Information from Aging Services newsletter

From Salt Lake County Aging Services newsletter - ..options and opportunities June 2010
Health Care Reform Fraud Alert

No sooner had President Obama signed into law the health care reform bill than media reports began coming in that peopled were going door-to-door selling phony insurance policies. Acting Utah Insurance Commissioner, Neal T. Gooch, reported that: “So far the Utah Insurance Department has received no reports of such policies being sold here.” But he encouraged: “We hope that anyone being approached to buy such a policy will call us immediately and we will get our Fraud Division working on it.” Consumers can call either (801) 538-3077 or toll free (800) 439-3805.

Recently, Health and Human Services Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius, alerted state authorities of the increasing number of scams nationwide. She stated that “While there are new insurance options in the near future…consumers should beware of policies that are time limited, offer limited health benefits, or advertise themselves as being necessitated by health insurance reform.”

As a precaution, consumers should verify that the one selling them an insurance product is licensed. They can do this by going to www.insurance .utah.gov and clicking on “SearchCompany/Agent,” or by calling (801) 538-3855. You should also ask the agent for a business card verifying the person’s name and who he/she works for.

“If we as consumers can educate ourselves about helth reform,” said Commissioner Gooch, “we will be better able to make decisions that can benefit ourselves and our families.” Health and Human Services has a website at www.healthreform.gov that will have the latest updates on federal health reform. In addition, the Utah Insurance Department’s website is accumulating information about both state and federal health reform at www. Insurance.utah.gov/health/healthreform.html.

If you have questions or information to pass along regarding this issue call (801) 538-3077 or toll free (800) 438-3805.

Good Nutrition: What seniors should know

The basic guidelines for a healthy diet are pretty much the same for people of every age. But older adults have special needs and concerns. Nutrition affects the all-around health of older adults, and is a factor in disorders and diseases that are common as we get older. For Example
Sodium consumption contributes to high-blood pressure
A Lack of calcium speeds up the advance of osteoporosis
Some cancers are related to a high-fat diet
Mental confusion can be tied to poor nutrition
Vitamin deficiencies weaken the immune system

And just as poor diet can lead to health problems, health problems can lead to loss of appetite or difficulty eating. So it’s important to pay attention to the quality of foods we eat.

As we grow older, changes occur in the way our bodies use food and the other substances we consume. Activity level often decreases, which means we need fewer calories to stay at a healthy weight. But the need for nutrients remains the same – so we need to “eat smart” and avoid junk foods that have many calories but few nutrients.

On the other hand, older adults who are underweight also face the challenge of taking in enough nutrients. And unexplained weight loss is a red flag for possible health problems.

Obstacles to Good Nutrition
• Loss of appetite may result from chronic illness; from the body’s decreased ability to tell us we are hungry; or from a lessened sense of taste
• If physical limitations such as stroe, arthritis or Parkinson’s disease mae eating difficult or discouraging, an occupational therapist can help the person learn to eath independently. And look for helpful adaptive devices, such as large-handled spoons and non-skid plates.
• Chewing and swallowing can also be a problem. This might be cause by missing teeth, poorly fitted dentures, stroke or other conditions that affect swallowing. Good dental care is vital. And therapy is available to help with swallowing difficulities. Meals can be prepared in a special way, with food processed to make eating easier.
• Depression and loneliness may cause loss of appetitie. Eating is often a social activity, and persons who live alone are less likely to prepare nutritious meals.
• Seniors on a limited income may skimp on nutritious food. But help is available through a variety of senior nutritional programs, such as “Meals on Wheels.” Simple, imexpensive recipes for nourishing meals are also available from the FDA and many other agencies.
• Some medications change the way our bodies process food. Some even block the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals. Other drugs decrease the appetite.
• Some digestive disorders make it harder for the body to use nutrients.

It’s never too late!
Even if you’ve never given much thought to nutrition – or, if like many of us, you’ve thought “someday I’ll watch my diet: - now is the time to start eating healthier. For example
Make sure your diet is well-balanced. A nutritious diet provides sufficient vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates and fat – but not too much fat! Include a good balance of foods from all the foods from all the food groups. The best way to get the nutrients you need is to eat a variety of foods every day.
Maintain a healthy weight. Being over weight can cause health problems, or mae them worse..
• High blood-pressure, diabetes, heart disease and certain forms of cancer are linked to obesity.
• Excess weight puts strain on the bones and joints, aggravating arthritis and osteoporosis
• As people gain too much weight, they tend to become sedentary and get even less exercise.
Being too underweight also threatens health. Your healthcare provider can prescribe a diet to promote weight gain, possibly with nutritional supplements.
Limit fat and cholesterol. Or bodies need a certain amount of fat – and even cholesterol – to stay healthy. But the average American diet provides too much. Watch your consumption of meat, dairy products, fast foods, desserts and other high-fat and high-cholesterol choices. High-fat/high cholesterol diets are linked with a greated chance of heart disease, stroke, colon cancer and other disorders.
Watch your sodium. We need some sodium in our diets, but the salt that naturally occurs in food is enough. Most Americans consume too much salt, leading to an increase in high-blood pressure, kidney disease, or various heart conditions.
The importance of calcium. Getting enough calcium can be a challenge, but it’s necessary for good nerve function and for preventing osteoporosis. Dairy products are a good source of calcium, but unfortunately older adults less easily digest milk and milk products. Add other foods, such as broccoli and kale, which also contain calcium. Your healthcare provider may also suggest a calcium supplement.
Don’t forget fiber. Dietary fiber helps prevent chronic intestinal diseases and constipation. It also makes you feel fuller faster, so you tent to take in fewer calories. Fiber is found in many plant products – so choose whole grain breads and cereals and plenty of vegetables and fruits.
Vitamin and mineral supplements. These may be recommended, but don’t overdo it! You can actually tae a harmful overdose of some vitamins, and older adults process toxic substances less efficiently. Your healthcare provider can recommend appropriate supplements.
Special diets. Some diseases or conditions require a special diet, such as low-sodium, diabetic, high-fiber or food that is specially prepared for chewing or swallowing difficulities. It is important to follow the diet prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Who Can Help?
Your healthcare provider can give you the information you need to eat well. Or talk with a dietitian or nutritionist who is knowledgeable of the nutritional needs of older adults. Seniors, family caregives and professionals can also find information by contacting Salt Lake County’s Healthy Aging Program at (801) 468-2772.

“Copyright 2010. Reprinted with permission from Aging in Stride eNews – subscribe FREE at http://enews.aginginstride.org”