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Publisher Editor Advertising Director Art Director
SENIOR EXPO
Dan McDonald Michael W. Sasser Jim Hart Mandy N. Taniguchi
September 1, 2018
Senior Expo 2018 edition is published by the Minot Daily News which is located at 301 4th Street Southeast in Minot, North Dakota. 701-857-1900 www.minotdailynews.com
WE ARE LEADING CARE. TOGETHER. THOMAS FRIMPONG, DO, AND CHARLES W WOOD, OOD, MD, NEUR NEUROSURGEONS ROSURGEONS
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CALL (701) 857-5877 T TO OC CONNECT ONNECT WITH A SPINE, AND NECK SPECIALIS SPECIALIST, PECIALIST, OR VISIT TRINITYHEALTH.ORG/NEUROSURGERY. TRINIT YHEALLTH.ORG TH.ORG/NEUROSURGER G/NEUROSURGER RY. MINO T, NOR TH D AKOTA MINOT, NORTH DAKOTA
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A hearing aid wearer now can customize products and services to save money. Submitted Photo
SENIOR EXPO
September 1, 2018
H e a r in g a i d ‘s t icker shock’ e ases with pay-as-you-go pricing
If you’re among the 48 million older Americans with some degree of hearing loss, you may have experienced a reaction best described as “hearing aid sticker shock.” It happens when you seek out a hearing aid provider with the thought of purchasing one or more hearing aids. You soon discover that the exorbitant prices make them nearly unaffordable. To help ease the shock, Trinity Health’s Audiology Department last year introduced an itemized pricing model that lets patients pick and choose which hearing aid products and audiology services they would like to purchase and at what point in time – called “pay-as-yougo.” “We wanted hearing aids to be as accessible as possible,” said Audiologist Tricia Nechodom, AuD. “Hearing aids and assistive devices are a large investment. Pay- as-you-go gives patients transparency by separating products from professional services and breaking it down into an itemized list.”
The classic model for hearing aid sales has been a bundled model, in which patients purchase a package that includes the hearing aid and various services in one lump sum. While appealing in some instances, in other cases it can result in services being included in the package that weren’t needed and never rendered. “Separating the cost of the hearing aid from the professional services prevents our patients from paying for services they may never use,” Nechodom said. According to Nechodom, patients previously might see a figure for a hearing aid that ranged from $1,500 to $3,150 per aid. “It was difficult for patients to understand why the device cost so much. Now they’re able to see the breakdown,” she said. Itemization has helped make hearing aids more affordable – bare bones pricing is $595 plus fitting fees of $500 if patients want to add that. It also has improved access to hearing healthcare. “Patients have been happy and impressed with the transparency and their
choice in hearing care,” Nechodom said, noting that patients are able to more fully understand all costs associated with the aid. She also noted that a hearing aid is just one tool in the hearing health toolbox. “We don’t want the cost to prohibit the patient’s ability to hear,” she said. “No matter what the budget is, we have a solution to fit a patient’s communication needs.” Trinity Health audiologists Nechodom, Jerrica Maxson, AuD, and Laura Greer, AuD, are available to help with hearing aid and other hearing-related needs, with offices located in Trinity’s Audiology and Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic at Health Center-West, 101-3rd Avenue SW, in Minot. “We don’t just sell hearing aids,” Nechodom emphasized. “Our goal is to rehabilitate our patients’ hearing health through evidence-based clinical practice.” For more information or an appointment, please call 857-5986.
