Active Living a guide for senior wellness
p. 4 Staying young &
Active
p. 8 Audiologist Gottschalk
Ask the Doctor
p. 11 How to get the most from your
Physician Visit
Winter 2016
On the front cover —
Staying active keeps this Fulton couple young & healthy
Healthy at any age A magazine dedicated to strengthening a positive attitude, action and knowledge of seniors health awareness.
— story on page 4
A Publication of Oswego Health 110 West Sixth Street, NY 13126 315-349-5511
Jeff Coakley VP for Communications and Government Affairs
Welcome to our premier edition of Healthy at Any Age, an Oswego Health publication for community members aged 60 and older. Our goal for this new magazine is to bring you the latest health information on a variety of current topics. It’s our mission to keep our community healthy and this is another opportunity for us to improve the health status of residents.
Jennifer Martin Director of Marketing
Our goal is to print this publication twice each year. We’d appreciate hearing your comments, which can be sent to dearoh@oswegohealth.org.
Marion Ciciarelli Director of Public Relations
Remember, that health information is always just a click away on our newly redesigned website, oswegohealth.org. Under the resources tab, our new site offers an online health library and the opportunity to sign up for several newsletters that can arrive in your inbox on a weekly or monthly basis.
Chuck Gijanto President and CEO of Oswego Health
Anne Raham Communications Coordinator Maureen Miceli Administrative Assistant
Happy reading and of course happy health!
Correspondence: Oswego Health Development and Community Relations 110 West Sixth Street Oswego, NY 13126 dearoh@oswegohealth.org
Inside:
©2015
facebook.com/oswegohealthcare for Oswego Health community news, events and medical information
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Independent at home
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Good nutrition, healthy choices
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oswegohealth.org for newsletters, medical information, provider listings and more Information in this issue comes from a range of medical experts. If you have any questions or concerns about specific content that may affect your health please contact your health care provider.
2- Active Living
10
Recovery and Short-term Rehab
12
Downsized living in Oswego County
Healthy You
Several Vaccines Can Keep You and Your Family Healthy
Get The Shot
Shingles Considering the shingles shot? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a shingles vaccine for adults age 50 and older.
Pertussis can lead to life-threatening problems in babies. Babies most at risk are those in the first six months of life. Pertussis can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage and even death.
Shingles can be painful and is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. But shingles can emerge years after the original infection.
A Flu Shot is Essential
When chickenpox heals, the virus rests in the nerve cells. No one knows for sure why the virus “wakes up.” However, a weakened immune system, stress and trauma have all been associated with the reemergence of the virus.
Bad news: The flu season is here. Good news: You can get protected. This year’s flu vaccine is expected to provide much better protection than last year’s did, according to a recent news conference held by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.
Burning, tingling or sensitivity may be the first signs of the infection. After one to three days, a red rash appears. The painful blisters come next and usually last for two to three weeks. They most often appear on the torso and buttocks. Treatment may include pain relievers and cool compresses. Severe cases may be treated with antiviral medication and rub-on pain relievers. Shingles generally heals in a few weeks and rarely strikes the same person twice.
Will this year’s flu shot be better than the last?
Why this year’s vaccine should work better Health officials called last year’s flu season unusual. One of the strains the vaccine was designed to protect against, mutated after the vaccine was made. That’s not the case so far this year. This year’s vaccine appears to be a good match for the flu strains that are out there, according to health officials.
Shingles can be spread, but not easily. The virus can only get out if the blisters are broken. Even then it will usually only infect a nearby person who is already ill or has never had chickenpox. And the infected person won’t develop shingles—he or she will get chickenpox. Shingles only occurs when the virus is reactivated.
Prevent Whooping Cough Grandparents can help prevent their grandchildren from getting pertussis, also known as whooping cough, by undergoing the Tdap vaccination. Tdap is a combination vaccine that protects against three diseases: tetanus diphtheria and pertussis. Pertussis is an infection that is easily spread from one person to another and causes strong coughing fits.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that everyone age 65 and older talk to a physician about getting the pneumococcal vaccine. Pneumococcal disease is a common complication of the flu. People with chronic health conditions like diabetes, heart disease and lung problems, should also ask about the pneumococcal vaccine.
