In This Issue:

1. Party Hearty, but Party SAFELY
2. Medication Safety and Elder Concerns
3. Do Give Life Insurance a Second Thought
4. Cure This Contagious Rumor: Coughing Won't Fend Off a Heart Attack
5. SAFE Health Tip: To help prevent the spread of the flu...
6. Santa, Alive and Well!
7. Ask Dr. Vanessa

Happy Holidays and welcome to SAFE Aging's monthly online newsletter for seniors, family members, senior service providers, agencies, faith based organizations, governments and caregivers around the world.

Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Articles in the SAFE Aging Newsletter are about health and life influences, daily living, home safety, emergency planning, fitness, ideas, solutions and tips to make aging easier, safer or more comfortable.

We highlight authors who are health care professionals, attorneys, financial planners, safety experts, aging experts, Moms and Dads, children of aging parents, grannies or grandpas. We hope you will find the SAFE Aging newsletter interesting, fun and useful. Your suggestions are always welcomed.
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1. Party Hearty, But Party SAFELY by Vanessa M. Dazio, OTD, OTR/L

'Tis the season to join others to celebrate life, love and happiness.  This time of year is a time of festivity, crowds, and party pleasures.  We join others to heartily eat specialty foods, toast to health, friendship and success.  It can be time of excess with too much food, too much to drink, too many parties, too little sleep, too little time!

PARTY RISKS

1. Too much to drink
2. Over-eating resulting in weight gain or illness
3. Fatigue
4. Stress
5. Anxiety

Action Tips for Party SAFETY

TIPS:  Too much to drink

1. NEVER drink and drive
2. Appoint a designated driver, if drinking
3. If hosting a party, and alcohol is served

• serve nutritious foods.  Eating slows the effects of alcohol.
• do not let friends drink and drive
• choose fruit juices rather than carbonated drinks to mix with alcohol
• remember it takes 2 hours for the body to metabolize 1 ounce of alcohol (avoid serving double shots)
• stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the end of the party

TIPS:  To reduce overeating

It is very easy to "over do it" this time of year.  Here are some ideas to avoid over-eating during the holiday season.

1. Eat a light healthy meal before going to a party (feel more satisfied)
2. Eat 5-6 small meals a day, rather than "saving up" for the big one at night.
3. Choose foods rich in fiber such as apples, oranges, or vegetables
4. Take small "sample tastes" of foods
5. Use a smaller plate when sampling foods
6. Drink lots of water.  Have an 8 oz. glass of water just before meals, snacking, or the big party.
7. Eat slowly, chew your food longer.
8. Split a dessert in half before eating, and share with a friend or spouse.

Holiday fatigue can ruin wonderful events by dampening the spirit and desire to be with others.  For health and wellness, here are some tips to reduce fatigue anytime, but especially during the holidays.

TIPS: To reduce fatigue

1. Avoid alcohol and caffeine (sodas and tea), high sugar content foods and fats
2. Drink plenty of water
3. Take mini breaks from high energy holiday activities throughout the day, to avoid muscle fatigue and soreness
4. Take a brisk 10 minute walk or park the car as far away as safely possible when doing errands
5. Eat healthy meals every day, choose fruits/vegetables instead of cookies or chips
6. Use meal times as time to re-energize

Excessive spending, partying, eating and socializing can make the holidays seem overwhelming.  But there are actions that can be taken to manage stress.

TIPS: To manage holiday stress

1. Visualize how you want your holiday to be, and take action to make that happen
2. Prioritize:  Determine what is realistic, and say "no" when you need to

• Take time out for yourself throughout the day
• Start by taking a few slow deep breaths every hour

3. Revitalize:  Take time out to enjoy the moment

• Take a 15-30 second break every hour to really enjoy the moment
• Pay attention to your body:  If you feel stressed, you are stressed.  That is a warning sign to change what you are doing

4. Exercise:  Take time out to exercise, give tired muscles a chance to stretch

Have a great holiday season!

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2. Medication Safety and Elderly Concerns
by Stan L. Hartgraves, PhD, PT

You, your loved one, or your client/patient are having symptoms that include drowsiness, dizziness, inattention, and other cognitive deficits. Is this a progression of an existing illness? Is this a new emerging problem? What might be other explanations for these symptoms? Sometimes one has only to look at what substances (besides food, water, and other drinks) we are swallowing, breathing, and injecting into our bodies. Polypharmacy (taking multiple types of medications) is a real concern in the elderly client, and the topic for this article.

