How To Overcome 12 Health Challenges in Seniors

Written by Carl Dameron on May 1, 2024. Posted in LaSalle Medical Associates

Health Challenges In Seniors And Practical Strategies to Manage Them

Redlands, Calif.. – Our bodies undergo various changes as we age, making us more susceptible to specific health challenges. Older adults often face multiple issues that can impact their quality of life. However, understanding and overcoming these challenges can significantly improve well-being in the golden years. Let’s explore 12 common health challenges in senior adults and practical strategies to tackle them.

12 common health challenges in senior adults

1. Arthritis: Arthritis is a condition that can make your joints hurt and feel stiff. Exercising regularly, protecting your joints, and taking medications can help you handle arthritis better. Activities that are gentle on your body, like swimming or tai chi, can make you feel better if you have arthritis. Actions like these can help relieve joint pain and discomfort.

2. Osteoporosis: Our bones deteriorate with age, putting older adults at an increased risk of fractures. Seniors need enough calcium and vitamin D in their diet to help keep bones strong and prevent fractures. These nutrients help maintain bone strength. Along with a good diet, exercises that make your bones work harder, like walking or dancing, can also help keep bones strong.

3. Heart Disease: High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common health challenge for seniors. It is a significant cause of illness and death for older adults. Maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, and managing blood pressure are essential. Regular checkups help catch issues early and help keep them in check so they don’t worsen.

4. Diabetes: Managing diabetes is a common challenge for many seniors. To effectively handle this condition, it’s essential to focus on a few key aspects: eating right, staying active, keeping an eye on blood sugar levels, and following the medications prescribed by the doctor. These elements work together to help seniors manage their diabetes and lead a healthier life. It’s essential to stay committed to these practices as they are crucial in keeping diabetes in check and promoting overall well-being.

5. Cancer: Cancer risk significantly increases with age, making regular checkups for seniors vital. Routine screenings can detect cancer at early, more treatable stages. Early detection helps with successful treatment, ensuring a longer, healthier life. Don’t underestimate the importance of proactive healthcare for seniors.

6. Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: As people age, cognitive decline is a natural expectation, but seniors can take proactive steps to keep their minds sharp and vibrant. Engaging in mental exercises and acquiring new skills can be remarkably beneficial. A well-balanced diet rich in antioxidants from fruits and vegetables contributes to brain health.

Staying socially active through interactions with loved ones and community involvement are crucial. Furthermore, challenging oneself with new hobbies and activities reduces the risk of cognitive decline and promotes overall senior well-being, offering a fulfilling and enriched quality of life.

7. Depression and Anxiety: Seniors often encounter mental health issues because of changes in their lives or health conditions. It’s essential to seek help from friends, family, or professionals. Enjoying hobbies and staying connected with others can be helpful. Being around people and doing things you love can brighten your mood and make you feel better. Don’t hesitate to talk to someone you trust or seek advice if you’re feeling down.

8. Vision Problems: As we age, certain eye conditions like age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma become more common. Seeing an eye doctor regularly is critical to spot any problems early on. Furthermore, shielding our eyes from dangerous UV rays by wearing sunglasses or hats when out in the sun can help us maintain excellent eye health. These simple steps can help keep our eyes in good condition as we age.

9. Hearing Loss: Prioritizing good hearing health is essential for seniors. Regular checkups for your ears are a proactive step in catching issues early. Avoiding loud noises is equally crucial, as they can harm your hearing gradually. If needed, hearing aids can significantly enhance your daily life by improving your ability to hear. Caring for your ears ensures a vibrant connection with the world throughout your golden years, making every moment engaging and fulfilling.

10. Respiratory Issues: Conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can make breathing hard. It’s essential to quit smoking, exercise regularly, and take medications as prescribed by your doctor to control breathing issues better. By quitting smoking, staying active, and following your prescribed medications, you can effectively manage respiratory problems associated with COPD. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice to ensure you take the proper steps to manage your condition effectively.

11. Obesity: Seniors often encounter weight issues because their bodies have a slower metabolism. This means they might gain weight more quickly. They must eat a balanced diet and keep moving regularly to manage this. Seeking help and guidance from a healthcare professional can help. These experts can offer personalized advice for each person’s unique needs and health situation. Remember that even modest changes to your lifestyle may have a significant impact on how you feel!

12. Chronic Pain: Seniors often face persistent pain for many reasons. Seeking advice from a doctor, getting physical therapy, or trying alternative treatments like acupuncture or massage therapy can help reduce this discomfort. Finding the proper treatment that works best for you is essential, so don’t hesitate to explore different options until you find relief. Consulting with healthcare professionals is critical to managing and finding solutions for ongoing pain.

Albert Arteaga, M.D., President of LaSalle Medical Associates

LaSalle Medical Associates is Improving Health Outcomes In Seniors

Join LaSalle Medical Associates in empowering seniors toward better health! It starts with a holistic approach: staying active, eating well, and prioritizing regular checkups. Let’s rally around seniors—encouraging them to engage socially, join clubs, and connect with healthcare professionals to combat loneliness and stay mentally sharp.

At LaSalle, we emphasize the importance of routine health checkups. Help seniors stay ahead by advocating for regular visits, ensuring early detection and timely care.

