Monthly Archives for May 2003

Better Understanding of Strokes Can Help Seniors Protect Their Health

Published in Pawtucket Times on May 19, 2003

Even if Americans know about the negative impact of their lifestyle choices, that knowledge may not be enough to change their behaviors, especially those behaviors that lead to strokes.

According to a new survey released by the National Council on Aging (NCOA), Americans understand that those who have had a stroke are at a greater risk for a future one, ye stroke survivors are not taking all the possible steps to protect their health.

Strokes can result from a sudden interruption of blood flow to any part of the brain, which can ultimately injure or kill brain tissue.

Strokes can lead to severe impairments, including debilitation from paralysis, short-term memory loss and even speech and vision problems. About one-third of all strokes are recurrent, even though there are lifestyle changes and medications available today that can help to reduce that risk.

In this telephone survey, which was funded by a grant from Sanofi=Synthelabo and Bristol-Myers Squibb, 66 percent of the survey respondents said they knew someone who had suffered a stroke, but many of those who survived were not exercising regularly (32 percent), refraining from smoking (19 percent) or watching their diet (18 percent). These simple lifestyle changes are known to help prevent future strokes.

“Those who have already had a stroke can make changes to their everyday routines  to lower their risk for a second stroke or heart attack,” Mark Alberts, M.D., professor of neurology, at Northwestern University Medial School in Chicago, stated in a NCOA release.

“It is particularly important that stroke survivors and their families or caregivers work closely with their physicians to develop an individualized treatment plan, which will often include medication,”  says Alberts.

Along with the basic lifestyle changes, taking appropriate medications can also reduce the risk of recurrent strokes.

For instance, the researchers say many patients may benefit from antiplatelet therapy that prevents blood platelets from sticking together and clotting, helping to reduce stroke risks.

According to the NCOA study, after surviving a stroke, men have a 42 percent chance of having another within five years, and women a 24 percent chance during that same time period.

The general public seems to be confused regarding what stroke risks factors and symptoms are, the researchers found.

The NCOA survey findings indicate that many Americans incorrectly identified excessive stress (87 percent), overexertion while exercising (56 percent), dehydration (38 percent), asthma attacks (24 percent) and wearing constrictive clothing (16 percent) as risks factors for stroke.

Additionally, survey respondents also mistakenly selected shortness of breath (53 percent) and heart palpitations (50 percent) as stroke symptoms. Nearly two-thirds of those surveyed failed to recognize that age increases stroke risk, especially for those over age 65.

Although seniors are at the greatest risk of having a stroke, they seem to show little concern, researchers noted. While two-thirds of all strokes occur among those ages 65 and older, only 12 percent of those surveyed in that age group noted they are more concerned about suffering a stroke, given other choices like Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes.

A whopping 70 percent of the olde respondents told researchers they never talked to their doctors about stroke risk.

”For older Americans, strokes pose a significant health risk so it is alarming to us that so few seniors have discussed their personal risk for stroke with their doctors,” said James P. Firman. NCOA’s president and CEO. “Better education is clearly needed to help all Americans understand their risks of stroke to protect their health.”

Robert Marshall, Ph.D., who serves as assistant director of health at the state Department of Health, gave All About Seniors his thoughts about the NCOA research study.

He said strokes are the number-three killer in Rhode Island – in 2000, 964 Rhode Islanders age 50 and over died of stroke.

“We call these preventable deaths’ because we know that by reducing risk, such as smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, uncontrolled high blood pressure, many  people can avoid death and disability from stroke, adds Marshall.

“It is unfortunate, but not surprising, that so many strokes are recurrent,” said Marshall. “Human nature being what it is, many people find it difficult to change the behaviors that got them into trouble in the first place- things like smoking and lack of exercise,” he notes.

“We all need to do a better job supporting stroke survivors and helping them use the experience as a springboard to a longer healthier and happier life,” Marshall added.

Older Rhode Islanders can easily take charge of reducing their chances of having a stroke or a recurrent stroke.  Positive lifestyle changes (e.g., more exercise, a better diet, giving up cigarettes, and taking prescribed medications are key lifestyle changes to protecting your health.

