All Posts in "Health & Fitness"

Vaccines can be a lifelong safeguard

As health needs evolve throughout life, it can be easy to forget how crucial vaccinations can be for protection against preventable diseases. Many people associate vaccines with childhood, remembering the series of shots received during early school years. However, vaccination importance extends far beyond children attending elementary school and college students returning to campuses. They should be incorporated into a lifelong commitment to health and wellness.

Whether required or recommended, vaccinations can play a pivotal role in safeguarding individual health and promoting community well-being. According to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccines help create protective antibodies that fight infections. CDC states childhood vaccinations, such as MMR (measles, mumps and rubeola), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and HPV, are known to prevent around 4 million global deaths annually. However, only 1 in 5 adults are up to date on their vaccines, highlighting a critical gap in public health awareness and readiness.

Vaccines train immune systems to recognize and combat harmful viruses or bacteria. The immune system’s efficiency can decrease while aging, making older people more susceptible to diseases. That’s why staying current with recommended vaccines is essential, CDC notes.

Community pharmacies and clinics are accessible options for people seeking healthcare outside of traditional settings. These facilities offer a range of high-quality services, including medication counseling, health screenings and immunizations.

This convenience is crucial for routine preventive care, including year-round vaccine administration, which should not be limited to a single season. Vulnerable populations, including those 60 and older, individuals with chronic diseases, and some minority populations are more at risk for contracting certain infections. They may need to update vaccinations and boosters throughout the year.

Unlike some traditional healthcare settings, retail pharmacies and clinics often have extended hours that cater to busy schedules, allowing people to get their families vaccinated with more flexibility. In fact, 90 percent of the U.S. population lives within five miles of a community pharmacy. Options like the Kroger companies’ pharmacies (Kroger.com/vaccinations), The Little Clinic, and other retail pharmacies offer vaccines.

Source: Family Features

LOOKING FOR A SHOT?

In addition to retail pharmacies and clinics, information on vaccinations and where to get them is available from the health departments for Tacoma-Pierce County (tpchd.org, 253-649-1500) and Seattle-King County (kingcounty.gov, 206-296-4774).

The Senior Scene by — December 11, 2024 in Health & Fitness
Puzzles, word games, reading equal better brain

By Ann Kellett

The aging process can lead to diminished cognitive functioning for older adults. In addition, about 10 percent of people previously diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment develop Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia every year.

Although a few studies have found that activities such as putting together jigsaw puzzles can protect against cognitive aging, the benefits of these activities in preventing or postponing cognitive decline are still largely unknown. Now, findings from a new study from the Texas A&M University School of Public Health suggest that older people with mild cognitive impairment who engage in high levels of activities such as word games and hobbies have better memory, working memory, attention and processing speed than those who do not.

“Nearly 6 million people in the United States have dementia, and this number is projected to grow to about 14 million by 2060—with minority populations affected the most,” said Dr. Junhyoung Kim, an associate professor of health behavior at Texas A&M. “We sought to help fill the gap in our understanding of cognitive decline.”

For the study, published in the Journal of Cognitive Enhancement, Kim and researchers from the University of Southern Mississippi and Indiana Universit, analyzed 5,932 people who were at least 50 years old in 2012, had mild cognitive impairment, and were part of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) from 2012 to 2020. The HRS collects data through self-reported paper-and-pencil surveys and in-depth phone interviews.

“In short, the high-level participation group consistently exhibited higher cognitive function levels during the study period and maintained a similar level of cognitive functions compared to the other groups,” Kim said.

Those in the high-level category had higher levels of memory, working memory, and attention and processing speed than those in the mid and low-level groups. In addition, the mid-level category had higher levels of working memory and attention and processing speed than those in the low-level participation group.

The researchers are hopeful that the findings will lead healthcare providers to recommend that older people with mild cognitive impairment play games, read, or engage in similarly stimulating activities at least three to four times a week.

“In addition, we hope that barriers to doing this, such as inadequate caregiver support and financial constraints, could be overcome through stronger public care services and community support networks,” Kim said.

Source: Texas A&M University School of Public Health

The Senior Scene by — November 21, 2024 in Health & Fitness

By Gary Daniels

As millions evaluate their health plan options during this fall’s open enrollment season, a new survey finds that 3 in 5 Americans incorrectly defined key health care terms. This knowledge gap may result in less-than-ideal selections, which could cause them to miss out on plans that might better suit their needs and offer potential cost savings.

