senior news guide

109 South StreetBennington, Vermont 05201

802.447.3381800.234.1432

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FREE • Edition 7 • September 2010

IN THIS ISSUE:

SENIOR

SENIOR

Supportive Housing Programs

How to Rescue Thousands of

Dollars From the Trash

(MS) -- When searching for a retirement com-munity, retirees often place an emphasis on fun. And that’s perfectly understandable, as retirees have worked their entire lives and earned the right to relax and enjoy themselves however they may choose. Gadsden- Etowah County, Alabama could be the hidden gem retirees are searching for.

But the right retirement fit isn’t entirely about fun. In fact, retirees typically look for a place that

combines fun with a number of other factors. The Gadsden-Etowah County area excels in these important factors.

• Health services. While those about to retire might enjoy excellent health, it is important to find a com-munity that can cater to existing and future health care needs. This means finding a place that offers a variety of competent physicians from primary care to specialists. Typically, when adequate doctors are present, local hospitals or medical centers have located and expanded in the city/county. Etowah County has two regional medical centers: Gadsden Regional Medical Center, a 346 bed facility, and

Riverview Regional Medical Center with 280 beds. These two centers and their associated physicians and medical services not only serve the 104,000 plus residents of Etowah County but draw patients from the six less populated counties adjacent to or nearby. Both medical centers provide cardiovascular/tho-racic surgery, cancer diagnosis and treatment, ortho-pedics, neurology, gastroenterology, ophthalmol-ogy and extensive and intensive care for basically all

types of disorders or injuries. Over 200 physicians, includ-ing most specialties and sub-specialties, are actively practic-ing medicine in the county.

• Accessibility. When choosing a retirement com-munity, most retir-ees are interested in whether the chosen city/county is acces-sible to family and friends. Oftentimes, this means within close proximity to a major city and an

airport. When searching for your ideal location, look for one that offers the peace and quiet of a small to medium town but the accoutrements of city life as well. The closer a retirement community is to a major city and airport, the more frequent the visits from children and grandchildren are likely to be. The Gadsden/Etowah County community is located 55 miles from Birmingham, 120 miles from Atlanta and 92 miles from Chattanooga. I-59 runs through the county, I-20 is less than 35 miles from the southeastern part of the county, I-75 is only 50

Finding the Right Retirement Fit

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(MS) -- Could you or someone you know be spending thousands of dollars each year on products that simply end up in the garbage? Many people who suffer from urinary incontinence (UI) do because they think there is no other option. However, an innovative program of all-natural supplements can be the key men and women need to reduce money spent on UI treatment.

Retired individuals spend the most money on medical and dental expenditures. Although many medications and treatments are covered by some sort of insurance plan, seniors face out-of-pocket expenses for many per-sonal care items -- most especially absorbent sanitary pads necessary to manage incontinence.

Adult Diapers are ExpensiveDepending on the brand, a package of absorbent under-

garments can cost anywhere from $15 to $25. But that’s not where the spending ends. There are the items people don’t even think about, such as creams for rashes, powders to mask odor, antibiotics should a urinary tract infection occur, bed liners, and the replacement of clothing and furniture ruined by leaks. Says, John, a caregiver for his 72-year-old incontinent mother, “Last year the cost for mother’s adult diapers alone was $1300.”

If these undergarments were the best solution for incontinence, their cost would be vali-dated. However, pads tend to be bulky, uncomfortable and can harbor odor when not changed promptly. They can be unsanitary to dispose of. Plus, they need to be packed along when traveling or sim-ply spending a day out with friends or family. They cer-tainly can impede the lifestyle of an active adult.

Environmental ImpactAbsorbent pads also have a

profound impact on the envi-ronment. Millions of people in the world suffer from UI, and primarily turn to incon-tinence pads as the first solu-tion. That means millions upon millions of discarded pads are ending up in land-fills. Just think about the costs of managing the land and revitalizing the environment where adult diapers are doing damage.

