LINKS

Health Assessments: Disease Prevention - Learn more about preventing disease and reducing the risk of illness. Click on the issue that concerns you.

Animated Homeowner How-To's - This special series of animations clearly and simply demonstrates tested and approved mitigation techniques homeowners can use to strengthen their homes against disaster.

Well-ComeHome - Friendly House - Find information here about friendly features of a house to consider. View over 100 pictures and diagrams for ideas and practical guides.

Blueprint for Safety - Seven things you need to know before you rebuild your hurricane-damaged home.

Home Assessment - This questionnaire asks the homeowner or caregiver to evaluate the rooms throughout the home. Through a series of questions, the homeowner can determine if only a room or perhaps the entire home is a candidate for home modification. The questions are designed to identify the simple things that can become obstacles as physical independence begins to diminish.

Older Driver Safety Screening

AAA Exchange - The AAA Exchange was designed to foster communication between AAA and the 49 million members it represents. It is an extension of AAA's long history of public service and provides a look into important safety, consumer, automotive and travel issues.

Am I a Safe Driver? - Designed help patients assess their own driving skills and increase self-awareness of driving safety.

CarFit - Helping mature drivers find their perfect fit.

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: Vision Requirements - Effective January 1, 2004, all drivers who are 80 years of age or older and who are in the process of renewing their driver license are required to pass a vision test. This test may be administered at a driver license office at no cost to you.

Florida Senior Safety Resource Center - This site, developed by the University of Florida National Older Driver Research and Training Center, is designed to provide information and resources on alternative forms of transportation, driving knowledge and skills, and links to national organizations that address transportation issues.

Getting By Without Driving - Provides numerous ideas on how to accomplish everyday activities without driving a car and information on locating alternative transportation.

Patient Resources - For many, a driver's license symbolizes independence. The decision to retire from driving can have both practical and emotional implications on one's life. Physicians can assist their patients in the transition to a life without driving by providing information on local services to patients and their caregivers.

Physician's Guide to Assessing and Counseling Older Drivers - The information in this guide is provided to assist physicians in evaluating the ability of their older patients to operate a motor vehicle safely as part of their everyday, personal activities.

Safe Mobility in an Aging World - Issues related to aging individuals and the operation of private motor vehicles.

Self -Testing Of The Macula - Amsler Grid Vision Screening Test - Amsler grid testing is a very sensitive method of detecting early changes in your central vision.

SeniorDrivers.org - Driving has changed a lot since most of us first got behind the wheel. Click on areas that give you trouble. We can all improve our driving.

The Effects of Aging on Driving Ability - This report highlights current research on the effects of aging on driving ability.

Why are Older Drivers at Risk? - Older drivers have a higher risk of traffic fatalities for two reasons...

See Also:  Learning Center-Older Driver Safety

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Assistive Technology - U.S. Department of Health and Services Administration on Aging

Assistivetech.net - We are a diverse resource for assistive technology (AT) and disability-related information. Our searchable database helps you target solutions, determine costs and find vendors of AT products for people with disabilities, family members, service providers, educators and employers.

Canes and Walkers - Which one is right for you? - There are many types of canes, walkers, and other assistive devices available. If you feel you need a cane or walker talk to your doctor and/or a physical therapist to make sure you get the product that is best for you.

Home Modifications, Assistive Devices Can Cut Homecare Costs - The costs of caring for chronically ill elders could decrease significantly if home modifications and assistive technology were used to allow frail elders to remain living independently in their homes.

MedlinePlus:  Assistive Devices - find a wealth of information on assistive devices on this site.

The Alzheimer's Store - Source for products for people with AD and the people who take care of them.

See Also:  Learning Center-Assistive Devices

Ageless Design - Smarter, safer living for seniors.

Aging Parents and Elder Care - Articles, comprehensive checklists, and links to key resources designed to make it easier for family caregivers to quickly find the information they need and avoid overlooking something important in the care of their loved one.

Boomer Women Speak -  the place for baby boomer women to encourage, connect, and support one another online.

Department of Elder Affairs - 2002 - 2003 Resource Guide

Elder Care at Home - The AGS Foundation for Health and Aging - Chapter 2: Caregiving

Family Caregiver Alliance - An information resource on long-term care.

StrokeEngine - This site has the goal of bridging the gap in knowledge translation between research findings and current clinical practice. This site can be used to find the most current information about the value of the various interventions used in stroke rehabilitation.

