Posts Tagged ‘well-being’

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20% Discount on Vitamins, Eyeglasses and Diapers for Seniors

Saturday, July 10th, 2010

The newly signed Expanded Senior Citizens Act 0f 2010, RA 9994 includes discounts for vitamins, minerals, diapers, and essential medical supplies. This includes Calcium for osteoporosis, Iron tablets for anemia, and B complex for patients with neuropathy.

However, the DOH and FDA have clarified that discounted drug and medicine purchases, now extend to vitamins and minerals specifically prescribed by doctors for senior citizens for purposes of prevention, treatment, or diagnosis of a disease or illness. This excludes those classified as “food supplements with no approved therapeutic claim”.

This law also mandates that DOH is to provide free pneumoccocal and influenza vaccines to indigent senior citizens.

Moreover, the 20% discount also extends to the purchase of essential medical supplies, accessories or equipment like eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aids, walkers or wheelchairs, and even to geriatric diapers.

Wheelchair

Wheelchair

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Posted in Uncategorized, complimentary and alternative therapy, drug therapy, healthcare services, medical, philippines, policy, public health | No Comments »

Implementing Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010

Saturday, July 10th, 2010

The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9994 (Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010) went into effect on July 6 granting the full 20 percent discount – privileges to senior citizens.

Secretary Soliman emphasized that senior citizens who have queries and complaints may call the DSWD hotlines 951-7120 and cellphone number 0999-314-7425 or visit the National Coordinating and Monitoring Board (NCMB) website at http://ncmb.dswd.gov.ph and email at ncmb@dswd.gov.ph

“We also plan to set-up Help Desks at the DSWD Central Office and in all DSWD Regional Offices for senior citizens without access to phone lines and the internet,” Secretary Soliman added.

Secretary Soliman appealed to senior citizens to refrain from abusing the privileges under RA 9994. “The law is the government’s way of acknowledging and giving praise to senior citizens who contributed to nation building, and is designed for the sole enjoyment of the senior citizens, so please do not abuse these privileges,” Secretary Soliman stated.

DSWD Sec Dinky Soliman

DSWD Sec Dinky Soliman

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Lifestyle Diseases (Sakit sa Puso) A Poem by JD

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

Lifestyle Diseases (Sakit sa Puso)

Sinulat ni JD Agapito

Sa dami ng sakit sa ating lipunan

Sakit ng katawan ay kayang pigilan

Lalo na’t sa puso ang pag-uusapan.

Disiplina ang siyang tanging kailangan

Bakit ko nasabi ang huli kong linya?

Dahil ang sakit ay tayo ang may gawa.

Alam na masamang kumain ng taba.

Hanap nitong dila’y karneng mamantika.

Kung may pera nama’y panay rin ang punta

Sa mga food chains na prito ang siyang tinda.

Sa order na chicken, balat ang inuuna.

Mataas na kolesterol siyang ‘di iniinda.

Bukod pa nga rito’y ang hindi paggalaw.

Panay ang pag-upo’t di man lang sumayaw.

Kahit na minsan lang sa buong isang araw.

Maglakad lakad ng taba ay matunaw.

Maging sa inumi’y di displinado.

Kung uminom ng softdrinks sadyang bigay todo.

Dapat ay minsan lang sa buong ‘sang linggo.

Mas maraming tubig ang dapat sa iyo.

Kaya’t mas marami ang may hypertension.

Dahil sa kinai’y mayr’ong alta presyon.

Dagdagan pa natin ng lahat ng tensyon.

Dala na rin mismo ng mga sitwasyon.

Kaya kung ikaw ay hindi magbabago.

Lalo pa kung ika’y naninigarilyo.

Tiyak ang buhay mo ay mamimiligro.

Sakit sa puso ang tatapos sa iyo.

Dito sa aking tula ‘y may hihilingin.

Pwede bang pagkain ay sadyang isipin

Para makontrol ang taba maging asin.

Mga simpleng bagay ‘wag ng problemahin.

Kaya’t sana ay hindi pa mahuli.

Itong aking payong hangad ay mabuti.

Upang maiwasan itong maatake.

At di na mangyari itong pagsisisi.

Dahil may dalanging kasama ang tula.

Itaas sa Diyos ang nais na sadya.

Sa kanyang patnubay lahat magagawa.

Kung buhay ay maayos, siya’y matutuwa.

Contributed by COMADD NIH Member
Prof JD
June 28, 2010 5:00

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Posted in Words from the Wise, environment, lifestyle, philippines, psychology, public health | No Comments »

Driving and Dementia

Monday, April 19th, 2010

The American Academy of Neurology has released a guideline on Driving among Patients with Dementia.

Concerned about the Driving Ability and Driving Safety of a patient, parent, friend or loved one?

