Looking Forward
Planning for Life After 50
With informative features on finance, health and wellness, retirement living and more!
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Exercises to support stronger hips (MS) - Surgery is not an inevitable side effect of aging. In fact, men and women over 50 can employ various preventive techniques to strengthen their bones and joints in the hopes of avoiding the surgical wing of their local hospitals. According to AARP, more than 370,000 men and women undergo hip replacement surgeries in the United States each year. Some may think such surgeries are a final solution to their hip pain, but that might not be the case, as AARP notes than one in 10 hip replacement recipients will need a second procedure for any number of reasons, including infection or mechanical failure. A proactive approach that focuses on strengthening and protecting the hips can help aging men and women reduce their risk of one day needing hip replacement surgery. The following are a handful of exercises, courtesy of the AARP, that can help men and women strengthen their hips.
Good Morning
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and keep your hands at your sides. With your knees slightly bent and your back naturally arched, bend at your hips as if you’re bowing out of respect as far as you can go, or until your torso is almost parallel to the floor. Return to the starting position. During the exercise, keep your core braced and don’t bow your back.
Hip Abduction
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Loop a resistance band around both ankles, and then raise your right leg out to the side as far as you can. Hold in this position for a moment before slowly returning to the starting position. Switch legs and then repeat the exercise on the other side.
Hip Adduction
Loop one end of a resistance band low around a solid object, then stand to the left of that object before looping the other end of the band around your right ankle. Place your legs shoulder-width apart, and then pull in your right leg until your ankles touch. Repeat with your left leg, this time moving to the right side of the object.
Glute Bridge
Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Raise your hips to form a straight line from your shoulders to your knees, using some type of support if you need to. Clench your butt at the top of the movement, pause, and lower yourself back down. Men and women unaccustomed to exercise should consult their physicians before performing any of these exercises. In addition, if necessary, perform the exercises under the supervision of a personal trainer who can advise you on proper form and help you reduce your risk of injury.
Did you know? Those poised to begin a health regimen that includes probiotics would be wise to also educate themselves about the closely named, yet vastly different, “prebiotics” that are also beneficial to health. Prebiotics are to probiotics what fertilizer is to a vegetable garden. Prebiotics are essentially a special type of soluble fiber that is used
by the beneficial bacteria as fuel, advises the prebiotic supplement company Prebiotin. Examples of good sources of prebiotics include bananas, onions, garlic, Jerusalem artichokes, apple skins, beans, and chicory root. The prebiotic fiber moves through the small intestine undigested and fermented until it reaches the large intestine. Once
there, beneficial bacteria break it down and use it as food. Thusly, the prebiotics can then multiply readily and improve the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut. Eating prebiotic foods can fuel the process, but many probiotic supplements now have a combination formula that includes prebiotics in the recipe.
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The risk factors for melanoma A form of cancer that develops in the pigmentmaking cells of the skin known as the melanocytes, melanoma is a relatively rare form of skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma is more dangerous than basal and squamous cell skin cancers, which are the most common types of the disease, because it is likely to metastasize if not detected early. No one is invulnerable to the potential threat posed by melanoma, though some people are at greater risk of the disease than others. The following are some of the risk factors for melanoma, courtesy of the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Sun exposure - Exposure to the sun can increase a person’s risk factor for various forms of skin cancer, including melanoma. The SCF notes that blistering sunburns suffered in early childhood especially increase a person’s risk of developing melanoma, though sunburns later in life also can increase that risk. In addition, people who live in places that get substantial sunlight, such as Florida and Hawaii, tend to develop more skin cancers than people who live in areas with less sunlight. Tanning booths and beds also increase exposure to ultraviolet rays, which increase one’s melanoma risk. Moles - The more moles a person has on his or her skin, the greater his or her risk for melanoma. There are two types of moles: normal moles and atypical moles. Normal moles are small, brown blemishes or beauty marks that appear in the first few decades of life. Many people develop such moles. Atypical moles known as “dysplastic nevi” can be precursors to melanoma, and people with such moles are at greater risk of developing the disease. It can be difficult to distinguish between normal and atypical moles, though the SCF notes that atypical moles that itch, bleed, crust, ooze, swell, or are elevated from the skin might be in particular danger of becoming melanomas. Atypical moles that are bluish-black in color or become persisting open sores are also at greater risk of becoming melanomas.
