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HEALTH INFORMATION - Archived Below, you will find information on the following topics:
Show 156 Air date: 2/10/02 When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the family is often caught off guard. The disease is confusing and frightening for all those involved, and the patient’s caretakers might not know where to turn. Here, we'll discuss support available for families of those with Alzheimer’s.
Question: When someone is diagnosed with
Alzheimer’s Disease, it must be terribly frightening for the individual and
his/her family. What steps should you do if you or someone you love has been
diagnosed?
Answer: It’s often a good idea to give the
Alzheimer’s Association a call. We can give you a lot of information in
regards to the illness, will talk to you about services that are available,
give information on possible medications, and offer support groups and
respite.
Question: What other support groups are
available, perhaps for the caregiver?
Answer: We offer close to 40 support groups for
the primary caregiver or spouse of the Alzheimer’s patient. These are open
to people at any stage of the disease.
Question: Another support service for
caregivers is respite, correct?
Answer: Yes. Once the disease reaches a certain
point, caregivers may be reluctant to leave their loved one alone for fear
of them wandering away. Respite allows caregivers to run errands and do
their day-to-day living. Question: Even with these supportive services, a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is scary. Are there any new medical breakthroughs to report?
Answer: Well, there are two
medicines available, Aricept and Reminyl, that can help a patient’s “good
period” last a longer time, perhaps 1-3 years. However, decline eventually
occurs. ---Rimas Jasinevicius For more information on this topic, call Alzheimer's Association 1-800-441-3322 _______________________ Prescription Drug Savings Plan Show 157 Air date: 2/17/02
Prescription drug costs are out of sight. Many
older Americans on fixed incomes must choose between food or medicines.
But there's a little-known program that's available to help.
Answer: You will fill out an
application - - just one pretty simple form. The form will ask you what
prescriptions you are taking, so the company can determine whether they can
help you. And they’ll ask your income, because the pharmaceutical companies
will only provide free drugs to folks with lower incomes - - generally
$16,000 for a single person, $25,000 for a couple. Question: What's the cost?
Answer: Minimal. The actual
cost varies depending on where you live, because many communities have
programs that cover part of the cost. But generally the cost will run about
$100. That’s $100 total. The average savings is $400 to $500 per person per
month. ---Sam Pierce For more information on this topic, call Patient Assistance Services 1-877-463-1905 ____________________________ Show 162 Air date: 3/24/02 Arthritis. Does that diagnosis mean you must endure a future of chronic pain alone? No, says Mary Kudasick, vice president of education and community service of the Arthritis Foundation. Here, she'll tell us how that organization can offer support. Plus Carol Spiegel, who has lived with arthritis for over 15 years, will describe how the foundation was a lifeline for her when she needed help the most.
Answer: There are more than
100 different types of arthritis and related conditions. These conditions
cause pain, stiffness, and sometimes swelling in and around joints. The most
common form, osteoarthritis, involves the breakdown of cartilage, the
cushioning material between our bones. Other forms of arthritis are
auto-immune in nature. For example, in rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s
immune system literally makes a mistake and causes inflammation in the joint
lining. Certain types of arthritis can also affect other parts of the body
such as the skin, eyes, and internal organs.
Answer: First, make sure
that you have seen a doctor and received an accurate and specific diagnosis.
As I mentioned before, there are many kinds of arthritis, and each type is
treated differently.
Question: Carole, when were
you diagnosed with arthritis, how did the Arthritis Foundation help you cope
with the diagnosis?
Answer: I was diagnosed with
rheumatoid arthritis in 1986. At first, I was in denial—no one in my family
had ever had arthritis. I had no idea how difficult it would be.
Answer: We offer a Drug
Guide with the latest in medications. We publish an educational
magazine for Arthritis Foundation members called “Arthritis Today.” For a
$20 membership fee, members will receive this magazine 6 times a year as
well as our Chapter newsletter, which highlights local programs, services,
and events. For more information on this topic, call Arthritis Foundation 1-800-245-2275 ext. 114 or ____________________________ Show 172 Air date: 6/30/02 Finding out that a loved one is terminally ill can be devastating. Besides facing your grief and sadness, comforting and caring for your loved one can become all consuming. But help is available. Here, Trudi Mastroberti, a nurse with the Hospice of the Western Reserve, and Maria Francescone, a family member who uses the Hospice, will tell us about the support that is offered.
