July 1, 2017
PATIENT POWER Health Insights for Seniors, Loved Ones and Caregivers
Happy Birthday Medicare! OK, it doesn’t occur ’til the end of this month, but we’re still glad it’s here. It happened on July 30, 1965, when LBJ. signed it into law in Truman’s birthplace: Independence, MO.
Get Outta Here! In case we weren’t already sure, a new report in Sleep magazine has found this link: being isolated > sleep loss > stress > certain protein’s release. It’s long-term activity can lead to age-related chronic issues, including diabetes and Alzheimer’s. So get out and meet folks (or bring some in).
Increase Sex, Touch Two studies show any intimacy helps. One confirms that regular sex enhances brain functions, including your verbal skills and memory. Have numerous physical limitations? Another study shows just holding hands can lower pain as your breathing calms.
Patient Power
photo: Pisabay.com
Danger: Confusing “Natural” and “Safe” Did you know that July has been called “Herbal/Prescription Drug Interaction Awareness” month? Did you even realize that “natural” products aren’t necessarily safe? Well, I’ve been warning older adults about this danger for over 20 years. Here’s just some of the news.
The Misconception I remember interviewing a great pharmacist, one with a specialty among folks age 60+. She told me she’d regularly see people come in, pick up a natural supplement and tell her things like, “This has to be safe. It’s made from herbs… (or flowers, or tree bark….).” That pharmacist, and many other experts I’ve interviewed over the years, told me, “Not everything ‘natural’ is ‘safe.’ Think of things like rattlesnake venom and other deadly poisons.” WM Medical Communications
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