Know All Your Testing and Treatment Options

Posted by admin on September 25, 2016   |   No Comments

October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Although it seems that everyone is aware of breast cancer, many are not aware of the current options available for diagnosing and the subsequent treatment options based on a specific type of breast cancer detected. For example, molecular breast imaging (MBI) has been found to detect cancer 4x better in dense breast tissue than mammograms. Dense breast tissue does not affect just a small number of women. 50% of women have dense breast tissue whether you have been told by your medical provider or not.

http://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/new-breast-cancer-test-could-become-lifesaver-for-some-women-765199427772

There are many organizations dedicated to providing up-to-date breast cancer information, education, financial assistance, and emotional support. Inspiring survivor stories can be found in bookstores and online. One non-profit organization, BreastCancer.org, has an online member community that shares encouraging stories from diagnosis to complete remission. See below the current list of categories for topics. If you have a story to tell, share it with others – whether it be online or in a face-to-face conversation. Knowledge shared will help others to make informed decisions about improved diagnostic testing and more treatment options.

 

 

 

How To Become A Better Healthcare Consumer

Posted by admin on August 6, 2016   |   No Comments

Good article that provides recommendations on how to improve your experience and outcome as an educated healthcare consumer. Lifelong Wellness Advocates is featured as a local resource for individuals when needing to hire assistance.

http://www.5280.com/magazine/2016/07/how-become-better-healthcare-consumer

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Alzheimer’s Walk and Trail Hike

Posted by admin on July 25, 2016   |   No Comments

The 2nd annual Boulder Walk to End Alzheimer’s event will be held August 13 at the University of Colorado Business Field. You can sign up to walk the 2 miles through campus and/or volunteer to help during the event. Registration starts at 7:30am. Ceremony at 9:00am. The walk kicks off at 9:30am. Call the Denver office of the Colorado Alzheimer’s chapter for more information at 303-813-1669.

The SPARK program which is offered by the Alzheimer’s Association provides FREE cultural programming for people with memory loss. They have fabulous monthly programs for individuals living with dementia. Family members and friends are welcome to attend. There will be a sensory trail hike at the top of Flagstaff Road to Realization Point on August 9th led by the Education and Outreach Coordinator of the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks. Call 303-813-1669 for more information and to register.

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Senior Law Day Events in Colorado

Posted by admin on June 22, 2016   |   No Comments

Annual Senior Law Day events are occurring throughout Colorado this summer. These full day events include sessions offered by local attorneys on topics such as estate planning, long term care, veteran’s benefits, Medicare/Medicaid, probate and end of life care. Registration is required. Upcoming dates are July 23 in Pueblo, July 29 in Denver, August 6 in Longmont and September 15 in Greeley. A very informative handbook is provided at no charge when attending the event. Or, you can download the current handbook at http://www.cobar.org/seniorlawhandbook

Boulder Senior Law Day

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Melanoma Monday – Free Skin Cancer Screenings

Posted by admin on May 1, 2016   |   No Comments

Monday, May 2 is Melanoma Monday and it is the start of free skin cancer screenings throughout the month of May. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. It not only can be found on your skin, but also inside your mouth, nose and eyes.

Know the ABCDE’s of skin cancer.

A = Asymmetry – One half is unlike the other half.

B = Border – An irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border.

C = Color – Is varied from one area to another; has shades of tan, brown or black, or is sometimes white, red or blue.

D = Diameter – Melanomas are usually greater than 6mm (size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, but they can be smaller.

E = Evolving – A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color.

During the month of May in Colorado, you can receive free SPOTme Skin Cancer Screenings with these medical providers.

May 7 – Peak Vista Health Center in Colorado Springs. Call 719-632-5700

May 7 – Lutheran Medical Center Campus in Wheat Ridge. Call 303-403-3608

May 11 – Mountain Dermatology Specialists in Edwards. Call 970-926-1800

May 16 – Dorcy Cancer Center/St. Mary Corwin Medical Center in Pueblo. Call 719-557-4548

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It’s Time For The Channel 9 Health Fair!

Posted by admin on March 30, 2016   |   No Comments

 

Spring is here and so is the annual Channel 9Health Fair. Since many current insurance plans require very high deductibles, the 9Health Fair offers many screenings for free and other screenings at affordable costs. The Colorado fair started in 1980 and continues to add locations throughout the state. Click the link below for a schedule of local screenings near you. http://www.9healthfair.org/find/find.aspx

Over 25 screenings are available. Some are not available in all locations so confirm prior to your arrival. Some screenings require pre-registration. Fortunately, all medical professionals participating in the health fair are available to spend time answering any health questions you may have concerning your screenings.

Some of the preventative screenings available include:

  • Blood Chemistry Screening (cholesterol, glucose, thyroid, kidney, heart disease)
  • Prostate Specific Antigen
  • Vitamin D
  • Colon Cancer Screening Kit
  • Blood Pressure Screening
  • Bone Health Screening
  • Cardiac Risk Assessment
  • Memory Screening
  • Pap Smear Screening
  • Lung Function Screening
  • Hepatitis C Virus Screening
  • Sleep Apnea Screening
  • Vision and Oral Health

 

Don’t Miss These Caregiving Events!

Posted by admin on February 26, 2016   |   No Comments

There are several upcoming FREE caregiving events in Boulder County that you should check out and pre-register. The National Caregiver Training Program will begin on Thursdays starting April 7 – May 12 from 1:30pm – 4:30pm. Call 303-678-6116 for registration through the Boulder County Area Agency on Aging.