3 - Oswego Health
active
Staying young and
This Fulton couple keeps active with community and family functions. Jan and Tony Rebeor’s most recent purchase is a crock pot. While it certainly isn’t in use every night, is ensures that dinner is ready when this busy Fulton couple arrives home from a day filled with community activities or their grandchildren’s high school and college sports contests. Jan and Tony, both 74, are a visible couple. They most recently co-chaired Fulton’s Jazz Fest. Next spring, Jan will once again oversee the Fulton Home Show. She’s also active with the Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce, which recognized her community efforts by naming one of its yearly awards after her. Each year she presents her award to a fellow Fultonian who has shown unselfish, long-term commitment to the Chamber. They are also avid sports fans when it comes to their grandchildren. Paige is a Syracuse University junior on the lacrosse team, while Casey is a three-sport athlete at Westhill High School, playing football, hockey and lacrosse. The couple has two grown daughters, Terri, mother of their two grandchildren, and Michele, who resides in Arizona. For exercise, Jan takes a spinning class at the YMCA and a tai chi class in Baldwinsville. While Jan may joke that her husband acts as her driver, he’s active in his own way. During the golf season he can be found most mornings manning the pro shop at Emerald Crest Golf Course in Palermo. He had served on Fulton Zoning Board of Appeals for more than 20 years, where he was chairman, and he was recognized with a Fulton Civilian Service Award for saving a woman’s life using CPR.
“If you sit, you get old,” Jan said. “While it’s good to sit for a while, we try to keep active in the community and doing what we like to do.” This busy pace is essential to keeping the couple young.
4- Active Living
Married for 52 years, there are still Friday date nights that may include a dinner out or a movie. “Having a partner to talk to and do things with is essential for a full life,” Jan explains. “I couldn’t have gotten through my cancer without him. It goes back to having spouses support one another when bad times occur.”
Finding strength and support Jan is a 16-year survivor of breast cancer. “I have been fortunate that Oswego Health has excellent cancer services available locally,” she said. “I couldn’t have received any better care than what was provided here.” Jan underwent chemotherapy treatments, which are offered in partnership with Upstate Medical University, at the Oswego Health Services Center. Along with the treatments, she cherishes the lasting friendships she gained with those who were also being treated at the time, as well as with the wonderful staff. For healthcare services, both Jan and Tony have been to the Fulton Urgent Care on occasion for the treatment of minor concerns. “I have always been very pleased with the care and the staff, who are very knowledgeable and caring,” Tony said. The couple believes it’s important to have their care provided locally. They rely on Oswego Health for the care they deserve, especially when visiting either the Oswego Hospital’s emergency room or the Fulton Urgent Care. “We like the follow up care the physicians provide,” Jan said, “Because our experiences have been so positive here, we know we aren’t going to get any better care than at Oswego.”
Early Detection Saves Lives Jan is a 16-year survivor of breast cancer. “I have been fortunate that Oswego Health has excellent cancer services available locally”, she said. “I couldn’t have received any better care than what was provided here”
For a mammogram appointment please call: 315-349-5540 Oswego & Pulaski 315-592-3555 Fulton 315-668-5290 Central Square
Your online health video Oswego Health recently held a Power of Pink event, which brought awareness to the issue of breast cancer. Speaking at this inspirational event were General Surgeons Dawn Holman, MD, and Allison Duggan, MD. To see their talk, please visit: https://youtu.be/0xHoLv2zzKE
5 - Oswego Health
and at home
Independent ... Megan Hollister, RN, BSN Director of Patient Services Oswego Home Health Care If you think you may benefit from home health services, please discuss this with your physician and ask for a referral to Oswego Health Home Care (OHHC). To reach OHHC, please call 315-598-4442. 1. Work with the hospital to plan ahead Discuss your hospital discharge with your case manager to ensure a smooth transition back home. 2. Understand your illness and ask questions about your health care Before you go home, ask questions. Learn about your medications and the steps to take at home to continue your recuperation. You should leave the hospital with discharge paperwork that includes written instructions. 3. Planning makes it easier Having a family member or loved one help you when leaving the hospital can make it easier for you to get better. Make sure your loved one has a copy of your discharge plan, including a medication list, and talk about it with them. 4. Follow through with follow-up care Follow-up appointments with a primary care provider or a specialist shortly after leaving the hospital can reduce the chance for readmission. Be sure that you have an appointment for follow-up care before you leave. Follow through with that appointment. 5. Care following a hospital visit is only a phone call away Oswego Health Home Care’s family-centered approach includes teaching patients and their families about their care, coordinating additional services, and researching community resources. The agency can provide chronic disease management, assistance with wound care and intravenous antibiotic therapy.