People with coverage from their employer, open enrollment typically happens during a two- or three-week period between September and December. For those eligible for Medicare, the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year. Coverage selections made during the fall will take effect on Jan. 1, 2025. For people shopping for individual plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace, enroll by Dec. 15 for active coverage on Jan. 1.

Here are a few tips to consider when choosing a plan that may help lead you to better health and cost savings:

  1. Plan ahead.

Take time to understand the benefits, services and costs of plans available – including what might have changed with your current coverage. Pay attention to more than just the monthly premium, also understanding what out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance you may be responsible for.

Medicare members and caregivers: As you weigh your options, assess the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

  • Help prevent unexpected costs.

Check if your doctor is in your plan’s provider network, since visiting in-network providers can help reduce out-of-pocket costs. Make sure your medications will be covered next year by the plan you choose. And consider filling your prescriptions at an in-network pharmacy or with home delivery – more cost-efficient options.

Original Medicare doesn’t generally cover prescription drugs. Consider enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage to help keep medication costs in check.

  • Explore mental health coverage.

Beyond in-person mental health care, you may have access to a virtual network of therapists and psychiatrists, along with advocates to help find the right behavioral care or resources. Medicare members and caregivers: Look for plans that offer virtual mental health care with a zero co-pay.

  • Look into specialty benefits.

Additional benefits, such as dental, vision, hearing, or critical illness insurance, are often available and may contribute to overall well-being. Original Medicare doesn’t cover most dental, vision and hearing services, but many Medicare Advantage plans do.

  • Consider wellness programs.

Many health plans offer incentives for taking healthier actions, like completing a health survey or exercising. Others provide personalized support to those living with common chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes. Medicare members and caregivers: Many Medicare Advantage plans offer gym memberships and wellness programs for members at no additional cost.

Gary Daniels is chief executive officer of United Healthcare of Washington.

The Senior Scene by — November 13, 2024 in Health & Fitness
COPD: Myths and truths

(Pictured: The right exercise, such as walks on a beach, has many healthful benefits for people with COPD.)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lifelong chronic lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe and is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. According to experts, the more knowledge a patient with COPD has about the disease, the better off they will be.

A recent review from the American Lung Association found that patient education can help improve COPD self-management, provide skills for coping with related mental health challenges, improve overall health and quality of life, and reduce hospital admissions. This is especially important for those who have been living with the disease for a long time who may not be aware of recent treatment options and updated treatment guidelines, or who may not be inclined to recognize new or worsening symptoms and report them to their healthcare provider.

To help people who have been living with the disease for 10 or more years live better, more active and enjoyable lives, the American Lung Association, with support from Sanofi and Regeneron, launched the new “COPD for Life” campaign. As part of the campaign, they say they are busting the following common myths about the disease:

Myth: COPD is a man’s disease.

Truth: More women are living with COPD compared to men, and deaths from COPD are higher among women than in men. Everyone with risk factors and those experiencing early warning signs, no matter their age or gender, should talk to their healthcare provider.

Myth: There is no treatment for COPD.

Truth: There is no cure for COPD, but treatment and management can help slow the progression of COPD and control symptoms so that a patient feels better and is able to spend more time doing what they enjoy.

Myth: You cannot exercise if you have COPD.

Truth: The right amount and type of exercise has many benefits, and tips on how to get started should be discussed with a healthcare provider

Myth: COPD only affects the lungs so what you eat does not matter.

Truth: Most people are surprised to learn that the food they eat may affect their breathing. Talking to your healthcare provider about the right types of food for you may help you breathe easier.

Myth: If you already have COPD, quitting smoking won’t help.

Truth: Quitting smoking is an important part of any COPD treatment plan. The chemicals in cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and cigars can further damage lungs and may prevent medications from working as well as they could.

Myth: A patient should manage COPD on their own.

Truth: People who work closely with their healthcare providers to have a good treatment plan have better health outcomes. It’s especially important to see a healthcare provider if symptoms change or worsen. Likewise, supportive services, such as in-person or virtual support groups, can have a positive impact on health outcomes. Some studies indicate that positive social support is associated with reduced hospitalizations, fewer exacerbations, better health status, and improved disease management behaviors.

To learn more, call the American Lung Association’s Lung HelpLine at 1-866-252-2959 and be connected to a Lung Health navigator, or visit Lung.org/COPD or Lung.org/Helpline for additional resources and to chat live with a licensed registered nurse or respiratory therapist.

The Lung Association notes that life with COPD can often be challenging. But having up-to-date knowledge and the right resources can help patients stay active, control their symptoms, and know what to do if their COPD gets worse.

Source: StatePoint Media

The Senior Scene by — October 24, 2024 in Health & Fitness