Generation 50+ Winter 2018
Healthy Benefits of Gratitude By Chris Corrigall
Gratitude is a powerful virtue that can have lasting and positive effects on our lives. Thankfulness shouldn’t be saved as a once-a-year effort but should be incorporated as a practice in our daily lives to reap the many benefits. Gratitude can be a tool for a healthier, more productive life. Overwhelmed caregivers of an aging parent may not feel particularly thankful every day. They may be stressed juggling the demands of career, caring for a parent and raising a family. But gratitude can change your perspective on life and help you better manage your stress. “Caregivers can find gratitude even in the most difficult times,” says Emese Tuza Crumb, Certified Integrative Nutrition Holistic Health Coach. “Gratitude is like a muscle that needs to be exercised and strengthened, but the proven benefits extend beyond just a positive attitude and include real physical and neurologic health benefits.”
What is gratitude?
First, let’s define gratitude. Gratitude is a powerful human emotion. It is most simply defined as being thankful for what one has, but it’s not just saying a half-hearted “thanks.” For our definition of gratitude to be used as a caregiving tool, we are talking about deep appreciation that comes from within and in a meaningful way. It’s a state of mind with a readiness to show appreciation and return kindness.
Helping Veterans And Active Duty Military Members
By Kirk Larson Social Security Public Affairs Specialist for Alaska Idaho Oregon Washington
Every year on Veterans Day, we honor the people who risk their lives to protect our freedom. Social Security honors veterans and active duty members of the military every day by giving them the respect they deserve. Social Security’s disability program is an important part of our obligation to wounded warriors and their families. For military members who return home with injuries, Social Security is a resource they can turn to. If you know any wounded veterans, please let them know about Social Security’s Wounded Warriors website. You can find it at https://www.ssa.gov/people/ veterans/ The Wounded Warriors website answers many commonly asked questions, and shares other useful information about disability benefits, including how veterans can receive expedited processing of disability claims. Benefits available through Social Security are different than those from the
Department of Veterans Affairs and require a separate application. The expedited process is used for military service members who become disabled while on active military service on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs. Even active duty military who continue to receive pay while in a hospital or on medical leave should consider applying for disability benefits if they’re unable to work due to a disabling condition. Active duty status and receipt of military pay doesn’t necessarily prevent payment of Social Security disability benefits. Although a person can’t receive Social Security disability benefits while engaging in substantial work for pay or profit, receipt of military payments should never stop someone from applying for disability benefits from Social Security. Social Security is proud to support veterans and active duty members of the military. Let these heroes know they can count on us when they need to take advantage of their earned benefits. Our webpages are easy to share on social media and by email.
BENEFITS, Page 3
How the Opioid Overdose and Death Epidemic Can Be Reversed (StatePoint) Opioid-related overdoses have reached epidemic proportions, claiming more than 42,000 lives in the U.S. in 2016 alone. Physicians on the front lines are working in their communities and with their patients to reverse this public health crisis. The American Medical Association (AMA) created an Opioid Task Force in 2014, bringing together national and state medical organizations to come up with ways that practicing physicians could play a role in ending the epidemic. For example, the task force urged physicians to enhance their education. The latest AMA report shows a remarkable response. Last year, more than a half million physicians and other health care providers took courses related to opioid prescribing, pain management, treatment and related areas. Opioid prescribing decreased by 22 percent between 2013 and 2017. Despite such progress, opioid-related deaths are still increasing. Why? Experts say no single policy approach can stop the epidemic. Physicians are reducing the
Epidemic, Page 6
QUARTERLY SPECIAL: A PUBLICATION OF THE QUEEN ANNE & MAGNOLIA NEWS, CITY LIVING SEATTLE, AND MADISON PARK TIMES
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Holiday Tips for House guests and Hosts This Season (StatePoint) Planning for the holiday season? Whether you’re a guest or a host, there are easy ways to ensure that everyone enjoys their time with family and friends. Check out these tips for a joyful holiday season:
A Helping Hand
Holiday hosts are often bogged down by tasks and chores. Make yourself useful. Keep areas you are using clean and offer to help around the house. If you’re the host, don’t be shy about delegating simple tasks to your guests. Most guests will appreciate the opportunity to make their stay less stressful on you.
