Releases from March 31, 2009

Healing, the natural way:
A new focus for seniors

By Lisa Taranto

Kansas Senior Press Service

You may know this woman.

She is constantly visiting the doctor. Anything from a toothache to a stomach ache is reason enough to make an appointment with her preferred physician. She has her podiatrist and her cardiologist on speed dial. Some months she may see more face time with her family practitioner than her husband, and she may not even realize it.

Is this woman you?

Perhaps not, but you may know someone whose frequent visits to the doctor make her insurance provider’s head spin. Although seeing a doctor for ailments and illnesses is prudent in many cases, there is something to be said for taking responsibility for one’s own health. Whether it is proper nutrition, exercise or just taking time to de-stress, living healthfully may result in fewer appointments with Dr. Feelgood and more time for yourself and your loved ones.

Natural remedies are becoming more popular and seem to be working for many of us. Medical alternatives like herbs and vitamins are helping to keep us healthy, and natural practitioners such as chiropractors, nutritionists and other holistic healers are helping us get back to normal if we do succumb to sickness.

Herbal treatments. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 80 percent of the world’s population uses herbal medicine for some aspect of primary health care. Herbal medicine is a major component in most traditional medicine and a common element in Ayurvedic, homeopathic, naturopathic, traditional oriental and Native American Indian medicine. WHO notes that of 119 plant-derived pharmaceutical medicines, about 74 percent are used in modern drugs in ways that correlate directly with their traditional uses as plant medicines by native cultures. Major pharmaceutical companies are conducting extensive research on plant materials gathered from rain forests and other places for their potential medical value.

When choosing vitamins and herbs, it’s generally wise to visit a reliable health food store, drug store or grocery store that will refund a product if it is unsatisfactory. Be careful of Internet ordering, as you don’t always have the chance to see the product and scrutinize the label before you buy it.

Does price usually reflect quality in vitamins and herbs? Most experts suggest not buying the cheapest products, but that doesn’t mean you have to buy the most expensive brand; try something in the middle range. As a general rule, in the herbs and supplement market you get what you pay for.

Chiropractic. Although chiropractors were once considered to be on the fringes of the health care system, that notion has changed dramatically. These days, chiropractors are seeing patients with back pain, digestive issues, tennis elbow, stress and lots of other complaints. The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between the structures of the human body — primarily the spine — and the function of the nervous system, and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health. Chiropractors typically use drugless, non-surgical practices. Their treatments usually are based on the understanding that the human body is a self-healing, self-regulating organism.

Through manual adjustments of segments of the spine to remove nerve interference, chiropractors seek to restore normal functions to allow the body to heal itself from aches and pains.

Nutrition. Another way to take care of one’s health naturally is to adhere to good nutrition. A healthful diet is a major factor in overall well-being, and seeing a nutritionist increases the chances of better health. Nutritionists consider the effects of diet on the body as a whole, whereas dietitians may stay more in line with Western medicine and related standards.

Who is a qualified nutrition expert? Sometimes it’s hard to tell. Credentials after people’s names don’t necessarily qualify them to give reliable nutrition advice. In many states, titles like “nutritionist” and “diet counselor” are not regulated, so these terms may be used by people who are not properly qualified. Two sources for finding a nutritionist are the American College of Advancement in Medicine, 800-532-3688, and the Life Extension Foundation, 800-841-5433.

Why might you visit a nutritionist? If you have diabetes, cardiovascular problems or high blood pressure, a nutritionist can help you safely change your eating plan without compromising taste or nutrition. If you are thinking of having gastric bypass surgery or have had it, a nutritionist can work with you and your physician to develop an eating plan for your new needs. Nutritionists can also help with digestive issues, eating disorders and obesity. And they can help you sort through diet misinformation, teach you to read labels at the supermarket, make healthful cooking inexpensive and provide tips on eating at restaurants and avoiding workplace temptations.

Holistic practitioners and doctors base their therapies and treatments on achieving well-being through the union of mind, body and spirit. By combining modern medicine with the wisdom and education of numerous ancient healing techniques and remedies, these natural practitioners help stimulate the immune system and re-harmonize the body. Natural healers can practice pain management, alternative medicine, hypnotherapy, acupuncture and many other processes.

So, the next time the back of your throat begins to feel sore or your left knee is a little swollen, aim for the natural approach first. Who knows? Your regular trips to Dr. Feelgood may become a thing of the past.

Lisa Taranto is a Kansas City certified fitness instructor and lifestyle and weight management consultant specializing in senior adult fitness. She teaches and trains seniors through a personal training business and the Silver Sneakers Fitness Program.