Wireless technology takes hearing aids to new levels
(METRO) Hearing loss may not be something people want to contemplate, but it is more common than many people may think. Hearing deficits may occur from birth or be acquired due to injury or prolonged exposure to loud noises. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders says approximately 15 percent of American adults (37.5 million people) aged 18 and older report some trouble hearing. Age is the strongest contributor to hearing loss, with people age 60 and older with the highest levels of impairment. People with hearing deficits can access a growing number of assistance devices to make their lives easier. From telephones and doorbells that trigger a blinking light rather than a bell to closed captioning and voice-totext conversion to a greater understanding and widespread usage of sign language, the deaf and hearing impaired have many options to help
them overcome hearing loss. As technology advances, so, too, do the options for the hearing impaired. One innovative piece of gadgetry is sophisticated wireless hearing aids that are compatible with personal electronic devices. Thanks to Bluetooth technology, hearing aid manufacturers are harnessing this science to expand on the abilities of hearing aids and to develop new products. In the past, in order to use an MP3 player or mobile phone, a person would need to remove traditional hearing aids to accommodate a pair of earbuds. Furthermore, hearing aids may have had their limitations in filtering ambient noise. Although Bluetooth-powered hearing devices are still in their infancy, Oticon, a global hearing technology company, has developed their own communication and entertainment solution called ConnectLine that enables people to connect hearing aids with different devices. This transforms
hearing aids into a personal wireless headset for listening to music, watching television or video chatting. Many other companies, such as ReSound and Starkey, also offer Bluetooth-enabled devices. Their devices may be compatible with Android and iPhone models, some of which may only require an app or direct connectivity to the device. In fact, Apple has patented a specific Bluetooth connectivity with certain hearing aid manufacturers. Others may require an accessory of some sort to make connections possible, especially when pairing with a TV or other audio device. Thanks to cutting edge technology, assistive listening devices have improved considerably. Individuals should speak with their hearing care professionals about their daily needs concerning hearing aids and explore the options in wireless hearing aid technology that can work seamlessly with their devices.
SENIOR EXPO
September 1, 2018
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Anterior Hip Replacement now available at Trinity Health Trinity Health’s orthopedic team has been in expansion mode this year, with the addition of three new surgeons bringing new skills and new patient options to the region. Daniel Lee, DO, MMS, and Mohammad T. Hashemi, MD, joined the team earlier this year. Dr. Lee is fellowship trained in sports medicine, specializing in arthroscopic procedures of the hip and knee, including ACL reconstruction and rotator cuff repair. Dr. Hashemi is fellowship trained in total joint reconstruction and will soon offer partial or “uni” knee replacement – considered less invasive than total knee replacement for patients who meet certain criteria. Now, Trinity Health is pleased to welcome Cody Pehrson, MD,
Expo Speaker
DID YOU KNOW?
O
ver the last decade, seniors have become increasingly more savvy in regard to social media usage. The Pew Research Center found that, in 2015, around 35 percent of people age 65 and older reported using social media. That’s a large jump from just 2 percent in 2005. As of 2016, 65 percent of people between the ages 50 and 64 reported using social media, according to Pew. Social media usage among seniors continues to climb, although young adults still comprise the demographic most likely to use it. Among seniors ages 50 and older, Facebook is by far the most popular social media platform used, followed by Pinterest and LinkedIn.
an orthopedic surgeon fellowship trained in orthopedic trauma, with special expertise in hip and shoulder reconstruction. “What distinguishes my practice is that I do big fractures of the pelvis as well as acetabular fractures,” Dr. Pehrson said. Acetabular fractures are pelvic fractures that affect the socket part of the ball-and-socket hip joint. “I also do hip reconstruction and shoulder replacement,” he added. One of Dr. Pehrson’s unique skills is anterior hip replacement, a minimally invasive approach to hip surgery that minimizes pain and hastens recovery. “Anterior hip replacement is a musclesparing technique that significantly reduces downtime for patients,” he noted. Potential benefits of anterior hip replacement are: – Hip joint may be accessed through the front of the hip. – Surgeon works through natural openings between muscles, resulting in less pain and quicker healing. – More freedom of movement post-operatively, including fewer bending restrictions. In a region with four distinct seasons, in-
cluding slippery winters and trauma-filled summers, Dr. Pehrson’s trauma expertise will come in handy. He’s expertly trained in complex trauma cases and is experienced in malunion and nonunion fractures. “Nonunion is when the bone doesn’t heal properly, leaving the patient with pain,” he explained. “Malunion occurs when the bone heals in an abnormal position, such as shortening of a limb.” Dr. Pehrson earned his medical doctorate from the Medical College of Wisconsin and received residency training in orthopedic surgery at UCSF Fresno. He completed his Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship with Sonoran Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeons of Arizona, where he gained extensive experience providing orthopedic trauma care at the four Level I trauma centers in the Phoenix area. Drs. Hashemi, Lee, and Pehrson join other members of orthopedic team – Alexandre Kindy, MD, Paul MacLeod, MD, Dawn Mattern, MD, E. Dexter Scott, MD, Louba Bouzou, PA-C, Amber Rice, DNP-C, Andrea Sebelius, AGPCNP-BC, and Donna Verhasselt, PA-C. For more information, call Trinity Health Orthopedics at (701) 857-5500.