Comfort is Key
When extended family or friends get together for the holidays, ensure everyone has a comfortable place to sleep. A must-have for both travelers and hosts is a high-quality air mattress that’s compact and easy to inflate, and these days, some brands have elevated their offerings to luxury standards, helping to create a more comfortable night’s rest. For example, Intex offers a range of comfortable airbeds with impressive features, such as a headboard, raised bed height (up to 24 inches), built-in USB chargers, a plush dual air pillowtop system, various sizes and supports to choose from and more. Their airbeds provide enough comfort and luxury that guests may even consider extending their stay. Worried about the time and energy of set-up? With internal electric air pumps, these high-quality, durable airbeds take just minutes to inflate and deflate, saving families both time and energy. That means more time spent enjoying each other’s company and making memories. And they’re super easy to stock up on, available online or in-store at most major big box retailers.
Snack Time
Beyond the main holiday meal, there are breakfasts, snacks and other meals to consider. Guests and hosts should work together on this one to ensure that there are foods and beverages on hand that meet everyone’s dietary needs and restrictions. Hosts should ask their guests in advance if there are any allergies, sensitivities or particular foods to avoid. Children can be particular about food, so knowing if there are any favorites to stock the fridge and pantry with can also be helpful. As a guest, consider packing your own snacks to take with you. You can also help your hosts by letting them know of any issues in advance: from peanut allergies to medical restrictions. Whether you are traveling or staying put, with a bit of preparation you can make sure everyone feels comfortable, so that you can focus on what the holidays are all about -making great memories together.
Unhappy Gut? Some People Suffer for Years Before Seeing a Doctor (StatePoint) Abdominal pain? Diarrhea? An estimated 16 million Americans live with a type of irritable bowel syndrome called IBS-D (the D stands for diarrhea), and it affects both men and women almost equally. However, only 30 percent of individuals consult a physician about their symptoms.
Why is that?
“People who experience symptoms of IBS-D can feel like their symptoms are not severe enough to seek medical attention or that there isn’t anything doctors can do to help,” says Dr. Howard Franklin, vice president of medical affairs and strategy at Salix Pharmaceuticals. “But doctors want to hear about everything you are feeling so they can determine the underlying cause of your discomfort and help you find a treatment plan that is right for you.”
A closer look at IBS-D
Symptoms of IBS-D, which are different in everyone, include stomach pain and cramping, frequent diarrhea, gas, bloating and an urgency to use the bathroom. Many people experience feeling frustrated, missing out on activities because of symptoms and avoiding situations where there is no bathroom nearby. IBS-D can be diagnosed based on symptom history, including: • Abdominal pain at least one day a week during the last three months • More than 25 percent of bowel movements are loose or watery (diarrhea), and less than 25 percent are hard or lumpy (constipation)
• Symptoms started at least six months ago
What could be the cause?
While the exact cause of IBS-D is unknown, and people may have IBS for more than one reason, an imbalance in the usual numbers and proportions of normally healthy bacteria in the digestive system (the gut microbiota) has been found in many people with IBS-D. The microbiota help digest and absorb food and work with the immune system as a barrier against other microorganisms that can cause disease. “One study of 109 patients with IBS showed that 73 percent had an imbalance in their gut microbiota, compared with only 16 percent of healthy people,” says Dr. Franklin. “Other potential reasons may include previous
Unhappy Page 6
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BENEFITS, from Page 1
What are the health benefits of gratitude?
Gratitude has been getting a lot of attention lately as a key element in positive psychology—the scientific study of what makes life worth living and how to help people have a fulfilled life. Research has shown that counting your blessings and cultivating a practice of gratitude in your daily life increases your sense of well-being, happiness, and improves your health. And the expression of gratitude to others, like your parent or spouse, can increase your energy level and improve your optimism. Science is proving that gratitude can fundamentally enhance your quality of life— something we can all benefit from.
How can you benefit?
• Socially Because you are expressing gratitude, it has a social aspect. You are engaging with others in a positive way. It is easy to see that socially you can benefit by feeling less isolated and interacting with others can boost your self-esteem. Thoughts of gratitude have been proven to increase your serotonin levels in the body. Low serotonin has been known to trigger feelings of loneliness and sugar or carbohydrate cravings that can lead to emotional highs and lows. • Physically Grateful people experience fewer aches and pains, tend to exercise more and report feeling healthier. Those who express gratitude have shown to have less chronic inflammation which has proven to contribute to heart disease and dementia. They benefit from a boost to their immune system, increased energy levels, and even sleep better and wake up more refreshed. • Mentally Dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins are released with expressions of gratitude, so we experience more joy and pleasure. It can help us better cope during the hard times with greater resilience and mental strength. Gratitude can be a natural antidepressant and a great way to avoid the use of medications and create positive feelings of contentment.