Lawmakers to Consider Funding for Vaccine Immunizations for Seniors

Published in Pawtucket Times on May 12, 2003

Even with a state budget deficit looming, sometimes putting a little money into a statewide initiative can ultimately save big dollars.  It’s just the right thing to do.

For the second year, the Ocean State Adult Immunization Coalition (OSAIC) has approached the Rhode Island General Assembly for funding to promote the group’s efforts to get the word out about the importance of Rhode Island seniors  getting influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations.

OSAIC’s message is quite simple: “Avoid a Hospital Stay: Get Your Flu Shot Now!”

According to OSAIC, pneumonia and influenza deaths together are considered the six-leading cause of death in the nation.

Since 1999, there have been 300 deaths and 6,800 hospitalizations that were attributed to influenza and pneumococcal disease in the Ocean State.

OSAIC said vaccinations are a cost-effective way to prevent these unnecessary hospitalizations and deaths.

OSAIC, a coalition of 40 agencies, including hospitals, nursing facilities, vaccine manufacturers, medical societies, managed care groups, the Rhode Island Department of Health, Rhode Island Quality Partners, the Visiting Nurses Association, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, call on Gov. Don Carcieri and lawmakers to see the big picture – preventative medicine care can ultimately save tax dollars.

Anne Marie Beadsworth, OSAIC’s chair, said the cost of a flu shot is $ 15 and a pneumonia shot is $ 30.

On the other hand, she added that the average length of stay for an older person with influenza is five days, costing $ 12,000.

Since OSAIC was established in 1997, Beadsworth has seen a steady progress in the coalition’s efforts to get more older Rhode Islanders immunized to prevent the influenza and pneumonia.

“The immunization coverage rates for those age 65 and over has increased by eight precent (from 67 percent to 75 percent) for influenza vaccine and 24 percent (from 43 percent to 67 percent) for pneumococcal vaccine,” she noted.

Beadsworth said OSAIC is working to reach the Healthy People 2010 goal of a 90 percent immunization rate for influenza and pneumococcal  for people age 65 and over.

“Through promotional efforts in five languages in 2002, more than 350 flu clinics were conducted throughout Rhode Island with the guarantee that any person age 65 and older, regardless of insurance status, could get a flu shot without any out-of-pocket expenses,” she said.

Furthermore, OSAIC’s gains have propelled the Rhode Island-based initiative into top 10 standings in the United States, says Beadsworth.

“We rank number seven for both flu and pneumococcal vaccination rates,” she added.

Beadsworth said that during last year’s legislative session, OSAIC’s efforts for the state funding fizzled because of state funding fizzled because of state budget cuts. The coalition was just not effective in getting its message out to lawmakers, she added.

During this year’s legislative session, OSAIC is pushing for $ 103,169 in new funding in Fiscal Year 2003-2004 to expand the coalition’s educational outreach efforts and to hire a part-time staffer to oversee its ongoing programs to improve the state’s immunization rates.

Currently, OSAIC is a volunteer-driven organization with its $ 50,000 working budget coming from member organizations and from the community.

It seems things may be different this year at the Rhode Island General Assembly. Support among lawmakers is growing for OSAIC’s ongoing preventative medicine initiatives.

“Quite a few advocates are coming to the Senate asking for funding,” said Sen. Stephen D. Alves (D-West Warwick), who said there is now growing support for OSAIC’s funding request.

Alves, who serves as chair in the Senate Finance Committee, told All About Seniors the funding request will be brought up during the chamber’s budget debates.

“Everyday, we talk about preventative medicine – funding this program is a step in the right direction,” said Alves.

Rep. Steven M. Costantino (D-Providence), who sits on the House Finance Committee, told me he sees the value of OSAIC’s efforts, too, and plans to call for funding OSAIC’s initiative during House budget deliberations.

Health Director Patricia A. Nolan also sees the positive benefits of OSAIC’s prevention campaign.

“Adults need their shots, too – especially people aged 50 and older or people with chronic health conditions. Vaccinations are one of the easiest and most effective ways to stay healthy,” she says.

As state revenue estimators meet to determine the breath and scope of the state’s budget deficit, Gov. Carcieri’s staff continue their ‘Big Audit” to identify ways to save taxpayer dollars.

