Page 3 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - December 2019 - 26-12
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Senior Times - December 2019 Page 3
  GIVE THE GIFT OF HEALTH THIS SEASON
By: Sherii Sherban, Publisher
  Health is a significant concern for the adult children of an aging parent. Most often their goal is to help you to live as independently
as possible, and safely. Rather than fearing sharing your medical concerns and household needs, have a real conversation with your adult children about how they can help you to continue to thrive in your lifetime home. You can help relieve the stress your adult children are feeling by being prepared before walking into the next family function this holiday season.
products that you are taking.
• Call your doctor’s office about health
Ask questions about prescriptions, treatments, and test results:
• Ask questions about your condition. Ask
Consider taking Lifelong learning classes, a fall prevention class, exercise class, or visit- ing support groups. Interacting with others is beneficial to your health and will give you an idea of other supports that could be helpful. Begin to make a list of items that might make your home unsafe that family members can help you with such as changing light bulbs
or batteries in the smoke detectors, or even putting up hand rails. Once your home is all set reach out and schedule your annual exam and begin a complete conversation with your doctor about your health.
At the doctor’s office or clinic:
screenings and vaccinations. Ask questions
how you can learn more about your condi- tion or if there are specific things you can do to ease your symptoms.
about what you might need.
• Call before your visit to tell the office if you
have special needs. Ask for an interpreter if you do not speak or understand English well.
• Ask about your treatment; how long dif- ferent treatments will take; and whether there are side effects (and what to do if they occur). Also, find out which treatments are covered by your health insurance.
• Ask a friend or family member to come with you. This person can help listen, take notes and offer support.
• Prepare for tests, if your doctor orders any. Ask your doctor what you need to do to get ready and if there are any side effects. Also, ask when you can expect results.
 Some seniors are hesitant to share all of their health concerns with family members fearing how loved ones will react, possibly fearing the loss of their freedom. You can be better prepared by being proactive with your needs.
• Schedule a follow-up appointment (if necessary) before you leave the doctor’s office. Don’t wait until you get home, since you might forget.
• Go over your list of questions or concerns with your doctor or nurse. Ask your most important questions first.
• Always follow up to get test results. Call your doctor’s office and ask for your results if you do not hear from your doctor when you are supposed to.
• Take notes. This will help you to remember everything your doctor says, and to follow your doctor’s instructions.
• Discuss your symptoms if you have a health problem, and any recent changes you may have noticed. Tell your doctor or nurse how you feel when you have symptoms, and let him or her know if they have changed, have appeared more frequently, or have become worse.
• Talk with your doctor or nurse about all new medications. For each, ask why you need it and how to take it.
• Answer all of your doctor’s questions. Be honest about your diet and sexual history, and if you exercise, smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs. Don’t leave anything out because you’re embarrassed; your doctor and nurse have heard it all before.
• Ask questions if you don’t understand some- thing. If you’re not sure what your doctor
or nurse is asking you to do or why, ask to have it explained again.
 Before you go to the doctor:
• Describe any allergies to medications, foods, pollen, or other things. Also, tell your
doctor about your family’s health history.
Remember, you and your doctor(s) are a team. Working closely with your doctor(s) – asking questions, listening carefully, and fol- lowing their advice – is good for your health.
• Make a list of your questions and concerns. Put your most important questions and con- cerns at the top of your list.
• Tell your doctor or nurse if you are experi- encing signs of menopause or having diffi- clty with intimacy.
Publisher’s Note: Now is the perfect time to re-evaluate your medications and deter- mine if there is a better plan for you. Call 1-800-MEDICARE or 1-800-803-7174 to schedule a review of your plan with a MMAP counselor. Open enrollment ends December 7.
• Make a list of all the medications (prescrip- tion and non-prescription), vitamins, and other natural remedies such as herbal
• Tell your doctor or nurse if others are treat- ing you. This includes specialists, mental health professionals, or a nutritionist.
   JoYs
Ensuring The
  in Simple Pleasures
 Tending to flowers; singing hymns; enjoying a cup of coffee with friends...
These simple, enjoyable pastimes are sometimes lost
when an individual enters an Alzheimer’s/dementia journey. However, the secure Legacy Lane memory care neighborhod at the The Oaks of Northpointe Woods, you will find our residents participating in these activities and more.
HEALTH CAMPUS SERVICES
Short-Term & Long-Term Rehab, Skilled Nursing, Memory Care, Outpatient Therapy, Respite Care, and Adult Day Services
706 North Avenue, Battle Creek, 49017 • 269-964-4655 www.theoakshc.com • Follow us
                                                                                                                Life is Even Better
at NorthPointe Woods!
       ~ NorthPointe Woods Resident, Gladys Holstrom ~
“I have loved my time here at NorthPointe Woods in both independent living and assisted living. I have made many lifelong friendships I will always cherish. The staff at NorthPointe Woods is wonderful and very caring.”
Call (269) 964-7625 to arrange your visit today!
700 North Avenue in Battle Creek NorthPointeWoods.org
— Gladys
                                                                                                         











































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