Ask yourself the following questions.

QUESTIONNAIRE for FAMILY OR CAREGIVER :
1. How many times has the patient been stopped or ticketed for a traffic violation in the last three years? (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or more)
2. How many accidents has the patient been in, or caused, within the last three years? (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or more)
3. In how many accidents was the patient at fault in the last three years? (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or more)
Use this scale to answer the following questions:
1 strongly disagree;2 disagree; 3 no opinion; 4 agree; 5 strongly agree.
1. I have concerns about the patient’s ability to drive safely.
2. Others have concerns about his/her ability to drive safely.
3. The patient has limited the amount of driving that he/she does.
4. He/she avoids driving at night.
5. He/she avoids driving in the rain.
6. He/she avoids driving in busy traffic.
7. The patient will drive faster than the speed limit if the patient thinks he/she won’t be caught.
8. The patient will run a red light if the patient thinks that he/she won’t be caught.
9. The patient will drive after drinking more alcohol than the patient
should.
10. When he/she gets angry with other drivers, the patient will honk the horn, gesture, or drive up too closely to them.

cartoon from telspatch.co.uk

cartoon from telspatch.co.uk


If you have numerous YES responses:
1. Seek help from the patient’s healthcare provider for an assessment of Dementia (neurologist, geriatrician).
2. Make sure the patient gets a vision and hearing check.
3. Review medications and drugs (including alcohol and sleeping pills) that may increase the risk of driving accidents.

Source: American Academy of Neurology Guidelines 2010
Published in: Neurology 74 April 20, 2010

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Robotic Skeleton for Aging Farmers

Monday, April 12th, 2010

Excerpts from AFP 9 April 2010

Japanese robo-suit promises superpowers for greying farmers

TOKYO (AFP) – – While Robocop and Iron Man can dodge bullets and crush villains, a new powered suit from Japan promises its elderly users more modest powers, such as pulling up radishes without getting a backache.

Unlike its heavily-armed Hollywood counterparts, the Power Assist Suit aims to make life easier for Japan’s army of greying farmers.

japanese-robo-suit-AFP

The metal-and-plastic exoskeleton boasts eight electric motors that amplify the strength of the wearer’s arms and legs, as well as sensors that can detect movements and respond to commands through a voice-recognition system.

Professor Shigeki Toyama and his team developed the power-enhancing suit at the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, and Toyama plans to set up a company to start producing the futuristic outfit by the end of the year.

“If the farmer bends over to grasp a radish, his back will be firmly supported,” said Gohei Yamamoto, one of the students working on the team, as he recently demonstrated the suit on his university campus.

“A brief vocal instruction will instantly straighten the rods along his legs, giving him the power he needs to pull the vegetable without effort.”

Robo-suits are making inroads in hospitals and retirement homes, where they can help carers lift patients or aid in physical rehabilitation exercises.

The suit should hit the Japanese market in 2012, when it will initially retail for about one million yen (11,000 dollars), a price tag its makers hope to halve if the device is mass-produced, the team said.

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How to Make Wise Health Choices

Saturday, March 13th, 2010

Ask yourself these questions before following a health advise from a friend:

1. Is this person giving advise a friend or a salesperson?

2. Will I suffer from harm if I do not follow his/her health advise?

3. What kind of product or procedure is this person recommending?

4. What are the benefits?

a. what are the effects on my body/mind and are these the effects I desire?
b. how soon can the benefits be felt?
c. how long will the effects last?
d. how many in 10 who follow the advise will feel the benefit? how many in 100?
e. how many in 10 people tested represent my age group?


Watch out for testimonials or personal anecdotes! One person in ten may have benefited but you need to ask: “How many took the product? What happened to the nine others who took the product?”

5. Are there side effects or harmful outcomes?

how many in 10 persons will feel worse? how many in 100?

7. Will the cost/money/time I spend be worth the benefit?

8. Do I have enough information to make a wise health choice?

a. ask about scientific randomized trials or systematic reviews on the product or procedure in which all relevant studies are identified and those of adequate quality selected. Results from selected studies are usually pooled (using meta-analysis) to give the
best single estimate of effect.
b. ask for help from a trusted physician but avoid doctor shopping.
c. search trusted internet sites and peer reviewed medical journals.

Do your homework! Click any of these links for medical information on western and complementary medicine Medline Plus , the Cochrane Review of Complementary Medicine and Pubmed and the US Food and Drug Administration

Watch out for quacks and snake-oil salesmen!
You may be dealing with a quack if:
1. The information only includes stories of patients who benefit from the product.
2. You cannot obtain information on the number of people who do not improve after taking the product/procedure.
3. The advertiser is quiet about those who experience harmful side effects.

Reference: Irwig et al. Smart Health Choices. Allen and Unwin 1999.