Skin type - People with fair skin are at greater risk of various types of skin cancers, including melanomas. Such is also the case for people with light-colored hair and eyes. Weakened immune system - People whose immune systems have been compromised are at greater risk of developing melanoma than those whose immune systems are working at full strength. Chemotherapy, organ transplant surgery, excessive exposure to the sun, and diseases such as HIV/AIDS can weaken the immune system. Family history - The SCF notes that roughly 10 percent of people diagnosed with melanoma have a family member who also has been diagnosed. People whose mother, father, siblings or children have developed melanoma are considered to be in families that are prone to melanoma. In fact, each person with a firstdegree relative who has been diagnosed with melanoma has a 50 percent greater chance of developing the disease than someone with no such family connection. Melanoma is a potentially deadly form of skin cancer. People with a family history of the disease or those who spend substantial time in the sun should be especially vigilant about protecting their skin.
Exposure to the sun increases a person’s risk of developing melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer.
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Smart ways to embrace retirement Retirement is on the horizon for a significant number of people. Around 10,000 people retire each day in the United States, according to a study by Merrill Lynch and Age Wave, a consultancy studying the cultural and economic impacts of aging. But many soon-to-be retirees are not fully prepared for life after their work life ends. Shedding new light on this next chapter can make retirement something to look forward to even more.
How retired are you?
Retirement may no longer mean what it once did. Some retirees remove themselves entirely from the active employment market, while others prefer to keep at least one toe in the professional water. Some retirees change fields and do part-time work. Others may volunteer their time without getting paid. Still, some choose to use retirement as an opportunity to spearhead a new business venture that may not have been possible beforehand. Retirees should reflect on their goals, as well as their finances, and make plans accordingly.
Don’t neglect health care
Retiring may involve finding health insurance and preparing for other types of health care later in life. The U.S. Census Bureau says that employment-based insurance covered 55.4 percent of the population in 2015, the most recent years for figures,
followed by Medicaid (19.5 percent) and Medicare (16 percent). Residents of other countries may be covered by government standardized health programs. It pays to know the rules of each plan to avoid unnecessary expenses that can eat into retirement dollars. For those Americans who will be relying solely on Medicare, find a counselor who can spell out the intricacies of the plan, or use the free tool on Medicare.gov.
See retirement as a beginning, not an end
Quite often soon-to-be retirees focus on the end of a career or the end of a stage in life without putting enough focus on the possibilities ahead. This is a prime time to find a new social network, travel, join a ministry, and much more.
Choose your living space
Retirement can be an opportunity to shed an old skin and try on a new one — especially as it pertains to housing. There are options to downsize for empty-nesters or even to secure resources to “age in place.” According to United Income, a money management service, retirees should try out particular scenarios and locations prior to jumping in. Rent in a particular neighborhood, or house sit and try things on for size. Airbnb and other types of services can make this trial easy.
A new outlook on retirement can open up a world of opportunities.
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Choosing a Retirement Community Ask most people where they would prefer to spend their retirement years and they will say they would prefer to remain in their own homes as long as possible. But ask those same people and they will tell you they aren’t sure how they would manage if they could no longer care for themselves or what options would be available to them. For those people planning ahead for tomorrow and the unknowns associated with life, Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) may offer the best of the best. With options ranging from independent living to 24hour nursing care, Continuing Care Retirement Communities are the answer for an increasing number of people planning for the future. For those sold on the idea of a Continuing Care Retirement Community, the following steps might make the process easier:
Prioritize
Make a list of those things that matter most to you. For many people location is a key factor. The average person lives within fifty miles of their birthplace. If you enjoy a rural lifestyle, or if proximity to family is important, or you enjoy the sights of the city or the atmosphere of life in a university town, then add it to your priority list. The list can be as specific as you want but will go a long way in narrowing your search.
Research
You will be much more up to
speed on terms, jargon and options if you do a little homework before setting out. Many consumers will limit their search to not-forprofit organizations or those with a particular sponsorship or affiliation. Spend some time visiting with friends and then log on to the Internet. There is a wealth of information available. Most retirement communities have websites and many share photos, list amenities, services and contact information.
Accredited?
Some continuing care retirement communities are accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Rehabilitative Facilities (CARF). Accreditation indicates to the public that the community has the financial resources necessary to meet the present and projected needs, has knowledgeable administrative staff, and provides sufficient financial information to residents and applicants. It not only provides assurance of quality and integrity, but it offers the public a standard for comparisons in evaluating retirement communities.
Visit The retirement decision may be one of the biggest decisions you will make in your life. Take the time to visit the communities, talk with the staff, take a tour, and meet the residents. Many of the communities offer educational/ entertainment programs open to the public. This
OAK CREST
is a great way to experience the community firsthand.
