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NORTHEAST SENIOR HEALTH PROGRAMS

CENTER FOR HEALTHY AGING ß LIFELINE ß SENIOR OUTREACH PROGRAMS ß

NORTHEASTLINK ß NORTH SHORE PRN ß NORTHEAST HOMECARE ß

SPECTRUM ADULT DAY PROGRAM ß THE HERRICK HOUSE ß

HERITAGE AT DANVERS ß LEDGEWOOD REHABILITATION AND

NURSING CENTER ß SEACOAST NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER

FEB/MAR 2007

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DRIVER’S ED

FOR SENIORS

Neil Mann, MD

The automobile signifies autonomy, independence and individuality in today’s society. The license to drive, viewed as a right, is truly the glue that has held activities, friends, families, work and the social fabric together. No wonder, driving holds a central theme in most people’s lives. This is especially true in the suburbs where public transportation is not what it used to be and has not kept pace.

In Massachusetts, there are over 30,000 active licenses still held by citizens eighty-five years or older. Potentially, this presents a problem since studies indicate there are relatively low and equal levels of significant incidents related to driving among the 25 to 75 year age group. However, after 75 years of age, significant incidents spike and, in fact, resemble the rate of teen-age drivers.

So, even after years of experience, there are unique factors that cause this spike in serious incidents. For example, it is just not the ability to still read signs or pass a vision exam; it is more often light appreciation that is the real issue. Colored street signs or traffic lights may become harder to distinguish. Decreased hearing may not by itself prevent safe driving, but increases the risk for not hearing traffic or sirens and reduces the ability to react fast enough. Additionally, arthritic conditions make it difficult to turn the body or make necessary adjustments. Prescription medications,

HEALTH AND SAFETy

TIPS FOR GETTING

THROuGH THE WINTER

Karen Gomes, RN, BSN

Wintertime in New England is welcomed by some because of the beauty of the snow-covered landscape, but dreaded by many because of the greater incidence of illness and risk of injury. Seniors can be particularly affected by the downside of winter but can take steps to prevent much of the negative impact of the season. The following health and safety tips for getting through the winter will help seniors recognize ways to prevent some of the most common problems.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, people 65 years of age and older are at high risk for complications from influenza and should receive an annual inactivated influenza vaccine (flu shot).1 The vaccine effectively prevents most cases of the flu, and even if the vaccine does not prevent the flu, it can reduce the severity of flu symptoms and decrease the risk of complications.

Going outside during the winter means being exposed to icy conditions, high winds, slippery surfaces and snow. Both walking and driving can be hazardous. If at all

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LIVINGRIGHTALONG

Northeast Senior Health is Beverly Hospital’s continuum of health care services and living options for seniors. The eleven programs of Northeast Senior Health were created to provide seniors on the North Shore with access to top quality health care services and living options, eliminating the need to travel to Boston to find such quality services. The majority of the programs of Northeast Senior Health are focused on meeting the needs of seniors who are living independently in the community, and providing them with the services that they need to assist them in staying safe and independent in their own homes for

SPOTLIGHT ON... NORTHEAST SENIOR HEALTH CONTINuuM OF CARE... COMMITTED TO SENIORS ON THE NORTH SHORE

as long as possible. At the same time, Northeast Senior Health offers four residential settings for those who are no longer able to remain living independently in the community. The chart to the right depicts the programs of Northeast Senior Health and all of the ways that the Beverly Hospital system serves seniors on the North Shore. In future issues of Living Right Along we will highlight some of the outstanding programs and services available to seniors through Northeast Senior Health. For more information about any of our programs, please call 978-774-4400 ext. 4023.

DRIVER’S ED FOR SENIORS

or the time of day that they are taken, can cause drowsiness.

Since Massachusetts is a self-reporting state, and has no required re-certification, it becomes the individual’s responsibility to identify conditions that may affect the ability to drive safely. As a start, a family member or individual might ask if they feel secure letting other members of the family accompany the person. If there is any doubt, then it may be time to seek professional assistance in assessing the situation. Each community offers a type of Seniors at Risk program, but if there is difficulty or shyness in broaching the subject, then take the concern to the family physician.

The first recommendations after screening often involve wise driving modifications, such as driving in the daytime, no parallel parking, and staying away from rush hour driving. There are specialists in occupational therapy able to provide a full

SOME IMPORTANT CHANGES TO LIVING RIGHT ALONG

Living Right Along will now be published bi-monthly by Northeast Senior Health. It is our goal to provide seniors on the North Shore with a valuable and informative newsletter that they look forward to receiving every other month. We continually strive to improve and expand the content of the newsletter to provide pertinent senior health information as well as notice of upcoming events that may be of interest to seniors. Please watch for your next issue of Living Right Along in April of 2007. To change your information or be removed from our mailing list, please call 978-283-4000, extension 656.

assessment and even offer advice on adaptive devices such as hand gears and controls. The most important thing is to take the first step and learn more by talking with a professional, whether it is your physician or a program offered in your community. As a senior, begin to develop a long-term strategy to safely adapt to changing conditions.

If you want to hear more about this important subject, Dr. Mann will be speaking at The Herrick House in Beverly at 6:30 p.m. on February 28, 2007. For more information or to RSVP, please call 978-922-1999.

Dr. Mann practices at The Center for Healthy Aging, a multi-disciplinary practice, focused on meeting the specific healthcare needs of seniors in collaboration with primary care physicians. For more information, please call 978-774-4400 x 4050.