Stop Throwing Money Away

How to Rescue Thousands of Dollars From the Trash

Many people who suffer from urinary incontinence (UI) do

and dental expenditures. Although many medications and treatments are covered by some sort of insurance plan, seniors face out-of-pocket expenses for many per-sonal care items -- most especially absorbent sanitary

Depending on the brand, a package of absorbent under-garments can cost anywhere from $15 to $25. But that’s not where the spending ends. There are the items people don’t even think about, such as creams for rashes, powders to mask odor, antibiotics should a urinary tract infection occur, bed liners, and the replacement of clothing and furniture ruined by leaks. Says, John, a caregiver for his 72-year-old incontinent

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September 2010 Senior News Guide 3

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miles away and I-24 is less than 90 miles away.• Culture/Entertainment. Most retirees find that retirement life takes

an adjustment. In fact, after a lifetime spent working, retirees might find retirement a bit boring. But retirement doesn’t have to be boring and retirement communities don’t have to be sleepy. The Gadsden/Etowah County area combines the different charms of its 12 incorporated municipalities, all different sizes and with their own uniqueness, and with cultural facilities and programs of many larger cities. With over one hundred thousand residents, Etowah County is the ideal location for retirees looking to leave the hustle and bustle but still have access to the positives of big city life. Thanks to the Gadsden Museum of Art & History, citizens and visitors can enjoy an extensive and permanent collection of paintings, sculptures and prints, spanning the history of Southern art and artists. And with rotating exhibitions of local and regional artists, the museum ensures retirees can enjoy all of the art, both historical and contemporary, the region has to offer.

For those looking for live entertainment, Downtown Gadsden Inc. hosts entertainers, special events, sales, and First Friday of each month (a large multi-block party). At the Mary Hardin Center for Cultural Arts, retirees can enjoy courtyard concerts, exhibitions tied to art, athletics, dance, and more. Imagination Place located in the Center for Cultural Arts touches the lives of thousands of children each year with programs, exhibitions and educational outreach.

• The Great Outdoors. After a life spent working, indoors or outdoors, many retirees look for a community that allows them to “play outdoors.” There are four public golf courses in the Etowah County area, all within

a 25-mile radius. Each allows membership for the serious golfer or rea-sonable green fees for those who play less frequently.

The Coosa River winds through Gadsden, Southside, Rainbow City, Hokes Bluff and Glencoe, all Etowah County municipalities. On spring, summer or fall weekends, the river and its adjoining lakes are alive with all types of watercraft including fishing, ski and pontoon boats plus jet skis. The winters are typically mild and last no longer than three months, rarely experiencing an extended cold snap (two weeks or more).

To learn more about Etowah County and its municipalities, visit www.gadsdenchamber.com.

Finding the Right Retirement Fitcontinued from page 1


Tips For Winterizing Your Home Against Indoor Allergies

(ARA) - Spring and fall are the most notorious allergy seasons, but as any of the estimated 50 million Americans who suffer from allergies know, winter can be just as uncomfortable. As we move our lives back indoors, we often seal up our homes to prevent the cold from seeping in. While that’s good for energy bills and staying warm, if you don’t take some precautions, it can cause problems for those with indoor allergies.

To make sure that your home is a healthy one throughout the sea-son, start taking action against allergens as you winterize your house. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), some of the most common indoor allergens are mold spores, dust mites and pet dander - so pay special attention to preventing those. As the weeks pass, keep to a schedule of cleaning that will maintain a lower level of allergens. Here are some tips to help you make your home a haven where allergy sufferers will feel comfortable.

* Don’t let towels pile up. Whether in the kitchen or the bathroom, it’s important that damp towels aren’t left to sit in a pile. The moisture they retain can create perfect conditions for growing mold or provide an ideal home for mites. Hang towels so that they can dry fully and launder them in your washing machine at least once a week to get rid of mold spores.

* Stop the fur from flying. AAFA notes that cat dander is the most com-mon pet allergy. But whether you have a dog, cat or other furry critter, they can cause discomfort for any members of your household with allergies, as well for any guests who come to town for holiday celebrations. To cut down on allergens from both dander and saliva, be sure to wash your pets’ toys and beds regularly. Vacuuming up pet hair is also an essential step. A vacuum cleaner like LG’s LuV300B Kompressor is a good option because its HEPA filter captures 99.97 percent of common household allergens. It has also been certified “asthma & allergy friendly” by AAFA. Giving your pets regular baths and brushings can also help to cut down on the amount of hair and dander that they shed.

