Travel, Leisure & Fun for South Valley Adults
Travel, Leisure & Fun for South Valley Adults
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Giving blood and participating in fundraiser walks are popular ways to help those in need, but there's another way to directly support America's medical research communities and advance important knowledge that could someday improve or save lives: participate in a clinical trial. Research studies are one of the most effective ways for scientists to advance knowledge in virtually every facet of health care. From studying nutrition and exercise, to developing new treatments and...
To help people who have diabetes live better lives, Kaweah Delta Health Care District will begin a series of free monthly diabetes support groups through October in Visalia, Lindsay, Woodlake and Orosi. Support group attendees will review topics from the book, Diabetes Burnout: What to Do When You Can’t Take It Anymore, by William H. Polonsky, Ph.D. In addition, they can expect peer support in a small group atmosphere. English and Spanish speakers are welcome at all support groups. The diabetes support groups are provided b...
Exercise is good for everyone, but seniors with mobility or balance issues may wonder what kind of exercise they can do that will be safe, easy and effective. Jogging outdoors, running on a treadmill or lifting weights at the gym aren't always practical - or enjoyable - activities for everyone. However, one type of exercise works for everyone, no matter your age or ability, because it relies on improving practical movements often involved in everyday activities. "Natural...
Tulare County Library and Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA) are collaborating to provide more than books to check out at the library. Patrons of Tulare County Branch Libraries can now check out electronic blood pressure kits to assist in keeping their high blood pressure under control. “Our Lifetime of Wellness Program supports the American Heart Association’s Million Hearts initiative to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes by 2017,” said Dr. Karen Haught, Tulare County public health offic...
A poor night's sleep can leave you feeling exhausted and cranky, but long-term sleep disruption can actually lead to serious health conditions. Not only is sleep apnea a leading cause of disrupted sleep and daytime sleepiness, but this disease is also a contributing factor to a host of medical problems. According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), approximately 25 million adults in the United States suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. This breathing...
Did you know that you could be slowly getting sicker with artery blockage, even if you are symptom-free and not diagnosed with heart disease? Your gender, age and whether you have diabetes all affect the prevalence of certain kinds of peripheral vascular disease, which is a condition that affects the blood vessels, according to a new study led by researchers at New York University Langone Medical Center. This study analyzed data from 3.6 million patients who were screened by...
When a loved one is critically ill, hearing that it's time for hospice care can be devastating news. On top of the emotional upheaval of coping with a terminal illness, you may be unsure what hospice care really is - and believe it's just an indication your loved one will likely pass away. Yet the time your loved one spends in hospice care doesn't have to be sad - for anyone. In fact, says Toni Norman, the senior director of hospice operations for Brookdale Senior Living,...
Flu season is here. It's time to take steps to protect yourself against "Influenza 2016." The influenza strains that are expected to be most prevalent this year are the A/California, A/Hong Kong, B/Brisbane and B/Phuket. "These are the strains selected for this season's vaccines," said Tulare County Health Officer Dr. Karen Haught, who offered her advice for staying healthy during the coming flu season. "The best prevention for influenza is the flu vaccine," she said....
Senior Helpers, a provider of personalized in-home senior care, shared 10 telltale signs a loved one may be living with Alzheimer's or dementia. With Baby Boomers now reaching age 65 and an individual diagnosed with the disease every 66 seconds, the number of people diagnosed with the disease is expected to escalate rapidly over the coming years. According to Senior Helpers, recognizing and differentiating normal aging from symptoms associated with the disease will help caregi...
The Tulare County Public Health branch has confirmed that an individual in Tulare County has tested positive for the Zika virus after getting bitten by mosquitoes during recent travels in Central America. This is the first case of Zika virus in Tulare County. "Community members who travel to Mexico, Central and South America, and other countries at high-risk for Zika transmission should understand the risks of travel to those areas and take extra precautions to protect...
Smoke levels from the Cedar fire are high in Tulare County, especially in the area of the city of Porterville. Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant materials. It can irritate your eyes and respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. “Community members who are affected should stay indoors and avoid exerting themselves,” warns Tulare County Public Health Director Jason T. Britt. “Even healthy people may begin experiencing unhealthy symptoms due t...
Seniors with multiple chronic illnesses who had medications delivered to their homes were more likely to adhere to those therapies than individuals who used retail pharmacies, according to a new study in the Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy (JMCP). Researchers examined adherence among more than 40,000 Medicare patients taking prescriptions for two or more chronic conditions: diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. The study used de-identified pharmacy claims data from a large national pharmacy benefits...
