June 1, 2017
PATIENT POWER Health Insights for Seniors, Loved Ones and Caregivers
Find or Enjoy a Pet June 2nd is “Hug Your Cat Day,” but whatever your pet preference, go and embrace! (Volunteer at ASPCA or vet clinic if you can’t keep your own mascot.) Studies confirm pets can fight depression. And doggie lovers, keep walking! Studies show it fights obesity and keeps you vital.
Beware of Sun Cancer We warned you to use sun screening in the winter (see Jan. 2017), but of course don’t forget this brighter time of year. See the American Cancer Society’s advice for all sun issues.
Grab Your Running (or Strolling) Shoes ………………………………….. June 7th is “National Running Day” but experts say even a brisk walk will help (especially done with others, to fight loneliness). Or try a biz practice: “We’re RUNNING Towards Our Goals.” (Great advice from Weird & Wacky Holidays.)
Patient Power
photo: eddiecoyote via Flickr.com
It’s PTSD Awareness Month: De-stress Our OLDER Vets It’s great that this nation finally appreciates our vets, but as you see they need a month—not just a day—to be remembered. Most of the time the older echelon (from the first Gulf War back to WWII) are overlooked…especially when it comes to mental health care. Several years ago, I wrote an article on PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) in older vets, mostly WWII. Right after it ran in a newspaper for seniors two different ladies called me, crying. Both had been married to vets for 50+ years. Both guys came back and went thru life fine…until they retired from the traditional jobs, the kind that generation often held for 20, 30, years or more. But as they retired, little by little each became “a different man.” One was verbally abusive all the time; the other actually started hitting his long-time beloved. WM Medical Communications
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Famous Birthdays Still Going Strong… …whether in real life or our memories: • Colleen McCullough: June 1, 1939. Australian author, “The Thorn Birds.” • George H.W. Bush: June 12, 1924. “Bush 41,” U.S. President. • Barbara McClintock: June 16, 1902. Nobel prize scientist. • Babe Didrikson Zaharias: June 26, 1911. Athlete • Lena Horne: June 30, 1917. U.S singer, actress, activist ………………………………………. Wendy Meyeroff is president of WM Medical Communications, based in Baltimore, MD, but serving clients
June 1, 2017
My notes from that article show this is part of what one expert told me:
“[In] WWII it was ‘battle fatigue’. By 1946, it is estimated 60% of veterans in Veterans Affairs (V.A.) hospitals suffered from neuropsychological disorders.”
What’s Going On? In one study, older adults with PTSD were more than 2x as likely to develop dementia. Another showed PTSD may be linked to “accelerated aging”; that is, developing “old age” conditions earlier in life, even without a family history of such problems. Among them: diabetes, ulcers, and different types of heart disease. And remember, even if it’s not full-blown PTSD, depression, insomnia and other issues can hurt your loved one(s)…and you.
Getting/Giving Help • Remember pets. The benefits are mentioned in our News. Find out if your local hospital or veterans groups (like Vietnam Vets of America) will allow a “Bring in Pets” event to their halls, clinics, even hospitals. • Contact the V.A. You can find great info/resources directly, through it’s PTSD web page: http://bit.ly/2qU6LIr. • Recognize an emergency. If a loved one is acting viciously (verbally or physically) or talking utter sadness, even suicide, call for help. One resource is the Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1.
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
• Fight for Help! Despite politicians wearing lapel flags, for over 30 years aid for vets has been receding…including mental health funding. And with Congress’ potential health bill destroying preexisting help? Call/write your reps at all levels: county, city, state and Federal.
And remember: please help our veterans.
I trust this gives you a few ideas. Don’t forget to explore online and ask family, friends, neighbors, even health professionals.
Patient Power
WM Medical Communications
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