Maryland’s Health Matters - BWMC - Fall 2017 - 9

BLADDER
CONTROL PROBLEMS
Lack of bladder control, or urinary
incontinence, can be embarrassing
and can lead to problems such as
depression and isolation. In most cases,
incontinence can be cured or greatly
improved with treatment. Don't hesitate
to tell your health care provider if
you have bladder control problems.

DEMENTIA
Dementia, most simply, is a memory
problem significant enough to affect
your ability to carry out normal tasks.
While the most common cause is
Alzheimer's disease, there are other
types of dementia-relatedconditions.
Various tests can help determine

FREE LECTURE

STAYING
HEALTHY
AS YOU AGE

UM BWMC will host
a free lecture on
Alzheimer's disease,
dementia and the signs
of memory loss on
Wednesday, Nov. 15,
at 6:30 p.m. at
UM BWMC. See page 19
for details.

for might have dementia and what
type it might be.

FALLS
Falls are a leading cause of serious
injury in older adults. There are many
risk factors for falling, including safety
hazards in the home, medication side
effects, walking and vision problems,
dizziness, arthritis, weakness and malnutrition. Tell your health care provider

Learn about the most common
conditions facing older adults

whether you or someone you care

mericans are living longer and healthier lives.

immediately if you have fallen. He or she
will look into what caused your fall and
suggest steps to prevent future accidents. Exercise and physical therapy can
help improve your walking techniques.

In 1900, 45 was considered "old," but today

OSTEOPOROSIS

80 is the new 40. Even so, many older adults

Osteoporosis is a condition that

develop geriatric syndromes, which are

makes the bones of older adults more

problems that may involve different parts of the body.

fragile and easy to break. Women

However, there are treatments available that can help

ages65 and older, and men over 70,

you maintain your independence and quality of life.

should get a bone mineral density

At right, Anuj Bhatnagar, MD, a geriatric and family medicine practitioner at the University of Maryland
Community Medical Group - Adult and Senior Care in

(BMD) test. Increased calcium and vitaAnuj Bhatnagar, MD

min D intake, strength-training exercises
and weight-bearing exercises such

Pasadena and Millersville, outlines some of the common

as walking are important to keeping

conditions that become more prevalent as we age.

your bones healthy.

 If you're 49 or older and need a primary care physician, call 410-553-8092.

mybwmc.org | Fall 2017

http://www.mybwmc.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Maryland’s Health Matters - BWMC - Fall 2017