Page 9 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - February 2017 - 24-02

from the
Julie Seifke, Special to Senior Times
Senior Times - February 2017
Page 9
CAREGIVER RECOGNITION FORM Recipients will receive a bouquet of flowers and recognition in Senior Times with our gratitude for their
service. If chosen we will need to set up a time for a photo of the caregiver or one must be provided. Deadline for submissions is the 10th of the month.
I WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE _______________________________________________
OF ____________________________________________________________________ [ CITY ]
MY NAME ______________________________________________________________
PHONE # _______________________________________________________________ [ DAYTIME ]
MY EMAIL ______________________________________________________________
COMMUNITY
HEALTHY IS UP TO ME
The doctor said that healthy would not happen if I kept doing only what I was doing. He predicted that in a few months I would have four chronic health conditions each requiring daily meds. I listened
as heart disease runs in my fam-
ily and we've lost way too many before their time. That was two or three years ago. I take daily meds for high blood pressure as I am still obese. Some have asked what it will take for me to get serious about get- ting healthy. The seemingly invis- ible steps taken toward healthy have been sustainable. My toes are not hanging as far over the line of bad health as they were, so to speak. Three out of four have improved. That is progress but, candidly, I am still at risk.
This complexity matters because symptoms can be vague as well
as indicators of various illnesses. When I feel poorly the questions I am asked are subjective. Over the years I have tried to establish an internal baseline to compare symp- toms. How short of breath am I? Is this the worse pain ever? What is notable about how I am sweating? Would I call it pressure or pain? When did the nausea start to wors- en?
A short while ago I called a friend to sort through symptoms I was experiencing. Although I am familiar with the list of heart attack symptoms and how they present in women, I wanted another resource. Although a friend can help sort through symptoms, only I could decide whether I needed medical assistance. I was worried I would either seek care I did not need or ignore warning signs to my peril. I wasn't sure if I would recall and pri- oritize all the symptoms. This con- versation was helpful. I decided to go home rather than seek care. The next step was to update my hus- band. I wouldn't want something to develop after we went to sleep and him be unaware of the days happen- ings. Fortunately, I improved within hours.
After talking to the doctor at a regularly scheduled appointment I was assured my gall bladder was the issue, not my heart. The pain between my shoulder blades and the chest pain radiating to the right are better understood now. The usual culprits contributed to the nausea.
Veteran’s
The treatment for my gall bladder has yielded improvements.
Yet at other office visits, I hesitated a moment to consider the question whether I had ever had a severe heart pain. I was consider- ing my internal baseline, but that contemplation gave me the fast track to an EKG. Now my file has a baseline regarding past heart health. When I have changed health care providers we discuss heart attack symptoms and I get their insight
as well as determine their bedside matter about when to get symptoms checked out.
At work I have shared about my health in broad strokes so someone is aware there could be issues.
For those of us with similar chal- lenges, the talk resembles a support group conversation. I have shared an update with colleagues after I've needed to leave a large group meet- ing due to feeling ill. I also need
to stay out of hot water with my wonderful extended family. Whether I tell the family member who is the hub of sharing or use social media, siblings and children better not hear about my health issues from anyone in the community. I better get to them first. These conversations keep important info in front of everyone in our sibling group as we age and work at losing weight and moving more.
Companionship, worthwhile pursuits, reducing stress, sleep habits, taking vitamins, hydra- tion as well as addressing dental health and other medical con- cerns are as important as diet and exercise.
Finding the path to sustainable change can happen. The support of friends and family makes it pos- sible. Communicating with the array of medical care providers is com- plex but necessary. Sorting through alarming symptoms is a challenge. Our journeys are unique, yet similar in so many ways.
Valentine Wishes
to our volunteers, meal recipients, staff, & the people who donate
CALL 866-200-8877 TODAY!
Meet volunteers, help your neighbor, make a difference!
Senior Services of Southwest Michigan is Calhoun County’s MOW Provider
DON’T LEAVE MONEY TO YOUR CHILDREN!
Let me show you a better alternative.
77 Michigan Ave E, Suite 190 Battle Creek, MI 49017
Office 269-788-1672 Cell 269-967-6593 Fax 269-788-1674
David A. Deaton Multi-Line Agent
Email dadeaton@fbinsmi.com
Web www.Facebook.com/DavidADeatonAgency
50 Sanderson Lane Coldwater, MI 49036
517-279-9587
www.maple-lawn.org
Our Expert Therapists Offer
• Therapy services 7 days a week, as ordered by your physician
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Offering The Very BEST In Rehab Services
The Albion American Legion Post 55 will be hosting a Veterans Town Hall Meeting on February 11, from 9-11am.
The Dept. of Michigan, American Legion State Service Officer, along with other State level dignitaries, will be in attendance to provide a presen- tation on Veterans benefits & issues facing today's Veterans, as well dialog with Veterans during a question and answer session afterward.
Local American Legion Post 55 and the Post 55 Auxiliary will also be on hand to help with any local
questions or needs as well as mem- bership information.
Bring the whole family as activi- ties will be available for people of all ages. The Post 55 Auxiliary members will provide refreshments.
They are located at 1230 Edwards St, Albion, MI, 49224-2114. For more information call (517) 629- 9300 or visit the Albion American Legion on Facebook at www. ALpost55albionmi.org for more event to enjoy their hospitality at their loca- tion by the Kalamazoo River.
Town Hall