You At Your Best

August 2020 • Men's Health

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If you are 62 or older, knowing whether to 'stay put' in your current home or move to one more manageable is something you may be thinking about. It's important to know you have options – lots of them! The challenge: Knowing which options are right for you! Aging in place after retirement is a topic that Certified Senior Housing Professional, Alison Van Hecke, is very familiar with. "There are many things to consider as you age about staying independent," Alison points out. "Among just a few considerations, are health, mobility, ability to continue driving, and local support system." That's why Alison is presenting "Let's Talk: Staying Independent as you Age" on August 13, 2020 as part of her monthly Senior Smart Talk Seminar Series. Alison is a leading authority on issues related to downsizing, late-life moves and (55+) senior living solutions, having helped many families and individuals in Northwest Arkansas with these transitions. Take the time to learn what it takes to age in place long after retirement! • Making your home more accessible • Easy home renovations • Finding reliable in-home care providers • Transportation options • Services available specific to seniors • Questions to ask when hiring service providers During this 90-minute panel discussion, you will learn the keys to safely 'staying put' from some of the most knowledgeable and experienced professionals in the senior service industry. The webinar runs from 10-11:30 a.m. Due to the current health restrictions of large group gatherings, it will meet online through Zoom. There is no cost to attend for those age 55 or older. Pre-registration is required at www.senior-smart-talk.com or by calling 479-717-7710. Follow us on Facebook for regular updates and seminar information. Upcoming Senior Smart Talk seminars include Let's Talk: Hospice, Palliative Care and the Logistics of Dying on September 10 from 10:00- 11:30 a.m. sPONsOR CONteNt let's talk: Staying Independent as you Age Senior Smart Talk presents: BY KAReN RICe YOu At YOuR Best For many Arkansans, lack of sleep is affecting productivity, mood and even the rate of daytime car accidents. And sleep apnea may be to blame. It's a serious sleep disorder that affects 18 million Americans. And, while sleep apnea can affect both men and women, the Mayo Clinic says men are two to three times more likely to have it than women. It is believed that differences in the architecture the upper airway, breathing control, fat distribution, and hormones all play a role. A good night's sleep can recharge and rejuvenate the body, while interruptions to sleep can have the exact opposite effect. Anyone who has woken up feeling tired after a full night's sleep may be experiencing sleep apnea. And daytime sleepiness is just the beginning: for people with sleep apnea, the combination of disturbed sleep and oxygen starvation may lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and mood and memory problems. Sleep apnea also increases the risk of drowsy driving. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when throat muscles relax and cut off air flow, stopping and starting breathing through the night. It can sometimes, but not always, be accompanied by heavy snoring. Jonathan Jun, M.D., a pulmonary and sleep medicine specialist at the Johns Hopkins Center for Sleep, says during sleep apnea episodes, breathing may pause for 10 seconds or more at a time until reflexes kick in and a person starts breathing again. Breathing interruptions continually wake a person and prevent him or her from getting into a deep, nourishing sleep. Some sufferers experience headaches from low oxygen or high carbon dioxide levels during sleep. If sleep apnea is suspected, people are urged to first consult with their primary care doctors. In turn, these medical professionals can refer patients to sleep specialists. A test called nocturnal polysomnography monitors various markers while one sleeps to determine if sleep apnea is occurring. Age, being overweight, thin neck circumference, smoking, and family history of sleep apnea are risk factors for many individuals. "Weight control is very important," says Dr. Jun. "There are many studies showing that losing weight can either completely cure you of sleep apnea or at least make it less severe." In addition, doctors may prescribe a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. With a CPAP device, the air pressure is somewhat greater than that of the surrounding air so it keeps the upper airway passages open, preventing sleep apnea and snoring. Addressing sleep apnea can greatly improve health and quality of life. If you think you might have sleep apnea, make an appointment with your primary care doctor today. Sleep apnea: More than just snoring 8 | YOu At YOuR Best | WWW.NWADg.COM/YOuAtYOuRBest August - MeN's HeAltH | suNDAY, JulY 26, 2020 Ad Number: 072620e9971 L O C A T I O N & T I M E : Call 479-717-7710 to register for webinar. Or register online at www.senior-smart-talk.com Thursday, August 13, 2020 10 AM-11:30 AM JOIN US FOR A SERIES OF CANDID CONVERSATIONS WITH LOCAL EXPERTS FOCUSED ON THE UNIQUE AND COMPLEX ISSUES FACING NWA'S SENIORS. FREE Webinar! August 13 th WEBinAr: How to stay put– staying independent as you age You have decided to stay in your home but you need some assistance. Now what? Come to this free seminar and learn about the TRUTH between home care and home health care. Learn about what aging in place looks like and whether you are prepared to do this. Our panel of experts will share with you some of the most effective strategies and resources available for living safely and independently in your own home as you age. Learn about precautions you can take to insure that YOU remain in control of your lifestyle. FutuRE FREE EvEnts: September 10th: Hospice, Palliative Care, and the Logistics of Dying October 8th: Medicaid and Medicare

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