May 1, 2017
PATIENT POWER Health Insights for Seniors, Loved Ones and Caregivers
Estrogen and Women’s Memory Brain scans on women done at NIH have found that those with non-typical estrogen fluctuations showed altered circuits while trying to do memory-related tests.
Walking Helps Brain We talk exercise, let’s talk walking! It seems the pressure waves that follow your foot’s impact makes it easier for blood to flow through your arteries, thus not depriving brain of oxygen.
Train Carefully, Not Intensely Yes, you need to exercise…for all sorts of reasons. Keeping heart healthy, staying mentally fit (with exercises you enjoy) and of course fighting bone deterioration. But be careful and don’t get too intense. A Canadian study found that female rowers whose exercise was high-intensity actually had a negative effect on what had been positive bone building.
Patient Power
Men Must Fight Osteoporosis That’s right. It says “Men.” And that’s not a typo. It’s just that many folks still don’t realize that osteoporosis—the loss of bone density—is not just a women’s health issue. Since May is National Osteoporosis Month, here are two questions for middle-aged/older men and their loved ones: • When was the last time (if ever) your doctor mentioned and explained osteoporosis to you? • When was the last time (if ever) your doctor spoke to you about testing your bone density? If neither of these ever happened, you shouldn’t be surprised. I can’t tell you how often I’ve chatted with bone density experts, dietitians and others who know about and try to prevent osteo (as I’ll abbreviate). They know general doctors often forget to chat this issue with male patients and you certainly almost never see the general media show osteo prevention geared towards men.
WM Medical Communications
May 2017/ Page 1
May 1, 2017
Famous Birthdays Still Going Strong Has It Already Started? Whether still strong in real life or inspirations: • Bing Crosby: May 3, 1903. Singer, actor • Nellie Bly: May 5, 1864. Pioneering journalist. Inspired Around the World in 80 Days. • Willie Mays: May 6, 1931. Baseball great. • Billy Joel: May 9, 1949. Singer/songwriter. • Sally Ride: May 26, 1951. Astronaut, first American space woman. • Clint Eastwood: May 31, 1930. Award-winning actor/director. ……………………………………….
If you’re over 50 (our readership after all) the short answer is “Yes.” The longer answer: men are at risk, just like women. One of every two women will break a bone due to osteo, but so will one in four men. So nothing to ignore fellas! (Quick stat: by 2025 experts say osteoporosis will cause three million fractures and cost $25 billion annually.) Onto Food and Fitness Calcium and vitamin D are two main nutrients for fighting bone loss. Most folks know that milk provides good support. But did you know that you can also find calcium in the bones of sardines and salmon? How about deep green veggies like collard, kale, okra and broccoli? (Thanks National Osteoporosis Foundation.) NOF also reminds folks to check for magnesium and/or potassium in resources that include spinach, raisins, sweet potatoes, plantains and prunes. The D is harder to get. It’s main resource: sunshine, about 15 minutes daily (always with sunscreen!). Otherwise ask your doc about a regular daily vitamin (you do know there are now formulas specifically for men?) and even taking a D supplement. Exercise! You have all sorts of options: dancing, low-impact aerobics, swimming, walking. Strength training’s important, so if you can’t lift even hand weights try resistance bands. Of course, check with your doctor. Remember: you must prevent falls. Whether it’s through balanceexercises or special safety tips, again check what’s safe for you, then get moving. And About Your Meds
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
Whether you’re taking steroids for true health issues or just bulking (and please be careful!) they’re one of the risk factors for osteoporosis. So are epilepsy drugs. Another medication, one that’s specific to men, increases osteoporosis risk: Lupron, a drug for prostate cancer. So talk to your doc guys, but get started. Or ladies, you get them started…and care for yourself! Have a good, safe, healthy month. WM Medical Communications
May 2017/ Page 2