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September 1, 2018
SENIOR EXPO
‘Livin g life to the fu llest’
Expo Speaker
Somerset Court director to speak about senior living options
By ELOI SE OGDEN ties that we provide that can certainly make your life a lot easier,” VanDeventer Regional Editor eogden@minotdailynews.com said. Services provided to residents include There comes a time in life three daily meals at restaurant-style dinwhen person might need some help ing, medication assistance, transportation, assistance with bathing and simple dresswith their daily living. Melissa VanDeventer, director of Som- ing, housekeeping and laundry. When a person moves there, they reerset Court, Minot, will speak about different senior living options, mainly focusing ceive an emergency alert pendant. “Any on assisted living, at the Sept. 6 1st Annual place they are in the building, they can hit their pendant if they’re in distress or trouMinot Daily News Senior Expo. Dave Caldwell, also a director, said ble. We want to make them happy and many people who have moved to the re- safe,” Caldwell said. Residents can be as busy as they want tirement and assisted living community have said during the first two months of to be at Somerset Court with an activity living there that they wish they would calendar running from 9:30 in the mornhave done it sooner. “People tend to put it ing until 9 o’clock at night. “They go places off until they don’t feel good anymore and and we have music, cards, bingo and seathat’s not necessarily the right step,” he sonal events,” said VanDeventer, naming some of the activities. said. Residents can raise vegetables in a garSomerset Court provides affordable living and caters to the comforts and needs of den by the parking lot. At various times, a residents while assisting them in main- fire pit is brought to the site and everyone can sit around the fire, roast marshmaltaining their independence. “There are a lot of services and ameni- lows, listen to music, sing and dance.
Tips to improve memory
(METRO) orgetfulness can affect anyone. For example, few, if any, adults can say they have not experienced moments when they could not find their keys. And once the keys are found, people move on without giving much thought to why they did not immediately remember where they left their keys. Isolated incidents where people cannot recall where they placed their car keys or other minor bouts with forgetfulness do not occur by accident. In fact, the Harvard Medical School notes that they are likely byproducts of age-related changes in thinking skills. When people reach their 50s, chemical and structural changes in the brain may begin to occur, and these changes can affect a person’s ability to process memories. Father Time may be a formidable foe, but people can take steps to give their memories a boost as they get older.
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Hospital, notes that human beings are better at recognition than recall. That means people are more likely to remember something they read, such as a note or a list, than something they’re simply told.
• Recognize the value of repetition
The Harvard Medical School notes that people might be more inclined to remember what they hear if they repeat it out loud. Names and addresses might be more easily remembered after they’re repeated out loud because repetition increases the likelihood that the brain will record the information and be capable of retrieving it later. When studying for exams, many students repeat important points to themselves time and again, and that same approach can be applied by adults who are trying to improve their memories.
• Eat a healthy diet A study published in 2015 in the journal • Embrace recognition instead Neurology found that people who eat of trusting recall
Dr. Joel Salinas, a neurologist who spe- healthy diets with lots of fruits, vegetables, cializes in behavioral neurology and neu- nuts, and fish and little alcohol and red ropsychiatry at Massachusetts General meat may be less likely to experience de-
clines in their memory and thinking skills. Authored by Andrew Smyth of McMaster University in Ontario and the National University of Ireland in Galway, the study following more than 27,000 people in 40 countries for an average of roughly five years. All participants were 55 and older and had diabetes or a history of heart disease, stroke or peripheral artery disease. Those who ate the healthiest diets were 24 percent less likely to experience cognitive decline than people with the least healthy diets.