Before you take that next breath, do you know what's in the air in your home? Sure there's oxygen and carbon dioxide – that much you know – but it's the things you don't know about that should concern you. A quick test of your indoor air quality can unearth the presence of several, unwanted contaminants in your air, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde, allergens like dust mites, as well as mold and other particulates. This is the material you're unk...
Approximately 25 million Americans have cataracts, which cause cloudy, blurry or dim vision and often develop with advancing age. The American Academy of Ophthalmology observed Cataract Awareness Month this year by sharing information everyone should know about the condition and its treatment. As everyone grows older, the lenses of their eyes thicken and become cloudier. Eventually, they may find it more difficult to read street signs. Colors may seem dull. These symptoms may...
The brain is the body's most complex organ. It's also the most important one. That's why keeping it healthy is critical, especially as you age. Every day, scientists are discovering how closely our minds and bodies are connected. As it turns out, the things that you do to keep your body and heart healthy may also be good for your brain. Incorporate these eight healthy habits and activities into your daily life to help you optimize brain health and stay sharp in the years...
It is no secret that grandparents play an important role in the lives of their grandchildren. From giving encouragement and life advice, to helping out as a caretaker, many turn to their grandparents for support. In fact, 72% of grandparents take care of their grandchildren on a regular basis, and 70% of them see their grandchildren at least once a week, according to the American Grandparents Association. With an abundance of grandparents overseeing their grandchildren on an...
The increasing attention given to the Zika virus has caused concern among many seniors in Tulare and Kings counties, but the disease poses no special threat to seniors, according to Tulare County Health Officer Dr. Karen Haught. "We have not heard that any group is more at risk than another," said Dr. Haught. "Our concern is mainly for pregnant women, for the sake of the fetus, and people with certain kinds of anemia, like sickle cell anemia. There may also be the risk of...
Anthem Inc. encourages older adults to get their annual flu shot this year… even after the problems with last year's flu shot. Last year's flu vaccine wasn't as effective as usual, resulting in the highest hospitalization rate for the flu among seniors ever documented. But that doesn't mean this year's shot should be neglected, according to Dr. Richard Frank, medical director for Medicare products at Anthem Inc. Frank said the flu strain mutated after last year's vaccine was developed. This year's shot has been designed to m...
After nearly two years of planning and development, Family HealthCare Network (FHCN) opened the doors of its newest community health center in the rural community of Traver on December 9. Located on a parcel of Traver Elementary School land at 4177 Avenue 368, FHCN's newest site is a school-based health center that was developed in conjunction with Traver Joint School District. "This project is years in the making and with the support of our partners, patients and the...
Kaweah Delta Health Care District is offering a free workshop to help people learn how to better manage their health. The workshop is designed for those with ongoing health problems such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, asthma and other chronic conditions. Topics include dealing with difficult emotions, managing symptoms, goal setting, problem solving, nutrition, understanding medications, making informed treatment decisions, and increasing strength and stamina through better fitness. The workshop was developed by Dr. K...
One in four Americans age 65 or older has diabetes, putting them at increased risk for vision loss and blindness. Diabetes-related vision loss is largely preventable with regular care, but studies have found a majority of Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes do not get the necessary eye exams. The American Academy of Ophthalmology is recognizing November as Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month and reminding older Americans that if they have diabetes, Medicare will cover these...
"Medicare insurance is the most confusing thing for a senior to figure out," Susan Hatch told members of the Senior Care Organization at their October meeting at Café 225 in Visalia. Hatch, a Medicare insurance agent, advocate and specialist, said that ever since Original Medicare started in 1965, every hospital in the country accepts it, along with 97% of all doctors. "Medicare Advantage is different," she said. "You give up your Original Medicare card and replace it with...
People age 60 and older should be vaccinated against shingles, or herpes zoster, a condition often marked by debilitating chronic pain, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CDC recommends a single dose of the zoster vaccine, Zostavax, for adults 60 years of age and older, even if they have had a prior episode of shingles. The new full recommendation replaces a provisional recommendation that the CDC made in 2006, after the vaccine was licensed by...
A significant obstacle for maintaining self-reliance for older people is low vision. A common condition for this age group, low vision can make everyday activities seem impossible, require the assistance of loved ones and caregivers and increase the risk of falls and mental health issues. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has provided tips to help older persons with low vision – and their loved ones – enhance the use of their remaining sight and maintain sel...
The number of pertussis (whooping cough) cases in Tulare County has already exceeded the number of cases that were reported for all of 2014. The disease is most dangerous to infants, but seniors are at risk of complications. Pertussis is a contagious illness that is spread by coughing. It starts with a runny nose and progresses to a more significant cough with a whoop sound after coughing. Vomiting after coughing can also occur. People with pertussis have coughing spells that can last for months. Although older children and...