The National Association of Baby Boomer Women - the only association devoted to addressing issues concerning 38 million of the healthiest, wealthiest, and best educated generation of women to ever hit midlife, baby boomer women.

The United States Administration on Aging  - This site is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of a wide variety of topics, programs and services related to aging. Whether you are an older individual, a caregiver, a community service provider, a researcher, or a student, you will find valuable information provided in a user-friendly way.

See Also:  Learning Center-Caregiver Support

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National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence: How Much Alcohol is Too Much? - Dietary guidelines for alcohol consumption.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Alcohol - How Much is Too Much? - Sometimes even one drink is too much.

See Also:  Learning Center-Alcohol

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Center for Drug Evaluation and Research: Think It Through: A Guide to Managing the Benefits and Risks of Medicines - Although medicines can make you feel better and help you get well, it's important to know that ALL medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter, have risks as well as benefits.

Department of Health and Human Services: Medicines and Older Adults - Guide to safe use of medicines.

Medications and the Elderly - Drug treatment is an important medical technology that is especially important to the elderly population.

My Drug and Supplement Diary - In order for medications to work properly they must be taken correctly. Many things can affect how medications work...

Prevention Makes Common "Cents" -  Expenditures for health care in the United States continue to rise and are estimated to reach $1.66 trillion in 2003. Much of these costs can be attributed to the diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases and conditions such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and asthma.  A much smaller amount is spent on preventing these conditions. There is accumulating evidence that much of the morbidity and mortality associated with these chronic diseases may be preventable.

Safe Medication - Guide to safe use of medications.

The United States Pharmacopeial Convention Inc. - USP helps to ensure that consumers receive quality medicines by establishing state-of-the-art standards that pharmaceutical manufacturers must meet.

See Also:  Learning Center-Medication

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Adult BMI and Calorie Calculator - Knowing your body's daily calorie needs can be an important first step in adopting a realistic diet and physical activity plan that can help you attain and maintain a healthy weight.

Calculate Your Body Mass - Calculate your body mass index at this site by inserting your weight in pounds and selecting your height. Click on the "compute" button to get the results.

Calorie Counter - How many calories and fat grams are in a serving of your favorite foods? This online calculator provides quick and easy answers to help you in meal planning and managing your diet.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans - follow these guidelines for good health.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans:  Appendix B.  Food Sources of Selected Nutrients - chart of nutrient values

How Much H2O Do You Need? - Use this calculator to determine how much water you should drink in a day.

Medical Encyclopedia - alphabetical listing of medical topics.

NIDDK: Do You Know the Health Risks of Being Overweight? - Learn the health risks of being overweight.

Portion Distortion - For anyone interested in weight loss, this site has a fun interactive activity called portion distortion. You can look at how portions have changed over the last 20 years, and decide how many calories are in the portion, and then figure out how much exercise is required to eliminate the extra calories. Fun!

Surgeon General's Healthy Weight Advice for Consumers - "Choose a Healthy Weight for Life"

Weight-control Information Network - A balanced diet and regular physical activity are the building blocks of good health.

See Also:  Learning Center-General Health

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Office on Smoking and Health - Tobacco Information and Prevention Source (TIPS)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Health Topic: Tobacco - Comprehensive lists of topics regarding tobacco.

See Also: Learning Center-Smoking

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American Podiatric Medical Association - "Creating a world where everyone has the highest quality foot and ankle care."

Benefits Check Up - BenefitsCheckUp helps thousands every day to find programs for people ages 55 and over that may pay for some of their costs of prescription drugs, health care, utilities, and other essential items or services.

Changing Shape - Find Your Ideal Body Weight

Health and Age: Know Your Numbers - For a proper understanding of your health, you must know how you stand compared to the normal, healthy condition. Overview of blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood sugar levels.

Healthfinder® - an award-winning Federal Web site for consumers, developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services together with other Federal agencies.

Interactive Tutorials by Medline Plus - The tutorials listed below are interactive health education resources from the Patient Education Institute. Using animated graphics each tutorial explains a procedure or condition in easy-to-read language. You can also listen to the tutorial.

Live Stronger, Longer:  Healthy Lifestyle - By eating a healthy diet and being physically active, older adults can prevent or reverse the onset of several chronic conditions and lessen the risk of getting certain cancers.

National Institute on Aging - Senior Health - Various health topics for the older adult.

Noncommunicable Disease Prevention and Health Promotion - List of websites that offer information on NCD Prevention and Health Promotion.