• Break things down
Breaking things down into small chunks also can help improve memory. If tasked with remembering something extensive, such as a speech, focus on a single sentence at a time, only moving on to the next sentence when you’re confident you have successfully committed the preceding sentence to memory. Periodic memory lapses are often nothing to worry about. But men and women concerned about maintaining their memories can employ various strategies to do just that.
A once a month seniors dance with a live band is always a hit, the directors said. The monthly dance is usually listed in the Minot Daily News’ Calendar of Events. Many people who are not residents also attend the dance. Annually on Aug. 25, a big variety show is held for the residents. “Everybody comes in for a nice sit-down dinner and then we head down to our auditorium, which is one of the amenities in the south building that opened a couple years ago, and then we do a variety show,” said Caldwell. Somerset Court celebrated its 18th anniversary at this year’s variety show. VanDeventer said holidays are observed at Somerset Court on the holidays. The south building also has a theater where movies are played every day and fresh popcorn is made for every movie. “There’s a lot of active people here,” Caldwell said. “We do have an amazing time,” VanDeventer added. For more information visit somersetcourt.net or call 838-4500.
September 1, 2018
SENIOR EXPO
The art and science of audiology
In 1983, Professional Hearing Services became the first private audiology clinic in North Dakota and they continue to be a leader in hearing healthcare in Western North Dakota. Their regional offices in Minot, Bismarck and Williston, and several satellite clinics, ensure that services are brought closer to your community. As an independent clinic, they have the freedom and flexibility to provide you with the most current testing and rehabilitative services available. They also provide options from leading manufacturers and access to the latest developments in hearing aid technology. The hearing care industry is full of options promising better technology, lower costs or greater capabilities. However, all of these options should be appropriately paired with an individual’s hearing loss, lifestyle and unique hearing needs or budget. And it’s not about having the latest technology, it’s about how the correct technology is applied by the best Doctors of Audiology, to deliver the precise solution for
your hearing needs. It’s also important that each patient understands their hearing loss and both the benefits AND limitations of various treatments and technologies. Professional Hearing Services treats each individual as an individual and puts the patient to the forefront. This philosophy of “art and science” is critical to provide hearing healthcare that is custom tailored. Having the ability to take time to first get to know the individual and their hearing needs, is part of the “art.” They take time to get to know you and your hearing needs. The “science” refers to the diagnostic protocols utilized along with the specific technology, rehabilitation techniques and verification protocols provided by your Doctor of Audiology. It is the combination of the Doctor’s “art,” with the most comprehensive diagnostic tests and today’s latest hearing aid technology that will provide for the best value. At Professional Hearing Services, the focus is less on your hearing loss and more on your hearing needs.
Combining all of that with the relaxing and comfortable space that each office provides, allows for a welcoming and enriching experience where you know you’ve made the best choice. When your hearing is not optimal, it can lead to feelings of detachment. Day-to-day conversations can prove difficult, causing you to withdraw from people and activities. The sense of isolation can be depressing and lonely. It can also make you feel helpless and frustrated. Professional Hearing Services understands and takes the time to treat you as an individual – getting to know you and your specific concerns. They’ll take the time to ensure you understand your hearing loss and options for treatment – treating you like family while they welcome you to their’s.
Expo Speaker
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SENIOR EXPO
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I n d e p e n d ence is k e y f o r E d gewood a n d C ar i n gEdge By SHYANNE BELZE R Staff Writer sbelzer@minotdailynews.com
No one wants to leave the place they call home or give up their independence. For Edgewood and CaringEdge, helping seniors maintain these things is one of their most important goals. Edgewood began in 1996 as an assisted living facility and has grown over its many years, adding CaringEdge a year and a half ago. Together they work to help seniors both in the Edgewood community and outside of it. Edgewood provides all members of their community meals, housekeeping, laundry services, medication and bathing
Shyanne Belzer/MDN
Expo Speaker
assistance, 24-hour care, and more. They work to offer a variety of services for people, regardless of if they will need them all. For Edgewood, it is all about providing their community with the things they need to remain independent and doing the things they want, and to give families peace of mind. With a focus on geriatric care, CaringEdge works to help Edgewood with their goal alongside helping other seniors in the community remain in their homes. Services they provide include physical and occupational therapy and home health.
