All Posts in "Month: June 2016"

Children today face many extraordinary challenges and opportunities. That’s even more true for grandparents, according to experts who say kids often bring those issues to home and family.

“Conversations on Grandparenting” is an informal discussion about how grandparents can provide the support and guidance that children need today. In many cases this can be done in collaboration with their parents.  But in other cases, when parents are absent, grandparents become the sole source of assistance and encouragement.

The workshop will be held on:

  • June 10 – 12:10 – 12:50 p.m., Pierce County Annex Main Meeting Room, 2401 S 35th Street in Tacoma
  • June 20 – 12:10 – 12:50 p.m., County-City Building, Rainier Conference Room, 930 Tacoma Ave. S., 7th floor, Tacoma.

“Of all the influences children have in their lives,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, Manager of Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources, “none are more important than family.  Having a listening ear, a trusting adult and good guidance in their lives is critical.  Older adults especially are able to enter into the lives of their grandchildren in order to make connections.  It’s something that every adult can learn to do.”

An estimated seven to ten percent of children nationally live in a household headed by a grandparent.  Sometimes by choice, other times by necessity, this has caused a tremendous change in the role of grandparents caring for the youngest children.

“Conversations on Grandparenting” will offer a wide range of ideas that grandparents – young and old – can use to better cement their relationships with grandchildren.  The presenter is Rosalyn Alber, coordinator of the Relatives Raising Children program at HopeSparks.  Participants will also learn about community resources that can help them as well as the child’s parents in preparing for a future that will be filled with opportunities and challenges.

The workshop is free and open to the public.  No RSVP is required.  For more information call the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center at (253) 798-4600.

srmedia by — June 2, 2016 in News

Hallmark Manor, a skilled-nursing and rehab center in Federal Way, has named Karen Rose as its executive director.

Rose has been a nursing home administrator in the Olympia area for the past five years. She started her career in skilled nursing as a certified nursing assistant and has worked in roles from unit clerk to

“I enjoy seeing the residents smile and laugh,” said Rose. “I like knowing I’m making a difference. When a resident’s having a bad day and I talk to them and help them feel better, that means a lot to me.”

Originally from Susanville, Calif., Rose has a master’s and a bachelor’s degree in health care administration. She now lives in Yelm.

“Karen brings more than 15 years of skilled-nursing experience to her new position,” said Stephanie Bonanzino, vice president of Life Care Centers of America’s Cascades Region. “With this background, she provides the center an elevated level of leadership and support to maintain the quality care and standards Life Care has. Her positive outlook, team approach and dedication are a perfect match for us.”

Hallmark Manor is one of 16 facilities in Washington operated or managed by Life Care Centers of America.

 

srmedia by — June 2, 2016 in Personal Finance/Consumers

As in past years, dancers 55 and up can take a spin during the Senior Prom hosted by Franke Tobey Jones retirement community.
As in past years, dancers 55 and up can take a spin during the Senior Prom hosted by Franke Tobey Jones retirement community.

Forget high school. This prom is for people age 55 and better.

For the seventh year, the Franke Tobey Jones senior living community in Tacoma and other sponsors will provide fun evening for those wanting to cut a rug or just listen to big-band music on June 11 from 6 to 9 p.m.

“This event is something that I can’t wait to attend each year,” said Steven Behr, a Senior Prom attendee the past few years. “It is tailored to us older adults who long to get dressed up, enjoy the big band music, and share ‘I only have eyes for you’ moments with that special person.  And, the price is right…only $5!”

For the second year, the Senior Prom will be held at McGavick Conference Center at Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood.

“We simply outgrew our original Stadium High School location,” said Christine Hall, the event’s coordinator and senior director of marketing and public relations for Franke Tobey Jones. “Last year we held the Senior Prom for the first time at the McGavick center and it was wonderful —  lots of space for dancing, listening and mingling.”

A highlight of the prom is the music provided by Route 66, a 16-piece band that gets everyone in the mood to kick up their heels and also brings back lots of memories of past Senior Proms, Hall said. Another highlight is the crowning of kings and queens from various retirement communities.  Prom attendees can also have their Senior Prom photo taken and enjoy refreshments.  The ticket price ($5 each) includes everything.

Tickets can be purchased on line at http://www.franketobeyjones.com/senior-wellness/annual-events/, at the front desk at Franke Tobey Jones or the night of the event.

The event’s major sponsors are Franke Tobey Jones and Allwest Moving and Storage.  Other sponsors include ResCare HomeCare, AdLib, Humana, The Errand Girl, and Retirement Connection.

Additional information is available from Christine Hall at 253-756-6350.

 

srmedia by — June 2, 2016 in News

By MultiCare Health System

What do you reach for when you have a headache?

If it’s not a glass of water or cup of coffee, chances are you’re looking in the medicine cabinet — or your desk drawer — for a painkiller.

But which one do you choose, and why? Tylenol? Ibuprofen? Maybe aspirin?.

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol).

This common pain reliever is known as an antipyretic (fever reducer) and analgesic (pain reliever). It’s used to relieve mild to moderate pains of many sorts — headache, muscle aches, sore throat, toothache, back pain and cramps.

“Acetaminophen is a highly effective and important pain medication,” says Dr. Jon Geffen, a pain management physician at MultiCare Orthopedic and Sports Medicine – Spine Services.

Avoid taking more than 3,000mg of acetaminophen in a day, as taking too much can cause severe liver damage.

Acetaminophen is not a strong anti-inflammatory, so if you have swelling that’s causing you pain, read on.

  •   Ibuprofen.

Ibuprofen is what’s known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug that blocks the inflammatory cascade of chemicals that cause both pain and fever.

“NSAIDs are best for inflammation reduction for autoimmune conditions and traumatic events such as joint injuries or post-surgery pain,” says Dr. Louis Jacobson, a pain management physician at MultiCare Covington Medical Center.

However, many NSAIDs also block peptides that protect your stomach lining, so taking these drugs may lead to stomach upset and irritation. You may prefer an acetaminophen if this is the case.

Because NSAIDs work differently than acetaminophen, you could take them together for pain relief. But avoid taking more than 1,200mg of ibuprofen per day unless directed by your doctor.

  • Aspirin.

Aspirin is a salicylate drug with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Non-prescription aspirin is used to reduce fever and relieve mild to moderate conditions, similar to acetaminophen.

“It works by stopping the production of natural substances that cause fever, pain, swelling and blood clots,” Jacobson says.

But because aspirin has a tendency to thin the blood, it’s not a preferred drug for pain, Geffen says. It should be used to prevent heart attacks or reduce risk of death during a cardiac event such as an ischemic stroke.

Serious side-effects with prolonged use of aspirin include gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding, as well as kidney failure.

 

A note about chronic pain

 

Over-the-counter medications are overused by many people suffering chronic pain, says Jacobson.

“Non-prescription painkillers are used like candy,” he says.

Prescription painkillers are also commonly overused. Just last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) toughened its requirements on labeling for certain types of opioid painkillers in response to growing concern about addiction to prescription painkillers.

Nearly 2 million Americans abused or were dependent on prescription opioids in 2014, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. From 1999 to 2014, more than 165,000 people died from overdoses related to prescription opioids.

Whether it’s over-the-counter or prescription painkillers, it’s important to remember these medications are all powerful and should only be used as directed, Jacobson says.

For the over-the-counter medications discussed here, avoid using them for extended periods of time unless prescribed and monitored by a medical provider for a specific condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or cardiac health.

 

MultiCare Health System is a network of healthcare facilities and services in Pierce and King counties.Painkillers-web

srmedia by — June 2, 2016 in Health & Fitness