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Help for brain injuries
Whether from trauma, heart attack or stroke, wounded brains can heal

By Kansas Senior Press Service

The human brain can be injured in many ways.Some people are born with a congenital brain anomaly. Others acquire a brain injury at some phase of life.

For senior adults, the most prominent causes of brain injury are falls, heart attacks and stroke. Whatever the cause, brain injury has consequences that create further trauma for the person affected and for family, caregivers and friends. But help is available.

The Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City offers support to individuals and their families who are recovering from brain injury. The association, which is a member of the Brain Injury Association of America, partners with other social service agencies, rehabilitation programs and hospitals to provide options to many challenges these families face, including employment, medical care, and counseling. The association also provides education to injury survivors, families and professionals.

Finding support

The Brain Injury Association staffs an information line, 800-444-6443, to provide resources and emotional support to survivors and family members.

It also coordinates numerous support groups throughout the state. The association’s Web site, www.biaks.org, has a complete listing of support groups.

Connecting with the Brain Injury Association

• Each March, during Brain Injury Awareness Month, the Brain Injury Association holds activities for the public.
• The association holds two seminars for brain injury survivors and families each year — one in the Kansas City area and another located more centrally in the state. Those seminars will be held in October 2009.
• The association organizes periodic conferences for professionals.
• Contact the association for assistance with a loved one who has a brain injury, to receive notice of activities and seminars, to contribute to the association’s work or to become a volunteer:

Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City
Mail: 6405 Metcalf Ave., Suite 302 / Overland Park, KS 66202
Phone: 913-754-8883
Web: www.biaks.org
Inquiries by e-mail: info@biaks.org

 

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After a brain injury

Some consequences of brain injury

Through inner strength, rehabilitation and support from family members and the community, people with brain injuries can continue to lead fulfilling and productive lives. But brain injury, even when “mild,” can alter all aspects of a person’s functioning: physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, financial, interpersonal and vocational. Among the more prominent consequences:

Physical: difficulties with speech, vision, hearing, eating, swallowing, mobility and gait (walking); headaches, seizures and sensitivity to light and noise; taste changes; paralysis.

Cognitive: disorientation to time and place; difficulty with memory, concentration, judgment, problem-solving, and perception; problems with reading, writing, planning, shifting from one task to another, and knowing the order of the steps to complete a task.

Psychosocial: Depression; anxiety; frustration; anger; insensitivity to others; low self-esteem; acting out; inappropriate limitations; and engaging in self-destructive behaviors such as stealing, promiscuity, gambling and spending sprees.

Tips for persons with a brain injury

Because recovery depends on committed and persistent effort from everyone involved, a mutually cooperative attitude between the person with a brain injury and those close to him or her is a huge help in rehabilitation.

Please remember that no two people are alike, and what works for some may not for others. You may also consider seeking a family or individual therapist to help with depression, anxiety, difficulty in relationships, and identifying goals. The following tips may also help with recovery:

• Keep a detailed calendar of things you do and plan to do. This builds self-confidence, independence and self-responsibility.
• Ask questions, but ask yourself first. This will help you be independent and encourage critical thinking.
• Write things down. This greatly helps you remember, even if you do not ever look at your notes.
• Use no drugs or alcohol; these only dull the brain.
• Always consider the optimistic side of things and focus on the positives. Avoid terms such as “I can’t.”
• Limit the use of words like “later,” “maybe” and “kind of.” These can keep things vague and limit your willingness to commit to something.
• Have goals, but be realistic. Keep reassessing your goals to make sure they are reachable and achievable.
• Know yourself and what you can and cannot do. Be honest about this, and always make sure you are aware of what you are doing.
• Be willing to do new things.
• Be outgoing to get along with others and accept others. Try not to judge others.
• Be organized.
• Do not be afraid to accept help.

Tips for family and friends

Whether you are a person who has a brain injury or a family member, it is common occasionally to feel isolated, overwhelmed or unsure where to go for help. The good news is that whether you have a simple question or are facing a major crisis, the Brain Injury Association can help you find what you need. You may also consider seeking professional advice from a family or individual therapist to help you cope with issues of grief, depression, stress or other concerns.

Persons with brain injuries and their families have shared many stories with staff of the association over the years. There is life after brain injury! For some, the injury or trauma is seen in retrospect as a crucial turning point that leads to lives more fulfilling, more giving, and more utilizing of each individual’s talents than ever imagined before the injury. A brain injury does not stop joy, laughter or growth.

Each person with a brain injury is different and may need more or less support and assistance in certain areas. The principles offered here are useful throughout the recovery process.

