Resolutions
It is a long-honored tradition to write a resolution for the new year. Let me help you this year and change the focus. Let’s dive in and create a plan. Yes, we will all eat better, exercise, sleep better, etc., but let’s go further with an “advocate resolution.”
1-Look back over your calendar from last year. When did you see the eye doctor? Dermatologist? Do you have an upcoming appointment, or did you forget to make one? In the “olden” days, we could call and schedule an appointment for a month or two in the future. When I saw my endocrinologist (annual visit), the office personnel suggested I make an appointment for the following year. But why would I do that? One year?????? Where will I be in a year? I didn’t do it. When I did call for an appointment, I ended up being five months overdue. After the office visit, I paid attention and made the appointment for my one-year check-up. Unfortunately, often our medical providers don’t remind us (and maybe they did, but it got lost in the mail, or we didn’t get the phone message. It is OUR responsibility. Check all your doctor visits, see when you are due to go back and be sure you have appointments. In thinking about this, I don’t think I have my annual Medicare visit or eye doctor scheduled. We all need to stay on top of this.
2-Review ALL your medications, including OTC (over the counter), marijuana, CBD, and holistic medicines. Please don’t assume your providers know all your medications, especially OTC or holistic medications (like mistletoe and saw palmetto). They may interfere with your other drugs. Bring every drug to your provider annually (a crucial resolution), and let them determine if they may interfere with other medications. If your provider can’t help you, go to your pharmacist, and make an appointment. (Or find an advocate or pharmacist online). There are programs we can access (and medical providers know how to interpret this) and give you recommendations on questions to discuss with your providers. Some of us may take 10-15 medications a day! You may have meds you have been on for years and years, which are refilled automatically. You may not need them anymore. (BUT BEFORE STOPPING, DISCUSS WITH YOUR PHARMACIST OR PROVIDER.) Some drugs may cause a ”rebound effect” if suddenly stopped. They may need to be weaned with supervision. It is vital to have a full review with your provider.
3-Move, and exercise every day!!!! Set a timer. Get up and move every hour! At a minimum, for a one-minute walk around your house (or better yet, around the block). Here’s another idea: "exercise snacking." Three times a day, do one (or come up with your own) of the following. Walk three flights of stairs three times. Get up from a chair (without using your arms) from seated to standing. If possible, then stand on your toes. This is great for working on balance. The goal is ten times. If you can’t do it right away, work up to it. You will be amazed at how much better you feel.
A Physical Therapist working with at-home seniors suggests stretching in place (arms, legs, ankles) during every commercial break while watching TV. When a program is over, stand up and walk. MOTION IS LOTION!
4-If retired, make a plan and schedule activities every day. It is too easy to become sedentary and lazy. In fact, before you retire, look into where you can volunteer. We can’t just walk into a school or hospital and volunteer the following week. Most places have training, fingerprinting, etc., which may take a while. Giving back is a beautiful feeling.
5-Check your hearing. The latest study showed that up to 50% of dementia might be related to decreased hearing. You become left out and isolated if you can’t hear well. I was recently fitted with hearing aids and while I have issues requiring minor tweaks, I feel as if my life has opened up. I am 100% glad that I got them.
Let’s make this the year for taking charge of your health. And if you have problems with any of the above, find an advocate to help you.