All Posts in "Everything Else"

Medical providers advise annual checks of blood pressure to guard against it getting too high and becoming the “quiet disease.” (Courtesy photo)
Medical providers advise annual checks of blood pressure to guard against it getting too high and becoming the “quiet disease.” (Courtesy photo)
Cholesterol and blood pressure play a major role in the overall health of our heart. High blood pressure and poor cholesterol numbers are considered major risk factors for the development of heart disease and stroke.
It’s important for everyone to know their cholesterol and blood pressure numbers, and to stay within recommended goal ranges. We at MultiCare Health System encourage everyone to work with their primary-care provider to evaluate and treat their risk factors for heart disease.
Below are a few common questions we hear from patients. Or take an online “Heart Disease Risk Assessment” quiz (www.multicare.org/home/heart-disease-risk) to learn about some of your risk factors, then consult a primary care provider.
How often should I have my cholesterol checked?
Once every five years, adults over age 20 should have a fasting lipoprotein profile, which measures total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and HDL (good) cholesterol and triglycerides (another blood fat), according to recommendations from the National Cholesterol Education program.
You may need to have your cholesterol checked more often than every five years if one or more of these situations applies to you:
• Your total cholesterol is 200 mg/dl or more.
• You are a man over age 45 or a woman over age 50.
• Your HDL (good) cholesterol is less than 40/mg/dL.
• You have other risk factors for heart disease and stroke, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and early onset of heart disease in your immediate family history.
• Your health care provider is treating you for high cholesterol or other heart disease risk factors.
What are HDL and LDL, and why do they matter?
Cholesterol does not dissolve in the blood. It has to be transported by carriers called lipoproteins. There are two types of these lipoproteins – low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). LDL is known as the bad type of cholesterol because its ability to build up on the inner walls of the arteries of the heart and vascular system. This can cause narrowing in the arteries leading to clots or blockages which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Too much LDL cholesterol in the blood can increase this risk. Optimal levels of LDL recommended are 100 mg/dL or less.
HDL is known as the good type of cholesterol because high levels of HDL seem to protect against risk of heart attacks. Medical experts believe that HDL helps to carry cholesterol away from the arteries to be broken down in the liver and removed. The higher the HDL level, the greater the chance that the cholesterol is being removed. Optimal HDL should be above 50 mg/dL or greater.
How can I improve my cholesterol numbers?
Everyone can work to improve their cholesterol numbers and reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease by eating a low-fat diet, exercising regularly, losing excess weight, and increasing fiber in their diet. You should consult with your healthcare provider to evaluate your cardiovascular disease risk and whether you may need medication in addition to diet and exercise.
How often should I check my blood pressure?

Have your blood pressure checked every year. Optimal blood pressure is 120/80 or less. High blood pressure is considered to be 140/90 or greater. If your blood pressure is 130/85 or greater it should be watched closely and you should consult your health care provider.
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is considered the “quiet” disease because there usually are no symptoms. Knowing your numbers and seeking treatment when indicated can lower your risk for heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Things that everyone can do to help improve blood pressure levels include weight loss, salt reduction, stress reduction, cardiovascular exercise, and a healthy diet.
What can be done to reduce high blood pressure?
We have seen patients improve their blood pressure and cholesterol levels through diet and exercise alone. However, in many cases, patients may require medication to help them reach their optimal numbers and reduce their overall risk for heart disease and stroke. Consult a primary care provider if you have concerns.

Glenn Bean wrote this article. He is a clinical coordinator in preventive cardiology at MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital, part of the MultiCare Health System network of hospitals and clinics in Pierce County and south King County. More information about heart check screenings is available at 253-403-1726 and heartcheck@multicare.org.

Contributing Author by — March 13, 2013 in Everything Else

According to the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP), Baby Boomers will turn 65 at a rate of about 8,000 per day for the next 18 years. As life expectancies rise, retired citizens will need more income for a longer period than past generations, and often want to stay in their own home. Reverse mortgages are an option to consider to satisfy these wants and needs.

Reverse mortgages offer many advantages to retirees and their families, but not all reverse mortgages are the same. Since 1999, Northwest-based HomeStreet Bank has offered the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) through the Federal Housing Administration to qualified homeowners aged 62 and older. The HECM is a government-insured program that may help a person use the equity in their home to meet their cash needs and remain living there.

Reverse mortgages can be used to tap equity from your current home or to purchase another home. Some reverse mortgages offer a line of credit option that allows the homeowner to withdraw money from their available line of credit at any time. For borrowers who have a standard set of regular expenses, monthly check options are also available. A reverse mortgage is repaid in full when the last living borrower dies, sells the home, or no longer inhabits the home as his or her primary residence.

Above all, it is important to know the facts when considering a reverse mortgage to ensure you and your family are protected. With that in mind, here are some things to remember:

Myth: A reverse mortgage means that my home will no longer belong to me.
Fact: Not true. The homeowner retains ownership of the home. Reverse mortgages may actually help homeowners stay in their homes by helping them reduce their monthly expenses. Once all borrowers are no longer living in the home as their primary residence, the reverse mortgage must be repaid.

