Sep 15 - Doctors Tasha and Ronald Williams, Neuropsychologists,(no relation), will be sharing insights and expertise on Alzheimer's disease and how it relates to PWP.
October and November programs we are working on - constipation, podiatry, and/or optometry.
July Meeting
Our topic in July was Disasters and Disabilities. A special “Thank you” to our speakers: Officer Mike Joyner – Fort Wayne Police Department; Captain Dave Meadows - Fort Wayne Fire Department; and Jan Labas - Red Cross. These three shared wisdom and advice regarding the handling and coping with real and/or potential disasters for those with disabilities.
Captain Meadows reminded us that the number one location of fires in the home is the kitchen, and the number one cause of those fires is distraction. ie: phone calls, TV, visitors, etc. When in the kitchen, stay focused on the tasks at hand. When cooking, have on hand a pan lid as big as the largest pan in use so you can smother any fire. Have baking soda handy to smother any fire. Always stay at home when cooking in a roaster, crock pot, etc. (Even if it is inconvenient). Have a smoke alarm in every room. If you can connect your smoke alarms to your electrical system, this is best. Batteries wear out. Regularly check your fire extinguisher. The gauge should register in the green or the extinguisher needs to be replaced or recharged. If no gauge, shake the extinguisher. Old retardant hardens and will make a clunking sound. If so, then replace. Do not test extinguisher by pulling the trigger expelling retardant. This renders the extinguisher ineffective and the remaining retardant cannot be used. Know your home floor plan. It is more difficult to find your way out if you become disoriented. Have a meeting place for when you all get out of the house.
Officer Joyner stated that all should fill out special needs forms in case of emergencies. These would have contact information, physical disabilities listed, medicines, medical personnel to contact, etc. (WE HAVE SEVERAL TYPES OF THESE FORMS IF YOU ARE IN NEED. JUST CONTACT US) To prevent disastrous thefts, burglaries, etc., there are some basic guidelines to follow: Never allow deliveries to be made if you are not at home. Reminder stickers are a sure indication that no one is at home. Curb appeal is important. If your house looks kept up from the outside, thieves are likely to assume that you have protected your house from the inside. (Alarm system) Always post a sign stating that your house is protected by an alarm system. Follow the 2 – 10 rule… shrubs are never higher than 2 feet tall, and tree branches are never lower thatn10 feet high. Always close any blinds you have. Burglars are less likely to enter a home they cannot see into.
Put your lights on timers so it looks as if you are home, even when you are away. Record serial numbers of big ticket appliances, tools, and electronics. Inventory furniture (Pictures help), inventory and photograph collections.
Jan Labas reminded us that disasters are not selective. And we need to be as prepared as possible. (WE HAVE DISASTER BOOKLETS AVAILABLE FROM FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) JUST CONTACT US.) These booklets cover a lot of material from medicines, keeping food on hand, contacts (At least one should be from out of the area), legal documents (wills, power of attorney, etc.) important telephone numbers, paper work for your assist dog if you have one, and many other reminders too numerous to mention here.
If you couldn’t be there you missed a great program.
A NOTE FROM DAN SPANGLER
Do you know what Dysphagia is? Simply put, it is a disorder of swallowing that impacts an individual’s ability to eat and/or swallow liquids properly. If you have any of the following symptoms, you may be having difficulty swallowing. Do these match the trouble you are having?
• Slow rate of eating
• Fatigue while eating
• Choking or breathing saliva into your lungs while swallowing
• Coughing while eating or drinking or after the meal
• Throat clearing during eating or drinking
• Food “sticking” in the throat
• Difficulty swallowing pills
• Regurgitating liquid through your nose
• Breathing in food while swallowing
• Change in voice quality during eating or drinking
• Weak voice
• Weight loss
• Chest pressure/pain
• Pain with swallowing
• Chronic heartburn
• Belching
• Sore Throat
If you are interested in learning more about Dysphagia, contact me at .260-486-4893, or dspangler16@frontier.com. I have ordered some APDA pamphlets on the subject. There are some steps you can take to help yourself understand what is going on, including having your swallowing evaluated and tested.