Early stages of recovery

• Talk about familiar names, places, interests and pets.
• Show familiar photos of family, friends and pets.
• Talk about what is happening at home, at work and among friends.
• Keep the person’s physical environment the same. Do not move things in the room to different locations.

Avoiding frustration

• The brain injury may cause “slow-motion” thinking. Bright lights, too many people talking, radio or television may be over-stimulating. When the senses get overloaded, the person may withdraw, get angry and irritable, cry, pace or become combative.
• Keep activities and surroundings relatively simple.
• Encourage rest breaks to avoid fatigue and frustration.
• Explain activities fully before initiating them. Write things down, draw charts, use calendars or a memory book to serve as reminders.
• Surroundings should have structure, routine, familiarity and consistency, such as regularly scheduled meals, activities and rest.

Behavior challenges

• Provide positive feedback for appropriate behavior. Give honest feedback, with brief, to-the-point, constructive criticism for inappropriate behavior.
• Mistakes and accidents will happen. Never ridicule the person when they do.
• Lead by example. Rather than telling your family member to calm down, present yourself in a calm, patient manner.
• Avoid situations that provoke behaviors you are trying to reduce.
• Redirect the person’s attention rather than challenging or arguing with him.

Communication

• Do not patronize the person with the brain injury or become condescending. Do not make fun of or ridicule her.
• Give him time to process what you are saying and to respond. Present only one idea at a time.
• Although she may be unable to find a word or to say what she means, that does not mean that her intelligence is lost.
• Speak in a normal tone and volume of voice.
• Refrain from questions that cannot be answered with yes or no. Don’t ask complicated questions such as “Did you want to watch TV, play a game or go outside?” Instead of “What did you do in therapy?” ask “Did you swim today in therapy?”
• Persons with brain injuries may or may not understand abstractions, sarcasm or jokes.

Acceptance

• Accept setbacks as a normal part of life.
• A sense of humor helps.
• Be realistic, not overly optimistic or pessimistic.
• Look ahead. The person’s present and future abilities — both physical and mental — may never match his previous abilities. Don’t compare his future with the past. Concentrate on abilities he has now.
• Maintain her dignity by respecting her.

Looking ahead

• The person who has sustained the brain injury often must develop a new sense of self. Family members may face similar challenges as the family is redefined and roles change. This is a gradual process, which can be different for each person.
• Adjustment doesn’t necessarily mean that people are happy about the changes, but that they recognize what can be changed and what cannot be changed and begin to set goals and make decisions based on their new self.
• “One day at a time” is a philosophy that many people adopt.
• Initially, individuals and families may feel overwhelmed, powerless and out of control. Learning what brain injury is, identifying the changes that the injury has caused and adjusting can be challenging and difficult, but this process can restore some sense of control and choice.

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Preventing traumatic brain injury in older adults

There are many things you can do to help prevent falls, the most common cause of traumatic brain injury among older adults.

Encourage exercise. Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce older adults’ chances of falling. Exercises that improve balance and coordination, like t’ai chi, are most helpful. Check with your doctor about which exercises are safest and best.

Make the home or surroundings safer. Remove things from stairs and floors that might cause tripping. ~ Add brighter lighting and reduce glare by using lampshades and frosted bulbs. ~ Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping. ~ Be sure all staircases have handrails and lights. ~ Place items used often within easy reach so a step stool is not needed. ~ Install grab bars next to the toilet and in the tub or shower.~ Place non-stick mats in the bathtub and on shower floors. ~ Wear shoes that give good support and have thin, non-slip soles. Avoid wearing slippers and socks and going shoeless.

Ask your health care provider to review all medicines. Ask your doctor or local pharmacist to look at all the prescription medicines you take, as well as nonprescription drugs like cold medicines and various supplements. As people age, the way some medicines work in the body can change. This could cause a person to feel drowsy or lightheaded, which could lead to a fall.

Have a vision check. Have an eye doctor check to be sure your eyeglasses are correct, and that no conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts limit vision. Poor vision can increase the chance of falling.

For more information, call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention toll-free at 800-232-4636 or visit www.cdc.gov/BrainInjuryInSeniors.

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Nature and nurture

A review of Cultivating Delight: A Natural History of My Garden, by Diane Ackerman

By Barbara Watkins
Kansas Senior Press Service

            T.S. Eliot, a St. Louis native, suggests in his poem “The Waste Land” that April is the cruelest month, breeding

Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing

Memory and desire, stirring Dull roots with spring rain.

