the assumption that aging means decline and poor health
is probably the deadliest.
Marilyn Ferguson, The Aquarian Conspiracy, 1980
Being able to do the things you enjoy doing is a major factor in quality of life. Good health allows you to do more things. The Area 1 Agency on Aging looks at ways to collaborate with community efforts to promote positive health habits.
Many of our online publications require the Adobe Reader, available as a free download. Links showing (PDF) require Acrobat Reader.
Strength Training Resources for Osteoporosis - Northcoast Group
Better Balance
Medication Management
VISION LOSS Guide to Services
STRONG (Strength Training Resources for Osteoporosis - Northcoast Group)
The Area 1 Agency on Aging, serving Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, is the lead agency for the STRONG Task Force, made up of physical therapists, nurses, educators, dieticians, doctors and seniors. Convened in 2000, the premise of providing a pro-active, preventative approach to those at risk for osteoporosis brought together a group representing a wide variety of disciplines that had not previously collaborated on a project. These new partners brought an energy that produced a safe and effective, science-based program to include assessments, exercise classes, and community education. Within 6 months three classes were started using physical therapists as instructors. Within another year, STRONG was the recipient of the California Innovations in Osteoporosis Prevention and Public Health award.
Strength training exercise classes are taught at 15 individually supported sites in the bi-county area. Classes are taught by Senior Fitness Association certified instructors who attend specially designed training, emphasizing exercises for at-risk osteoporosis population. Strength training twice a week can bring about big results.
Look for Mr. Fitness strength training on Access Humboldt Channel 10 on Mondays at 3:00 p.m. and Tuesdays at 8:00 a.m.
Falls -They can happen to anyone! Better Balance - A Fall Prevention Project
A "fall" is defined as an event where a person unexpectedly comes to rest on the ground or other lower level, other than from a violent blow or loss of consciousness. A "near fall" is a loss of balance in which a person starts to fall but is able to catch him/herself before landing.Falls cost California over $3.5 million a year. They cause injuries that are not only painful but can lead to a loss of independence. Proven fall prevention strategies include: a risk review by a healthcare professional, medication management, exercise, and home modifications such as removing clutter and installing grab bars.
Resources for Fall Prevention
Your Physician can review your personal risk for falls. There are many causes for falls. Some reasons include just not paying attention and that happens to everyone. But other reasons include medication, vision problems, and inner ear irregularities. See your doctor for a complete review. The doctor may:Review medications that may affect balance
Review physical and sensory conditions
Request an assessment by a Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist
Better Balance Classes
- a program combining balance-related exercise and home assessment and modifications. (Class Schedule, PDF Format)Other Exercise classes are offered at senior centers in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties.
Medication Management
A Home Assessment tool
helps you review your home environment for possible fall risks. Grab Bars, double sided rug tape, and moving clutter are just a few things that will make the home a safer place. Visit www.cdc.gov/ncipc/pub-res/toolkit/CheckListForSafety.htm or download the Home Assessment Tool here (PDF format).Home Modifications needs may have been identified by the Home Assessment tool. Some modifications require a skilled contractor, such as a remodeled bathroom or wider doors. Other modifications can be made more easily. Senior Information and Assistance can refer to several service providers for assistance with paying for equipment and installation for minor home modifications (call 442-9591 for more information).
Other links for fall prevention information include:
Fall Prevention Center for ExcellenceCenter for Disease Control
The Mayo Clinic
Temple University
Home Modifications
Universal Design
Medication Management
"Medication" is a broad term covering not only those drugs prescribed by your doctor. It includes medications you can purchase over-the-counter at the drug store or at the supermarket. Medications can also be the vitamins mineral and herbal supplements that are available in many locations.
The number of medications a person takes seems to increase as we get older or if we experience a health crisis such as an illness or injury.
There are many things to keep track of as the number of medications increase:
What symptom or conditions is the medication for?
How much should I take?
When should I take it? And how?
What if I miss a dose?
Should I take the medication with food, or not?
Can I take this medication at the same time I take other medications?
Should this be kept in the refrigerator?
Are there possible side effects I should be aware of?
Is it safe to take vitamin/mineral/herbal supplements with this medication?
Now that I feel better, can I stop taking the medication?
Do all my doctors/pharmacies know all my medications so there won't be drug interactions?
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| Double check the prescription and the medication in the bottle before leaving the pharmacy. | |
| Keep your medications in their original bottle. | |
| Keep a list of your medications. | |
| Set up a schedule for taking medications - perhaps using some of the pill box organizers that are available, or ask your pharmacist for suggestions. | |
| Remember to refill your prescriptions before they run out. | |
| Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medications at least once a year. |
VISION LOSS Guide to Services
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have limited or low vision? Eye Disease Simulations is a web site that will help you understand. Go to the National Eye Institute: www.nei.nih.gov/photo/sims/index.asp.Vision Loss can be caused by a number of diseases, or from a trauma to the eye or the head. The four major eye diseases are Cataracts, Diabetic Retinopathy, Glaucoma, and Macular Degeneration. Regular visits to your eye care professional can detect these conditions and may provide early treatment.
Sometimes, though, vision loss is inevitable. There are resources in the community to help people adapt to limited vision. Vision Rehabilitation services, starting with a low vision exam, can help people set goals and find ways to perform familiar activities. They can teach you to use adaptive equipment or just new ways to do things you?ve always enjoyed doing. Low Vision support groups can offer shared experiences and successes.
The Vision Loss Guide to Services (PDF) offers information and referrals for people experiencing vision loss. It was made possible by a Healthy Vision 2010 Grant from the National Eye Institute.
The Guide is also available in Spanish. Guía de Servicios de Pérdida de la Visión (PDF)
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