Small changes yield significant results! Promote a healthy lifestyle—guide seniors to add more fruits and vegetables, take short walks, and practice relaxation techniques. Let’s make these changes together for a vibrant life.

Encourage seniors to embrace these changes for an enhanced quality of life. Stay informed, seek support, and adopt a holistic approach to health. Together, we can ensure seniors lead fulfilling and vibrant lives in their later years. Join us on this journey to better health!

About LaSalle Medical Associates

LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest independent and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.

LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high-quality patient care to more than 350,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino and Tulare counties.

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New Ways to Prevent RSV Infections

Written by Carl Dameron on November 12, 2023. Posted in LaSalle Medical Associates

RSV’s symptoms include runny nose, loss of appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing. In most cases, these symptoms show up in stages, rather than all at once. In very young infants, “the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties,” per the CDC. Shiane and Shaila Dameron parents use preventive medicine. The children have all of their vaccines and receive checkups with their doctors every six months.

“RSV is a cold-like virus that is usually mild but can put some people in the hospital,” says Dr. Cheryl Emoto, Medical Director of LaSalle Medical Associates. “For the first time this fall, young infants and seniors (those with the highest risk for severe disease) now have a way to prevent it.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. – A new monoclonal antibody and new anti-viral vaccines are coming for the first time to provide protection against RSV, Respiratory Syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) Virus. LaSalle Medical Associates clinics will be providing these breakthroughs to patients this fall.

“RSV is a cold-like virus that is usually mild but can put some people in the hospital,” says Dr. Cheryl Emoto, Medical Director of LaSalle Medical Associates. “For the first time this fall, young infants and seniors (those with the highest risk for severe disease) now have a way to prevent it.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that “Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization. Vaccines are available to protect older adults from severe RSV. Monoclonal antibodies are available to protect infants.”

The CDC goes on to note that RSV is “one of the most common causes of childhood illness and is the most common cause of hospitalization among infants [emphasis ours].” It usually starts in the fall and peaks in the winter, but this can vary.

Monoclonal antibodies and vaccines may now prevent RSV. A monoclonal antibody is a clone of a unique white blood cell (white blood cells are the body’s own infection fighters) given to augment and reinforce the body’s natural defenses. It’s the option available for infants who are entering their first RSV season. They are not used when someone already has RSV.

Up until now, almost all children have contracted RSV by the time they reach 24 months, so the new prevention regimen has the potential to prevent illness and potential complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia, making life easier for both infants and their parents or caretakers.

For older adults, the CDC estimates that between 60 to 100 thousand are hospitalized every year. resulting in 6,000 to 10,000 deaths. The most at-risk cohorts are older adults, adults with chronic heart or lung disease, those with weakened immune systems or certain underlying medical conditions and residents in nursing homes or long-term care facilities.

Complications may include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, a chronic disease of the lungs that makes it hard to breathe), and congestive heart failure—when the heart can’t pump enough blood and oxygen through the body.

Additionally, this year, there is now a regimen for pregnant women that keeps the developing fetus safe from infection. Now is the time to contact your healthcare provider to schedule an appointment for preventive care, especially if you are pregnant, have an infant under 8 months of age or are 60 years of age or older.

LaSalle Medical Associates serves more than 350,000 patients in their clinics and statewide Independent Physicians Association Group (IPA) who are covered by Medi-Cal, Medicare, and Covered California, as well as those covered by Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Brand New Day, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP).

LaSalle staff also help people who come into a clinic without any insurance to become enrolled for a variety of state and federal health coverage.

For more information call (909) 890-0407 or go online to LaSalleMedical.com.

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New Ways to Prevent RSV Infections 

“RSV is a cold-like virus that is usually mild but can put some people in the hospital,” says Dr. Cheryl Emoto, Medical Director of LaSalle Medical Associates. “For the first time this fall, young infants and seniors (those with the highest risk for severe disease) now have a way to prevent it.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. – A new monoclonal antibody and new anti-viral vaccines are coming for the first time to provide protection against RSV, Respiratory Syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) Virus. LaSalle Medical Associates clinics will be providing these breakthroughs to patients this fall.

“RSV is a cold-like virus that is usually mild but can put some people in the hospital,” says Dr. Cheryl Emoto, Medical Director of LaSalle Medical Associates. “For the first time this fall, young infants and seniors (those with the highest risk for severe disease) now have a way to prevent it.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that “Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization. Vaccines are available to protect older adults from severe RSV. Monoclonal antibodies are available to protect infants.”

Monoclonal antibodies and vaccines can now help prevent RSV. A monoclonal antibody is a clone of a unique white blood cell (white blood cells are the body’s own infection fighters) given to augment and reinforce the body’s natural defenses. It’s the option available for infants entering their first RSV season. They are not used when someone already has RSV.

RSV can lead to severe complications, such as asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, a chronic disease of the lungs that makes it hard to breathe), congestive heart failure (when the heart can’t pump enough blood and oxygen through the body) and pneumonia.

For more information call (909) 890-0407 or go online to LaSalleMedical.com.

About LaSalle Medical Associates

LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest independent and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.

LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high-quality patient care to over 350,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino and Tulare counties.

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