They work to help decrease hospitalization of seniors and decrease emergencies through the services they offer, such as preventing a bad fall through physical therapy. “What we are doing in Edgewood isn’t like what is offered everywhere else,” explained Brendan Weidler, who manages CaringEdge. “Hopefully we can help people remain in home and not in a skilled nursing facility.” CaringEdge is available to any senior in the community with the outpatient therapy it offers. They are in the final stages of
Live comfortably on less
(METRO) Many people look toward retirement with mixed feelings. There is the anticipation and excitement of no longer having to stick to a set schedule. However, there may be some trepidation about living without a steady income. Bloomberg financial experts found the number of Americans aged 65 and older without a disability that weren’t in the labor force rose to 800,000 in the fourth quarter of 2016. This has become a long-standing trend of Baby Boomers leaving the workforce and entering retirement. Yet, a Statistics Canada study of people between the ages 60 and 64 who had left long-term employment found 43 percent of them were working again, most within a year of leaving their job. Although boredom may have compelled many of those people to reenter the workforce, some may have started working again to make ends meet. Researchers found the higher the earnings in one’s late 40s, the more likely a retiree is to go back to work. While retirees may need to alter their spending habits, it is possible to live happily on less. Here are some ways to do just that.
ACCURATELY ASSESS HOME EXPENSES The National Foundation for Credit Counseling says the cost of home-related expenses accounts for roughly 45 percent of spending for retirees. Individuals can add up exactly how much their homes are costing them and then decide if downsizing is a practical solution. Downsizing has a host of benefits, not the least of which is reducing housingrelated expenses.
INVEST IN HEALTH CARE
Unexpected health care costs can quickly deplete individuals’ finances. That’s why it is essential to have a solid insurance plan in place. Health care planning also may include thinking ahead to long-term care, such as assisted living and nursing homes. One may have to make concessions elsewhere, but investing in health care can assuage concerns men and women might have about the cost of living in their golden years.
September 1, 2018
USE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION
SHOP FOR FOOD DIFFERENTLY
Cars can be expensive. A budget-friendly alternative to driving is to use public transportation or transportation services provided to seniors free or for nominal fees.
Bulk buys may have been appropriate for men and women when there were kids running around, but emptynesters can cut back on food expenses. Shopping sales and making more meals at home can help seniors save money. The market research firm NPD Group found that inhome meals cost roughly onethird of what it costs to eat the same food at a restaurant. Save dining out for special occasions.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SENIOR DISCOUNTS
Many restaurants, stores and service centers offer discounts to seniors. The starting age for discounts may vary from store to store, so always ask before cashing out.
preparing their Home Health services for the community as well. All services CaringEdge offers are covered by Medicare except for the assisted living room and board at Edgewood. As Medicare can be complicated, more information and answers to questions can be found by calling Edgewood at 852-1399. An Open House is planned for Sept. 13 from 4-7 p.m. for those interested in a visit and to learn about CaringEdge and all they offer. Edgewood is located at 800 16th Avenue SE. They will be presenting at the 1st Annual Minot Daily News Senior Expo on Sept. 6 at Minot’s Sleep Inn & Suites.
Assisted Living & Memory Care
701.852.1399 | 800 16th Ave SE, Minot | edgewoodseniorliving.com
SENIOR EXPO
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September 1, 2018
S u p por t for c aregivers i s h e l p f u l
(METRO) At some point in a son or daughter’s life, the role of caregiver may shift. Where parents once took care of their children, aging parents very frequently rely on their children to care for them. Adult caregivers typically want to do right by their aging loved ones but sometimes find that the demands of medical and emotional support can dominate their lives — so much so that their own children and other household responsibilities are neglected. The Mayo Clinic says it is natural to feel sad, alone, frustrated, and even angry when serving as a caregiver to an elderly parent. However, it’s also important to recognize the signs that the burden has become too much and to look for ways to lighten the workload. Anyone can get caregiver stress, but the National Alliance for Caregiving says women are more susceptible than men. Those who are responsible for helping someone with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or a debilitating illness are also at a high risk of developing their own medical issues. These responsibilities can affect the quality of caregivers’ sleep and impede their ability to relax and unwind. Finding relief from caregiver stress can involve a few different strategies.