Answer: When the patient is deemed terminally ill by their doctor. Patients are
mostly seeking comfort care at home or in a nursing facility.
Question: So most people come to hospice when a loved one is on their deathbed?
Answer: That is a major misconception. Hopefully, people call hospice
immediately when a terminal diagnosis is made when the patient still has a
high quality of life. This allows the hospice nurse to get to know the
patient and their family. It also lets the ill person and their family feel
more comfortable with the staff and more willing to accept support from
them.
Answer: We offer team-based care that includes a staff of RNs, nursing
assistants, social workers, and those who deal with spiritual care. We also
work closely with pharmacists and physical therapists.
Answer: In general terms,
counseling and bereavement. We offer support groups for caretakers and those who are close to the ill individual.
Answer: Yes, hospice has been a relief. I first called them in December for my
father, who has leukemia and heart failure. We wanted to make him
comfortable at home. Trudi visits twice a week. She helps me deal with the
doctors, helps with medicine, getting a hospital bed in our home, whatever
we need. Question: How much do these services cost?
Answer: Private insurance and Medicare/Medicaid is accepted. The patient sees a
summary of the charges but never a bill. ---Trudi Mastroberti For more information on this topic, call Hospice of the Western Reserve 216-383-2222 ______________________________
Show 166 Air date: 4/21/02
You diet. You exercise. You take care of yourself. So why
is an old person looking back at you in the mirror? You work hard to feel as
good as you do, and today Dr. Mark Foglietti will tell us how plastic
surgery can help make the person in the mirror reflect how you feel on the
inside.
Question: Plastic surgery is becoming a more popular
choice as we get older. Why is interest soaring?
Answer: People are more
health conscious. With improved diet, exercise and medication, people are
feeling better than ever. But factors that can cause us to look
older—smoking, the sun, genetics—still exist.
Answer:
Question; Can more than one of these procedures be done
at the same time? How long is the recovery period? How long do the results
last? Answer: Yes, the procedures can be done at the same time. Recovery takes 7 to 14 days. Facelift results last about 5-7 years. At that point your looks get back to where you were before the surgery. Many people come back for touchups every 3-4 years. Question: Are there any options that are not surgical in nature?
Answer:
For more information on this topic, call Dr. Mark Foglietti 216-292-6800 ____________________________ Show 168 Air date: 5/19/02
I bet you didn’t know that May is osteoporosis month.
It’s not as exciting as Mother’s Day but it’s important to raise awareness
of a disease that affects the health and independence of so many older
women. That is why Dr. Wulf Utian, president of Rapid Medical Research,
joins us to discuss exciting new advances in the fight against osteoporosis.
Answer: Osteoporosis occurs
when the skeleton is reduced in density/amount. The bone that is still
present is healthy, but because of the reduction is not as strong. This can
lead to bones breaking easily.
Question: … What can people
do to prevent bone loss? And if bone loss has already occurred, what
treatment is available.
Answer: There
are simple, general steps one can do to safeguard against bone loss. These
include avoiding smoking, exercising regularly, having a proper amount of
calcium and Vitamin D in you diet or through supplements, and using
moderation with alcohol and caffeine.
Question: … What are some of
these new treatments, and how do they differ from estrogen supplements?
Answer: There
are two new families of drugs available: bisphosphonates and designer
estrogens. Like estrogen, these drugs help to stop further bone loss. There
are also nasal sprays and injections of hormones, which also function in the
same way.
Answer: They
can call Rapid Medical Research. There are two types of medical studies
occurring—those dealing with prevention and those dealing with treatment. If
you call in to volunteer, we would conduct a bone test on you to check if
you would qualify for either a prevention or treatment study. Are you interested in learning more about Dr. Utian’s studies? You can get the most up-to-date medications to help build bones, for free, and free bone density tests, mammograms, blood tests, and you can even get paid. Here’s the number. The call may save your independence, and even your life.
