawthorn Lakes, Vernon Hills, 847-440-5247, brookdale.com
Brookdale Northbrook, 847-440-3777, brookdale.com
Brookdale Vernon Hills, 847-440-3763, brookdale.com
Chestnut Square at The Glen, Glenview, 847-998-1118, chestnutsquare.info
Crestwood Place, Northbrook, 847-272-0170, northbrook.il.us
Covenant Village of Northbrook, 847-480-6380, covenantnorthbrook.org
Freedom Home Care, Highland Park, 847-433-5788, freedomhomecare.net
Friendship Village, Schaumburg, 847-884-5000, friendshipvillage.org
Glenview Terrace, 847-729-9090, glenviewterrace.com
Greek American Rehabilitation & Care Centre, Wheeling, 847-459-8700, greekamericancare.org
Grosse Pointe Manor, Niles, 847-647-9875, grossepointemanor.com
Highland Park Memory Care Community, 224-217-9235, silveradocare.com
*Contact each facility for the most up-to-date offerings. SEPTEMBER /OC TOBER 2016
makeitbetter.net
111
Name/Location
Phys ical T hera py Relig ious Serv ices Rest aura nt-S tyle Dinin Shor g t Ter mC are Spee ch & /o Occ upat r iona l The rapy Tran spor tatio n Se rvice s
Adu lt Da y Ca re Alzh eime r’s C are Barb er/B eaut ician Exer cise Area Hos pice Prog ram Libra ry
#GUIDETOAGINGWELL
Highland Park Nursing and Rehab, Highwood, 847-432-9142, hpnrc.com
Home Instead Senior Care, Northbrook, 847-418-3300, homeinstead.com
JourneyCare Marshak Famiy Hospice CareCenter, Glenview, 847-467-7423, journeycare.org
Lake Forest Place, Lake Forest, 888-486-9972, lakeforestplace.org
Lieberman Center for Health and Rehabilitation, Skokie, 847-929-3320, liebermancenter.net
LivHOME, Skokie, 847-805-8067, livhome-chicago.com
Lutheran Home, Arlington Heights, 847-368-7400, lutheranhome.org
Luther Village, Arlington Heights, 847-506-1919, luthervillage.com
ManorCare Libertyville, 847-816-3200, hcr-manorcare.com
ManorCare Northbrook, 847-795-9700, hcr-manorcare.com
Mather Place of Wilmette, 847-256-9300, matherplaceofwilmette.com North Shore Place, Northbrook, 224-534-6640, seniorlifestyle.com North Shore Senior Center, Northfield, 847-784-6000, nssc.org
Orchard Park Memory Care Community, Morton Grove, 224-707-0885, silveradocare.com
Presence Maryhaven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Glenview, 847-729-1300, presencehealth.org
Presence Resurrection Nursing and Short-Stay Rehabilitation Center, Park Ridge, 847-692-5600, presencehealth.org
Radford Green at Sedgebrook, Lincolnshire, 847-901-3319, RadfordGreen.com
Rainbow Hospice Ark, Park Ridge, 847-692-8899, rainbowhospice.org
Right at Home of North Suburban Chicago, Northbrook, 847-374-8400, rightathomensc.com
Services for Adults Staying in Their Homes (SASI), Evanston, 847-864-7274, sasiathome.org
Sunrise of Wilmette, 847-256-1600, sunriseseniorliving.com Ten Twenty Grove, Evanston, 888-502-3314, presbyterianhomes.org
The Admiral on the Lake, Chicago, 773-433-1800, admiral.kendal.org
makeitbetter.net
112 SEPTEMBER /OC TOBER 2016
The Abington of Glenview, 847-729-0000, theabington.com
*Contact each facility for the most up-to-date offerings.
Sedgebrook, Lincolnshire, 847-876-2100, welcometosedgebrook.com
Summit of Uptown, Park Ridge, 847-825-1161, summitofuptown.com
SPONSORED CONTENT
ADVANCED GENOMIC TESTING — NEW OPTIONS IN CANCER CARE B Y C A N C E R T R E AT M E N T C E N T E R S O F A M E R I C A
Lynn Kanne, endometrial cancer patient, and Dr. Herbert Beck, gynecologic oncologist, CTCA at Midwestern Regional Medical Center
Every cancer, like every patient, is different. That’s why Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) in suburban Chicago offers patients personalized treatment plans, focused specifically on their needs.
cells at the molecular level and may reveal abnormalities in the tumor gene sequence. This allows the oncologist to determine if a targeted therapy not previously considered would be a good option (for example, using a breast cancer therapy for lung cancer).