The elderly have twice as many drug reactions as the younger population, and in general there is a positive relationship between the number of drugs taken (prescription and over the counter) and the incidence of adverse reactions. In addition, the body’s systems for breaking down and eliminating substances are not as efficient when one ages. For example, the commonly prescribed sedative/muscle relaxant valium may take 5 times longer to be eliminated in the elderly compared to the young.

So, what can be done? You, your loved one, or one of your healthcare providers should bring your medication profile to the attention of your primary physician. Load up all the medications that are being taken (including over the counter drugs) and sit down to discuss this with your physician. Sometimes dropping the dose of medications or even stopping medications altogether (under advice of your physician) might make you or your loved one feel better and perform better. Get involved!

The author has practiced physical therapy for over 30 years and currently teaches pharmacology and is the vice president of academic affairs at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, in Provo, Utah.

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3.  Do Give Life Insurance a Second Thought  By Gene G Stern ~ In conjunction with Lincoln Financial Advisors, a registered investment advisor.

Say the words “life insurance” to some people, and you’re likely to get less than enthusiastic response.  But, more and more frequently, people are discovering  life insurance offers a way to provide for your family, protect business interests and make charitable gifts without reducing your estate.

Life Insurance Can Help with Estate Planning 

A policy on your life can provide your heirs with funds to pay the expenses of settling your estate without dipping into assets.  It also can replace the income that your family may lose as a result of your death.  A life insurance policy is one way to ensure that money will be available to your heirs for their immediate or long-term needs.

You can exclude insurance proceeds from your estate by having a trust or the individuals who will benefit from the proceeds purchase and own the policy.  A trust may offer several advantages, so you’ll want to consider all of your options.

Life Insurance Can Fund Charitable Giving

 If charitable giving is among your priorities, a life insurance policy can be designed to benefit your favorite charity while allowing you to take advantage of a tax deduction for your contribution.  There are several ways to do this.  You could purchase a policy on your life and contribute it to the charity.  In most cases, you can claim a charitable deduction on your federal income tax return for your donation and any subsequent premium payments you make. (Check the laws in your state, however, as some states restrict such gifts.)

You also might consider funding a charitable trust that will pay you an income during your lifetime and provide a donation to charity at your death.  This arrangement won’t reduce the assets your heirs will inherit if you purchase life insurance to replace the amount passing to charity. 

Life insurance can be the perfect complement to your estate plan.  A professional financial advisor can help you choose the most beneficial and tax- advantaged approach for your circumstances.

Gene G Stern, CLU, CFP, CSA is a registered representative and investment advisor representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp.,[805 Executive Ctr. Dr W. Suite 120, St Petersburg, FL 33702. 727-578-4000], offering insurance through Lincoln affiliates and other fine companies.  This information should not be construed as legal or tax advice.  You may want to consult a tax advisor regarding this information as it relates to your personal circumstance.

CRN#0211-7965

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4. Cure This Contagious Rumor: Coughing Won't Fend Off a Heart Attack

Despite a contagious rumor, coughing doesn't prevent a heart attack. An e-mail that spread around the world like a contagious disease claimed anyone who feels heart attack symptoms while alone should cough "repeatedly and very vigorously, repeating a breath about every two seconds…until help arrives, or (a normal heartbeat returns)."

Wrong, says the American Heart Association.

"It's right up there with voodoo as far as I'm concerned," says Dr. Cary Fishbein, a cardiologist with the Dayton Heart Center.

The coughing technique known as "cough CPR" has been used in hospitals by physicians to treat sudden irregular heartbeats in monitored patients during cardiac catheterization procedures. In this case, a responsive patient who develops a sudden irregular heartbeat could possibly maintain blood flow to the brain and remain conscious for a few seconds if they cough vigorously and forcefully while being directed by a physician.

But traditional CPR is not used to treat heart attack victims who remain conscious - but only if the heart attack if followed by cardiac arrest, the American Heart Association says.

What You Should Do

The American Heart Association encourages you to:

1. Recognize the warning signs.
2. Take immediate action, including calling 9-1-1.
3. Begin CPR, using a combination of rescue breaths and chest compressions.
4. Get early access to automated external defibrillation (AED).

The signs of sudden cardiac arrest are:

• Sudden loss of consciousness
• Loss of responsiveness (no response to stimulation)
• Absence of normal breathing

The best way to survive a heart attack is to avoid it altogether by getting early treatment for heart problems, Fishbein says. "If you think you might have heart disease, get checked out."

