Health & Wellness 3 - Quick Links

• Prepare Now for a Warm and Cozy Winter!

• Successful Aging as a Complex System

• What Doctors wish their patients knew

• Know Your Options Before You Need Them! 

• Debunking the Myths of Falling!
  

MORE HEALTH & WELLNESS ARTICLES

Prepare Now for a Warm and Cozy Winter!

Energy costs and unanticipated home damages can take a sizable bite out of family budgets as the seasons change. With cooler weather on the horizon, and as energy costs continue to climb, now is the time to take money saving steps that can take the chill out of winter in any climate – and potentially add value to your home.

Conduct a home energy audit.

A home energy audit is an important step in making sure your home is efficient. An audit will assess how much energy your home uses and allow you to evaluate ways to improve its efficiency.  You can conduct a do-it-yourself audit using advice offered by the Department of Energy at www.energysavers.gov, or you can hire a professional home energy auditor. While a professional will charge a nominal fee, this option may pay off in the long-term as they can provide a more precise audit and make recommendations on the most cost effective improvements.   

Eliminate the leaks.

Your energy audit will identify weak spots in your home for air leaks. Windows and doors are notorious spots for warm air to escape. Adequate weather-stripping is a must for all windows and doors.  In addition, you’ll want to head outside and caulk around any and all openings such as windows, doors, water faucets and vent pipes. Also consider insulating your attic and sealing up your basement crawlspace.

Keep your heating system in good shape.

Periodically check the furnace filters and replace them as needed. Your heating system will work more efficiently, use less energy and last longer if you change filters regularly. In addition, you may want to consider hiring a professional to check and clean the system once a year. You may want to upgrade your thermostat to one with settings that allow you to set your home to be cooler at night or during the day while you’re away to cut your energy bill.

Consider Energy Star requirements for home updates.

If you are looking to cut energy costs by replacing your heating or cooling systems this fall, familiarize yourself with the Energy Star ratings provided by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. Their ratings make it easy for consumers to identify and purchase energy-efficient products that offer savings on energy bills without sacrificing performance, features and comfort.  What’s more, certain Energy Star products may be eligible for a Federal tax credit that expires at year-end 2011. Consult your tax advisor for more information about how your home improvements may affect your taxes. 

 Added benefits to being proactive.

Utility companies may provide incentives to help offset the costs of an energy audit and any subsequent improvements you pursue as a result. There are also a number of government incentive programs that can help compensate a percentage of the cost for major updates, such as new heating or cooling equipment, insulation and new windows and doors.

Don’t hesitate to improve energy efficiency, prevent expensive damages and possibly add value to your home by spending a little extra time and cash now while the weather still allows.

Paul A. Pouliot CFP®, CHFC®, CASL®

Financial Advisor, An Ameriprise Platinum Financial Services^SM practice, Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

116 South River Road | Bedford, NH  03110

Office: 603.296.0030 | Fax: 603.296.0028

paul.a.pouliot@ampf.com

http://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/paul.a.pouliot

Disclaimer: This communication is published in the United States for residents of AZ, CT, FL, GA, ID, KY, MA, ME, NH, RI, TN, VT and WA only and this advisor is licensed only in the states of AZ,  CT, FL, GA, ID, KY, MA, ME, NH, RI, TN, VT and WA

Successful Aging as a Complex System

  Copyright© 2011 Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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Know Your Options Before You Need Them!

By: JoAnn Thibault

Why do [we] as a society, plan ahead and research; vacation plans, health insurance policies, and big furniture purchases, but refuse to research elder care options?

Because we don’t see ourselves as ever needing these services, that’s why.   Can we change this mindset?  It is imperative that we do!   

Understandably, we view ourselves as younger than we are, and the last thing we want to think about is needing some assistive services as we age. Independence is imbedded in most of us and we don’t want to lose control over that.