For more information on this topic, call Rapid Medical Research 1-888-460-2275 _______________________________ Show 175 Air date: 7/21/02 Growing older together with someone you love is something we wish for. But sexual dysfunction could easily put a damper on the romance. Here to tell us about a new study that might make your wishes come true is my friend Dr. Wulf Utian, president of Rapid Medical Research.
Answer: Sexual Dysfunction
is defined as anything wrong with sexual behavior. It can happen for lots of
reasons. The cause could be a lack of desire, arousal, or orgasm. Or
pain or discomfort.
Answer: As we grow older, we're not as physically fit. Other influences could be hormone changes, medications (like Prozac), normal Ailments (like arthritis, heart), physical changes, like vaginal thinning, or you could simply be bored with your partner.
Question: Do these problems
tend to increase as we get older?
Answer: Yes. Counseling,
vaginal cream, Viagra & hormones can all help.
Answer: Yes, and we provide
continuing monitoring to assure their safety.
Answer: Absolutely
--- Wulf Utian, MD, Ph. D. For more information on this topic, call Rapid Medical Research 1-888-460-2275 ___________________________________ THERAPY SERVICES IN A SKILLED NURSING HOME Show 176 Air date: 7/28/02 If your spouse or parent has a stroke, breaks a hip, or for some other reason needs skilled rehabilitation, where should you get help? And what are your rights?Here to explain how to get the care and services your loved one deserves is Ron Grusy, Regional Director of Rehabilitative Services for Harborside Healthcare.
Question: When
would or should someone look for a nursing home that specifically deals with
therapy services?
Answer: There
are two main reasons. First, they might need to place themselves or a loved
one in short-term recovery after a stroke, orthopedic surgery, or a disease
that requires more care than they can receive at home.
Answer: First,
the “feel” of the facility. Is it bright and cheery? Is the staff pleasant
and smiling? Do they treat the residents with respect?
Answer: You
should be told what kind of therapy your loved one needs and receive reports
about their progress, when and if they might be able to return home, etc.
Answer:
Absolutely. The plan should state problems, goals, how to meet goals. Family
should be informed of the plan.
Answer: In order for Medicare Part A to pay for therapy, the patient must make progress. Medicare Part A pays 20 days in full, 80 days partial. Question: What options does a family have to continue therapy when Medicare Part A cuts off?
Answer: There are three options
---Ron Grusy For more information on this topic, call Harborside Healthcare 216-831-1125 _________________________________ Show 181 Air date: 9/1/02 A diagnosis of cancer is frightening, but you don’t have to go it alone. Many survive the disease each year, and are willing to share their experiences to help others. Nat Cooke, spokesman for the American Cancer Society and founder of a support group for survivors of prostate cancer, is here today to tell us why one of your first phone calls after diagnosis should be a call for support.
Question: When should you
contact the American Cancer Society? What kinds of information can they help
you with?
Answer: The American Cancer
Society can help out from the moment you or a loved one is diagnosed with
cancer. Actually, the sooner the better.
Answer: Yes. Doctors prefer
people who ask questions and seek out information. Doctors want to give
patients treatment options, and have the patient be well informed to make a
choice that will be right for them.
Answer: I was diagnosed 11
years ago with metastatic prostate cancer. I was lucky enough to have an
aggressive surgeon who did the operation—most doctors wouldn’t have with the
diagnosis I had.
Question: Is this group only
for survivors or family members as well?
Answer: I highly encourage
people to bring their significant others and children. Wives probably have
just as hard a time dealing with the diagnosis of prostate cancer as men
do—and when men are in denial, probably more. They can also benefit from
expressing their feelings, talking to other wives, etc.