Heart Attack Warning Signs

Here are some of the signs that can mean a heart attack is happening.

Chest discomfort - Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and come back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body - Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath - This feeling often comes along with chest discomfort. But it can occur before the chest discomfort.

Other signs - These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

If you or someone you're with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, get help quickly (within five minutes).

Call 9-1-1. Get to a hospital right away. Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get life-saving treatment.

Resource:  American Heart Association

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5. SAFE Health Tip: To help prevent the spread of the flu...

Here are some suggestions:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Keep your distance from others if you are sick.
• When possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick.
• Don't send children to child care or school if they are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean your hands often.

Resource: www.cdc.gov/flu

For more information on this year's flu season, call CDC's toll-free number, 1-800-CDC-INFO

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6. Santa, Alive and Well!

The "holidays" around the world have different meaning for people with different faiths. The following story about a little boy who learned the meaning of giving to others represents the joy of holidays celebrated everywhere.

May we always remember to give to others with our hearts and our love.

Dr. Vanessa

I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit my Grandma on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"

My grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her world-famous cinnamon buns.

Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus!" she snorted. "Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad. Now, put on your coat, and let's go."

"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked.

"Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through it doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days.

"Take this money and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.

I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping.

For a few moments I just stood there, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for. Suddenly I thought of Bobbie Decker. He sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class.

Bobbie Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out for recess during the winter. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobbie Decker a coat. I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that.

That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat in Christmas paper and ribbons, and write, "To Bobbie, From Santa Claus" on it -- Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobbie Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially one of Santa's helpers.

Grandma parked down the street from Bobbie's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going." I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pressed his doorbell and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma.

From there we watched Bobbie come to the door and pick up his present from "Santa."

Forty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my grandma, in Bobbie Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were: "Ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team."

Merry Christmas everyone.....The spirit is in you......Remember that!

This story was submitted by Harvey Doege of Tarpon Springs, FL. Author unknown.

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7. Ask Dr. Vanessa, by Vanessa M. Dazio

Question:  Do you have a suggestion for a New Year’s Resolution? (Question submitted by Dr. John Dazio, Vanessa’s Dad)

Answer:  Yes, Dad, I do have a suggestion for a New Year's resolution and thanks for asking!

The Meriam-Webster dictionary defines "resolution" as having a firm determination to do something. What better time than the New Year to make a firm determination to safeguard your health, safety and independence! It is a wonderful time to reflect on the past, but an even better time to consider what you want in your future.

Take some time to think how you can safeguard your health, safety and independence. Make a firm resolution to be involved in a routine fitness program. To stay healthy, consider activities you like and enjoy. For instance, swimming is great aerobic exercise. It makes healthy demands on your heart and lungs. Routine swimming will improve breathing, blood circulation, joint flexibility and muscle strength. Swimming places far less physical stress on arthritic and painful joints than any other exercise. Make a firm resolution to swim at least a few times every week for your health and fitness. Walk around your neighborhood once a day. Make it a habit. Walking will help to keep muscles strong and flexible. This is important in fall prevention.

Make a firm commitment to be safe. Safety at home can prevent life threatening or disabling accidents such as bone fractures, cuts or head injuries. Make a New Year’s resolution to critically look around your home for safety hazards and then remove them!

Are there rugs, cords or obstacles in your pathway that could cause you to trip or fall? Are your floor coverings torn? Are your bath tubs slippery? Are your knives sharp and other tools well maintained? Are your cleaning chemicals clearly labeled? Is there any mold in your air conditioning unit, or mildew any where around the house? Are your outside steps free from cracks or holes that could cause you to stumble? Are your smoke detector batteries working? Do you have a working fire extinguisher?

Car safety is critically important. Make a New Year’s resolution to keep your car well maintained. Have you had the brakes checked and the oil changed lately? Do your tires have plenty of tread? Are your windshield wipers in excellent condition? Do you have cleaning fluid in the windshield washer? Is your car engine in tip top shape? Is your car seat adjusted properly to your height so you can clearly see over the steering wheel?

After that, make a New Year’s resolution to have your eye sight and eye glass prescription checked. Your vision is critical for your safety at home, in the car and in the community. Get a flu shot, and schedule your preventive visits with your doctors to assure your continued health and wellness.

Make a firm resolution and be committed to remaining independent, active and involved in life. Fitness, safety and good health will help you to age successfully and independently at home.

Happy New Year, Dad, and everyone!

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