Ask for more help
erly parent. Facilities generally have 24-hour staff to monitor residents, provide meals and provide entertainment. The change of pace can also be stimulating to the senior, and respite care can be a gradual introduction to longterm care.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help. If other family members or siblings are unable to pitch in, look into the possibility of hired aides. These professionals can be excellent and trained sources of support who assist with activities of daily living, remind patients to take their medications and assist in coordinating medical checkups.
Embrace community resources
Consider watchdog technology
Smart homes have enabled remote control of many household systems, making it possible to monitor thermostat temperature, water leaks or floods, appliance and light usage, and much more. Video and sound surveillance can offer peace of mind to those who cannot be with their loved ones con-
stantly. Another option is a product called Care Coach. This is a digital tool that provides medicine reminders, health coaching, automated alerts, and an interactive avatar that can offer psychological and comforting support.
How to stay flexible as you age
(METRO) Men and women may begin to feel less flexible as they get older. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, that loss of flexibility is because muscles lose both strength and elasticity as the body ages. A lack of flexibility can make men and women more vulnerable to certain types of injuries, including muscle strains and tears. While people might not be able to maintain the flexibility they enjoyed in their twenties, there are ways for them to combat age-related loss of flexibility.
STRETCH FREQUENTLY
Stretching is a great way to combat age-related loss of flexibility. Stretch major muscle groups, such as hamstrings and shoulder muscles, several times per week. When practicing static stretching, the goal is to gradually elongate the muscle being stretched before holding the elongated position, and ultimately allowing the muscle to return to resting position. As flexibility improves, elongated stretches can be held for 30 seconds. Avoid stretching muscles that are sore or injured, and discontinue a stretch if you feel pain or discomfort.
INCLUDE YOGA
GET IN THE POOL
Practitioners of yoga typically love Swimming is another activity that can how this unique discipline that exerhelp aging men and women improve cises the body while relaxing the their flexibility. Strength-training exermind improves their flexibility. Many cises are an important component of yoga poses are designed to improve a well-balanced exercise regimen, but the strength and flexibility of mussuch workouts tend to focus on one or cles, and some physicians may even two muscle groups at a time. That recommend yoga to aging patients. means other muscle groups may be Yoga DVDs or streaming sessions inactive and tighten up as a result. can be great, but beginners may Swimming works the entire body, want to visit yoga studios or sign up which helps all muscle groups stay for classes at their gyms so instrucloose and flexible. One or two swimtors can personally ensure they are ming sessions per week can condoing each pose correctly. As their tribute to great gains in overall flexibility improves, men and women flexibility, especially for men and can try more difficult poses and women who remember to stretch classes if they so desire. when they get out of the pool.
Explore respite care Many rehabilitation and nursing facilities offer shortterm respite care for loved ones so that caregivers can take the time to go on vacation or enjoy a day or two without having to check in on an eld-
Seniors may be eligible for low- or no-cost services like visiting nurses, meal delivery and adult day programs. This network of support can further alleviate caregiver stress.
Talk it out
Work with a licensed therapist to find other coping strategies for dealing with the mounting pressure of being a caregiver. Talk therapy and relaxation techniques can help curb stress.