The reality is, we will lose our independence and control if we do NOT research and understand the options available to us as we age. If we decide to ignore, and wait until a crisis situation, our decision making is limited to those immediately around us, sometimes without the luxury of second opinions, and time for choice. 

Ultimately, this could lead to wrong choices, inaccurate information, and possibly the person(s) involved may be taken advantage of because of their immediate need.

There are so many options available for independent living as we age.  We need to know and learn about them before we need them, so we can make smart choices when the time comes.

Aside from State and Federal services available; Choices range from:

• Rehabilitation services after an illness or accident; learn about your local Rehab centers, drop by for an unannounced tour.

• Home care services; beyond Medicare/Medicaid services are private pay services; learn what is available from minimal services up to and including 24/7 care if needed. Also learn about Hospice in your area.

• Alternative Housing choices; research the Independent and Assisted Living communities as well as Rest Homes, and Continuing Care Retirement Communities. Again, stop in for some tours.

• Concierge/Specialty services; including downsizing, organizing, moving specialists, and more; know what is available in and around your community.

• Financial Services; financial planning, long-term care insurance and planning, life settlements, estate planning and reverse mortgages.

• Home Modifications; available to assist is safe-at-home aging in place.

• Home Tech Companies; know what is the latest in technology.

• Geriatric Case Mangers; specializing in helping you in all aspects of independent aging solutions, and to help coordinate all of the above.

Please start your research before you need these services. In times of crisis, being well prepared, no matter what the crisis may be, will benefit you and your family!

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Debunking the Myths of Older Adults Falling

Many people think falls are a normal part of aging. The truth is, they're not.

Most falls can be prevented—and you have the power to reduce your risk.

Exercising, managing your medications, having your vision checked, and making your living environment safer are all steps you can take to prevent a fall.

Every year on the first day of fall, we celebrate National Falls Prevention Awareness Day to bring attention to this growing public health issue. To promote greater awareness and understanding here are 10 common myths—and the reality—about older adult falls:

Myth 1: Falling happens to other people, not to me.

Reality: Many people think, "It won't happen to me." But the truth is that 1 in 3 older adults—about 12 million—fall every year in the U.S.

Myth 2: Falling is something normal that happens as you get older.

Reality: Falling is not a normal part of aging. Strength and balance exercises, managing your medications, having your vision checked and making your living environment safer are all steps you can take to prevent a fall.

Myth 3: If I limit my activity, I won't fall.

Reality: Some people believe that the best way to prevent falls is to stay at home and limit activity. Not true. Performing physical activities will actually help you stay independent, as your strength and range of motion benefit from remaining active. Social activities are also good for your overall health.

Myth 4: As long as I stay at home, I can avoid falling.

Reality: Over half of all falls take place at home. Inspect your home for fall risks. Fix simple but serious hazards such as clutter, throw rugs, and poor lighting. Make simple home modifications, such as adding grab bars in the bathroom, a second handrail on stairs, and non-slip paint on outdoor steps.

Myth 5: Muscle strength and flexibility can't be regained.

Reality: While we do lose muscle as we age, exercise can partially restore strength and flexibility. It’s never too late to start an exercise program. Even if you've been a "couch potato" your whole life, becoming active now will benefit you in many ways—including protection from falls.

Myth 6: Taking medication doesn't increase my risk of falling.

Reality: Taking any medication may increase your risk of falling. Medications affect people in many different ways and can sometimes make you dizzy or sleepy. Be careful when starting a new medication. Talk to your health care provider about potential side effects or interactions of your medications.

Myth 7: I don't need to get my vision checked every year.

Reality: Vision is another key risk factor for falls. Aging is associated with some forms of vision loss that increase risk of falling and injury. People with vision problems are more than twice as likely to fall as those without visual impairment. Have your eyes checked at least once a year and update your eyeglasses. For those with low vision there are programs and assistive devices that can help. Ask your optometrist for a referral.

Myth 8: Using a walker or cane will make me more dependent.