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LIVINGRIGHTALONG

HEALTH AND SAFETy TIPS FOR GETTING THROuGH THE WINTER

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

SPOTLIGHT ON... NORTHEAST SENIOR HEALTH CONTINuuM OF CARE... COMMITTED TO SENIORS ON THE NORTH SHORE

possible, avoid driving during inclement weather. Use salt or sand on steps and walkways, and keep pathways clear so that your home will be accessible in an emergency. People who have an unsteady gait or who use an assistive device such as a walker or cane should avoid outdoor ambulation on windy days.

Of course, the need to keep pathways clear of snow can cause problems for seniors as well. New England snow can be very wet and heavy, and shoveling can cause back injury and strain on the heart and lungs. People with a history of cardiac or respiratory illness, or orthopedic injury should avoid shoveling. Even healthy seniors should take reasonable precautions to prevent illness and injury. Dress warmly, in layers, and limit the amount of time spent outside by working in short shifts. Push the snow with the shovel instead of lifting it, and don’t twist at the waist to throw the snow with the shovel. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of heart attack, such as:

• Chest pain or pressure • Shortness of breath • Jaw, neck or back pain or discomfort • Left arm pain or discomfort • Nausea, vomiting, dizziness • Profuse sweating

If any of these symptoms occur, call 911 immediately and

rest indoors until help arrives.2

Finally, seniors should take steps to be prepared for storms and blizzards that can potentially leave them homebound and isolated. Have batteries on hand to power portable flashlights and radios. Maintain a supply of water and shelf-stable foods as well as a manual can opener. Keep at least a 3-day supply of

needed medicines and other medical supplies on hand, as well as a first aid kit and extra blankets. It’s also a good idea to have a neighbor, friend or family member available to “check in” every day or so.

Following this advice can help seniors navigate the difficult winter months and remain healthy and injury free.

Karen Gomes, RN, BSN, is the administrator of Northeast Homecare, a Medicare-certified agency, providing outstanding quality homecare services to residents of the North Shore. With a physician’s order, services are often covered by Medicare. For more information, please call 978-921-1697.

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1 CDC Vaccine Information Statement (6/30/06)2 American Heart Association Website <http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier-3053>

Northeast Health System

Senior Health Continuum

of Care

LIVINGRIGHTALONG

EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS

FEBRuARy

February 7, 2007 10:30am-11:30am Free Lecture at Danvers Senior Center Treatment of WoundsCheryl Malmborg, MSN, CRRN, CWOCNFor questions or directions, call 978-762-0208

February 8, 2007 10:00am-11:00amFree Lecture at Beverly Senior CenterDecreasing your Risk of FallingRandy Kwiatowski, PT, Northeast Rehabilitation For reservations, call 978-921-6017

February 15, 2007 11:00am-1:00pmFree Monthly Brown Bag Pharmacy SessionCenter for Healthy Aging, Hunt Center in Danvers.Pharmacist will review your medications/offer suggestions. Reserve a 15 minute appt. at 978-921-1697 x300 by Feb. 12

February 15, 2007 11:30am-1:00pmLuncheon Lecture at Beverly Hospital, Lecture Hall“Breathe Easier: How to Live Day to Day with Asthma”Karen Jacobs, MS, RNCS, Northeast HospitalLuncheon Cost $6. RSVP to 978-921-1697 x 300 by Feb. 12

February 28, 2007 6:30pm-8:00pmFree lecture at The Herrick House in BeverlyDriver’s Ed for Seniors and FamiliesNeil Mann, M.D., Center for Healthy AgingCall 978-922-1999 to RSVP

NEW EVENT!!! Feb. 28, 2007 10:00am – 11:00amFree Lecture at Rose Baker Senior Center in Gloucester“Natural Remedies”, Including Homeopathic Medicines and VitaminsMauri Cohen, M.D., Beverly HospitalCall 978-281-9765 for information

MARCH

March 7, 2007 10:30am-11:30am Free Lecture at Danvers Senior Center“10 Greatest Myths of Breast Cancer”Karen Jacobs, MS, RNCS, Certified Breast Health NavigatorFor questions or directions, call 978-762-0208

March 8, 2007 10:00am-11:00amFree Lecture at Beverly Senior Center: Being Proactive About your Health – addresses colon cancer and western dietsMauri Cohen, M.D., Beverly HospitalFor reservations, call 978-921-6017

March 15, 2007 11:00am-1:00pmFree Monthly Brown Bag Pharmacy SessionCenter for Healthy Aging, Hunt Center in DanversPharmacist will review your medications/offer suggestions. Reserve a 15 minute appt. at 978-921-1697 x 300 by March 12

March 16, 2007 11:30am-1:00pmLuncheon Lecture at Beverly Hospital, Lecture Hall“New Treatments for Age-Related Macular Degeneration”Tina Cleary, M.D., Opthalmic Consultants of BostonLuncheon Cost $6. RSVP to 978-921-1697 x 300 by March 12

NEW EVENT!!! March 28, 2007 10:00am– 11:00amFree Lecture at Rose Baker Senior Center in Gloucester Maintaining Good Health While You’re AwayAlicia Gallagher, BSN, Clinical Coordinator, Northeast HospitalsCall 978-281-9765 for information

*NEW*

EVENTS HOTLINE

For more information

about upcoming events

pleae call the Northeast

Senior Health

Events Hotline at

978-921-1697 x300.

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