September is National Healthy Aging Month
Why Managing your Medicine Matters
Older adults often face a double whammy
when it comes to medicine. They’re more
likely to use medications than younger
people, but they’re also more likely to
experience harmful side effects. In fact,
every year, one in three adults aged 65+
has one or more harmful reactions to a
medication, according to the American
Geriatrics Society. Here are 6 tips to keep
in mind:
1. Be informed about all the medications
you’re taking.
All drugs are potentially harmful
- whether they’re prescription medicines or
over-the-counter products such as herbals,
supplements, vitamins, minerals, antacids,
sleep aids or laxatives. Keep an up-to-date
list of all of your medications. Share it with
your doctor and pharmacist and have them
review it for potential drug interactions. Try
using this Drug and Supplement Diary from
the American Geriatrics Society and take
time to review the society’s Ten
Medications Older Adults Should Avoid or
Use with Caution.
2. Use one pharmacy and talk to your
pharmacist often.
The U.S. Population Is Aging
The current growth in the number and proportion of older adults in the United
States is unprecedented in our nation’s history. By 2050, it is anticipated that
Americans aged 65 or older will number nearly 89 million people, or more than
double the number of older adults in the United States in 2010.
The Challenges of Chronic Disease
Every day, millions of people with chronic conditions struggle to manage their
symptoms. Chronic conditions including; Diabetes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease, Heart related conditions and Asthma make life unmanageable for millions
of older adults and force them to give up their independence too soon.
• 91% of older adults have at least one chronic condition, and 73% have
at least two.
• Four chronic conditions—heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes—
cause almost two thirds of all deaths each year.
• Diabetes affects 12.2 million Americans aged 60+ or 23% of t! he older
population.
• An additional 57 million Americans aged 20+ have pre-diabetes, which
increases their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and
stroke.
• 90% of Americans aged 55+ are at risk for hypertension, or high blood
pressure. 77% of women aged 75+ have this condition, as do 64% of
Your pharmacist is a great resource. He or
she can help you keep track of your
medications and check for drug interactions
among them. Ask your pharmacist
questions about your medications. Below
is information on "How to Ask the Right
Questions and Get More From Your
Medicines" from AARP.
pressure. 77% of women aged 75+ have this condition, as do 64% of
men aged 75+.
The Cost of Chronic Conditions
The traditional medical model of caring for people with chronic conditions—which
focuses more on the illness than on the patient—is expensive and often ineffective.
According to the National Governors Association:
• Chronic diseases account for 75% of the money our nation spends on
health care, yet only 1% of health dollars are spent on public efforts to
improve overall health.
• By 2011, the cost of chronic disease is estimated to be $2.8 trillion—an
average of $9,216 per person.
The onset and progression of chronic disease can be prevented or significantly
delayed through preventive health services and evidence-based interventions that
promote healthy behaviors. In addition, individuals with existing health conditions
can learn skills and gain confidence in their ability to self-manage, resulting in a
significantly improved quality of life, greater independence, and improved health
status.
Source: National Council on Aging
3. Understand and pay attention to possible
side effects.
Some medications can cause troublesome
side effects, especially in older adults.
Examples include dizziness and drowsiness
that could lead to a fall; stomach upset,
diarrhea or constipation, blurred vision, dry
mouth and fatigue/lack of energy. Know
what to expect, how long the side effects
may last, what to do when they occur, and
when to contact your doctor. In some
cases, your doctor may tell you to stop
taking the medication, but never stop taking
a medication without first speaking with
your doctor.
4. Store your medicines safely.
Medications should be stored in a cool, dry,
dark location. Humidity in the bathroom can
alter a medication’s effectiveness. Keep
medicines where you’re likely to see them
every day, and link taking them with other
daily activities like eating or brushing your
teeth. Go through your medicine cabinet
regularly and discard any expired
medications. Get more Tips on Safe
Storage and Disposal of Your Prescription
Medicines from the National Council on
Patient Information and Education.
5. Take your medication as prescribed.
Medication adherence, as prescribed by
your doctor, is important for good health.
Make sure you understand how to take
each of your medications safely.
6. Find help paying for medicine.
Managing medications can be difficult when
the cost of your drugs is high. If you’re
having trouble paying for your prescriptions,
check out 5 Ways to Save Money on Your
Medications.
Contact MCM Solutions for Better Health for more information on managing
chronic conditions. Click here for more details.
Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle
Ask your doctor about ways you can improve your diet and physical activity to help
prevent disease. Following are just a few tips. Be sure to consult your doctor and
other health professionals for more information.
Eating Right - Smart Food Choices
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 from the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
describes two eating plans. Eating a variety of foods from each food group in either
plan will help you get the nutrients you need.