Reality: Walking aids are very important in helping many older adults maintain or improve their mobility. However, make sure you use these devices safely. Have a physical therapist fit the walker or cane to you and instruct you in its safe use.

Myth 9: I don’t need to talk to family members or my health care provider if I’m concerned about my risk of falling. I don’t want to alarm them, and I want to keep my independence.

Reality: Fall prevention is a team effort. Bring it up with your doctor, family, and anyone else who is in a position to help. They want to help you maintain your mobility and reduce your risk of falling.

Myth 10: I don't need to talk to my parent, spouse, or other older adult if I’m concerned about their risk of falling. It will hurt their feelings, and it's none of my business.

Reality: Let them know about your concerns and offer support to help them maintain the highest degree of independence possible. There are many things you can do, including removing hazards in the home, finding a fall prevention program in the community, or setting up a vision exam.

SOURCE: National Council on Aging

What Doctors Wish Their Patients Knew

Surprising results from a survey of 660 primary-care physicians

Last reviewed: February 2011

As the health-reform law takes effect over the next several years, some 32 million newly insured Americans will gain access to a regular doctor. They will soon learn what others already know: Getting the best care from your doctor requires navigating a complex relationship within the 20 or so minutes allotted for the typical office visit. Despite those constraints, three-quarters of the 49,007 Consumer Reports subscribers we surveyed said they were highly satisfied with their doctors. But they still had complaints ranging from the irritating, such as having to sit too long in the waiting room to the substantive, such as ineffective treatments

We also surveyed 660 primary-care physicians who had a lot to say about their professional challenges—and about what patients could do to get the most out of their relationship with their own doctors. Some highlights of the surveys:

• Doctors and patients alike put a high value on courtesy and professionalism.
• Patients aren't taking full advantage of strategies that doctors think are helpful, such as taking notes during their visits.
• Not knowing much up front about a doctor's personality or treatment style was a real obstacle for patients in search of a good match.

Together those survey results help create a road map toward a more productive relationship with someone who, after all, should be your most important health-care professional.

"A primary-care doctor should be your partner in overall health, not just someone you go to for minor problems or a referral to specialty care," said Kevin Grumbach, M.D., professor and chair of the department of family and community medicine at the University of California at San Francisco.

The Consumer Reports National Research Center conducted the subscriber survey in 2009 (our readers may not be representative of the U.S. population as a whole). The online poll of a national sample of primary-care physicians was conducted in September 2010.

Physicians take the long view

Doctors said that forming a long-term relationship with a primary-care physician is the most important thing a patient can do to obtain better medical care, with 76 percent saying it would help "very much."

"That continuity is really undervalued," said Jessie Gruman, Ph.D., president of the Center for Advancing Health, a patient-advocacy group in Washington, D.C.

Gruman said that because of a health history that included three separate bouts of cancer, her longtime primary-care doctor urged her to tell him promptly about any new symptom, no matter how minor, that lasted more than two days.

"I hate the idea that my health is fragile," she said. "He was able to capture my imagination and get me to act in a way that was consistent with my interests." When new symptoms appeared, Gruman told her doctor. Four days later, she was diagnosed with stomach cancer.

Research seems to back up Gruman's experience. It suggests that patients who frequently switch doctors have more health problems and spend more on care than patients who have a consistent relationship with a single physician.

Respect is a two-way street

Being respectful and courteous toward your physician was the No. 2 thing doctors said patients could do to get better care; 61 percent said it would help "very much." But 70 percent said that since they had started practicing medicine, respect and appreciation from patients had gotten "a little" or "much" worse.

Respect is a two-way street. Patients who gave their doctors high marks for "professionalism" were more likely to be highly satisfied. We measured professionalism by looking at whether patients thought they had been treated respectfully and whether their doctor seemed technically competent, took their medical history into account, listened with patience and understanding, and spent enough time with them. The more of those standards their doctors met, the higher the patients' overall satisfaction.