* Make your bed and sleep in it. If your sleep is being disrupted by allergy symptoms, you need to make sure that your bedding isn’t part of the problem. Mite-proof bedding and mattress or pillow cases can help cut allergens, but you should also remember that washing, cleaning and replacement are important. Some washing machines from LG feature the Allergiene cycle, a specialized steam cycle that helps to kill dust mites and their eggs; it’s the only such cycle that has also been certified by AAFA. While you’re washing your sheets and comforters, take time to vacuum your mattress with a HEPA-filter equipped vacuum. Pillows should be replaced every two years and it’s suggested that mattresses be replaced every 10 years.

* Don’t forget decor. Vacuuming your floors is a given, but to really make an impact on the allergens in your home, you need to pay attention the rest of your decor as well. Area rugs in the living room or bedrooms, as well as kitchen and bath floor mats need to be vacuumed often and, if possible, laundered regularly. Cleaning the upholstery on your couches and chairs is another essential step - pet hair and dust mites can settle there and irritate people with allergies. Large capacity washing machines that are certified “asthma & allergy friendly” are ideal for large items like throw rugs and slip covers from your couch or easy chair. If they can’t go in the washing machine, have them professionally cleaned. And while they beautifully frame your views, your window treatments might be making your life uncomfortable. Make sure that you vacuum and launder them as well.

“It’s important to remember that even in cold weather, allergies don’t go away,” says Mike Tringale, vice president of external affairs for AAFA. “And while cleaning your house to remove allergens won’t eliminate your allergies, it will have a significant impact on your health, during the winter and throughout the year.”

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Life Expectancy StatsLife expectancy refers to the projected amount of years

the general population will live. In the 16th through 18th centuries, individuals were expected to live until the age of 40. Even as early as the beginning of the 20th century, an age of 45 was thought to be a long life, considering individuals from classical Rome and Greece only lived until about age 28. Thanks to modern medicine and better disease prevention in most developed areas of the world, the current world average is 67.2 years. In much of North America, the average is 77.5 to 80. Women tend to have a lower mortality rate than men. Geographic location, climate, availability of medical care, and diet play a large role in life expectancy. Black or African populations tend to have lower life expectancy rates due to war, starvation and disease in countries of origin. Residents of the People’s Republic of China boast the world’s highest life expectancy at 84.4 years.

Did You Know?


How to Rescue Thousands of Dollarscontinued from page 2

A better option is to treat urinary incontinence from the source, rather than simply managing its side effects. Treating incontinence doesn’t necessarily have to mean harsh medica-tions, side effects and frequent trips to the doctor. Many men and women find that simple herbal remedies known as BetterMAN and BetterWOMAN are all it takes to alleviate many of the symp-toms of UI.

The special formulations in both BetterMAN and BetterWOMAN supplements are tailored specifically to the unique needs of men and women. They not only treat UI, but also help promote overall bladder and body health. Comprised of a proprietary blend of all-natural herbs as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices, these supplements don’t have the side effects of some other UI remedies and also feature no drug interaction problems. Learn more by visiting, www.BetterWOMANnow.com or www.BetterMANnow.com, or by calling 1-888-686-2698.

Remember, UI can be the result of a number of medical issues, and is not simply an expected result of aging. If UI is trouble-some, consult with a doctor to determine if prostate enlargement issues, muscle stretching from childbirth, or other medications are at the root of UI. The faster a person identifies a problem, the sooner an appropriate treatment method and regaining vitality can begin -- and the sooner money can be saved.

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Information given by:Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc.

66 Wendell Avenue Pittsfield, MA 01201Voice (413) 499-0524 FAX (413) [email protected]

Adult Family Care Program:Someone can qualify for Adult Family Care if they...Are age 60 or over.Are chronically disabled between the ages of 18-59.Are receiving Medicaid, Mass Health, or meets Medicaid income guidelines or has

the financial resources to pay privately.Have a medical condition that limits their ability to care for themselves, and needs daily care and supervision.Are willing to live in the home of another person.

Group Adult Foster Care:Someone can qualify for GAFC if they...Are age 60 or over.Are chronically disabled between the ages of 21-59.Are receiving Medicaid, MassHealth or meet the income guidelines for Medicaid.Have a medical condition that limits their ability to care for themselves and need daily care and supervision.Are willing to have an aide assist them

every day.Live in a designated supportive housing area, such as senior housing.