September 1, 2018
SENIOR EXPO
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Medicare annual wellness visits important for patients By A NDREA J OH NSON Staff Writer ajohnson@minotdailynews.com
risk of falls, use of alcohol or tobacco, depression or need for a walker. Evans said the visit includes a timed “up and go test” to determine how long it takes for a patient to rise Dr. Patrick Evans, a family practice doc- from a chair, walk across the room, walk tor at the UND Center for Family Medicine, back across the room and sit back down. A urges patients to schedule a Medicare an- patient who takes as long as 30 seconds to get up from the nual wellness visit. chair might need The visit, funded by more assistance. Medicare, enables patients There is a also a to establish a relationship screening for memwith a primary care doctor ory problems. A paand to discuss health contient will be asked cerns at a time when they to draw a clock and are relaxed and are not to remember three sick or experiencing anwords. Those who other health issue that are unable to perneeds immediate attenform those tasks tion. – Dr. Patrick Evans “We call it an exam, might require more but it’s actually more of an extensive screening interview,” said Evans. for issues. The patient will be asked to fill out paA doctor will then speak with the patient perwork with numerous questions and also about health care management. be screened for common health concerns. A “I call it a five year plan for your life,” said nurse will ask the patient about their diet, Evans.
I call it a five year plan for your life.
A
DID YOU KNOW?
The doctor will discuss preventative care, such as what vaccines the patient might need, and recommended health screenings such as the PAP smear, mammogram, colorectal cancer screening, glaucoma screening, diabetes self management and screening for an abdominal aortic aneurysm, and cardiovascular screening blood tests. The doctor will also discuss the patient’s wishes regarding advance directives for care in the event of a serious or life threatening illness. The doctor might also hand out informational brochures. Evans said the visits are usually fairly short, up to 45 minutes long, and are paid for by Medicare. If labwork is ordered, the patient might be asked to pay a co-pay, but most of that work is likely to be covered by Medicare as well. Evans will be speaking about the importance of the annual wellness visits during the 1st Annual Minot Daily News Senior Expo on Sept. 6 at Minot’s Sleep Inn & Suites.
ccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular physical activity is one of the most important things older adults can do to promote their long-term health. The CDC recommends that men and women age 65 or older who are generally fit and have no limiting health conditions need at least two hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, each week. In addition, such people should perform strengthtraining activities that work all major muscle groups at least two days per week. While many fit older men and women with no preexisting health conditions are capable of these activities, those able to push themselves a little further can opt for 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, such as jogging or running, combined with the same strength-training regimen. A combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity coupled with strength training may also provide adequate physical activity for aging men and women. Before beginning a new exercise regimen, men and women should consult with their physicians to discuss any limitations they may have and how to manage those risks while still being physically active.
Expo Speaker
MEDICARE 101 PRESENTATION
Many seniors worry about the cost of a major illness with good reason. Since 1991, the rate of Americans aged 65 to 74 filing for bankruptcy doubled, while the frequency tripled for those over 75, according to a new study by researchers from the Consumer Bankruptcy Project. Researchers asked 3,200 people who had declared bankruptcy about the circumstances that led them to take such a dramatic choice. The reasons for older Americans frequently came down to medical expenses and debt. Seniors are often stressed & confused by Medicare’s four parts and numerous supplement options.
The Medicare Annual Election Period is near! From October 15th through December 7th you can review and fine tune your health insurance plans! There are Keith Hanson Dozens of Part D Prescription Drug Plans to choose from. Do you have the one that fits your needs? Dozens of Medicare Supplement policies; do you have the right coverage for you at the LOWEST PRICE? There are Medicare Advantage (Cost) Plans designed with many different details. How can you know the options that make sense for you? Your health plan or your circumstances may have changed since last year. AEP is the time to make needed adjustments.
PLAN TO ATTEND A FREE NO OBLIGATION EDUCATIONAL EVENT at 2:00PM Presented by Keith Hanson, Independent Health Insurance Broker Town & Country Insurance Agency, 615 S Broadway, Suite 204, Minot, ND 58701 Phone: 701 420-6650 Email: khanson@tandcinsurance.org No Specific Insurance Company Plan Information will be shared at this Educational Event.