Preventing Pressure Ulcers:  A Patient's Guide

Prevention and Wellness - read several topics on prevention and wellness

Promoting Healthy Lifestyles - Great improvements in medicine, public health, science, and technology have enabled today’s older Americans to live longer and healthier lives than previous generations.

Put Your Best Foot Forward: Shoes and Falling - Your choice of footwear can decrease your risk for falls.

The Pocket Guide to Staying Healthy at 50+ - If you are 50 or older, this guide will help you stay healthy.

U.S. Surgeon General's Family History Initiative - Tracing the illnesses suffered by your parents, grandparents, and other blood relatives can help your doctor predict the disorders to which you may be at risk and take action to keep you and your family healthy.

Walking: A Step in the Right Direction - Walking is one of the easiest ways to be physically active. You can do it almost anywhere and at any time. Walking is also inexpensive. All you need is a pair of shoes with sturdy heel support.

Women: Stay Healthy at Any Age - This web link provides informative information about preventive health options for women.

See Also:  Learning Center-General Health

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Accessible Design/Universal Design - lists extensive resources for accessible/universal design.

American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging - The members of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging serve two million people every day through mission-driven, not-for-profit organizations dedicated to providing the services people need, when they need them, in the place they call home.

Homes and Communities - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - HUD's mission is to increase homeownership, support community development and increase access to affordable housing free from discrimination.

Infinitec - Home Funding - Guide to obtaining funding for home modifications.

National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification, Andrus Gerontology Center, University of Southern California. Maintains and information clearinghouse, provides technical assistance, training and education and is involved in applied research, evaluation and policy analysis.

See Also:  Learning Center-Home Modifications

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Aging Network Links - national and statewide aging network resources

Dept. of Elder Affairs - Aging links

Dept. of Elder Affairs - 2002-2003 Consumer Resource Guide

Pocket Guide to Staying Healthy at 50+ - If you are 50 or older, this guide will help you stay healthy.

Successful Aging Tips - A list of general recommendations for staying fit and healthy in later years. 

See Also:  Learning Center-Age Related

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The eHealth Behavior Management Model -  A Stage-based Approach to Behavior Change and Management

American Red Cross: Your Evacuation Plan - Guide to actions to take when you are forced to evacuate.

An ADA Guide for Local Governments - Making Community Emergency Preparedness and Response Programs Accessible to People with Disabilities

CDC - Emergency Preparedness and Response - agents, diseases, and other threats

CDC - Help for People with Diabetes Affected by Hurricanes - In the wake of recent hurricanes, people with diabetes face particular challenges to their health care. If you are an evacuee, it is of prime importance to identify yourself as a person with diabetes and any related conditions, so you can obtain appropriate care.

Clean Hands Save Lives: Emergency Situations - After an emergency, finding running water can be difficult. However, keeping your hands clean helps you avoid getting sick. It is best to wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. However, when water is not available, you can use alcohol-based hand products made for washing hands (sanitizers)...

Disaster Management - Provides federal, state, and local emergency managers on-line access to disaster management related information, planning, and response tools. Since its inception in November 2002, DisasterHelp.gov has registered almost 15,000 user accounts. Services provided by Disaster Management have been used in 43 actual emergencies and 226 disaster preparedness exercises to assist first responders in responding to the needs to citizens.

Disaster Preparedness Checklist for Individuals with Special Needs - This checklist is for use by individuals who may have unique needs that must be addressed prior to a disaster.

Family Emergency Plan, U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Make sure your family has a plan in case of an emergency. Before an emergency happens, sit down together and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go and what you will do in an emergency. Keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supply kit or another safe place where you can access it in the event of a disaster.

FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency

Fire Safety Grid - Use this printable grid by FEMA to draw your home fire escape plan.

Fire and Burn Safety for Senior Citizens - Senior citizens are especially vulnerable to fire.  They are generally slower to respond to emergency situations (often because of medication they are required to take). consequently, seniors should do everything they can to prevent accidental fires from starting in their homes.

Fire Safety for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing - Smoke alarms save lives. But those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing cannot depend on the sound of the regular alarm to alert them to a fire.

Heat Stress in the Elderly - Elderly people (that is, people aged 65 years and older) are more prone to heat stress than younger people for several reasons.

Hurricane Preparedness - While nothing can be done to stop hurricanes, there are actions you can take to help maintain your personal health and safety during and after a hurricane.

