How to Prevent Falls in Older Adults

The American Chiropractic Association(ACA) recommends these tips in preventing falls in older adults:

1. Perform a Home Safety Check: Many falls occur at home. Most commonly, people trip over objects on the floor. To make your home safer, check out these tips.
2. Exercise: Exercise reduces your risk of falls by improving your strength, balance, coordination and flexibility. Talk to your physician about an exercise program.
3. Review Your Medications: Many medications have side effects that can affect your brain function and lead to dizziness or lightheadedness. Ask your prescribing physician to review your medications and reduce your chances of falling by using the lowest effective dosage. Also, discuss the need for walking aids or supports while taking medications that can affect balance.
4. Get Your Eyes Check Regularly: Reduced vision increases risk of falls. Age-related vision diseases, including cataracts and glaucoma, can alter your depth perception, visual acuity and susceptibility to glare. Have your vision checked regularly. Also, regularly clean your glasses to improve visibility.
5. Prevent Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis makes bones less resistant to stress and more likely to fracture. Caused by hormonal changes, calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, and a decrease in physical activity, osteoporosis is a chief cause of fractures in older adults, especially women. Talk to your doctor about things you can do to prevent osteoporosis.
   

Source:ACA

Many Childless Adults Worry About Elder Care

More Americans are not having children, and many worry about elder care.

"More and more baby boomers are childless, and so they are facing old age without really a family to care for them," says John Rother, policy director for AARP.

Experts say the key is to plan ahead. They advise you to:

• Stay healthy
• Financial planning
• Research community resources before you need them
  

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Check out senior service providers in your area:
Senior Service Providers
Nursing Homes
Assisted Livings
Retirement Communities
Geriatric Care Managers
Private Duty Non-Medical Home-Based Care Provider

Source: MSNBC

Health Education for Seniors

There are many opportunities for Seniors and their care all over the country. Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan is offering many health education programs so Seniors can stay educated, informed, and healthy. Here are some upcoming events:

1) Bariatric Surgery: For overweight peoples wanting to know about procedures and surgeries and its effects on your body.
When: August 3rd, 6pm-8pm, with Dr. Stuart Verseman, bariatric surgeon
August 18, 7pm-9pm, with Dr. Alan Saber, bariatric surgeon
Where: Gilmore Center for Health Education, Bronson Methodist Hospital
Fee: Free
*Call 269-341-7723 or visit www.bronsonhealth.com to register.
*There is also a Bariatric Surgery support group available on August 20th, 7pm-8pm at the Gilmore Center for Health Education. Registration is not necessary, call 269-341-8900 for details.

2) Pre-Diabetes Class: A diabetes educator teaches a 2-hour class where you can learn symptoms, how to eat healthy, be active, and maintain healthy weights to fight the risk of diabetes
When: August 12th, 1p-3pm
Where: Bronson Diabetes Education Center, Suite 104, 820 John Street
Fee: $30
*Call 269-341-8585 to register.

3) Drug Interactions/Medication Review: You will be able to meet individually with a pharmacist who will review the medications that you are taking, checking for healthy drug interactions and making sure your drugs are quality.You will receive a free medication wallet card.
When and Where: Set up an appointment during regular office hours
Fee: Free
*Call Bronson Outpatient Pharmacy in downtown Kalamazoo at 269-341-6990 or Bronson Pharmacy Mattawan at 269-668-6205

Take advantage of these opportunities if you are in the Kalamazoo area and let us know how they've helped you, at WhereToFindCare.com. All feedback and reports are helpful in aiding those without health care.
For more information, visit: http://www.bronsonhealth.com
For the full article, visit: MLive: Bronson Offers Health Education