Answer: Yes. There is a
program for women fighting breast cancer. Survivors will visit women who are
hospitalized and talk with them about their concerns. Having your questions answered by someone who has gone through something similar can be such a relief—and that’s what the American Cancer Society is offering. If you have any questions, or would like information or brochures concerning Nat’s prostate cancer support group, give the American Cancer Society a call. The number’s next. My thanks to Nat Cooke. --- Nat Cooke For more information on this topic, call American Cancer Society 216-241-1177 ________________________________
NEW MEDICARE NUTRITION BENEFITS Show 182 Air date: 9/7/02 Would you change what you eat if you knew it would reduce or eliminate your medications? I’ll bet you would. Proper diet can dramatically improve the lives of people with kidney disease and diabetes. But most folks don’t know how to make the diet changes they need. Well, we’re gonna change that right now. Under a new Medicare rule, you can get nutritional education for free. Here to feed us the information is Karin Palmer, with the Cleveland Dietetic Association.
Question: What is the new
entitlement that is available to those with Medicare?
Answer: As of the first of
the year, those with Medicare Part B are now allowed Medical Nutrition
Therapy for individuals who have diabetes or certain kinds of kidney
diseases (those not needing dialysis).
Answer: Medicare has
recognized that money can be saved by this counseling. Eating the correct
foods will lead to less complications with these illnesses.
Answer: Look on your card—it
will state what parts of Medicare you have. Medicare Part B is for
outpatient benefits.
Answer: Those suffering from
kidney disease will be taught to watch their intake of sodium, potassium and
protein. Diet can help prevent kidney damage from worsening to the
point of needing dialysis.
Answer: Under Medicare part
B, 3 Hours in the 1st year, unless a doctor orders more.
Answer: Call the American
Dietetic Association, they’ll give a list by zip code. Ask if they’re
a Medicare provider.
Karin Palmer, RD, LD For more information on this topic, call American Dietetic Association 1-800-366-1655
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THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION Show 186 Air date: 10/12/02 Heart Disease is the nation’s number one killer among men and women, and stroke is third. Cardiovascular disease kills twice as many folks as cancer and AIDS combined! The American Heart Association says this should not and cannot continue. Here to explain is John Warfel, past president of the Cleveland’s American Heart Association Group, and Jim Gosline, past president of The Mended Hearts Support Group.
Answer: Cardiovascular diseases kill twice as
many people as cancer and AIDS combined—it is the leading cause of death
among American men and women. Over 40% of the people who experience a
coronary attack in a given year will die of it. 85% of people who die
of coronary heart disease are age 65 and older. Stroke is the third
leading cause of death and the leading cause of serious disability.
Answer: First by education (getting people to
reduce smoking and other high risk causes of heart disease). The American
Heart Association has lots of information available in pamphlet form (if you
give them a call), or on their website.
Question: What kinds of questions do you get
asked?
Answer: Yes! Now we have 80. In order to be a
member, you must have had some heart event.
Answer: Yes.
Answer: Yes, there are over 20,000 volunteers
nationwide with the American Heart Association.
Answer: Call for pamphlets, or go on website.
---John Warfel, Jim Gosline For more information on this topic, call American Heart Association 1-800-242-8721 ______________________________ Show #198 Air date: 1/12/03 Remember Star Trek. Dr. McKoy takes out a high tech instrument, runs it over a patient’s body, and immediately can find any medical problem. Well, some people say that’s no longer just science fiction. Here to tell us about the new whole body health scan is Dr. Harris Freed, Medical Director of Regional Health Care.
Answer: Many people do not like to go to the
doctor, yet worry about their health. Since 80% of diagnoses occur in
radiology, one can have a CT scan to see if anything is wrong.
Answer: Four major areas, with the first and
most common problem area being the heart. We look for coronary artery
calcifications that might be a sign of heart disease, much of which is
non-symptomatic.
Question: If you have a scan done, do you still
have to see your doctor?
Answer: Definitely. For example, the scan does
not replace mammography, or a colonoscopy. Or, it might see the
complications of ovarian cancer, but not the early stages. Question: You've been doing this here for about a year. Have you saved anyone's life?
Answer: Yes. Our scans
have led to 2 bypass surgeries on people with no symptoms, and several
stents.