Index of Printable Hurricane Materials - a list of recommended materials suitable for printing in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format.

Key Facts About Flood Readiness - Provides some basic steps to take to prepare for the storm.

National Fire Prevention Association - The authority on fire, electrical, and building safety.

National Fire Prevention Association: Emergency Evacuation Planning Guide for People with Disabilities.
The NFPA Emergency Evacuation Planning Guide for People with Disabilities was developed with input from the disability community to provide general information on this important topic.

Personal Emergency Evacuation Planning Checklist - Planning and knowing your personal emergency evaluation can make the difference between life and death. Use this form, developed by the National Fire Protection Association, as a helpful guideline to plan ahead.

Prepare.org - Appendix C: Important Lists - Disaster preparedness for people with disabilities.

Prepare.org - People with Disabilities - This section contains information designed to assist people with disabilities and medical concerns to prepare for disasters.

Prepare.org - Seniors - Seniors may have special needs that require extra planning for disasters. These materials for both seniors and their caregivers offer valuable suggestions on disaster preparedness.

Ready.gov - Be Informed - Disaster preparedness is no longer the sole concern of earthquake prone Californians and those who live in the part of the country known as "Tornado Alley." For Americans, preparedness must now account for man-made disasters as well as natural ones. Knowing what to do during an emergency is an important part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count.

Self-Care Tips for Dealing with Stress, National Mental Health Information Center - Care Tips for Survivors of a Traumatic Event: What to Expect in Your Personal, Family, Work, and Financial Life

Special Needs - Emergency Planning - Citizens with special medical needs can get help during an evacuation. Pinellas County has partnered with local municipalities to offer sheltering and transportation, if you meet the eligibility requirements. Those with certain medical conditions may be able to stay in special needs shelters.

The State of Florida - Family Preparedness Guide - Make sure your plans protect your family and take into consideration the needs of everyone you love. Be prepared by seeking help before a disaster strikes your community, your home and your family.

Tips for Collecting Emergency Documents - This fact sheet is designed to provide a checklist for activities for Collecting Emergency Documents to improve your emergency preparedness in an earthquake.

See Also:  Learning Center-Emergency Planning

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Aging Initiative, US Environmental Protection Agency - National agenda for the environment and the aging to better understand environmental hazards affecting the health of older Americans.

American Society on Aging - Information on strategies and materials to enhance organizations serving seniors including a health promotion clearinghouse.

California Department of Aging - Information on home safety, housing and much more; contains downloadable PDF files with color graphics on Home Safety Checklist in English, Spanish, Chinese, Italian, Russian, and Tagalog.

CDC:  Check For Safety - A home fall-prevention checklist for older adults.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Falls and Hip Fractures Among Older Adults

Center for Injury Prevention Policy and Practice - San Diego State University Online source for recent research about injury prevention including falls.

Connecticut Collaboration for Fall Prevention - Facts, Q&A, clinician tools/materials, abstracts and related websites.

Epidemiology and Prevention for Injury Control - (EPIC) Branch, California Dept. of Health Services California Injury Morbidity and Mortality statewide or by county, age and type of injury.

Fall Prevention for People With Disabilities and Older Adults - Falls are the leading cause of injury and accidental death in adults over the age of 65 years. New or unfamiliar surroundings, improper footwear, cumbersome furniture arrangements, and the distractions all can cause a person to accidentally stumble and fall, causing a serious injury, even death.

Home Safety Checklists - series of checklists to help you stay safe!

National Health Information Center - Health information referral service for folds with health questions.  Part of Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (www.odphp.osophs.dhhs.gov)

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - Downloadable materials on driving with macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts under Older Road Users; also, "Stepping Out - Mature Adults:  Be Healthy, Walk Safely."

National Library of Medicine and National Institute on Aging - Featuring health information for older adults.

National Resource Center on Aging and Injury at San Diego State University in collaboration with the American Society on Aging

Web site with a searchable database on seniors and injury prevention and control; program consultation and technical assistance also available.

NeuroCom International - An information resource on balance and mobility disorders and treatment.  Illustrated - general public.  www.onbalance.com - somewhat broader website from same group.

NIH - Senior Health - Balance Problems

Preventing Falls in Older Adults - A community education project in Dakota County, Minnesota, that strengthens individual, family member and provider knowledge and skill in preventing falls among seniors.