6- Active Living
So you want to remain as independent as possible and still live at home, avoiding a readmission to the hospital. Oswego Health Home Care can help.
Additional services include skilled nursing, rehabilitation services and numerous support services. For more information, please call 315-598-4442.
How one OHHC patient benefited A recent Oswego Health Home Care patient was experiencing multiple falls at home, which mainly occurred at night. Following a thorough assessment, the individual was provided physical and occupational therapies, as well as home health aide services. She also was offered one-on-one counselling for her diabetes and high blood pressure, which was complemented with personal care, provided by an aide. After four weeks of service, she became strong enough to manage independently, has had no falls and remains active in her own home.
Your online health resources oswegohealth.org/services/home-care Oswego Health Home Care services can help to improve the quality of life for patients and offer convenience for their families and physicians. Home healthcare can help patients to live as fully as possible at home with their loved ones.
Nutrit on
Information provided by: Chi Chen Lin, MS, RDN, CDN
It is never too late to start eating healthier, reducing the risk and worry of disease. Oswego Health’s Registered Dietitian Chi Chen Lin offers healthy choices for seniors.
into a vegetable dish for low cholesterol and extra protein.
Calcium and Vitamin D
Increases fiber
Calcium and vitamin D are important to help bones remain healthy. Older individuals need more calcium and vitamin D to maintain stronger bones. Food suggestions include dairy products and some other high calcium foods such as salmon, sardines (with soft bones), tofu (made with calcium), leafy greens and broccoli.
Increasing fiber to stay regular is better than medication. Eat more fruits and vegetables: fresh, frozen or canned are all good choices. Add fruit to meals or snacks: dried, frozen or canned in water or 100 percent juice.
Memory-boosting foods Feeling forgetful is not uncommon for older individuals. Boost memory and brain function by allowing good blood flow to the brain. A recent study found that eating certain foods can help to keep aging brains sharp assuring better cognitive function, memory and alertness. •Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and dark leafy greens, which can be served fresh or stir-fried. •Berries are a rich source of anthocyanins and other flavonoids that may boost memory function. Include them in daily meals, snacks or dessert.
Be careful about canned vegetables due to their sodium content. Choose “reduced sodium” or “no-salt-added” and pay attention to the nutrition labels. Whole grain breads, cereals, crackers, pasta and brown rice are other ways to increase fiber intake.
Summary Most seniors need fewer calories. Adjust portion size by using a smaller plate, bowl and glass. If possible, cook more often at home, where you are in control of what is in your food. When eating out, choose lower calorie menu options, such as dishes that include vegetables, fruits or whole grains. Drink enough fluids, water instead of sugary drinks. Choose fruit for dessert as sugary desserts should be for special occasions only.
•Omega-3 fatty acids are important for good brain health. They are found in tuna, salmon, sardines and herring. Plan to eat some seafood a couple times a week. Bake, steam, grill or broil for ultimate flavor and health. •If you don’t eat fish, walnuts are also well known to have a positive impact on another health concern: heart health. Eat them as a snack to satisfy midday hunger or add them to cereal or salad for crunch or mix them
7 - Oswego Health
ASK
the Doctor
Tinnitus: ‘Head noise’ may not be your imagination
Oswego Health Audiologist Karah Gottschalk, Au.D./CCC-A is now providing comprehensive amplification services to those of all ages, which includes hearing aids and cochlear implants.