How do I cultivate gratitude in my life? We know that caring for an elderly
FAMILY RESOURCE HOME CARE
parent or spouse can be difficult and stressful at times. Try carving out a little time in your daily routine to express your gratitude. Here are a few suggestions to celebrate and cultivate gratitude as a caregiver: • Keep a Gratitude Journal Each day, set aside time to write down your top five positive things, people, or moments that you are grateful for, in a designated journal. Many people tend to do this before going to bed to help them unwind and sleep better. It may seem like a simple exercise, but it can show you that even during difficult times there is always something to be grateful about in your life. A gratitude journal also provides a comforting reference to look at when you need to be reminded about what you are thankful for. • Appreciate Everything As a caregiver, you will experience good days and bad. Focus on the little things that you can be grateful for. This will direct your thoughts toward what is good and positive, and away from the negative. This will help you make gratitude a habit in your life. • Practice Mindfulness and Meditation Meditation has proven to have great benefits to those who practice regularly. We suggest that you include time after meditation to practice gratitude. Another option is to practice mindfulness where you sit quietly daily and reflect on the five to ten things that you are most grateful for. After only eight weeks, studies have shown that brain patterns change by practicing gratitude leading to greater happiness and empathy. • Find Gratitude in Difficult Times Gratitude is not only exclusive to positive events, but gratitude can be found in the obstacles that you work through or overcome. We can all learn from tough times that in the end make us more resilient. We can learn to approach the next challenge differently through our experiences. And you might find that you are tougher than you think. These are gifts that we can be thankful for. No better time to start than the present: what are you thankful for today? Visit the Aegis Living community near you and ask about our Gratitude program.
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(StatePoint) Ken Girlardo knew something was wrong when his hand started shaking uncontrollably to the point he couldn’t pour his morning coffee. In July 2010, Girlardo was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD is the second most common progressive, neurodegenerative condition, affecting more than one million people in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While PD can’t be cured, people with the condition are typically treated with medications to manage their symptoms. Unfortunately, the frequent use of some drugs can be associated with side effects such as involuntary movements and motor fluctuations, and over time the medications become less effective. After Girlardo’s diagnosis, he started taking medications and increased his dosage as the disease progressed. “At one point, I was taking as many as eight pills a day to manage my PD,” says Girlardo. “I don’t want to say I was discouraged, because I don’t let anything discourage me, but it was a pain to be disabled.” Taking the drugs took a toll on his lifestyle as he could no longer do the things he loved, like play golf and fish with his grandchildren, or the things he needed to do, like change the oil in his car. He needed his wife’s help for everything from getting dressed to walking through the grocery store. “We thought there wasn’t really anything you could do about it,” says Barb, Girlardo’s wife.
Girlardo became hopeful once his doctor told him he was a candidate for deep brain stimulation (DBS), a technology helping some people manage the symptoms of PD when medication alone is no longer effective. DBS uses a small medical device that is implanted in the body and connected to leads that stimulate a portion of the brain to control the motor functions affected by movement disorders, including tremors, slowness and rigidity. While this treatment option has been available for some time, until recently, physicians have had to rely on older DBS technology. In December 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the Boston Scientific Vercise DBS System, which is designed to be more easily adapted to a patient’s specific needs and is engineered to allow for targeted stimulation therapy delivery. “Since being implanted with my DBS System, I feel like I got my life back. Now, I’m not taking any medications for PD. I can dress myself, chop vegetables, tie knots and drive without worry,” says Girlardo, who received the Vercise DBS System in March. “It was like hitting the lottery with the results.” To learn more, visit DBSandMe.com, a resource developed by Boston Scientific. If you have PD, talk to your doctor about the most appropriate treatment, and if a DBS system could be an option for you.