TIPS TO MAKE YOUR LIFE BETTER By Ed Gatke
Heat Stress in the Elderly
Elderly people, (people aged 65 and older) are more prone to heat stress than younger people for several reasons:
· Elderly people do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature.
· They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat.
· They are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair the body's ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibit perspiration.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body's temperature rises rapidly, the body loses its ability to sweat, and it is unable to cool down. Body temperatures rise to 106 degrees or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.
Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stroke
Warning signs vary but may include the following:
· An extremely high body temperature (above 105 degrees)
· Red, hot, and dry skin (with no sweating)
· Rapid, strong pulse
· Throbbing headache
· Dizziness
· Nausea
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate replacement of fluids.
Signs and Symptoms of heat exhaustion
Warning signs vary but may include the following:
· Heavy sweating
· Paleness
· Muscle cramps
· Tiredness
· Weakness
· Dizziness
· Headache
· Nausea or vomiting
· Fainting
· Skin: May be cool and moist
· Pulse rate: fast and weak
· Breathing: fast and shallow
What you can do to protect yourself
You can follow these prevention tips to protect yourself from heat-related stress:
· Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages. (If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask her/him how much you should drink when the weather is hot. Also, avoid extremely cold liquids because they can cause cramps.)
· Rest.
· Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
· If possible seek an air-conditioned environment. (If you don't have air conditioning, consider visiting an air-conditioned shopping mall, public library or community center to cool off.)
· Wear lightweight clothing..
· If possible, remain indoors in the heat of the day.
· Do not engage in strenuous activities.
What You Can Do to Help Protect Elderly Relatives and Neighbors
· Visit older adults at risk at least twice a day, and watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
· Encourage them to increase their fluid intake by drinking cool, non-alcoholic beverages regardless of their activity level.
· Warning: If their doctor generally limits the amount of fluid they drink, or they are on water pills, they will need to ask their doctor how much they should drink while the weather is hot.
· Take them to air-conditioned locations if they have transportation problems.
What You Can Do for Someone With Heat Stress
· If you see any signs of heat stress, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the affected person. Do the following
· Get the person to a shady area.
· Cool the person rapidly, using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the person in a tub of cool water; place them in a cool shower; spray them with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; of, if the humidity is low, wrap them in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.
· Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101 to 102 degrees.
· If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
· Do not give the person alcohol to drink.
· Get medical assistance as soon as possible.
This article is from the U.S.Center for Disease Control and Prevention
CAREGIVER’S CORNER By Ed Gatke
Caregiver Burnout
Being able to cope with the strains and stresses of being a Caregiver is part of the art of Caregiving. In order to remain healthy so that we can continue to be Caregivers, we must be able to see our own limitations and learn to care for ourselves as well as others.
· It is important for all of us to make the effort to recognize the signs of burnout; in order to do this we must be honest and willing to hear feedback from those around us. This is especially important for those caring for family or friends. Too often caregivers who are not closely associated with the healthcare profession get overlooked and lost in the commotion of medical emergencies and procedures. Otherwise close friends begin to grow distant, and eventually the caregiver is alone without a support structure. We must allow those who do care for us, who are interested enough to say something, to tell us about our behavior, a noticed decrease in energy or mood changes. Burnout isn't like a cold. You don't always notice it when you are in its clutches. (Editor's note: One of the most common symptoms of burnout is to be in burnout and not able to recognize it.) Very much like Past Traumatic Stress Disorder, the symptoms of burnout can begin surfacing months after a traumatic episode. The following are symptoms we might recognize in ourselves, or others might say they see in us. Think about what is being said, and consider the possibility of burnout.
· Feelings of depression
· A sense of ongoing and constant fatigue
· Decreasing interest in work
· Decrease in work production
· Withdrawal from social contacts
· Increase in use of stimulants and alcohol
· Increasing fear of death
· Change in eating patterns
· Feelings of helplessness.