Preventing Slips and Falls in the Home - In 1998, falls in the home and community caused or led to 15,900 deaths. All age groups are vulnerable, but older adults are most at risk. In fact, 80% of those receiving fatal injury are over the age of 65. Falls continue to be the major reason for injury-related death, injury and hospital admission for older adults.

Put Your Best Foot Forward: Shoes and Falling - Your choice of footwear can decrease your risk of falls!

Senior Living Information, Services and Products - Visit their library of specific health issues - falls - for a broad variety of downloadable client education materials.

Temple University Fall Prevention Project - Online courses and much more.

US Administration on Aging - National statistics; grant information; and more.  Including www.healthfinder.gov which includes information on numerous health topics, health care, directory of healthfinder organizations, numerous websites, and more.

See Also:  Learning Center-Fall Prevention

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ADA Compliance Materials - Fact Sheet 4: Tax Incentives for Improving Accessibility.  Two tax incentives are available to businesses to help cover the cost of making access improvements.

How to Lift and Carry Safely - Lifting and carrying are power jobs—when you lift and carry the wrong way, you can damage your back. Back injuries are the most common type of injury in the workplace, causing approximately 900,000 disabling injuries in 1995. Over half of these injuries are from lifting.

Modernizing Medicare to Embrace Prevention - 2003 Primary Healthcare Policy Fellowship

Partnership for Prevention - Partnership for Prevention™ is a national membership organization dedicated to building evidence of sound disease prevention and health promotion policies and practices and advocating their adoption by public and private sectors.

Preventing Pressure Ulcers:  A Patient's Guide

Division for Heart Disease/Stroke Prevention - Heart disease and stroke are, respectively, the first and third leading causes of death in the United States. They are the principal causes of cardiovascular disease death and are also major causes of disability.

The American Academy of Family Physicians - The warning signs of poor nutritional health are often overlooked. Use this checklist to find out if you or someone you know is at nutritional risk.

Get EyeSmart - Are you at risk for eye disease? By 2020, 43 million Americans will face significant vision loss or blindness from age-related eye diseases. Left untreated, eye disease can lead to serious vision loss or blindness.  Know your risks, save your sight.

Health and Age: Know Your Numbers - For a proper understanding of your health, you must know how you stand compared to the normal, healthy condition. Overview of blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood sugar levels.

Health and Age: Symptom Scout - Want to know if you should go to your physician, or the emergency room? The doctors at Harvard Medical School have developed a simple question-and-answer symptom checker that can help you decide what to do...

Risk Assessment Tool for Estimating Your 10-year Risk of Having a Heart Attack - This risk assessment tool uses information from the Framingham Heart Study to predict a person’s chance of having a heart attack in the next 10 years. This tool is designed for adults aged 20 and older who do not have heart disease or diabetes.

Risk Assessment - Answering the following questions can help estimate your risk of having a heart attack or dying of coronary heart disease in the next 10 years.

See Also:  Learning Center-Risk Identification

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Consumer Product Safety Commission - Safety For Older Consumers Home Safety Checklist - Use this checklist to spot possible safety problems which may be present in your home.

Department of Health and Human Services - Safety & Wellness - Lists links to various topics relating to safety and wellness.

Disaster Preparedness Checklist for Individuals with Special Needs - This checklist is for use by individuals who may have unique needs that must be addressed prior to a disaster.

Safety and Wellness Links - resources for exercise and nutrition, medications and vitamins, and physical safety.

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AARP Finding Universal Design Solutions that Meet Your Needs - Your home can present many challenges, but it can usually be modified with universal design features to make it better meet your needs. If you find you're having difficulties, remember - it's not you, it's your house - and it can be fixed.

Home Fire Prevention - Fires and burns continue to be the third leading cause of unintentional injury death at home. In 2002 alone, 2,200 people lost their lives in home fires. Particularly at risk are the very young and the very old. Follow these safety tips to protect yourself and your family.

Home Safety Checklist - Use this list to identify fall hazards and accessibility issues of the homeowner and family members.

Home Safety for People with Alzheimer's - This booklet is for those who provide in-home care for people with AD or related disorders. The goal is to improve home safety by identifying potential problems in the home and offering possible solutions to help prevent accidents.

How Well Does Your Home Meet Your Needs? - As people age, the design of their homes plays an increasingly important role in how they manage their daily activities.

Is Your Loved One's Home Safe? - a checklist provided by Aging Solutions

Maintaining Seniors' Independence Through Home Adaptations - A Self Assessment Guide