Show #360 Airing Sunday, 10/15/06
Are you taking care of your health? Are you sure? Are you willing to take a test? Here to tell us about an exam that can help you score an A plus for your health is Sheila Niles, director of Elderhealth at the Visiting Nurse Association of Cleveland.
Question: I understand the Visiting Nurse Association of Cleveland has created an online screening tool for seniors. Why create such a questionnaire? What does it focus on?
Answer: We have developed a survey that will ask seniors about their health habits-are they getting the proper screenings? Are they taking steps to live a healthy lifestyle?
The results of this survey are being used in two main ways. First, they help point out possible problem areas to the senior who takes the survey. Second, the results are being used to help senior centers and Area Agencies on Aging to prioritize their education programs on prevention medicine by highlighting problem areas.
The questionnaire has become so popular, we have expanded it throughout the state of Ohio.
Question: Why do the survey online?
Answer: More and more seniors are online either at home, at senior centers, or at their local library. It's become a great way to reach out.
Over 5,000 seniors have already logged on to take the test. The average age of our participants is 76, and we've had people who are 100 take the test!
Question: Let's see how it works.
Answer: Log on to www.vnahealthytown.org Click on "Take the Senior Health Screen" to take the survey.
You'll be asked questions on your gender, age, and where you live, and then you will proceed with the survey.
You'll be asked simple yes and no questions. Just click on the appropriate answer.
The questions are also audible if you have your sound on.
Question: If you continue on with the questions, what will people be asked?
Answer: There are several topics included on the survey:
- Screenings-Have you been properly screened for high blood pressure? Mammograms? Etc.
- Medications-Are you taking your medications properly? What over-the-counter medicines or herbal medicines are you taking that might interact with your prescription medications? Are you abusing medication for pain? Sleep? The nerves?
- Eating and Nutrition-Are you eating the right foods? How is your dental health? (That can affect your nutrition too!)
- Are you at risk for an accident or injury? Do you smoke? Wear your seatbelt regularly? 5.) Are you at risk for a fall?
- Immunizations-are you up to date with your flu shot, pneumonia vaccination and tetanus shot?
Question: What happens at the end of the questions?
Answer: The person's responses help to generate a personal prevention checklist that makes suggestions of actions the individual can take to improve their help.
Question: And there is additional information besides the questionnaire on the same website, correct?
Answer: Yes. There's information on medications, on families where seniors are raising children, etc.
Be a part of the Visiting Nurse Association survey. Not only will you get information on what you can do to improve your health, but you'll be helping our senior agencies to create useful programs for the community. The information's next. My thanks to Sheila Niles.