Answer: Let’s take an example. If there is
calcification on the lungs, the scan will turn it up. However, the
significance of the calcifications is not determined by the scan. Your
follow-up appointment might show that there is nothing wrong at the time.
But finding the calcifications might lead you to work on minimizing possible
risk factors, such as quitting smoking.
Answer: There has never been a proven case of
any complication from the uses of diagnostic radiology.
Answer: About $850.
Currently, these screenings are private pay, although some insurance
companies will pay if there are significant findings in the scan and you
give them the report. Also, follow-up appointments based on findings are
often paid for. For more information on this topic, call Regional Health Scan 1-888-96HEART _____________________________________
Show #201 Air date: 2/2/03 I’m tired of having to say this. The cost of prescription drugs keeps going up, up and away. If the price of your medication is getting out of reach, we’ve got a new prescription for you! Today Barbara Comiskey from the Cuyahoga County Department of Senior and Adult Services will explain a new screening tool that will give you the latest information on discount and assistance programs for prescription medications.
Answer:
It’s an internet based screening tool/program that helps seniors find out
what state, federal and county (Cuyahoga) benefits they are eligible to
receive. Answer:
Yes. Now there is what we call Rx Screening, a program that screens to see
if the senior is eligible for one of 240 public and private programs that
will assist them in getting prescription drugs. Question: How much savings can we expect? Answer: Minimum 20%. In some cases, 100%. Question: Do we have to be dirt poor to qualify? Answer: No. If your income is less than $28,000 (single), or $38,000 (married), you'll probably qualify. Even if you have a higher income, you could still benefit - - try it.
Question: How does it work? What kind of
information do you have to put in on the internet? Is it confidential? Answer:
Yes, it is confidential and free, just like the rest of Benefits Checkup.
You answer a few questions specific to the prescription (get the name of the
drug off the label), plus your income and assets. Question: What if you don't have computer access? Answer: Call. They’ll do it for you. Don’t wait for our elected officials to provide prescription drug coverage. This new program is free, it takes just a few minutes, and it can tell you whether there’s a way to cut your medicine costs under existing programs. As soon as the show is over check this out. It could possibly save you a lot of money. ---Barbara Comiskey. For more information on this topic, call Benefits Checkup Rx Screening
216-420-6840 ___________________________________________
COALITION FOR AFFORDABLE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Show #202 Air date: 2/9/03 Medicines and medical technologies have greatly improved. But our health care system is ailing, and seniors are feeling the pain. Here to tell us about an organization that’s working to find a cure and is ready to offer a prescription for prescription drug costs is Cindy Maxey. She’s the Field Organizer for the Universal Health Care Action Network of Ohio, called You-Can Ohio.
Answer:
The Universal Health Care Action Network of Ohio is a statewide organization
working for high quality, affordable healthcare for all Ohioans through
education, public policy, and grassroots campaigning. Answer:
There are thousands of Ohioans without sufficient healthcare. In fact,
170,000 people in Cuyahoga County alone are without coverage, and about the
same number in Cuyahoga have inadequate healthcare. Answer:
Long term care coverage and lack of prescription drug coverage. Answer:
We are interested in passing the Ohio Prescription Drug Fair Pricing Act.
This act would have the state of Ohio purchase prescription drugs in bulk
from pharmaceutical companies, therefore allowing the state to pass that
discount along to the consumers. This act would give a 40-60% savings to
Ohioans (not just seniors). Consumers would still purchase their drugs
through the pharmacy. Answer:
Pharmaceutical companies give large campaign donations. Answer:
Contact your state legislators or the Governor and ask them to approve the
Ohio Prescription Drug Fair Pricing Act.
State
Legislators: Governor: 614-466-3555.