The 11th Annual Caregiving Symposium will be held May 19 from 9:30am-5:00pm at the Plaza Convention Center in Longmont. You can attend some of the sessions or the entire day. There will be many exhibitors to provide resources for caregivers. Pre-registration is a must. Call the Boulder County Area Agency on Aging at 303-678-6116.

Below is a list of on-going monthly support groups for caregivers in Boulder County. These groups are very beneficial for participants.

Caregiver Support Group (Boulder)

For caregivers of older adults. Meets every Tuesday, 4 – 6 p.m. Golden West, 1055 Adams Circle, Boulder. For information:  Ina Rifkin, 303-554-5668, or Don Dick, 303-444-0743 or 303-570-6375

Caregiver Support Group (Boulder)

For adult children concerned about aging parents. Sponsored by Boulder County Area Agency on Aging, Boulder Jewish Family Service, and City of Boulder Senior Services.  Meets second Thursday of each month, 5:30 – 7 p.m. East Boulder Senior Center, 5660 Sioux Drive, Boulder. For information:  Jodi Ansell, 303-415-1025 or jansell@jewishfamilyservice.org

Caregiver Support Group (Boulder)

For spouses and partners of older adults. Meeting times and locations vary.  For information:  Ellen Knapp, 720-217-9614 or ellen@ellenknapp.com

Caregiver Support Group (Longmont)

For caregivers of older adults. Meets first Monday of each month, 6 – 7:30 p.m. (if the first Monday is a holiday, meets on second Monday). Longmont Senior Center, 910 Longs Peak Avenue, Longmont. Light dinner provided. For information:  303-651-8414

Dementia Caregiver Support Group (Boulder)

For caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Sponsored by Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado. Meets first Thursday of each month, 12 – 1:30 p.m.  East Boulder Senior Center, 5660 Sioux Drive, Boulder. For information, call Alzheimer’s Association Helpline, 1-800-272-3900, or email coloradosupportgroups@alz.org

Dementia Caregiver Support Group (Boulder)

For caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia.  Sponsored by Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado. Meets second Tuesday of each month, 11 a.m. -12:30. East Boulder Senior Center, 5660 Sioux Drive, Boulder. For information:  Alzheimer’s Association Helpline, 1-800-272-3900, or coloradosupportgroups@alz.org

Dementia Caregiver Support Group  (Longmont)

For caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Sponsored by Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado. Meets second Tuesday of each month, 12 – 1:30 p.m. Longmont Senior Center, 910 Longs Peak Avenue, Longmont. Light lunch provided.  For information:  Alzheimer’s Association Helpline, 1-800-272-3900, or coloradosupportgroups@alz.org.

Dementia Caregiver Support Group (Louisville)

For caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Sponsored by Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado. Meets second Thursday of each month, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Louisville Senior Center, 900 W. Via Appia, Louisville. For information:  Alzheimer’s Association Helpline, 1-800-272-3900, or coloradosupportgroups@alz.org

For more information about resources for family caregivers of older adults, call 303-678-6116 or email infocaregiver@bouldercounty.org

 

50 Secrets Hospitals Don’t Want To Tell You

Posted by admin on January 17, 2016   |   No Comments

I have to share this comprehensive list from Reader’s Digest. Very good suggestions for you and your family to be safer while in the hospital and to avoid medical billing errors.

http://www.rd.com/health/conditions/hospital-safety-secrets/

 

Pay Attention To These 2016 Health Issues

Posted by admin on December 31, 2015   |   No Comments

Happy New Year! Below is a good article available in the Washington Post about health issues that we will be hearing more about in 2016.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2015/12/31/top-health-issues-you-need-to-pay-attention-to-in-2016/

 

Free Respite Services for Family Caregivers

Posted by admin on November 11, 2015   |   No Comments

November is recognized as National Family Caregivers Month. The theme for this year is RESPITE. There are several organizations that offer financial assistance as well as volunteer companions to provide respite for family caregivers.

For Boulder County residents, the Boulder County Area Agency on Aging provides up to $500/year in reimbursement for the cost of hiring a substitute caregiver. This money can be used for a friend, family member, home care provider, adult day program or long-term care facility. They also offer a program that will match a trained volunteer to be a weekly companion for 2 hour visits. Call 303-441-1617 for more information.

The Woodward Respite Fund will provide a grant up to $1,000 for a family caregiver  providing dementia care in their home. Visit their website for more information on how to apply.  http://www.woodwardrespitecare.org/apply.htm

R     is for “Rest and Relaxation”

        Everyone needs a little “R and R” – especially family caregivers. Relaxing is the best way to return refreshed to handle your many responsibilities as a caregiver.

E     as in “Energize”

Caregiving is often round-the-clock 24/7. Respite isn’t simply “getting a few hours off.” It’s necessary to help you re-energize, reduce stress and provide care for your loved one.

S     as in “Sleep”

Caregivers often have sleep problems. Address sleep problems and insomnia before they take too great a toll on your health.

P    is for “Programs that can help you”

Respite – which can be in the home or out of the home – can be hard to find but there are programs available to help you.

I      as in “Imagination”

Let your mind run free; read a book; see a movie. You have been so occupied with the nuts-and-bolts of caregiving that refreshing your mind will actually help you be a better caregiver.

T     as in “Take Five”

…or better yet, take ten.  Do you find yourself saying, “I wish I had  just ten minutes to myself”? Don’t feel guilty. You need a reprieve – a few minutes to temporarily disengage.

E      is for “Exhale”

A simple breath in and then a long exhale can help you focus and increase your vitality. A few deep breaths can give you more energy, reduce stress, and lift your mood.

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