Fees
Get a clear understanding of pricing and fees. Most communities have an entrance fee based on the size of the apartment/duplex and offer a refundable portion over a set number of years. The monthly fees vary widely from community to community, level of care and services and amenities. Also, ask for the community’s history of fee increases and a copy of their most recent financial audit. A reputable community will have this information readily available and will be more than willing to share it.
What if I outlive my resources? Many not-for-profit retirement
communities have a charitable fund to provide life care to those who outlive their resources. Other types of retirement housing may discharge an individual when they exhaust their resources or require additional care. Knowing up front what you can expect when the time comes will go a long way in providing you peace of mind and future security. There is a myriad of retirement living options available to consumers today. Taking the time to research and select the one that best meets your interests today and your needs of tomorrow is time well spent.
DeKalb Area Retirement Center
“Why Oak Crest and why now?” You often hear people say they haven’t really given a lot of thought to retirement. It’s one of those things that will happen whether we’re ready or not. In a perfect world, we’d all stay young and healthy. The reality is that we don’t live in a perfect world, and “ready or not” will eventually catch up to us. Don’t get me wrong, I’m going to be outrunning Father Time for as long as I can and plan to do it at Oak Crest. With the new Oaks Apartments, I was able to select my new apartment and customize it to my taste. I love the great people who live and work here and the wonderful amenities and services. Everything I could want from a full kitchen and balcony to great meals and a state of the art wellness center and pool are right here and at my fingertips. The guarantee of future care when I need it is the icing on the cake. So, when people ask me Why Oak Crest now, I respond, why not? Joan Stanley, Resident since December 2016
Joan Stanley
For more information call (815) 756-8461 • 2944 Greenwood Acres Dr. • DeKalb, IL • www.oakcrestdekalb.org Saturday, March 9, 2019 | LOOKING FORWARD | 5
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5 questions you should ask your pharmacist
(BPT) - A visit to the pharmacy can be about more than just picking up prescriptions or supplies for the medicine cabinet. It can actually be an important, and convenient, time to ask your pharmacist key questions that could impact your health. Dr. Andria Fetterman, a faculty member in South University Savannah's School of Pharmacy, encourages people to use their pharmacist as a resource for information about everything from prescription medication to lifestyle changes. Fetterman says there are five key questions you should frequently ask your pharmacist.
What can I expect from this medication?
Fetterman says whether you're picking up an over-the-counter remedy or a prescription, you should feel free to ask your pharmacist what to expect from the medication. "Many medications have potential side effects that you should be aware of before you take them," advises Fetterman. "It may be something as mild as a little stomach discomfort or drowsiness, but knowing what to expect will help you handle any potential side effects. Also, knowing what to expect could keep you from blaming any new, unrelated symptoms on your medication." You should also ask how long it will take for your medication to make you feel better. Fetterman says most antibiotics should have you feeling better in three to five days, but an antidepressant may need to be in your system for three weeks before you begin to feel its effects.
If a prescription medicine doesn't seem to be working in the proper time frame, you should let your doctor know. Remember that sudden discontinuation of some medications, without proper professional advice, can be costly to your health.
How long should I take an over the counter medication before I call my doctor? Over-the-counter medicines can
provide relief for a number of ailments, but sometimes you need to see a doctor either for a prescription or a correct diagnosis of your symptoms. Fetterman says your pharmacist can help guide you when you're not sure if it is time to see a doctor. "A pharmacist can give you advice on how quickly you should see symptom relief with an over-the-counter medication," says Fetterman. "Many times, people will treat themselves too long with over-the-counter medicine or will switch from one product to another looking for relief, and many times don't go to a physician when they need to."
How do I manage my condition? "When someone leaves the doctor's office after a diagnosis, they may be scared or shell-shocked," Fetterman explains. "There may be questions about medication or daily management that they didn't think to ask. That's where a pharmacist can help." Fetterman uses Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure as examples. "A pharmacist can
counsel you about weight loss, healthy eating and ways to promote cardiovascular activity. With proper disease management, some patients can actually reduce or eliminate their need for prescription medication altogether."
Do these medicines mix? Fetterman says it is important to ask a pharmacist about whether any new medication will mix well with other things you are already taking. "Dietary supplements, herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicines can interact or interfere with prescription medications. When you are having a prescription filled, your pharmacist should ask you about all other medications that you're taking. If you're on prescription medication, check with the pharmacist before beginning any new over-the-counter supplements or medication to make sure it is safe." What should I do about my persistent, minor symptoms? Fetterman says you
should never hesitate to ask a pharmacist about a persistent, minor symptom that might be bothering you. "If you're having a non-specific or persistent symptom that you think is minor, you should still ask your pharmacist about it," says Fetterman. "A pharmacist can recommend an over-the-counter medicine that may relieve symptoms, but can also advise you to see a doctor about your symptom rather than ignoring it. "A pharmacist can be a great source of health information. All you have to do is ask."