Myth: Reverse mortgage loan payments only occur in a lump sum.
Fact: The lump sum loan payment is one of several payment options available to help with cash flow planning needs and budgeting. Depending on loan type and need, borrowers can receive payments as a:
• lump sum
• fixed monthly payment for as long as one of the borrowers lives in the home
• line of credit, or
• a combination of payment options.

The proceeds from a reverse mortgage are not taxed as income and can be used for a wide variety of purposes. However, you should consider the impact that disbursements may have on your eligibility for Medicaid, SSI or other government benefits that are based on need.

Myth: My monthly mortgage payment will increase.
Fact: The monthly mortgage payment actually goes away. The borrower is still required to pay taxes and homeowners insurance, as well as to maintain the home.

Myth: Any lenders who offer reverse mortgages will take advantage of me.
Fact: Not true, but it is important to work with a reputable lender, one who offers a good product such as the FHA’s Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, has a good reputation, takes the time to answer all of your questions, and helps you understand your options and your loan thoroughly.

Myth: All reverse mortgage products are the same.
Fact: Not true. Again, it is important to work with a reputable lender to determine the right option for you. The Federal Housing Administration’s reverse mortgage product (HECM) is a reputable, government-insured product.

Myth: Reverse mortgages are the right decision for everyone.
Fact: Not necessarily. It is important to explore all options before making a decision. In fact, the federal government’s program requires a HUD counseling session before obtaining a reverse mortgage to support making an informed decision.

Myth: I won’t pay property taxes with a reverse mortgage.
Fact: You will still be required to pay your taxes and homeowner’s insurance, just as with any other type of mortgage.

Chris Barnes, who wrote this article, is a reverse mortgage specialist in Pierce County for HomeStreet Bank.

srmedia by — March 13, 2013 in Everything Else

The city of Tacoma presented its Community Service Award to Cascade Park Communities during the city’s Martin Luther King Jr. birthday celebration Jan. 21 at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center.
The award was in the Employer category. Cascade Park provides assissted living, memory care and adult day health services in Pierce County and the greater Puget Sound area.
In addition to awards, the January event included keynote speaker Clayborne Carson, the executive director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University. He participated in the civil rights march on Washington, D.C. in 1963.

Celebrating Cascade Park's Community Service Award from the city of Tacoma were Cascade Park president Don Hansen (second from right) and (from left) residents Walter Blomberg, Sherry Gingrey, Charlotte Johnson and Lila Vincent.
Celebrating Cascade Park’s Community Service Award from the city of Tacoma were Cascade Park president Don Hansen (second from right) and (from left) residents Walter Blomberg, Sherry Gingrey, Charlotte Johnson and Lila Vincent.

srmedia by — March 12, 2013 in Everything Else

According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 20 million Americans (one out of eight baby boomers) are juggling taking care of an older parent while raising or supporting a child. In Washington, some 854,000 family caregivers make tremendous sacrifices at home and in their careers to care for a loved one.
Although the role of caregiver has many rewards, it can often be stressful. In a 2009 study, The National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP found that the average family member caring for an older relative spent almost 20 hours a week helping with such things as meal preparation, transportation and recordkeeping. Despite the challenges, most family caregivers want to support their older loved ones and find a balance with work and family life that is both fulfilling and productive.
If you’re struggling to balance it all, here are seven tips to help:
1. Ease up on your expectations. This isn’t easy. Recognize you are human and you are doing the best you can. Take time to breathe.
2. Make a plan. Most families don’t think about how they will manage caring for older parents until a crisis occurs. Start the conversation early. Be sure you know how they want their medical care and finances managed if they are unable to manage them on their own. Review their important documents with them. Use AARP’s free Prepare to Care booklet as your guide at www.aarp.org/preparetocare.
3. Include your children. From keeping grandparents company to mowing the lawn, kids of all ages can provide emotional or practical support if the situation is right. They will also learn important lessons in patience and what it means to be a family.
4. Seek help. Don’t wait for people to offer help and don’t assume they know what type of help to offer. Reach out to your network of family members and friends and let them know you could use a hand with some specific tasks. Consider using an online electronic organizer such as www.aarp.org/manystrong or www.lotsahelpinghands.com.
5. Know your options. There are professionals and community services that provide caregivers with information, resources and respite (a break from caring). You can gain valuable information to help both you and your loved one at www.aarp.org/caregiving.
6. Check out workplace support. Find out if your workplace offers assistance to working caregivers. Ask about company policies on flexible work schedules and Family Medical Leave.
7. Prioritize your own health and well being. Tend to your own needs for exercise, sleep and healthy eating. Find ways to reduce the stress—whether it’s taking in a movie, walking with a friend or taking a long bath. Consider joining a support group or finding someone that you can talk with about your experiences.
Life is a balancing act. Having the right information and support from others will help you find a little more equilibrium. Learn more about what you can do to secure your future at www.aarp.org/decide.

Cassandra D. Oshinnaiye, the writer of this article, is the manager of AARP’s “Decide.Create.Share” campaign. She leads the association’s educational and outreach efforts related to increasing awareness among women about long-term care planning.

Contributing Author by — March 5, 2013 in Everything Else