in the News

eldercare Locator

The Eldercare Locator is the first step to finding resources for older adults in any U.S. community. It is a free national service of the Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Just one phone call or Web site visit provides an instant connection to resources that enable older persons to live independently in their communities. Support services for caregivers are also available. The Eldercare Locator is designed to help older adults and their families and caregivers find their way through the maze of services for seniors by identifying trustworthy local support resources. The goal is to provide users with the information and resources they need that will help older persons live independently and safely in their homes and communities for as long as possible.

Established in 1991, the Eldercare Locator links those who need assistance with state, tribal and local area agencies on aging and community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers. Whether an older person needs help with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver needs training and education or a well-deserved break from caregiving responsibilities, the Eldercare Locator is there to point that person in the right direction.

The Eldercare Locator is administered in partnership with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging and the National Association of State Units on Aging.

SOURCE: eldercare Locator (www.eldercare.gov/eldercare/Public/about/service.asp)

Diabetes and Enviromental Health

The EPA Aging Initiative has released a new fact sheet. The new fact sheet on diabetes and environmental hazards is available on-line and in hard copy. The fact sheet summarizes how environmental factors can affect the health of older adults who are living with diabetes. It also suggests measures to minimize exposure to air pollution and extreme heat that can worsen the health of people living with diabetes.  This fact sheet is the sixth in a series of fact sheets for older adults and their caregivers that address environmental health issues important to older adults.  A complete copy is available to download.

You may also order other fact sheets and posters related to environmental health at: http://www.epa.gov/aging/resources/order.htm

GMap Pedometer

If you are walker and like to keep up with your distance, Google has a great online tool for you! You can enter any zip code, zoom in to the neighborhood of your choice, and then plot your path. GMaps logs the distance as you click your way through the walk. You can calculate a path you already walk, or try new paths to mark a new distance.

It's fun. Try it today. Visit http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/

Take Charge of
Healthy Aging

September marks the beginning of a new school year.  Children are full of anticipation and excitement. Teachers are full of enthusiasm for another opportunity to inspire young minds. Parents are full of hopeful expectations for their little fledglings.

For older adults, September is marked by celebrations that inspire new beginnings toward health and wellness. September health observances provide excitement about good health, inspiration to add new health habits, and the expectation that healthy living is rewarded with healthy aging. 

How can you make a new beginning?

Eat Healthy - More Matters

Some of the biggest players in nutrition and health are celebrated this month. First, it’s Fruit and Vegetable Month.  The benefit of eating these foods everyday is so important that health professionals no longer recommend eating within a range; they simply remind us that “More Matters.”  This time of year is perfect for fresh fruits and vegetables of many kinds.  Take advantage of them.

A second observance is in honor of whole grains. The US Dietary Guidelines state that "Consuming at least 3 or more one-ounce equivalents of whole grains per day can reduce the risk of several chronic diseases and may help with weight maintenance."

A third nutrition focus in September is related to cholesterol – taking charge of habits that can raise your total blood cholesterol.  You can do this by checking the Nutrition Facts panel on food labels. Choose foods lower in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. For saturated fat and cholesterol, you can also use the Percent Daily Value (%DV): 5% DV or less is low, and 20% DV or more is high. Remember, there is no %DV for trans fat and tis better to choose foods with no trans fat.

Visit More Matters.

 

Be Active - America on the Move

Physical activity is associated with improving or preventing almost all chronic diseases.  Being active makes us feel better and keeps us healthy longer. This September, join in and be part of getting America moving!

America On the Move Foundation (AOM) is a national non-profit organization.  Its mission is to improve health and quality of life by promoting healthful eating and active living among individuals, families, communities and society. 

Visit the website today to find information for individuals, groups and health professionals.

Get Checked - Take a Loved One for a Check-up

A first step in taking charge of your health is to have a checkup. Regular checkups can help prevent some health problems.  If a medical problem is found early, treatment is likely to be more successful. September 19th is Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day. It is a reminder to take care of yourself and those you love. Take a friend to a health fair in your community.  Make an appointment to see your doctor or make one for a loved one.

Not sure what you should have checked? Nervous about what to expect from a medical test? Visit the Get Checked section of LWAW to learn more.

Be Smoke Free - See Immediate Results

Ever wonder how long it would take to see any benefit if you stopped smoking? The truth is, the benefits begin only minutes after your put that last cigarette in the ashtray. Wade Meredith outlines, What Happens to Your Body If You Stop Smoking Right Now?

In 20 minutes your blood pressure will drop back down to normal.

In 8 hours the carbon monoxide (a toxic gas) levels in your blood stream will drop by half, and oxygen levels will return to normal.

In 48 hours your chance of having a heart attack will have decreased. All nicotine will have left your body. Your sense of taste and smell will return to a normal level.

In 72 hours your bronchial tubes will relax, and your energy levels will increase.

In 2 weeks your circulation will increase, and it will continue to improve for the next 10 weeks.

In three to nine months coughs, wheezing and breathing problems will dissipate as your lung capacity improves by 10%.

In 1 year your risk of having a heart attack will have dropped by half.

In 5 years your risk of having a stroke returns to that of a non-smoker.

In 10 years your risk of lung cancer will have returned to that of a non-smoker.

In 15 years your risk of heart attack will have returned to that of a non-smoker.

For the complete story,click here.

For strategies to help you quit: Quitting Tobacco Use - Strategies and Skills for Quitting

Be Positive - Age With a Wealth of Health

The health observances of September are proactive.  They ask us to take action and be accountable for our health. The truth is, health is not a characteristic we either have or don't have. It is not like hair color.  It is an outcome of all aspects of our life. Granted, we don't have control over some of those aspects.  For example, we don't have control over the genes that may make us more likely to have heart disease, diabetes, or even obesity.  But for many aspects, we have a great deal of control.  For example, we can choose to be physically active each day or not.  We can choose whole grain breads or not.  We can also choose to eat high fat meals or not. There is much we can do to have good health.

This month get inspired to make a new beginning.  Take bold action and age with a wealth of health.