Vim & Vigor - Fall 2012 - Parrish Medical Center - (Page 24)

Coronary Heart Disease SuSpect: SuSpect: Stroke Why it’s a threat: Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of both men and women, and risk increases with age. Coronary heart disease is caused by plaque buildup in the arteries that narrows or blocks the passage where blood flows. It can lead to heart attack and heart failure. How to recognize it: Chest pain or discomfort (known as angina) is the most common sign. You also might feel pain in your neck, arms, stomach or upper back. It may come on with activity or emotion, then subside with rest. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue or nausea. Arrest it: Don’t wait for symptoms to appear to start protecting yourself. Prevent heart disease by eating a lowfat, low-sodium diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and omega-3 fatty acids; getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week; and not smoking. “Medicare covers a benefit now to help people to stop smoking,” Anderson says. “Talk to your doctor about that.” Also, discuss your risk factors, and he or she will help you determine how frequently you need to have blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose tests. If you experience any of the heart attack symptoms listed above, call 911 right away. Why it’s a threat: Strokes are basically heart attacks that happen in the brain and can lead to disability and death. Adults older than 65 account for nearly 75 percent of cases in the U.S., according to the National Institute on Aging. Your risk more than doubles each decade after 55. How to recognize it: Because stroke affects the brain, the person having a stroke may not be able to recognize it. That’s why it’s pertinent that everyone become familiar with the warning signs, which come on suddenly: numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, particularly on one side of the body; confusion or trouble speaking or understanding; trouble seeing in one or both eyes; dizziness, loss of balance or trouble walking; and severe headache with no known cause. Arrest it: If you notice the above symptoms, call 911 right away. Stroke prevention is similar to heart attack prevention—eat a healthy, low-sodium diet; get plenty of regular exercise; don’t smoke; and keep up with doctor appointments and screenings. SuSpect: Osteoporosis and Falls Alzheimer’s Disease SuSpect: Why it’s a threat: Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia, is a chronic, progressive and fatal condition. It mostly affects people older than 65. How to recognize it: Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. Symptoms include serious memory loss, confusion and difficulty remembering newly learned information. “It’s more than forgetting your neighbor’s name every once in a while. It’s memory impairment that affects one’s ability to function on a daily basis,” says Mary Schulz, director of education at the Alzheimer Society of Canada. “For example, someone who’s done something most of their lives, like mowing the lawn, might look at the lawn mower and wonder, ‘How do I get started?’ ” Arrest it: Alzheimer’s disease has no cure. The average patient survives eight years after diagnosis. But early detection and intervention with medication and lifestyle changes may prolong life by up to 20 years, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. “You can have a lot of time,” Schulz says. “The sooner you know it, you can be more in control as the disease progresses.” Why they’re a threat: Literally meaning “porous bone,” osteoporosis is a condition characterized by a loss of bone mass and density that makes bones weaker and more susceptible to breaks. Aside from being painful, bone breaks affect quality of life and can even lead to death in older adults. In fact, 24 percent of adults 50 and older who suffer a hip fracture die in the following year, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. “Once you fall, if you’re injured, your activity level declines and then you become inactive. Then pneumonia or other complications can occur,” Himes says. “Even if you aren’t hurt when you fall, you may be afraid you might fall again and become inactive. It’s a vicious circle.” How to recognize it: All too often, the first sign of osteoporosis is a broken bone. Don’t let that be the case, and talk to your doctor about getting a bone density scan. Arrest it: Even though 85 to 90 percent of bone density is built by age 18 in women and by 20 in men, continue to strengthen your bones throughout life by getting plenty of calcium and vitamin D and by performing regular weight-bearing exercise. Also, don’t smoke, and drink alcohol only in moderation. To prevent falls, clear your home’s floors and stairs of clutter, make sure every room is properly lit, and talk to your doctor about medications that may cause dizziness. photography by dreamstime 24 Vim & Vigor • FALL 2 012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Fall 2012 - Parrish Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2012 - Parrish Medical Center
Contents
Tasty Tips
Opening Thoughts
Community Calendar
Cardiopulmonary Connection
PMC Nurses Honored During National Nurses Week
30 Days to Better Sleep
I Can’t Ask My Doctor That!
He Said, She Said
Hold On to Your Health
STILL A SCREENING STAR
Your Joints: An Owner’s Manual
Weighing Your Options
No Greater Gift
Weather Alert
Virtual Health
Inherent Beauty
Ask and You Shall Receive
Community Health
Foundation Focus
Ask the Expert

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2012 - Parrish Medical Center