Health Info & Resources for Seniors
Deep Brain Stimulation Reduces Parkinson’s Symptoms
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a neurological surgical procedure that has been shown effective in reducing the symptoms of Parkinson’s and other movement disorders. The first physician in the region to perform the procedure, Dr. Falowski, has since treated more than 100 patients with great results. Most of these patients have experienced considerable reduction of their motor symptoms and have been able to reduce their medications. Dr. Falowski continues to work with Medtronic, the company that developed the device.
Caution When Taking OTC Medications
Over-the-counter medications (OTC’s) are medications that can be obtained without a prescription. Keep in mind that they are still medications; therefore, they may cause side effects and drug interactions. Treating a minor medical condition with OTC’s is ideal for the relatively healthy individual, but very young patients and older adults, and those taking multiple prescriptions or several OTC drugs, need to be cautious.
Once a patient has several health conditions and is on multiple medications, OTC drugs need to be treated with the same precautions as prescription medications. In the case of sleep aids, prescription medications may actually be safer and more effective than over-the-counter sleep aid medication, especially for the elderly.
Understanding Grandparents with Dementia
One of the greatest joys in life is the relationship between a grandchild and grandparent. Unfortunately, not every child has the opportunity to spend time and really know their grandparents due to any number of factors, including having a deceased grandparent, geographic separation, and increasingly more common --- the effects of dementia.
Dementia robs an individual of their personality and dramatically alters the relationships of those around them – spouses, children, and grandchildren. Dementia is particularly painful for those who witness the harrowing transformation from who they were into who they are with dementia. The silver lining is that they had the opportunity to know the individual.
Fighting Symptoms of Menopause With Exercise
With its fluctuating hormones, menopause and the unpleasant symptoms that often accompany it - hot flashes, difficulty sleeping and fatigue - may have you looking for the nearest sofa or easy chair. But, fight the temptation, strap on your sneakers, and get moving instead.
Cardiologist Dwithiya K. Thomas, MD, FACC of St. Luke’s Cardiology Associates, says exercise may help you feel better before and during menopause, and help you stay stronger as you age.
Worried About Your Medications? Communicate
Have you ever wondered if the medications you are taking interact with each other or if they are less effective if taken together? Do you feel that some of your medications are not necessary or possibly making you feel worse? Have you heard of a friend having a bad experience with a medication that your doctor is now prescribing for you? These and many other reasons account for the challenges of taking medications correctly.
Transitional Care Helps You Avoid Re-Hospitalization
Re-hospitalization – admission to a hospital soon after discharge – is common and expensive. In many situations, hospitalization is necessary and appropriate. However, nearly one in every five elderly patients who are discharged from the hospital are re-hospitalized within 30 days.
Returning to the hospital after recovering from an illness, injury or surgery is something nobody wants.