Health Info & Resources for Seniors
Geriatric Medicine Specialist Urges Seniors to Get Flu Shots
Older adults are more susceptible to getting both the flu and COVID 19 — as well as developing serious complications from these diseases — than younger people. Consequently, geriatric medicine specialist, Roopa Anmolsingh, MD, urges seniors to get a flu shot this fall. “The latest recommendation is to get the vaccine in mid-to-late October in order to have more prolonged immunity through April,” said Dr. Anmolsingh, of St.
Luke’s Senior Care Associates.
Beware of Autumn Safety Hazards
Autumn’s colorful foliage and moderate temperatures make it a great time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors — but before lacing up your sneakers, keep these safety tips in mind, advises geriatric medicine specialist, Roopa Anmolsingh, MD. “While the changing leaves can be beautiful, they can also be treacherous,” warns Dr. Anmolsingh of St. Luke’s Senior Care Associates. “Fallen leaves can obscure walking hazards such as uneven pavement and potholes. If you’re walking on a path in the woods or a park, fallen leaves might cover rocks, loose gravel, and tree roots, that could cause you to trip. Wear proper-fitting, nonslip shoes with good traction. If you like to hike on wooded pathways, you might want to invest in a good pair of hiking shoes that can give you better footing and protect your toes.”
Laser Procedure Treats Unsightly and Painful Varicose Veins
"A minor surgical procedure that uses laser energy to treat varicose veins lessens pain, discomfort, and the blue or purple lines on the legs, ankles, and feet," says St. Luke’s vascular surgeon, Calogero DiMaggio, DO.
We Are Still Delivering
When the COVID-19 virus hit the Lehigh Valley this past March, it seemed like the whole nation completely changed overnight. Suddenly, there was panic and worry, and a lack of toilet paper in every store! Yet, one thing that remained the same was the dedication from our Meals on Wheels volunteers to uphold our mission of providing nourishing food to those in need. So far, during the 2019–2020 fiscal year, Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley has served over 300,000 meals to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities.
Fellowship Community Launches Magical Memory Table
The Fellowship Community launched an interactive Magical Memory Table designed to promote engagement and improve motor skills for residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia. An estimated 5.8 million Americans (10%) are living with Alzheimer’s, so Fellowship Community began a Dementia Care Initiative to establish best practices for caring for its residents affected by the disease.
A Safe Transition from Hospital to Home
COVID-19 has dominated not only the headlines, but also the headspace of people across the planet. Physical restrictions and perceived limitations have dramatically altered the routines of life.
Unfortunately, the presence of the coronavirus has not created the absence of other diseases, accidents, and injuries that also cause people to seek medical care. As individuals receive care and transition between hospital, rehab facility, and home, they can now do so with greater peace of mind.