Group Adult Foster Care, Assisted Living:Someone can qualify for Group Adult Foster Care if they...Are age 60 or over.Are chronically disabled between the ages of 21-59.Are receiving Medicaid, MassHealth or meet income guidelines for Medicaid and SSI-G.Have a medical condition that limits their ability to care for themselves and need daily care and supervision.Wish to live in an assisted living facility.

Supportive Housing Programs


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Congregate HousingSomeone would qualify for Congregate Housing if they...Are age 60 or olderAre chronically disabled between the ages of 18-59Meet the financial qualifications for subsidized housingDo not require 24 hour care or supervisionAre willing to live with others

List of meal serviceshttp://www.esbci.org/Services/MealsOnWheels/MOWsites.html

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(ARA) - With 25 years experience in health care, as a nurse and now certified physician assistant, Patti Emfinger admits that when she’s in an examination room as a patient, she used to feel a little hesitant about talking with her doctor beyond exchanging pleasantries and basic information.

Now an assistant pro-fessor in the College of Health Professions at South University’s Savannah, Ga., campus, Emfinger worked previ-ously in an internal med-icine/internist setting. “A lot of my patient interac-tion has been with people over age 65,” she says. “And they were raised to have a great deal of respect for medical professionals.”

She says that she was troubled then, and still is, that people are reluctant to talk openly when they get into the doctor’s office. “They worry that questioning the physician or the physician assistant suggests a lack of confidence in the health

care professional’s competence. And many people, of all ages, are embar-rassed to talk about personal medical issues,” she says.

Emfinger acknowledges that some medical practitioners intimidate patients, usually unintentionally. “Some take the approach ‘I’m the pro-

vider, so what I say goes.’”But advances in diag-

nosis and treatment, along with changes in the health care delivery system, are changing the way patients and health care profession-als interact one-on-one, according to Emfinger. “In health care today, there’s an expectation that patients will be involved in making decisions about their own health care. With so many options available now, we appreciate that our patients want to know the reasons behind what we’re recom-mending and prescribing.”

For Emfinger, the best outcomes are achieved when patients and health care professionals work together. “Physicians have the responsi-bility to evaluate and diagnose disease and to make recommendations based on their best clinical knowledge and experience. At the same time, they need to create an environment where patients feel respected.”

So what should patients do? “First of all, you absolutely have to tell the doctor or physician assistant all your concerns. Even if you feel embar-rassed to talk about certain parts of your body, go ahead and talk. After all, we’ve seen and heard it all - and we are people, too.”

She also says that we have to ask questions in order to make informed decisions. “If you’re diagnosed with a disease or condition, avoid your own unguided Internet search for answers. Instead, ask your physician or physician assistant for a reliable website or for literature or a journal where you can find reliable information. Ask about organizations that offer local support groups and other resources for people suffering from the same or similar diseases.”

What if you have doubts about the diagnosis or treatment? Emfinger advises asking for evidence-based data that support the effectiveness of the recommended treatment. “You want to know that a particular drug, or surgical procedure, or therapy actually helps patients get better,” she says. And second opinions, even changing doctors, are also OK. “If you feel that your doctor isn’t up to date on medical practices, switch to someone else.”

So how does Emfinger deal with her own reluctance in talking to her doctors? “First, I remind myself that this is my life, my health, and I’m in charge of it. Then I remind myself that I know my body better than anyone else. So I talk. I’m open about my concerns. I know that if there’s not good communication, I’m missing out on getting the very best care possible and achieving the health outcome that’s best for me.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Seniors: When it Comes to Talking With Your Doctor, Don’t Be Shy

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(ARA) - Massage is no longer a luxury reserved for the wealthy. Growing public awareness of massage’s benefits for alleviating a num-ber of health problems - from stress to arthritis pain - and greater avail-ability of services have made massage therapy accessible and affordable to a much broader spectrum of consumers than ever before.

If you’re among the Americans whom the National Center for Health Statistics says spent $22 billion on visits to complementary and alter-native medicine providers in 2007 (the latest year for which data are available), you’ll want to get the most benefit and the best value out of your massage therapy visit. The experts at Cortiva Institute offer some advice for how to partner with your therapist to find the massage that’s right for you:

“Terminology is not very standardized in the massage industry. A phrase used on one menu might not have the same meaning on another menu, especially if you’re traveling in different parts of the country or world,” says Jeff Mann, president of Cortiva Institute - Pennsylvania. “”But when it really comes down to it, massage has been an important technique in injury recovery and stress reduction for centuries. Massage techniques and purposes do not change, even though the name might.”

