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March 2007 Back to Table of Contents Back to Archives Main Page Section: Being Well Receiving Your Due By Toby Laping, Ph. D., C.S.W., Private Care Manager
At the same time, we know that seniors don’t always receive sufficient attention when they have a medical problem, so be informed on what’s new and ask your provider if you think you’re not responding as well as you’d like to traditional therapies or if you’re worried about the risks of what you’re now doing. 1. Shingles is a very painful condition, which is caused by the chicken pox virus. Anyone who has had shingles would probably consider the phrase “very painful” to be an understatement. In 2006, the FDA approved a shingles vaccine, which some providers believe should be considered for everyone who is aged 60 or over. If you’re interested, ask your health care provider but understand that many providers do not agree with the CDC recommendation that this become part of routine vaccinations. I tried unsuccessfully to have a client vaccinated for shingles consistent with the wishes of her family, but her physician didn’t feel comfortable without more data on this and he demurred. We’ll ask again in six months. 2. Research into insulin dependent diabetes has produced an inhalable insulin product; that is, medication delivered by inhaling rather than by injection. There is some concern about the long term safety of inhaled insulin and many physicians are unwilling to allow their patients to be the first to stop using a tried-and-true delivery system in favor of one with unknown risks. Still, for those people who are unable to inject themselves, but require insulin, this might be worth considering. I work with a client who requires insulin daily and since he cannot self-inject, he must see a nurse daily. For such individuals with diabetes who cannot inject themselves with insulin, an alternative delivery system could potentially save a very considerable outlay of money and of worry. 3. Stents, commonly used for cardiac patients with clogged vessels, have been in the news a great deal recently. Drug coated stents are used to open clogged blood vessels so blood can flow. Since many readers undoubtedly have had stents implanted, it’s likely that they’ve been following these articles. Much has been written about the benefits but also the risks that stents themselves can carry, and the guidelines about how medications after cardiac stents are implanted may affect the way your physician prescribes for you. If you’re wondering whether your stent is drug-coated and if there are medication changes that should be considered, ask your health care provider. 4. We can’t ignore the obvious food safety issues that have come so clearly into the public consciousness lately. Even foods that were always considered wholesome and safe, such as lettuce and spinach, have been implicated as disease carriers. Recommendations for protecting yourself include buying foods with the latest “sell by” dates, store foods according to directions, and make sure that produce is well washed. Toby Laping Association is a geriatric care management firm. The staff knows the long term care system, what is available in Western New York, and how to make services cost effective and responsive. Call 884-3277 or check their website, www.tobylapingassociates.com. back to top back to table of contents Current Issue | About Forever Young | Where to Find | Advertise | Our Advertisers | Community Calendar | Contest | Clubs | Contact Us | Archives | Home |