One plan is called the USDA Food Patterns. It suggests that people 50 or older
choose healthy foods every day from the following:
Fruits—1-1/2 to 2-1/2 cups
What is the same as 1/2 cup of cut-up fruit? A 2-inch peach or 1/4 cup of dried fruit
Vegetables—2 to 3-1/2 cups
What is the same as a cup of cut-up vegetables? Two cups of uncooked leafy
vegetable
Grains—5 to 10 ounces
What is the same as an ounce of grains? A small muffin, a slice of bread, a cup of
Source: National Council on Aging
MCM Success Stories
Learning to live a healthy lifestyle is
possible. Click here to learn how this 54
year old man took a few simple steps, with
the assistance of his MCM RN Health
Coach, to bring his high blood pressure into
the normal range and decrease his A1C
level by 2 points; averting
the progression of his
chronic illnesses.
Is it ever too late to change?
Learn how this 81 year old woman
not only decreased her blood
pressure level, but with the
assistance of her MCM RN
Health Coach, also lost
17 pounds in 5 months by
clicking here.
Portion control and avoiding
processed and prepared foods
can dramatically impact your
health. Click here to learn how
this 69 year old man, with
the assistance of his MCM RN
Health Coach, lowered his
glucose level by 55 points
and brought his cholesterol
level into the normal range with
regular exercise and a few
changes to his diet.
flaked, ready-to-eat cereal, or ½ cup of cooked rice or pasta
Protein foods—5 to 7 ounces
What is the same as an ounce of meat, fish, or poultry? One egg, ¼ cup of cooked
beans or tofu, ½ ounce of nuts or seeds, or 1 tablespoon of peanut butter
Dairy foods—3 cups of fat-free or low-fat milk
What is the same as 1 cup of milk? One cup of yogurt or 1-1/2 to 2 ounces of
cheese. One cup of cottage cheese is the same as ½ cup of milk.
Oils—5 to 8 teaspoons
What is the same as oil added during cooking? Half a medium avocado has 3
teaspoons, four large ripe olives have 1/2 a teaspoon, a tablespoon of peanut
butter has 2 teaspoons, an ounce of dry-roasted nuts has 3 teaspoons and a
tablespoon of mayonnaise has 2 1/2 teaspoons of oil. Oils are high in calories, but
they are also an important source of nutrients like vitamin E. If possible, use oils
instead of solid fats, like butter, when cooking.
Solid fats and added sugars (SoFAS)—keep the amount of SoFAS small
If you eat too many foods containing SoFAS, you will not have enough calories for
the nutritious foods you should be eating.
Your doctor may want you to follow a certain diet because you have a health
problem like heart disease or diabetes. Or, you might have been told to avoid
eating certain foods because they can change how well your medicines work. Talk
to your doctor or a registered dietitian about foods you can eat instead.
Here’s a tip: Stay away from “empty calories.” These are foods and drinks with a lot
of calories but not many nutrients—for example, chips, cookies, soda, and alcohol.
The second eating plan is called the DASH Eating Plan. DASH stands for Dietary
Approaches to Stop Hypertension. DASH is a lot like the Food Patterns, but
following this plan can help you lower your blood pressure. To learn more about the
DASH diet click here: www.nhlbi.nih.gov
Weight Control
Weighing too much or too little can lead to health problems. After age 45, many
people gain too much weight. You can control your weight by eating healthy foods
and being physically active.
Ask your health care professional:
What is a healthy weight for me?
What are some ways I can control my weight?
Keep track of your weight. Use your personal prevention chart.
Physical Activity
What's good for the body is good for the spirit as well.
As people grow older, it is very important to keep motivated, to say to yourself,
"I can do it."
For more information on
MCM’s Population
Health Management
Services and Preventive
Care Program, please visit
us at: www.medicalcost.com
or call us at
1(800)367-9938
today!
Regular exercise is even more important for seniors than other age groups since
the risk of disease and lost mobility is greater and the positive effects are realized
more quickly. But, as we all know, the hardest part is getting started. . .
Tips for getting started:
• Look for daily opportunities to exercise in work and play. Force yourself
to walk by parking your car several parking aisles away from the store
or your office entrance and walk briskly.
• Choose an exercise you like and stick with it.
• Use the buddy system. Arrange to have a friend meet you - It's harder
to say no to exercise when you exercise with a friend.
• Walk, swim, climb, bicycle, dance, fish.
• Join a walking group or visit your local Y, recreation center, park,
church, or senior center.
Spread the Word!
Please feel free to share this
important message to your
colleagues, friends and
family to help maintain
everyone’s good health
and reduce the risk of
chronic illness.
How Much Activity Do Older Adults Need?
2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (i.e.,
brisk walking) every week and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a
week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest,
shoulders, and arms).
OR
1 hour and 15 minutes (75 minutes) of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity (i.e.,
jogging or running) every week and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more
days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest,
shoulders, and arms).
OR
An equivalent mix of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity and musclestrengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle
groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms).
Please visit us at SIIA's
33rd Annual National
Conference & Expo
in Chicago, IL
October 21st - 23rd
Booth # 301
Regular check-ups to help prevent complicated health problems
Ask your doctor about check-ups, tests and shots you need to help prevent
disease. Be sure to consult your doctor and other health professionals for more
information or before starting any new exercise routine or diet.
Source: CDC, Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, National Center for
Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
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