Strategies to ward off or cope with burnout are important. To counteract burnout, the following specific strategies are recommended:
· Participate in a support network.
· Consult with professionals to explore burnout issues.
· Attend a support group to receive feedback and coping strategies
· Vary the focus of caregiving responsibilities if possible. (Rotate responsibilities with family members).
· Exercise daily and maintain a healthy diet
· Establish a quiet time for prayer and meditation
· Get a weekly massage
· Get involved in hobbies
By acknowledging the reality that being a caregiver is filled with stress and anxiety, and understanding the potential for burnout, Caregivers can be forewarned and guard against this debilitating condition. As much as it is said, it can still not be said too often. The best way to be an effective Caregiver is to take care of yourself.
Taken from an article by Ross Seligson. Ph. D,
Nutrition and Parkinson's Disease
Kathrynne Holden is a registered dietitian who specializes in diet for Parkinson's disease (PD). Drawing on her former hospital experience, she has pioneered understanding of the unique nutrition needs of people with Parkinson's. Her aim is to provide the knowledge needed to prevent nutrition-related hospitalizations, make the best use of PD medications, and maintain an independent lifestyle.
“Some Parkinson medications can cause edema (a build up of fluid in the tissues,
often in the ankles, lower legs, and wrists). If you have edema, it’s important to get plenty of potassium in the diet, avoid too much salt and highly-processed
foods (potato chips, canned soups, pickles for example), and stay in
close touch with your physician.”
- Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD
Kathrynne Holden has written books and articles for the public, produced and has authored the professional's manual "PARKINSON'S DISEASE: Guidelines for Medical Nutrition Therapy." She has also developed the first nutrition risk assessment tools specific for PD. Kathrynne regularly speaks at Parkinson symposiums and conferences, and has conducted presentations in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
To learn more about the work of
Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD visit:
Nutrition You Can Live With
Review of the literature on
Nutrition and Parkinson's Disease
There is no special diet for people with Parkinson's disease. The nutritional goals include:
Eat well-balanced meals.
Consume adequate calories to maintain body weight within a normal range.
Minimize food and drug interactions.
If chewing, choking or excessive coughing becomes a problem, provide food consistency easily tolerated.
Feeding may become difficult and a referral to an occupational therapist may be necessary for adaptive eating utensils.
Eat Well-Balanced Meals
Eat a variety of foods. Include foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, bran, cereals, rice and pasta. Limit intake of salt, sugar and foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol. Drink eight cups of water per day. Balance exercise and food in order to maintain your weight within a healthy range. Ask your doctor if alcohol will interfere with any of your medications.
Medication and Food Interactions
Medication used to treat Parkinson's disease may cause nausea. Let your doctor know if nausea is a problem. There are several ways to control nausea, including:
Drink clear liquids, such as water, broth, fruit juices without pulp (apple juice, grape juice or cranberry juice), Clear sodas, sports drinks and plain gelatin.
Avoid juices with pulp and orange and grapefruit juices.
Eat and drink slowly.
Beverages should be consumed between meals, not with the meal.
Choose bland foods such as saltine crackers. Avoid greasy and fried foods.
Eat smaller meals, more frequently throughout the day.
Foods should be eaten cold or at room temperature.
After eating keep your head elevated and avoid brushing your teeth.
Some medications for Parkinson's disease may cause thirst or dry mouth. Include 8 or more cups of liquid each day, unless other medical conditions require you to limit your fluid intake. Add sauces to foods to make them moister. Try sour candy or an ice pop to help increase saliva.
Malnutrition may become a problem for a person diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. This could be related to depression, nausea, difficulty feeding, problems with swallowing, chewing, coughing and/or a loss of interest in food.
Patients who experience swallowing difficulties should consult a physician. The doctor may recommend a swallow study to determine the food consistency best tolerated. If feeding becomes difficult, a referral to an occupational therapist may be necessary for adaptive eating utensils.