CTCA® combines conventional medical treatments with evidencebased integrative oncology services to deliver whole-person care. According to Dr. Herbert Beck, gynecologic oncologist, patients are surrounded by an integrative team that creates a comprehensive treatment plan. “At CTCA, there is an army of support staff that help patients with their cancer treatment journey, from help in deciding an optimal treatment plan to help in dietary recommendations,” says Beck. In addition to conventional therapies, a plan may include nutritional support, naturopathic medicine, mind-body therapy, pain management, spiritual support and other strength-building therapies to help patients maintain quality of life.
For Lynn Kanne, who was diagnosed with stage IV endometrial cancer, advanced genomic testing opened the doors to a new treatment option. Prior to testing, Lynn’s oncologist identified several different chemotherapies for her. Each time the chemotherapy appeared to be working, shortly thereafter her cancer would progress. Her oncologist at CTCA recommended advanced genomic testing, which showed an abnormality. Lynn was placed on a targeted therapy based on the findings, and initial scans have shown that her tumors are shrinking.
A New Hope For those who have not benefited, or no longer benefit from the No case is typical. You should not expect to experience these standard-of-care treatment options, they may find new hope in advanced genomic testing, which looks at a patient’s cancer results.
SEPTEMBER /OC TOBER 2016
makeitbetter.net
113
Name/Location
Phys ical T hera py Relig ious Serv ices Rest aura nt-S tyle Dinin Shor g t Ter mC are Spee ch & /o Occ upat r iona l The rapy Tran spor tatio n Se rvice s
Adu lt Da y Ca re Alzh eime r’s C are Barb er/B eaut ician Exer cise Area Hos pice Prog ram Libra ry
#GUIDETOAGINGWELL
The Clare, Chicago, 312-784-8100, theclare.com
The Garlands of Barrington, 847-304-1996, thegarlands.com
The Grove of Evanston, 847-316-3320, thegroveofevanston.com
The Highlands at King Home, Evanston, 847-866-2111, tentwentygrove.org
The Highlands at The Moorings of Arlington Heights, 847-956-4095, themooringsofarlingtonheights.org
The Highlands at Westminster Place, Evanston, 847-866-1615, presbyterianhomes.org
The Lodge of Northbrook, 847-772-9100, lodgeofnorthbrook.com
The Mather, Evanston, 847-492-7500, thematherevanston.com
The Moorings of Arlington Heights, 888-522-9907, themooringsofarlingtonheights.org
The Sheridan at Green Oaks, Lake Bluff, 224-534-6660, seniorlifestyle.com (opening early 2017)
The Merion, Evanston, 847-512-0813, merionevanston.com
The Wellshire, Lincolnshire, 224-543-7070, thewellshirelincolnshire.com
Three Crowns Park, Evanston, 847-328-8700, threecrownspark.com
Vi at the Glen, Glenview, 866-960-7622, viliving.com
Warren Barr Lincolnshire, 224-543-7100, warrenbarrlincolnshire.com Weinberg Community for Senior Living, Deerfield, 847-374-0500, cje.net
Westminster Place, Evanston, 888-285-3233, westminsterplace.org
Whitehall of Deerfield Healthcare, 847-945-4600, whitehallofdeerfield.com
*Contact each facility for the most up-to-date offerings.
114 SEPTEMBER /OC TOBER 2016
makeitbetter.net
Why we chose Assisted Living at Pioneer Place.
READ MORE OF OUR GUIDES ONLINE! ALL ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS Advice on Dating, Marriage or Divorce makeitbetter.net/relationship FAMILY VACATION GUIDE Tips for Travel and Places to Go makeitbetter.net/vacation THE GUIDE TO GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING makeitbetter.net/gardening THE GUIDE TO SELLING YOUR HOME makeitbetter.net/sell SMART MONEY GUIDE How to Plan Your Financial Future makeitbetter.net/money 8-MINUTE FITNESS GUIDE Workouts for Your Whole Body makeitbetter.net/fitnessguide
Q. A.
What would be your top priority if Dad needed help with daily living? A place Dad would have a lot to do and great amenities.
So many friendly people. So much to do. Assisted Living at Pioneer Place offers many opportunities to gather with friends and neighbors for an event, musical performance, or exercise class. Located in a historic, charming building, Pioneer Place offers unique studios and one-bedroom apartments and compassionate service. It makes perfect sense for those who want to keep an active lifestyle combined with the assurance of exceptional support.
2323 McDaniel Avenue • Evanston, Illinois 847-905-1234 • www.threecrownspark.com
TCP1615—A.L. Dad Ad 4.5"x10"MIB.indd 1
8/15/16 12:10 PM