GENERATION 50+ | WINTER 2018
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How to Make Your Empty Nest an Empowering New Chapter
EPIDEMIC, from Page 1
prescription opioid supply. But policies must also focus on prevention and treatment. About 90 percent of those needing addiction treatment are unable to get it. The science shows what works: certain medications prescribed by a physician or dispensed at federally certified opioid treatment programs. Combining that treatment with medical care, counseling and other services can help patients with substance use disorder lead satisfying and productive lives. “The numbers speak to a national tragedy. We need to act with resolve as we have with other public health epidemics. Our patients diagnosed with a substance use disorder deserve no less,” says AMA president-elect Patrice A. Harris, MD. “Most people agree that we need access to treatments that include medication but that is not readily available for many patients. This epidemic will not be reversed until we deal with access issues and stigma associated with opioid misuse.”
Specific actions that should be taken, according to Dr. Harris include: • Insurance providers should immediately remove barriers so patients can obtain af fordable medication treatment combined with counseling. • Policymakers and regulators should enforce laws that require mental health benefits to be on par with other health benefits. This gives patients access to treatment related to mental health and opioid use disorders. • Health insurance providers and pharmacy benefit managers should ensure that patients have access to affordable, non-opioid pain care. • Physicians should register for and use electronic databases that track controlled substance prescriptions in their state. Using these databases allows physicians to make more informed prescribing decisions. When clinically appropriate, physicians should also co-prescribe naloxone, a life-saving drug that can reverse an opioidrelated overdose.
(StatePoint) Suddenly, the kids are all grown up and ready to flee the nest. It’s the start of a new chapter -- for them, and for mom and dad, too. While this sudden change in family dynamic is bound to bring a mix of bittersweet emotions, there are plenty of ways to embrace the shift. An empty nest certainly doesn’t mean an empty life. Raising a family reaps many rewards and any parent knows that family time revolves around the children’s wants and needs well into their teenage years. While in the thick of it, the prospect of a quiet, relaxing weekend with no parental responsibilities and the very concept of self-care can seem farfetched. But now with the kids leaving home, it’s time to make the most of your new foot-loose and fancy-free lifestyle.
Make More “Me Time”
Now that you have more time to do things that bring you joy, it’s time rediscover who you are -- whether that’s through traveling the world, learning a new skill or language, taking a yoga class, volunteering or simply doing more of what makes you feel good. The newfound time in your day is an opportunity to discover new hobbies and build a social life that is entirely your own.
Stay Connected
Just because the kids have left home doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected. In fact, you may find yourself on the other end
of the phone giving dating advice or having more meaningful life chats than ever before. Family group text threads can replace dinner table conversations, so do make sure you stay up-to-date with technology to keep the entire family connected. Choose a phone plan that lets you talk, video chat or text with your kids as much as you want, when you want, such as T-Mobile ONE Unlimited 55+, which gives you two lines for just $35 per line with no surprise fees or taxes. A super affordable option designed just for customers 55 and older, it includes unlimited talk, text and data, in-flight texting, one hour of Gogo Wi-Fi on domestic flights, and texting and data when you travel abroad in 210 destinations. And what’s more, all the money you save on your phone plan can go straight into the self-care fund or to finance your next “adults only” fancy vacation. Win-win.
Find a Furry Friend
If you’re an animal lover, adopt a new pet, train a friend’s dog, pet-sit, or become a foster pet-parent. This time, you won’t be getting a pet just for the kids. Animals have a magical ability to lift the spirit and fill the void left from caring for your little ones for so many years. Becoming an empty nester is surprisingly empowering, and can be a period of positive growth for you. Instill new routines and experiences in your life, stay connected to your kids, and the rest will surely follow.
• Patients and physicians should have conversations about safe storage and disposal of opioids and all medications. • All Americans can help remove the stigma around this epidemic, advocating for comprehensive care for patients in pain and those with opioid use disorder. To learn more about efforts to end the opioid epidemic, visit end-opioid-epidemic.org.
“There are many reasons to be optimistic. Physicians are leading in the areas where we can have an influence, but unfortunately, we cannot bring an end to the epidemic alone,” says Dr. Harris. “Much work remains to be done and we’ll continue to work with federal and state governments, law enforcement, insurers, educators and others to make headway.”
UNHAPPY, from Page 2
gastrointestinal infection or food poisoning, communication problems between the brain and digestive system, a family history of IBS and other causes.”