If you think those noises you’ve been hearing are all in your head, you may be right. They could be caused by tinnitus, a condition often referred to as ringing in the ears.
A The purpose of a diagnostic hearing test is not only to measure
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS), tinnitus affects more than 50 million Americans.
Q Do You Offer Different Types of Hearing Aids?
See a doctor if you think you have tinnitus. In some cases X-rays, lab tests and balance tests may be used to find the specific cause of the problem. Most of the time, however, no cause can be identified.
Q How Do You Determine Hearing Loss?
the amount of hearing loss, but to determine where the loss is occurring. I conduct specialized hearing tests using the most advanced equipment, including an audiometer in a state-of-the-art sound booth.
A I can properly fit community members with a variety of hearing
aids. There are many attractive and small options available today, from hearing aids that fit inside the ear canal to small devices that sit comfortably behind the ear. The aids also come in a variety of colors, from neutral colors/skin tones to fun colors like purple and blue.
Beyond medications, the AAO-HNS offers several suggestions to lessen the severity of tinnitus: • Avoid exposure to loud noise.
Q Why Do Hearing Aids Cost So Much?
• Monitor and control your blood pressure.
manufacturers put years and thousands of research hours into their products. Secondly, manufacturers also have to meet the public’s need for smaller and smaller hearing aids, thus fitting a lot of technology into a tiny device. Hearing aids can range from $1,200 to a few thousand dollars depending on hearing needs.
• Avoid stimulants such as coffee, tea, cola and tobacco.
A Hearing aids are expensive for a number of reasons. First, Q Does Insurance Cover Hearing Aids?
A Most often the answer is no. Insurance companies view hearing aids as elective and they do not take into account that hearing loss can affect a person’s quality of life. I recommend individuals contact their insurance companies to learn if they are covered.
Q Where Is Your Office Located?
A Oswego Health Audiology is located in suite 210 of the Oswego Health Services Center, which is adjacent to Oswego Hospital. To reach Oswego Health Audiology, please call 315-326-3792.
8- Active Living
• Decrease your intake of salt. Salt impairs blood circulation.
• Exercise daily to improve your circulation. • Get adequate rest and avoid fatigue. It can also help to avoid and manage stress and anxiety. Because the hearing mechanism is part of your general nervous system and extremely sensitive, it can be affected by both of these factors.
Good Good balance helps prevent falls. Strong and coordinated muscles in your trunk and legs are an important part of good balance. Flexibility, strength and endurance also contribute to balance. Inactivity causes weakness and stiffness, as well as slower reflexes and muscles. All of these harm your balance and increase your risk of falling. The National Institute on Aging’s website offers several exercises to improve balance. Be sure to search the site for balance exercises. www.nia.nih.gov. Along with improving your balance, there are other tips to prevent a fall at home: • Remove area rugs or other carpeting that is not secured to the floor • Add grab bars inside and outside, including the tub or shower and next to the toilet • Install railings on both sides of stairways • Improve lighting. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review medicines (both prescription and over-the counter) to identify those that may cause side effects or interactions such as dizziness or drowsiness.
Personalized, secure access to your medical records. You can always see important information, like allergies, medications, lab and radiology results - even if you change doctors.