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Posted in Words from the Wise, complimentary and alternative therapy, drug therapy, education, healthcare services, lifestyle, research | No Comments »

Protect Seniors from Heat Stress

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

Heat exhaustion is a form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids.

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

To protect yourself from heat stress and heat stroke, follow these tips:

# Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages. (If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills ex. furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide, ask 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 or public building to cool off.)
# Wear lightweight clothing.
# If possible, remain indoors in the heat of the day.
# Do not engage in strenuous activities.

seniors swim
If you are living with or taking care of an older person

* 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, nonalcoholic 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.

If You Don’t Have Air Conditioning:
• Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath.
• Create cross-ventilation by opening windows on two sides of your house.
• Keep windows open at night.
• Keep curtains, shades or blinds drawn during the hottest part of the day.
• Cover windows when they are in direct sunlight.
• Electric fans may help, but when the temperature reaches the high 90s, fans won’t prevent heat-related illness.
• Go somewhere that’s air-conditioned like the shopping mall, the movies, the library, a senior center or a friend’s house. If you don’t have a car or no longer drive, ask a friend or relative to drive you. If necessary, take a taxi. Don’t stand outside waiting for a bus.

More heat stroke and heat stress information from the CDC link: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention USA

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Pandemic Flu H1N1 Vaccination 2010

Saturday, February 20th, 2010

The flu pandemic is not over.
The 2009 AH1N1 influenza virus continues to be the dominant influenza virus in circulation in the world. Based on historical data, pandemics are characterized by several successive waves, potentially more impactful (e.g. 1968 pandemic). Compared with seasonal flu, the proportion of severe / deadly cases in previously healthy and young subjects is substantially higher. Although fewer older persons were infected with the pandemic AH1N1 virus, paradoxically, infected older people will experience the highest rates of severe disease and death of any age group. Vaccination of older persons is therefore a priority.

Because it is the dominant circulating strain, the WHO recommends that the pandemic H1N1 strain should be incorporated into the seasonal flu vaccine for 2010. Keiji Fukuda, MD, MPH, special adviser to the WHO director-general on pandemic influenza, stressed that the recommendation does not indicate that the pandemic is over.

Although fewer older persons were infected with the pandemic AH1N1 virus, paradoxically, infected older people will experience the highest rates of severe disease and death of any age group. Vaccination of older persons is therefore a priority.

“The recommendation to put the pandemic virus in the upcoming vaccine really means that this has been a dominant virus, and it is expected that it will continue to be a very significant virus circulating around the world,” Fukuda said.

The WHO Recommendation for the Composition of the 2010 Southern Hemisphere (SH) Vaccine is:
— an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like virus, the pandemic strain
— an A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)-like virus;
— a B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus.

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Comatose Patient Answers YES or NO thru MRI

Sunday, February 14th, 2010

Authors: Martin M. Monti, Ph.D., Audrey Vanhaudenhuyse, M.Sc., Martin R. Coleman, Ph.D., et al published by the New England Journal of Medicine February 2010.

In this study, 5 out of the 54 comatose patients were able to modulate their brain activity using functional MRI testing.

One patient was able to answer YES or NO using the technique described.

While in the functional MRI scanner, all patients were asked to perform two imagery tasks. In the motor imagery task, they were instructed to imagine standing still on a tennis court and to swing an arm to “hit the ball” back and forth to an imagined instructor. In the spatial imagery task, participants were instructed to imagine navigating the streets of a familiar city or to imagine walking from room to room in their home and to visualize all that they would “see” if they were there.

This technology may be developed further to help comatose patients communicate their need for pain medication, manipulate their environment, express their feelings and choices, and improve their quality of life.

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AHA Seven Secrets to a Long Life

Saturday, January 23rd, 2010

From the American Heart Association January 2010

“These seven factors — if you can keep them ideal or control them — end up being the fountain of youth for your heart,” said Dr. Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, a cardiologist who was lead author of the statement.

“You live longer, you live healthier longer, you have much better quality of life in older age, require less medication, less medical care.”

Specifically, those with ideal cardiovascular health can answer yes to the following seven questions:

• Never smoked or quit more than one year ago.

• Body mass index less than 25.

• Get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week.

• Meet at least four of these dietary recommendations: 4 1/2 cups of fruit and vegetables a day; two or more 3.5-ounce servings a week of fish; drink no more than 36 ounces of sugar-sweetened beverages a week; three or more 1-ounce servings of fiber-rich whole grains a day; less than 1,500 milligrams a day of salt.

• Total cholesterol of less than 200.

• Blood pressure below 120/80.

• Fasting blood glucose less than 100.

The online quiz calculates a score based on the answers, 10 being the ideal.

Log on to the online quiz at AHA My Life Check

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