But being courteous doesn't mean you have to be passive (though you can if you wish; 37 percent of patients we surveyed preferred to trust their doctor's judgment on treatment decisions). Most doctors said that it was "somewhat" or "very" helpful for patients to ask them questions and occasionally question their recommendations; a mere 4 percent thought those strategies were downright unhelpful.

Please take your medicine

Noncompliance with advice or treatment recommendations was the top complaint doctors had about their patients. Most of the doctors we surveyed said it affected their ability to provide optimal care: 37 percent said it did so "a lot."

But compliance these days can be a lot more complicated than just remembering to take a pill, patient advocate Gruman said. Hospitals are sending patients home with long lists of self-care chores. Drug and lifestyle regimens allow those with chronic conditions to live longer, healthier lives but can be difficult to manage or, in some cases, for patients to afford.

Compliance doesn't necessarily mean following your doctor's instructions slavishly, said Ronald Epstein, M.D., director of the Center for Communication and Disparities Research at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York. Some patients don't follow treatment programs because they're disorganized, he said, but others might fail to comply because they've experienced serious side effects, don't fully understand what they're supposed to do, or found the treatment wasn't working. "Doctors need to make it safe for patients to bring those things up," he said.

Feel free to discuss, even debate, your doctor's treatment plan while you're still in the office. Then do your best to comply. If you're having side effects, are unsure whether you're following instructions properly, or experience new or recurrent symptoms, tell your doctor immediately.

Pain is tough to treat

Doctors were harder on themselves than patients were when it came to judging their ability to minimize the pain, discomfort, or disability caused by a condition. Only 37 percent of physicians thought they were "very" effective, though 60 percent more thought they were "somewhat" effective. But 79 percent of patients said their doctor helped to minimize their pain or discomfort.

Perhaps that's because patients were thinking only of their own conditions, whereas doctors were thinking of their overall effectiveness with all of their patients, including those with chronic conditions that are difficult to diagnose and treat, such as fibromyalgia, immune disorders, headaches, neck and back pain, and depression and anxiety. Our survey found that patients with those conditions were significantly more likely to complain about ineffective treatments. Just 53 percent said their doctor helped to minimize their pain or discomfort, and only 31 percent were highly satisfied with their doctor overall.

"For patients with chronic conditions, medical science can't necessarily take away all of their suffering," Epstein said. "If you have a chronic condition, the important thing is to find a doctor who listens and involves you in decision making," and maybe even helps you sort through alternative treatments.

Our survey confirms that advice. Patients who gave their doctors high marks for prescribing effective treatments also rated their doctors more favorably for improving their understanding of the condition; their ability to recognize symptoms requiring immediate attention; and minimizing pain, discomfort, and disability caused by a condition. Patients were much more satisfied if they trusted and had good personal rapport with their doctor.

It helps to keep track yourself

Slowly but surely, primary-care doctors are switching over to electronic medical records. Thirty-seven percent told us they keep their records electronically only, compared with just 24 percent who did so in 2007, during our last survey.

But they want you to know that it still pays to keep track of your medical history yourself. Eighty-nine percent said that keeping an informal log of treatments, drugs, changes in condition, notes from previous doctor visits, and tests and procedures could be helpful. But only 33 percent of patients routinely did so. Likewise, 80 percent of doctors thought taking a friend or relative to your office visit could be beneficial, but only 28 percent of patients reported doing so.

"When we're sick our judgment is not as good as it usually is," Gruman said. "We don't remember as well as we usually do." Taking notes, making sure you understand the doctor's instructions, and taking somebody with you to pay attention can compensate, she said.

Research online, but carefully

The patients we surveyed were enthusiastic online researchers; 61 percent reported that they had read about their condition on the Internet. Doctors are not convinced that online research is helpful, to put it mildly. Almost half of physicians we surveyed said online research helps very little or not at all, and just 8 percent thought it was very helpful.