The Parkinson's Disease Foundation( PDF) is a leading national presence in Parkinsons disease research, education and public advocacy. PDF is working for the nearly one million people in the US who live with Parkinsons by funding promising scientific research and supporting people with Parkinsons, their families and caregivers through educational programs and support services. Since its founding in 1957, PDF has funded over $85 million worth of scientific research in Parkinsons disease, supporting the work of leading scientists throughout the world.
Taken from Wellness.org
MSU investigates drug to halt Parkinson's progression
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Researchers from Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine, Van Andel Research Institute and the Translational Genomics Research Institute are investigating a drug that has the potential to not only alleviate Parkinson's symptoms but also halt the disease's progression.
Researchers are focusing on the drug Fasudil, which is currently approved in Japan to improve blood flow to the brain in stroke victims and has shown similar positive outcomes in U.S. clinical trials.
In 2009, investigators from the Translational Genomics Research Institute in Arizona and Arizona State University reported that a form of Fasudil had the potential to help improve learning and memory and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Van Andel researchers also recently discovered the potential of the drug in Parkinson's when they were testing various drugs that reduce the toxicity caused by a defective PARK1 gene, a gene implicated in Parkinson's disease.
"The potential of this drug is exciting not only because it could halt disease progression where other treatments only provide symptomatic relief but also because of how quickly it could be made available to patients," said Jeffrey P. MacKeigan, head of Van Andel's Laboratory of Systems Biology and co-investigator on the project with Caryl E. Sortwell of MSU's College of Human Medicine.
"Fasudil has a very favorable safety profile in humans and already is available in Japan as an oral tablet, so we could be seeing clinical trials within two to three years," MacKeigan added.
The development of new drugs is expensive and time-consuming, said Kuldip Dave, associate director of research programs at MJFF.
"In fall 2010, MJFF launched our inaugural repositioning program to address these realities and to attempt to reduce the time and costs involved in finding drugs that could help people living with Parkinson's," Dave said.
The next step in the project is for researchers from MSU to validate the therapeutic use of Fasudil in disease models of Parkinson's. Ultimately, the goal is to determine whether Fasudil has the therapeutic potential to protect and restore degenerating neurons in Parkinson's.
"This collaboration highlights the strength of strategically aligning teams from two research organizations with different skill sets," said MSU's Sortwell, a professor in the Division of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine. "The Van Andel/TGen team has expertise in cell biology and proteomics, while our researchers have extensive experience in Parkinson's disease systems biology and modeling. Together both organizations share the goal of helping those afflicted with Parkinson's to live better lives as a result of their respective research programs."
### Michigan State University has been working to advance the common good in uncommon ways for more than 150 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU focuses its vast resources on creating solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges, while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
July 29, 2011 announcement
August, a wonderful time to cool off in the pool.
We are now meeting for exercise on
Mondays AND Wednesdays
10:30 a.m. in the usual place.
Mondays AND Wednesdays
10:30 a.m. in the usual place.
We hope newcomers will choose the Monday class, as the Wednesday class is running at, or near, capacity of twenty-five participants.
____________________________________________________________________________
Turnstone
Turnstone has several activities going on throughout the summer and fall:
"Cruise -In" - August 20 - Come to Turnstone to see some neat old customized cars and motorcycles.
"Harley Motorcycle Raffle Drawing - September 3
"Golf Outing" - September 8 - At Autumn Ridge Country Club.
"Corvette Raffle Drawing" - October 13
Want to volunteer at Turnstone?
Turnstone is a special place, with special people, helping special people. In your own way, if you want to be a part of all of this, visit www.turnstone.org for more details about all we have mentioned. Turnstone helps FWPSG, so get involved in helping Turnstone.
COGNITIVE COMMUNICATION CLASS
There are two sessions per week. ($6.00 for one session or $10 for both) Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30 to10:15 a.m. at theTurnstone Auditorium, 3320 N Clinton in Ft Wayne.
Peg Maginn, Speech Pathologist, is instructor. (260-483-2100)(260-483-2100, Ex.229) The class addresses speech, voice, swallowing, and cognitive thinking.
