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
July 2017/ Page 1
Famous Birthdays Still Going Strong… …whether in life or our memories: • Gloria Allred: July 3, 1941. Lawyer • Dalai Lama: July 6, 1935. Religious leader • George W. Bush: July 6, 1946. “Bush 43,” 43rd USA president • Arianna Huffington, July 15, 1950. Journalist. • John Glenn: July 18, 1921. Astronaut • Mick Jagger, July 26, 1943. Singer ……………………………………….
July 1, 2017
Why the Confusion? There are indeed many wondrous medicines that come from nature. One is the often-used heart medicine called “digoxin,” made from the foxglove plant. Saw palmetto for prostate issues and valerian root for sleep are two drugs I found a respected group of MDs in senior care allowed some patients to take. Ironically, prescription drugs are (at least in the U. S.) developed in immaculately clean environments, under rigid safety rules. By contrast, products allegedly from nature are assumed to be safe… but anyone can make them, anywhere, in any way. Buy ginseng bottles from thee different companies and they’ll often actually have different strengths. (That’s assuming any of those chosen actually help with anything.)
Medication Interactions It’s dangerous enough taking untested, unregulated, supplements on their own. Now consider mixing them with medications. In the U. S., two-thirds of older adults take meds for at least two chronic conditions, like diabetes, hypertension and depression. Consider ginkgo. It’s said to fight depression and Alzheimer’s while increasing libido, but it has many bad drug interactions. Among them: for epilepsy, anti-clotting (like Warfarin), antidepressants drugs, cholesterol meds…interaction list keeps going!
Before Proceeding… Do careful research. Don’t believe every website. Stick to the well-established (like WebMD) and/or those from reliable institutions, such as the Mayo Clinic. Check for a “USP” label. It indicates independent quality testing, but it’s hard to find on most supplements. Wendy Meyeroff is president of WM Medical Communications, based in Baltimore, MD, but serving clients throughout the U.S., Canada and overseas for over 20 years. Her specialty: writing for and about America’s aging population in print and then one of the first called online. See her at www.wmmedcomm.com
Patient Power
Above all, always double-check with all your physicians. Carry your Rx list, be it on your phone or simple paper. Also note your over-the-counter meds. Then tell each doctor about any supplements you’re considering (even using) and ask how/if any will interfere with your prescription meds. BTW, can you tell which pills in the Page One photo are safe? Guess what? Neither can we. That’s why we all need to be careful.
WM Medical Communications
July 2017/ Page 2