Your Patient Portal The Oswego Health patient health information portal offers patients personalized and secure online access to portions of their medical records. It enables you to securely use the Internet to help manage and receive information about your health. With the portal, you can: • View diagnostic lab and radiology results • View and print health summary documents • View health information such as known allergies, current medications, recent problems, past medical history and future appointments • Update demographic information (address, phone number, etc.) • Access trusted health information resources
Your online health information oswegohealth.org/patients-visitors/patient-portal/ 9 - Oswego Health
Short-term Rehab at the Manor at Seneca Hill Skilled and Caring Staff — Specialized care for your individual needs
To get back on your feet after an injury, illness or surgery, you need more than rest. You need a team of highly skilled and compassionate caregivers who want to help you get back to your lifestyle. But first, a few definitions are listed below to explain the type of specialized care that a rehabilitation staff provides. Physical therapy. This therapy focuses on problems with movements and sensation. It helps people regain basic abilities, such as walking, sitting, climbing stairs, lying down and moving from one position to another. The Manor at Seneca Hill’s Rehabilitation Director/ Physical Therapist Shweta Singh and Occupational Therapist Reis Cunningham, work with a patient.
Physical Occupational
Speech
10- Active Living
Occupational therapy. Occupational therapy focuses on specific daily tasks, such as eating, dressing, bathing, cleaning house, cooking, gardening, reading, writing and driving. Speech-language therapy. When stroke affects the ability to speak or communicate, this therapy can help a person regain language skills or learn new ways to communicate, such as using signs, boards or computers. It can also help when a stroke has damaged the ability to swallow. The Manor at Seneca Hill provides comprehensive rehabilitation care to more than 200 individuals each year. Residents can participate in the program, regardless of where they may initially have been provided care. To learn more or to arrange a tour, please call 349-5300.
How To Get The Most From Your Physician Visit Ever feel like you forgot to ask an important question during a trip to your physician’s office? Try following the slogan, “Take PART,” or Prepare, Ask, Repeat and Take Action on your next visit so all your questions get answered. Prepare: Take time to make a written list of all your concerns and questions. It’s recommended that you place your biggest concern at the top of your list and that you give the entire list to your physician at the start of an appointment, so that he or she can review all your listed concerns. Residents should also always bring a list of their current medications and the dosage to a physician appointment. To benefit the most from a physician visit, develop an account of any concerns and be sure to include details such as when any symptoms began, how long they last, what makes them better or worse, and if there have been any changes in diet or medications.
Padma Ram, MD Dr. Ram has a private practice in Oswego.
Ask: This is accomplished by being prepared to ask
questions about a diagnosis, any tests, treatments and follow up. The answers to your questions can assist in the self-management of a condition.
Your online find-a-physician oswegohealth.netreturns.biz/providers/ Find a provider, make an appointment Need a printed physician directory? Use the Print Directory button to print a PDF of a complete list of our physicians organized by specialty. You can either choose to display and then print the PDF, or you can save it. You can also print a directory of any search results.
Repeat: Repeating back the key points of a physician
visit can assist you in remembering them and allows the doctor to correct any misunderstandings or miscommunications. If you don’t understand or remember something your physician said, don’t be afraid to ask him or her to review their instructions. Another option is to take notes during your physician visit or to bring a trusted friend or relative who can provide a second set of ears.
Take Action: At the end of a physician visit, be sure
you understand your next steps. Is a lab test or medical image needed? Become familiar with any danger signs related to a condition and know what to do if they occur. If, for some reason you are unable to follow your physician’s advice, you need to help him or her know about any barriers, such as a lack of insurance, etc.
11 - Oswego Health
Downsize to Premier Living Here in Oswego County Has the idea of a smaller home or apartment become more attractive since your children have moved on? How about after years of preparing meals for your family, having one cooked nightly for you by an on-site chef?
The duplex-style homes and cottages are adjacent to the main building and offer maintenance services, privacy without the chores, a patio and many more amenities. These feature two bedrooms, two baths and a garage.
That’s just what Springside at Seneca Hill offers active seniors, aged 62 and older: retirement living at its best, right here in Oswego County. There are 1- and 2-bedroom apartments in a congregate living environment, as well as one-story, duplex-style homes and cottages.
The center of the congregate apartment building is the hub of daily life, where residents enjoy restaurant-style dining and recreational and educational opportunities in the activity area. Free wireless Internet is available in this building.
Oswego Health 110 West Sixth St. Oswego, NY 13126 FSC mix paper logo
For a tour, please call 315-343-5658.
INDICIA - Joes??