Diane Ackerman, a poet, essayist and naturalist, takes a different perspective in her book Cultivating Delight: A Natural History of My Garden (HarperCollins, 2001). She describes the restlessness of gardeners to be growing things as spring approaches, traveling north at 13 miles a day. It’s a restlessness I certainly share.

“Gardens promise reincarnation,” Ackerman asserts. “So, like hibernating animals, gardeners wait in suspense for spring.”

Like nature itself, Ackerman organizes this book seasonally, starting with the arrival of deer in molt. (Last evening, my doe and twin yearlings returned, marching majestically in front of my house.) Frantic with late-winter hunger, deer desperately pull the bark from trees and eat whatever they can find among the garden’s leftovers. Ackerman empathizes with their plight as she watches them. Later, in the height of summer as they devour roses and plunder her garden, she will call them terrorists. This up-and-down relationship with the deer mirrors her attitude about her gardens:

“Gardeners … all share a love of natural beauty and a passion to create order, however briefly, from chaos. The garden becomes a frame for their vision of life. Whether organic or high tech, they share a dark secret, as well. Despite their sensitivity to beauty and respect for nature, they all resort to murder and mayhem with steel-willed cunning. … Small wonder that a gardener plans her garden as she wishes she could plan her life.”

Ackerman loves her garden in spring, particularly May.

“No month is as reassuring as May,” she writes. “March blows hot and cold, April feels tentative, but by the middle of May spring truly exists again, nature will renew itself, and warmth and hatchlings will follow.”

Although she experiences her garden as “personal and private,” for her it also extends into the gardens and lives of many others. She reads voraciously the articles and books of garden writers such as Henry Mitchell and Gertrude Jekyll, highly opinionated but often witty and interesting curmudgeons. Jekyll, whose eyesight deteriorated severely as she grew older, could identify trees by the sound of the wind in their leaves and birds by the sound of their flight. Ackerman shares her own garden plants and philosophies with neighbors and friends and helps with a community fund-raiser — an all-city birdhouse-making competition followed by an auction — to create gardens for a hospice.

Gardening has turned Ackerman into an avid bird watcher. She describes the aggressive, territorial habits of wrens, who are adept at recycling the twigs from their previous year’s nest into their new home. Wrens, she asserts, are “pint-sized scolds.” They claim their space with song, and “heaven help the intruders.” She also describes the sleep, flight and dance patterns of hummingbirds. They are frantic for food and must eat every 15 minutes when in motion.

Ackerman does not claim to be a master gardener. She has often been on the losing side of trial and error. Her attitude toward weeds offers pragmatic guidance for us all. She suggests, “Weeding can attain the status of a holy war. My philosophy is: Forget winning. Cultivate delight.” She has learned to live with, and indeed has planted, several “weeds”  in her beds, including mullein, marsh marigolds, Solomon’s seal, Jack–in-the-pulpit, Joe-Pye weed and trillium. (I confess to having most of these in my own gardens, and have never thought of them as weeds!)

Ackerman, who will turn 60 this year, suggests that gardening is a lot like life: “A garden is never finished, much as it may evolve. … We just keep growing if we are lucky, until we stop. … We grow because life is growth and we love life…” 

Like Diane Ackerman, I can hardly wait to dig in the warm soil. I am proud to be one of those people with dirty hands.

More good gardening guides

Henry Mitchell’s excellent garden books include One Man’s Garden (Houghton Mifflin, 1992) and The Essential Earthman (Houghton Mifflin, 1994), collections of his garden columns for The Washington Post.

A good introduction to Gertrude Jekyll is The Gardener’s Essential Gertrude Jekyll (David R. Godine, 1993).

Diane Ackerman’s own gardening bible is The Well-Tended Perennial Garden: Planting and Pruning Techniques, by Tracy DiSabato-Aust (Timber Press, expanded ed., 2006).

Other wonderful books by Ackerman, although not on gardening itself, reveal her expansive interest in the natural world. The Zookeeper’s Wife: A War Story (Norton, 2007) is a historically true story of World War II that reveals the extraordinary efforts of zookeepers horrified by Nazi racism who capitalized on the Nazis’ obsession with pureblood animals to save more than 300 doomed people by hiding them in the bombed-out cages at the Warsaw Zoo. A Natural History of the Senses (Random House, 1990) explores the human senses, focusing on how smell, taste, touch, hearing and vision affect us in our daily lives.

Barbara Watkins, retired from University of Kansas Continuing Education, is an avid and accomplished gardener, birder and director of outdoor excursions — preferably involving wine.

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These articles are also available electronically at the Center on Aging Website: http://www2.kumc.edu/coa/Senior_Press_Article/Topic_Index.htm