Visit Lehan’s at our DeKalb location: 1407 S. Fourth St., DeKalb 815-758-0911
• CPAP Equipment/Supplies • Wheelchairs/Walkers • Power Scooters Lehan’s Medical Equipment can bill most Insurance Plans SM-CL1635455
We Rent Lift Chairs Too
• Compression Socks/Garments • Breast Pumps • Bathroom Safety • Urological/ Ostomy Supplies
www.lehandrugs.com
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More options than ever for
Families Needing Elder Care More Americans than ever before are now older than 65, and in just four more decades, for the first time in history, there will be more seniors in the U.S. than people younger than 18, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Given those numbers, is it any surprise that many families wrestle with decisions for how to take care of aging parents, grandparents and other loved ones? "Deciding how to take care of an aging loved one can be a challenging, emotionally wrenching experience," says Danielle Russell, vice president of operations and business development for Assisted Transition, a network of independent consultants that help families find elder care. "The good news is that as the population of elders has expanded, so have elder care options." Just 20 years ago, families might have had to choose between putting a parent in a nursing home or having one younger family member quit a job to stay home and care for the parent. Today, options abound and it's important to know what's available before making such an important decision. Russell offers some background on seven of the top types of senior care: Assisted living communities - Seniors who require assistance with daily activities such as dressing, eating or bathing may still wish to live as independently as possible. Assisted living
communities strive to provide an appropriate level of care while allowing residents to maintain as much independence as possible. Seniors who are no longer able to live completely independently, but who do not need nursing home, Alzheimer's or dementia care, may find this type of arrangement works for them. Respite/short-term care - This type of care provides short-term breaks for families that may need elder care for a short time - a few hours, a day or a weekend, for example. Options can include an in-home skilled health assistant, an adult day program outside the home, or residential respite care facility. Independent living communities - In these residential communities, seniors can live by themselves with minimal assistance for certain tasks and needs. Elders with mild mobility issues or forgetfulness might do well in this type of environment. Rehabilitation centers - A senior recovering from a minor health issue may require extra care and therapy to regain the ability to live independently. Rehabilitation centers provide care as well as occupational, physical or speech therapy. Dementia care - Dementia is a progressive disorder that weakens memory, impairs judgment and diminishes mental abilities. Elders experiencing dementia may need an increasing level of care. Dementia care can occur inside the
home or in a care facility.
Alzheimer's communities - A progressive, incurable cognitive disorder, Alzheimer's affects memory and mental abilities. Patients usually require a high level of care with everyday tasks, but may be in physically good health. Alzheimer's communities specialize in caring for patients who require this high level of care. Skilled nursing homes - Licensed by the state in which they operate, skilled nursing homes provide the highest level of medical care outside a hospital. These round-the-clock residential facilities care for patients who require a high level of care, such as those who are bedridden or suffer from chronic health issues that require 24-hour access to medical aid. Even the most diligent families may have difficulty sorting through all the elder care options and decisions they face during the stress-filled process of choosing care. Many seek advice and expert assistance, such as from Assisted Transition, that can help ensure their loved ones receive the best possible care for his or her needs. The organization offers information, resources and free placement services to families looking for senior care and housing options. Assisted Transition provides referrals to assisted living facilities, nursing homes, residential care homes, senior housing and other industry resources. To find a consultant near you, visit www.assistedtransition.com.
Start Living a Carefree Lifestyle
Heritage Woods of DeKalb combines residential apartment living with the availability of personal assistance, support services and socialization opportunities for residents 65+ regardless of financial resources. • Ongoing health monitoring and nursing assessments • Assistance with activities of daily living including: bathing, dressing, personal hygiene and grooming • Medication setup, reminders and assistance • 24 hour Certified Nurse Assistant staffing
• Emergency Response System • Three home cooked restaurant style meals and snacks daily • Various socialization opportunities with daily events and programs • Weekly community outings • On-site salon services
815-787-6500
To schedule your visit, call 2626 N. Annie Glidden Rd. • DeKalb, IL 60115
Managed by Gardant Management • hw-dekalb-slf.com Saturday, March 9, 2019 | LOOKING FORWARD | 7
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