September 1, 2018
SENIOR EXPO
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Medicare education presentation B y K IM F U N D I N G S L A N D Staff Writer kfundingsland@minotdailynews.com
when it comes to prescription drugs. “It’s very precise,” explained Hanson. “You have to have the right plan to begin with. There’s costs out of pocket and plans that fit some seniors much better than others. There Using a power point presentation to help illustrate the are 25 different drug plans in the Minot area.” As an example, Hanson said, he advised one person of a finer points of Medicare, Keith Hanson of Minot will be addressing one of the biggest concerns of senior citizens today. way to save $3,000 per year on prescription drugs. “He listened to friends talk about their good plan, which Hanson is a featured presenter for the 1st Annual Minot Daily News Senior Expo and is certain to be well received was a good plan if you are taking the same drugs,” explained as his message is of importance to all who are Medicare el- Hanson. “I really care about this. I’ve seen seniors in bad situations. I will direct people to the right igible or soon will be. company even if I don’t get a commis“I will be presenting the basics of sion.” Medicare, what Part A is and what it costs, The Medicare Annual Election Period Part B and other levels, too,” said Hanson. is Oct. 15 - Dec. 7. That is the time, “I will not be representing any particular says Hanson, that people can insurance company but rather providing review and make adjustessential information.” Even those who have ments to their health Hanson will detail various Medicare eninsurance plans. rollment periods, covering issues such as signed up already Hanson emphacosts and penalties, and explaining how wonder if they’ve done sized that, although different products work for seniors. he is an Independ“Even those who have signed up al- it correctly. I’ll explain ent Health Insurance ready wonder if they’ve done it correctly,” what the cost is for Broker, no specific insaid Hanson. “I’ll explain what the cost is various plans and how surance company plan for various plans and how it can vary.” it can vary. information will be Hanson stresses that “one size doesn’t fit shared at this event. all” when it comes to Medicare, especially – Keith Hanson
Expo Speaker
Addicted seniors a serious problem: Opioid use among the older population
(METRO) The public is quickly learning that drug abuse goes beyond the illegal substances that are purchased on the street. Abuse of drugs extends to the prescription medications sitting in many medicine cabinets. While teenagers and young adults may be the first to be stereotyped as prescription drug abusers, seniors may have unwittingly become mixed up in one of the most misused prescription classes: opioid pain relievers. The problem of opioid abuse has been a growing issue for years. The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates 2.1 million people in the United States suffer from substance abuse of opioid pain relievers. Older patients are increasingly and repeatedly prescribed opioids to address chronic pain from arthritis, cancer and other problems that become more apparent as people age. Data from U.S. Medicare recipients found that, in 2011, roughly 15 percent of seniors were prescribed an opioid after being discharged from the hospital. When followed up on three months later, 42 percent were still taking the medication. Fast forward to 2015, and almost one-third of all Medicare patients were prescribed opioid painkillers by their physicians, says AARP. The Canadian Institute for Health Information says adults between the ages of 45 and 64 and seniors age 65 and older had the highest rates of hospitalizations due to opioid poisoning over the past 10 years. AARP also indicates nearly three million Americans age 50 or older have started to take painkillers for reasons beyond what their doctors prescribed. Experts from the Physicians for Re-
Seniors concerned about opioids can discuss other options with their doctors, such as nonopioid medications and alternative therapies for pain management, like massage or acupuncture. If opioids are prescribed, ask for the lowest dose and don’t exceed the time frame for taking the medicine. Only take the pills when absolutely necessary, and never mix opioids with alcohol or other substances.
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sponsible Opioid Prescribing warn that dependence on opioids can set in after just a few days. Discomfort and side effects can occur when the pills are stopped. Opioids can decrease pain at first, but many people find they can be less effective over time. As a result, patients need to take greater amounts. Although many people can take opioids in small doses for short periods of time without problems, many find themselves overcome by a troubling addiction. Some doctors prefer not to use opioids as a first line of treatment for chronic pain. Another possible risk of opioids among seniors is that the medication can cause disorientation that may lead to falls and fractures. The senior care resource A Place for Mom also says that prescription narcotics may increase risk of respiratory arrest. What’s more, an older body may not absorb and filter medicines as effectively as younger bodies can. This means that older adults might become addicted to or have side effects from a prescription drug at a lower dose.
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