September 2017
PATIENT POWER Health Insights for Seniors, Loved Ones and Caregivers
Check 4 Cancer September offers reminders to be aware of several types of cancers. So check with your doctors on prostate, ovarian or other gynecological cancers. Good start: American Cancer Society. At press Harvey storm still on, so see ACS offers on cancer/disaster relief info.
Hug Your Hound Day It’s technically on Sept. 10th, but do it all month…and beyond. (Choose other pets if you want to.) Studies keep showing that this love increases the oxytocin hormone, which decreases anxiety and offers other plusses.
Keep Hands Clean! Sept. 17-23 is Int’l Clean Hands Week, according to Weird & Wacky Holidays. Do it like docs on TV, with Cleaning Institute’s advice: wet, then scrub soap front/back, between fingers, even under nails. Sing Happy Birthday 2x to time it. Rinse well and dry with clean cloth or paper towels.
Patient Power
photo: Rosmarie Voegtli on Flickr.com
Balancing Your Life…Literally Did you know that “Balance Awareness Week” is this month? That reminded us it’s time to help with this important issue.
Scary Stats As we get older, our balance can go downhill. Many reasons: medications making us dizzy; ear issues throwing us off-kilter, weakened leg muscles and poorer vision causing walking fearfully, not steadily. The dangers show. One in four older (age 65+) adults fall each year, 1 out 5 falls cause serious injuries and (truly scary) every 20 minutes an older adult dies from a fall!
Start with This Checklist There are easy measures that might improve your balance. All involve simple points to review with your primary doctor: WM Medical Communications
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