The Prescription Drug Fair Pricing Act. It should provide large discounts. It won’t cost the state a penny. And our legislators won’t pass it! You can let your voices be heard, and UHCAN is trying to help. If you’d like more information about the Universal Health Care Action Network of Ohio, call the number that’s coming up next. For more information on this topic, call Universal Health Care Action Network of Ohio
1-800-634-4442 ext. 19 ____________________________________
LIGHTHOUSE UNIT FOR PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA Show #214 Air date: 5/11/03 People with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia require special care and attention. Unfortunately, many folks with these illnesses wind up in nursing homes which are ill-equipped to handle their needs. The good news is that there are facilities available in Northeast Ohio designed to specifically provide for the unique requirements of dementia patients. Here to explain is Baljeet Khosa-Seibert, Clinical Service Manager for Harborside Healthcare. Question: Why is a special dementia unit needed? What are the benefits?
Answer: People with dementia
(primarily Alzheimer’s) have special needs, including an organized daily
structure (to prevent confusion), security needs, and staffing needs. A
specialized area, such as the Lighthouse Unit at Harborside, can fill these
needs.
Answer: Sure. The
Alzheimer’s unit has a greater amount of programming than the regular
nursing home. Programming helps the patients socialize, and keeps them less
confused and at a functional level. Question: You also mentioned security needs. I’d imagine that would be an important feature for dementia patients.
Answer: Yes. The Lighthouse
Unit is a secured, coded unit. Not only does this security keep residents
from wandering off, but a secure environment can also become familiar to the
patient, and make them feel more comfortable.
Also, with loss of short term memory, patients may
remember themselves as younger. So we encourage decorating with younger
pictures.
Question: How is the staffing different in a
dementia unit?
Answer: At Harborside, all staff members in the
Lighthouse Unit are specially trained in care for Alzheimer’s patients and
behavior management. We do our best to keep the same people on staff,
giving our patients continuity of care. There is also a higher
staffing ratio of staff to patients—more one-on-one interaction is available
in the dementia unit, especially during meal time, and to create morning to
evening programming. Question: Do you charge more to stay in the Alzheimer's unit? Answer: No
Question: Do all nursing
homes have a special Alzheimer's unit? For more information on this topic, call Harborside Healthcare 216-831-1125 ___________________________________
Show #216 Air date: 5/18/03 Osteoporosis
is a nasty disease that can cost you your independence, and even your life.
If you are at risk, or if you already have osteoporosis, we have good news.
Our guest, Dr. Wolf Utian, will explain how you can get the newest and best
tests, medications, and supervision, all for free! Dr. Utian is President of
Rapid Medical Research.
Question: What is available in the way of
prevention and treatment?
Answer: There are simple, general steps one can
do to safeguard against bone loss. These include avoiding smoking,
exercising regularly, having a proper amount of calcium and Vitamin D in you
diet or through supplements, and using moderation with alcohol and caffeine.
Question: And you have some information on how
our viewers can actually become involved in these studies.
Answer: Yes. Rapid Medical Research is
currently involved in a number of studies for both persons with significant
risk factors for osteoporosis and people who have the established disease.
Question: Can you keep your own doctor if you
get involved? Is it safe?
Answer: This is not a medical practice. You
would still be able to retain your own doctor throughout the testing
period—we insist upon it. Your doctors will be notified of your
participation in the study. You can get the most up-to-date treatments to help build your bones. And you get medications, tests, and close monitoring, all for free. You even get paid! If you’re interested in learning more about Dr. Utian’s studies, here’s the number. For more information on this topic, call Rapid Medical Research 1-888-460-2275 __________________________________________ Show #219 Air date: 6/22/03 You’ve faced a lot of challenges during your life. Making a successful career, raising a family. But as we age, physical challenges become more common. Here to help us turn the tables on aging through activity is Sara Peckham. Sara is Director of Wellness and Resident Life at Judson Retirement Community.
Question: What are some of the physical challenges that may affect exercising as we age?
Answer:
Question: What are some of the benefits of physical sctivity?
Answer:
Question: How should we get started on an exercise program?
Answer:
Question: What's the "FIT" principle? Answer:
There’s no doubt about it. Exercise is good for you. If you want to get fit, like Sara, and me, give Judson Retirement Community a call. They offer a wide variety of classes and exercise opportunities. My thanks to Sara Peckham.
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