Treatment options
There is currently no cure, but there are treatments that can help with the symptoms of IBS-D. Lifestyle changes, such as eliminating certain foods and increasing exercise, could help. “Studies have shown that between 50 and 70 percent of patients failed to respond to either fiber or antispasmodics as a treatment therapy,” says Dr. Franklin. “There are different types of prescription treatments for IBS-D. If one isn’t working, it’s important that patients ask their healthcare professional about trying a different medicine to find what treatment is right for them.” For more information, visit IBSDUpClose.com. If you’re experiencing symptoms of IBS-D, don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor about all of them. This is the first step toward helping find a treatment plan and getting relief.
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What to Know Now About COPD (StatePoint) It claims a life every three to four minutes, making it one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The culprit: COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Nationwide, more than 16 million people have been diagnosed with this debilitating lung disease, also known as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. But millions of others likely have COPD and don’t know it, as symptoms develop slowly and worsen over time. Shortness of breath, chronic coughing, wheezing and excess mucus—all can make even the most mundane tasks difficult, yet many people think these are just normal symptoms of aging or being out of shape. So, what are the chances you have COPD? Smoking, research has long shown, is the main risk factor for the disease. Some 75 percent of people who have COPD smoke or once smoked. But long-term exposure to lung irritants such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes and dust—from both the environment and workplace—can be a risk factor, too. In some cases, genetics can play a role. The good news is COPD is highly treatable and manageable. The bad news is, due to the slow progression of the disease, Americans often delay seeking help until the problem is severe, which can lead to serious, long-term disability. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), together with federal and nonfederal partners, has developed the COPD National Action Plan, the first-ever blueprint for collective action to reduce the burden of the disease. With the action plan as a guide, NHLBI is working across the country to encourage earlier recognition of the disease. But it is giving particular attention to rural areas, where the disease is especially prevalent. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COPD is almost twice as likely to affect people living in rural communities than in urban ones. Because of this
disparity, NHLBI is taking special steps to help rural residents get the advice it wants everyone to follow: learn the signs and symptoms of COPD, and if breathing issues are impacting even the most basic daily everyday tasks, see a health care professional, such as a primary care provider, nurse practitioner or other specialist. With a diagnosis and the proper treatment, people with COPD can learn to ably manage their condition. For more information about COPD and resources, visit NHLBI’s COPD Learn More Breathe Better program at COPD.nhlbi.nih.gov. Talk to a health care professional as soon as breathing problems occur.
Understanding Spouses’ Benefits By Kirk Larson Social Security Public Affairs Specialist for Alaska Idaho Oregon Washington Marriage is a cultural institution that exists all over the world. Having a partner means sharing many things including a home and other property. Understanding how your future retirement might affect your spouse is important. When you’re planning for your fun and vibrant golden years, here are a few things to remember: If a spouse accepts reduced retirement benefits before starting spouse’s benefits, the spouse will not receive the full 50 percent of the worker’s benefit amount. Full spouse’s benefit could be up to 50 percent of your spouse’s full retirement age amount if you are full retirement age when you take it. If you qualify for your own retirement benefit and a spouse’s benefit, we always pay your own benefit first. (For example, you are eligible for $400 from your own retirement and $150 as a spouse for a total of $550.) The reduction rates for retirement and spouses benefits are different. If your spouse is younger, you cannot receive benefits unless he or she is receiving benefits (except for divorced spouses). If you took your reduced retirement first, when you add spouse’s benefits later, your own retirement portion remains reduced which causes the total retirement and
spouses benefit together to total less than 50 percent of the worker’s amount. On the other hand, if your spouse’s retirement benefit is higher than your retirement benefit, and he or she chooses to take reduced benefits and dies first, your survivor benefit will be reduced, but may be higher than what your spouse received. If the deceased worker started receiving reduced retirement benefits before their full retirement age, a special rule called the retirement insurance benefit limit may apply to the surviving spouse. The retirement insurance benefit limit is the maximum survivor benefit you may receive. Generally, the limit is the higher of: • The reduced monthly retirement benefit to which the deceased spouse would have been entitled if they had lived, or • 82.5 percent of the unreduced deceased spouse’s monthly benefit if they had started receiving benefits at their full retirement age (rather than choosing to receive a reduced retirement benefit early). Spouse and Survivor benefits are complex programs. If you have questions, please review out FAQ section at https://faq.ssa. gov/en-US/ . When it comes to information, we have over 80 years of experience. Access a wealth of useful information as well as our benefits planners at https:// www.ssa.gov/planners/.
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GENERATION 50+ | WINTER 2018
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