When the dust settles, even with a projected budget deficit, it may be time for the governor and the General Assembly to view preventative medicine as a worthy cost containment approach for reining in skyrocketing health care costs. Even though state dollars have to be allocated up front, large savings might be realized down the road.

As the state’s final budget is being crated, we must not be “penny wise but pound foolish” when determining what bills live or die in the 2004 legislation hopper. Taxpayers will ultimately lose if this happens.

Mable Anderson was a True Advocate for Rhode Island’s Senior Population

Published in the Pawtucket Times on May 5, 2003

During her 7 years, Mabel Anderson wore many hats – teacher, dedicated wife to George, loving mother to her children Jon and Jane, state representative and writer of children’s books.

Mabel played a key role representing Pawtucket’s District 77. Once she was elected to the Rhode Island General Assembly, she would eventually be re-elected nine more times. She rose through the Democratic leadership ranks and ultimately would for 10 years as speaker pro-tem, sometimes presiding over  House legislative sessions.

As a state representative, Mabel used her growing power and influence to advocate for the needs of Ocean State seniors.

Her efforts led to the passage of legislation that would add a grandfather clause to drug-coverage provisions of insurance plans. Under the newly enacted law, any physician authorized by the Department of  Health to prescribe medicine would be allowed to prescribe medication previously on, or not on, the insurer’s formulary if it was deemed “medically necessary.”

To many, Mable was a tireless worker on behalf of Pawtucket’s elderly population. Joan Crawley, director of Pawtucket’s Leon Mathieu Senior Center, said Mabel possessed a rare quality for a politician.

“She wasn’t swayed by popular opinion and she never stopped to see which way the wind was blowing,” she said.

Mabel always voted her conscience, always striving to represent seniors in her legislative district, Crawley noted.

According to Crawley, her advocacy on behalf of senior transportation was relentless. “She called me late last Thursday afternoon when she heard the hospital’s contract to provide transportation for the RIDE program was in jeopardy. Even though she was no longer a lawmaker, Mabel told me she was willing to champion this cause.”

Crawley said she had called her to discuss the transportation issue on Friday at noon, just a few hours before her untimely death.

George Anderson, Mabel’s husband of more than 40 years, recalled his wife’s constituency work.

“Mabel worked hard to represent older constituents who were being ignored by the state’s bureaucracy,” he said.

Anderson remembered when Mabel was first elected and was relatively unrecognized. She would stand in line behind an older constituent. IF the person was not assisted, she would simply introduce herself as a state representative and any problems would be worked out, he said.

Often times, a quick trip to the grocery store turned into several hours. Anderson said, as constituents would come up to her along every aisle just to say “hello,” catch up or discuss problems.

And Mabel never forgot those close to her who needed assistance, Anderson said. When she went to Memorial Hospital to participate in a program to help her cope with arthritis, she asked her husband for a check. The amount just happened to cover the enrollment fee of two persons not one, he said, allowing a friend who was on a fixed income to participate.

Audrey Salvas, 67, a long-time Pawtucket resident knew who to call when she had problems.

“When we needed to find out something, all we had to do was call Mabel,” said Salvas.

Mabel quickly straightened out a drug problem in the Beverage Hill area, noted Salvas. She pushed to erect a fence around the Prospect Heights project, which ultimately reduced drug trafficking and noise.

Mary Francis Campbell, 89, a former educator and President of the Pawtucket Senior Citizens Council (PSCC), added that Mabel aways backed PSCC’s legislative proposals. “The Pawtucket lawmaker worked closely with PSCC in its 15 years of existence,” she said.

With a strong determination to remain independent, Mabel ultimately overcame a stroke she suffered in 1992 that temporary left her impaired  on her right side. Her love for public service gave her the needed energy to stay actively involved long past retirement, fighting for senior issues, the underdogs and for her beloved City of Pawtucket. It also enabled her to reach out the younger generations to develop new skills to learn.

Using the same veracity and gusto she used for all her other interests she held close to her heart; Mabel was not afraid to experience new things. With a passion for living, this former state representative was ready to enjoy and pursue new interests, such as learning how to use a computer to recalling her younger days on the family farm and turning these stories into children’s book.