First, find the right therapist. Therapists who network can be very helpful because even if they can’t provide the type of massage you need, they may know someone else who can. Look for a therapist with good listening skills. Has he really heard your reasons for seeking massage? Is she able to repeat what you’ve told her and make appropriate recom-mendations? “A good massage therapist, who attended a reputable mas-sage therapy school, should be able to reflect back what they understood from the client and make suggestions about several services that may be beneficial for you that day,” says Bobbe Berman, director of education at Cortiva Institute - Chicago.

Your next step in choosing the right massage for your needs is to clearly explain to the therapist just what those needs are. If your priority is pain relief, tell the therapist and explain where it hurts the most. Be sure to discuss any medical or health problems that you want to address. And let the therapist know your level of experience with massage - if this is your first massage, if you’ve had others in the past, what types you had and whether you got the expected results/benefits from massage.

Ask the therapist to educate you by explaining the types of massages and their different benefits. “Addressing the individual needs of the client

is the focus of massage treatments,” says Dianne Polseno, president of Cortiva Institute - Boston. “Regardless of any agenda the therapist might have for the session, or what areas they want to focus on, they should have a client-centered approach. An important aspect of a mas-sage therapist’s job is to educate clients, which includes explaining modalities and helping the client decide which might be most helpful for their needs.”

Don’t feel you have to settle for the menu description of a particular service. Ask the therapist to provide more details.

Next, when you’ve zeroed in on a possible therapy, ask the therapist questions such as:

* What areas of the body does this treatment focus on?

* What types of products are used?

* What types of massage strokes are incorporated into this service?

“The answers to these questions will give you a good idea of what the service entails and will give you a point of reference,” Mann says. You can learn more about massage therapy, massage therapy programs and careers at www.Cortiva.com.

Demystifying Massage: How to Choose What’s Right For You

100 Dan Fox Drive • Pittsfield, MA 01202

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Bathroom Remodeling Today Means Less Water and Money Down The Drain

(ARA) - You’re ready for a new bathroom, something with style and

comfort. You want the room to refresh you in the mornings, and pro-vide you with the opportunity to relax and unwind in the evenings.

As you start to design your bathroom remodel, you immediately put comfort at the top of your priority list. You want a beautiful shower with superb water pressure that feels oh-so-good in the mornings or a sink that allows you to quickly and efficiently wash your hands and face so you can wake up and get started for the day.

Another notion to put at the top of your list is water efficiency. In fact, high-efficiency is now the standard for bathroom showers, sinks and toilets. In the United States, products with the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense label are high-performing, water-effi-cient and tested by a third, independent party to be certified.

It’s a misconception that high-efficiency products don’t perform

well. Technology is so improved that you can get the same invigorating stream of water in your morning shower while using less water. Another mistaken belief is that high-efficiency products are very expensive. Most green products don’t cost any more than regular showers, sinks or toilets.

Toilets are the biggest source of water usage in your home - represent-ing almost a third of your family’s total indoor water consumption. And high-efficiency toilets, like TOTO’s high-efficiency Double Cyclone toilets, only use 1.28 gallons of water per flush, which could save a fam-ily of four more than $2,000 over the lifetime of the toilet. These EPA WaterSense-labeled toilets make water work harder by marrying flaw-less performance to exceptional bowl cleansing action to create a green, clean flushing system that saves you money, water, and time cleaning the toilet, always a thankless task.

Of course, as you redesign your bath, you get to choose the style and look. Your taste might be a large, claw-foot tub that allows you to immerse yourself in a froth of bath bubbles, or you might go for a more modern design with glass shower walls and bold tile colors. Either way, make sure you upgrade your faucet and showerhead. TOTO’s Guinevere high-efficiency faucets and showerheads offer stylish, high performance that can cut water usage by more than 32 percent com-pared to standard models.

Conserving water in your newly redesigned bathroom allows you to be green, save money, save time, and be conscientious about the environment - without losing the advantage of that great performance you have come to expect. So enjoy the comfort and luxury of your bath space, and reap the money-saving rewards at the same time.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS.

Just one of the reasons you’ll want to join our community.

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