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August Archive

in the News

EPA Aging Initiative Website

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announces the EPA Aging
Initiative. The program has been developed to inform older adults and their caregivers about environmental health hazards that can affect chronic conditions. 

The website for this initiative (http://www.epa.gov/aging/) includes fact sheets that outline simple and important preventative steps to reduce exposure to environmental hazards and protect your health, particularly if you have conditions such as heart disease, stroke, asthma, and COPD. The fact sheets have been translated into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Haitian Creole, Italian, French, Arabic and Russian.  These can be downloaded on our website at http://epa.gov/aging/resources/factsheets/index.htm#fs.
The fact sheets are also available for persons with limited reading ability or limited (http://epa.gov/aging/resources/factsheets/index.htm#lowvision.)

On the website, you will find news, grant opportunities and other
information on environment and aging.  We have also developed a monthly
list serve that shares information about federal and non-governmental
funding opportunities and the latest news topics in the field of aging
and environment.  You are invited to subscribe to the list serve on
the homepage of our website http://www.epa.gov/aging.

Community Connection of Northeast Georgia

Community Connection of Northeast Georgia is a referral agency that maintains a telephone information and referral service that helps individuals and organizations locate appropriate community resources, including food, clothing, shelter, housing, health care, aging services, volunteer opportunities, and legal referrals.

Contact:
Phone: 706-353-1313
Website: http://www.communityconnection211.com/
Database of resources: http://www.irissoft.com/C211/

4th Annual Faith and Aging Conference

Friday, August 17, 2007
Information Flyer [PDF]

Moving Science to Practice in Caregiver Support: A National Summit

October 25 & 26, 2007
Information Flyer [PDF]
Conference Registration [PDF]
Georgia Caregivers of the Year Award, information [PDF]

State Nomination Form [PDF]
Regional Nomination Form [PDF]

Senior Expo

Sept 12, 2007
Information Flyer [PDF]

Take Charge Tips
Take Charge of Cataracts

Eat Healthy - Fruits and Vegetables: More Matters

Scientific studies are not yet conclusive, but some studies do show that eating a diet rich in antioxidants is protective against cataracts. To increase the amounts of antioxidants in your diet, all you need to do is eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables everyday, especially fresh.

Fresh fruits and vegetables provide many vitamins, fiber and water. They are wonderful for overall health and well-being. A general rule of thumb is, "more matters." So, unless you are on a special diet for a medical reason, include fresh fruits and vegetables at every meal and for snacks.

Visit Fruits and Vegetables: More Matters at: http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/


Be Active - Protect Your Eyes Outside

Prolonged or excessive exposure to UV radiation from the sun increases your risk of developing cataracts. When you are outside, protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that block UV rays and wear a wide brimmed hat.


Get Checked - Get Checked for Cataracts

Cataracts can be easily diagnosed during a routine eye exam. Below is a list of common symptoms. Should you begin to experience any of these, you should make an appointment to have your eyes examined.

  • noticeable blurring or clouding of vision
  • worsening of vision
  • dimming and fading of colors
  • decreased night vision
  • problems with bright lights and sunshine
  • difficulty reading
  • the need for frequent changes in glasses or contact prescriptions
  • double vision in the affected eye

 


Be Smoke Free - Quit Smoking for Your Eyes

Smoking increases the risk of developing cataracts. If you smoke take charge of the health of your eyes and take steps to stop smoking.

There are many resources to help you quit.

ACS Guide to Quit Smoking
The Foundation for a Smoke-Free America
QuitNet
SmokeFree.gov
WhyQuit.com


Be Positive - Take Charge of Cataracts

If you find yourself facing cataracts, there are many things you can do to manage the situation in a positive way. For example, learn about cataracts. Knowledge of the condition and how it is managed can help you deal with the situation.

It may also be helpful to talk to other people who have cataracts or are being treated for cataracts. You may find people to talk to online or in support groups in your area.

Useful websites:

Site last updated: August 1, 2007

The content and opinions expressed on this Web page do not necessarily
reflect the views of nor are they endorsed by the University of Georgia
or the University System of Georgia.

Division of Aging Services Georgia.gov University of Georgia