Epstein said those findings don't mean you should close your browser, just that you should be a smart online researcher. "People have motivations for posting things on the Web, and some of those motivations may not be helpful," he said. For instance, be wary of links that advertisers paid for or product sites designed to guide you to a specific treatment.

Instead of starting by entering the name of your condition in a search-engine box, try going directly to a few reliable sites. ConsumerReportsHealth.org, reviews impartial evidence and takes no advertising (but some of its content is available only to paying subscribers). Government sites are also a good place to start. Try these:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for information on infectious disease, travel health, and preventive care.
• Food and Drug Administration for drug information.
• MedlinePlus for information about conditions and diseases.
• National Cancer Institute for cancer information.

We also recommend high-quality academic treatment-center sites, such as those of the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic.

If you find information online that you want to discuss with your doctor, print out only the relevant parts.

Doctors are pressed for time

Physicians said the sheer volume of insurance paperwork was No. 1 on the list of things that interfere with their ability to provide optimal care. Next was financial pressures that may force the majority of primary-care providers in our survey to work more than 50 hours a week seeing more than 100 patients.

But that doesn't mean you should settle for hasty care. Patients who perceived that their doctors cut corners were likely to be less satisfied. They were more likely to report that their doctor was too quick to dismiss complaints or symptoms and were more uncertain about what to do after an office visit.

To get the most out of your time, plan ahead. Jot down a list of questions or concerns you'd like to address during your appointment, and prioritize them so you get to the most important ones first. If you don't have time to discuss everything, ask whether you can follow up by e-mail (that is, if you can; only 9 percent of patients said they e-mailed their doctor directly in the previous year).

The doctors we surveyed are clearly chafing against health-plan rules and restrictions. Most said such red tape interfered with the care they provided, and 42 percent said it did so "a lot."

You can't do much as an individual about burdensome health-plan rules, but you can avoid unwelcome surprises by reading through and understanding your health coverage. (Ask your human-resources department for help if you need it.) For instance, inquire about your plan's formulary, a preferred list of drugs for which it charges a lower co-pay. Understand what services your deductible applies to, and find out what rules, if any, apply if you need to see a specialist.

They talk to drug salespeople

The medical profession has not always been the most transparent. The American Medical Association, for example, has fought to keep the Medicare payment records of individual doctors confidential. Here are a couple of things that primary-care doctors might not want to tell you:

• They talk to drug companies more than you might realize. The majority of doctors we surveyed said that pharmaceutical company representatives contacted them more than 10 times a month. Thirty-six percent were contacted more than 20 times a month. On average doctors said they spend a few hours a week dealing with pharmaceutical salespeople.

Our patient survey suggests that's a possible point of friction. Patients were less satisfied when they thought their doctors relied too much on prescription drugs and were unwilling to consider nontraditional or nondrug treatments. More than one-quarter of patients indicated some level of discomfort with their doctors' inclination to prescribe drugs. If you are concerned about your doctor's relationship with pharmaceutical companies, don't hesitate to bring up the subject at your next visit.

• Doctors are dubious about patients' need to know about malpractice claims or professional disciplinary actions. Forty-seven percent said information about whether the physician has been involved in a malpractice lawsuit was "of little value." Only 17 percent said that information about disciplinary actions by medical licensing boards was "very valuable."

It's true that a malpractice suit can befall any doctor and that disciplinary actions from medical boards don't necessarily represent the doctor's overall skill. Still, disciplinary actions levied by medical boards can be for serious offenses, such as substance abuse or criminal behavior, that could affect your care. You might be able to look up your doctor's record online, though the information that's available differs by state. Find your state's medical board at the Federation of State Medical Boards website or try your state health department.

SOURCE: CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG/HEALTH

http://www.consumerreports.org/health/doctors-hospitals/doctors/physician-survey/index.htm

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