Author Archives for Herb Weiss

The Best of…Some Tips to Take Lying Down

            Published March 1, 2004, Pawtucket Times

             Sometimes I just can’t sleep.  When this happens, I just lay in bed tossing and turning, staring through the darkness at the ceiling.  It is 2 a.m.  All I want is a good night’s sleep.

              According to a publication released by the New York-based International Longevity Center-USA (ILC-USA) and the AARP Foundation, I am not along in trying to get a good night’s sleep-a whopping one-third of the nation’s seniors will find themselves sleepless in their bedrooms (not in Seattle).  Lack of sleep can even lead to serious health disorders.

           The AARP-ILC consumer publication, “Getting Your ZZZZZZZZs: How Sleep Affects health and Aging,” takes a look at common sleep disorders, their effects on the brain and body and what someone who suffers from these conditions might do to get a good night’s sleep.

           “Not getting the right amount of sleep can become a serious health problem, and it is not a natural part of aging,” says Robert N. Butler, M.D., ILC-USA’s president and CEO in a written statement promoting the publication.

           “A large number of older persons often suffer from this medical condition and go unrecognized or are not treated appropriately,” he said.

           “According to the 12-page AARP-LLC consumer-oriented publication, sleep problems in your later years are caused by a combination of factors.  Sleep problems can result from physical changes associated with growing old.

            Sleep problems can also be caused by pain and discomfort associated with aging and traumatic life experiences, such as the death of a spouse, or the loss of a job.

           Even decreased physical activity and lack of exposure to sunlight can also  impact on a person’s ability to sleep.

           “Sleeplessness sets up a vicious cycle.  Older people have problems that disturb their sleep, which often affects their other body systems, especially hormone production and metabolism causing more problems that disturb sleep even more,” states the AARP ILC publication.

           “New studies highlight the signficant impact of sleep on physical and mental well-being, especially for older men and women,” the AARP-ILC publication points out.  Loss of sleep can lead to memory problems, depression and greater risk of falling.  Lack of sleep may also cause changes in the nervous system that affect cardiovascular health.

           According to the AARP-ILC publication, snoring may indicate as serious health problem, considered the most common form of sleep apnea.  This sleep disorder causes sleeplessness because the sleeper wakes up frequently from the lack of oxygen caused by this labored breathing.

          Findings from the Nurses health Study indicate that snoring was associated with hypertension as well as weight-related health problems.

          Several other research studies have shown that people who suffer from sleep apnea also have high rates of automobile accidents and are at risk for diabetes.

         Insomnia caused by depression, serious mental or physical illness, or unhealthy lifestyle choices, is considered another major sleep disorder. Proper treatment requires a physician to diagnose the cause.  In addition, obesity, alcohol, smoking, nasal congestion and menopause are also suspected of affecting a person’s ability to fall asleep.

          Meanwhile, report gives tips on getting your ZZZZZZZs.

          The AARP-ICU consumer publication notes a regular schedule of exercise and a healthier lifestyle can help you enhance the quality of your sleep.

          Recent studies also indicate taking short naps during the day of no more than 20 to 30 minutes may actually help a person sleep at night.

          Although medications can be used for short-term problems, it does not seem to solve long term sleep problems.

         Always check your medications.  Some actually act as stimulants.  Avoid alcohol and nicotine.  Both can disrupt your sleep.  Also, avoid overeating and drinking large quantities of liquids before bedtime.

          Finally, create a sleep-friendly bedroom.  A cool, quiet room can enhance your sleep. Make sure that your mattress is comfortable. Use the bed for only sleep or sex to strengthen the mind’s association between bed and sleep.

         Meanwhile, the AARP-ILC publication notes two  new ides, light therapy and two drugs, melatonin and valarian, are thought by some experts to be effective treatments for seniors with insomnia problems.  However, the authors of the publication call for more studies to ensure that these alternative treatments are safe and effective.

         “Our nation’s oldest adults need not accept poor sleep as a penalty for being old,” said Dr. Butler.  “As researchers learn more about how the human body controls sleep, effective treatments for sleep disorders in older and younger people, will become increasingly possible.”

         Call 212-606-3383 to get copies of “Getting Your ZZZZZZZs: How Sleep Affects Health and Aging.”  English and Spanish versions of this publication can be downloaded from the ILC-USA’s Web site at www.ilcusa.org.

            Herb Weiss is a Pawtucket-based freelance writer covering aging, health care and medical issues.  He can be researched at hweissri@aol.com.

AARP Announces Winners of ‘Best Movies’ for Grown-Ups

Published in Pawtucket Times on February 16, 2004

“Something’s Gotta Give,” “Lost in Translation” and “A Mighty Wind,” top the list of winners in 13 categories of AARP Magazine’s third annual “Best Movies for Grown-ups.”

Coming on the heels of the 61st Annual Gold Globes Awards, sponsored by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, and the upcoming 76th Annual Academy Awards, scheduled for Sunday, Feb.29 at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland, AARP Magazine moves to choose its winners to prod filmmakers “to expand their vision and make more moves that resonate with the growing 50-plus audience.”

Kathleen Connell, state director of AARP Rhode Island, told All About Seniors that Hollywood and businesses have been slow to recognize the growth of America’s aging population. By failing to see this “unique market,” opportunities are missed, she said.

According to the written statement, the AARP winners received La Chaise d’Or-The Golden Chair – a whimsical trophy in the shape of a lounge chair – and will be profiled in the upcoming March/April issue of AARP The Magazine, the nation’s largest magazine, which circulated to 21.5 million readers. This issue hist the newsstands today.

The AARP Magazine’s movie winners were selected by the publication’s editorial staff.

While the judged to be entertaining, the winning movies were viewed to address the concerns and dreams of people age 50 and older, and whether or not they gave an authentic image of the second half of a person’s life.  Finally, these movies celebrated the differences among age groups, instead of exploiting them.

The envelop please – the 2004 “Bess Movies or Grownups Awards” winners are:

Best Movie for Grownups:

“Mystic River

Best Actor (Age 50 and Older):

Bill Murray, “Lost in Translation”

Best Actress (Age 50 and older):

Diane Kenton, “Something’s Gotta Give”

Best Breakaway Performance in an Unexpected Role (Age 50 and over):

Eugene Levy, “A Mighty Wind”

Best Director (Age 50 and over):

Joel Schumacher, “Phone Booth”

Best Screenwriter (Age 50 and over):

Jim Sheridan, “In America”

Best Foreign Film:

“Nowhere in Africa” (Germany)

Best Grown-up Love Story:

“Something’s Gotta Give”

(Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson)

Best Documentary:

“Concert for George”

Best Movie Time Capsule:

“Down with Love”

Best TV Movie:

“Angles in America”

Best Movie for Grownups Who Refuse to Grow Up:

“School of Rock”

To this columnist, it seems absurd that Hollywood bean-counters continue to funnel a large percentage of their production dollars into movies geared for the teen generation, especially in light of the graying of America.

When the demographic reality finally hits home with these executives, attitudes and business decisions will change in Tinseltown.

Some say the power brokers in Hollywood still see age as a negative when it comes to casting of actors or funding a movie project.

If true, what a shame, and a missed opportunity to tell a good story to a growing demographic market, those over age 50.

Aging baby boomers and seniors will fill a theater especially if the movie is well-made and has a message to tell.

The magazine’s website – www.aarpmagazine.org will also be launching their “Movies for Grown-ups” Channel that will feature a poll, message boards, quizzes, audio interviews, and other movie-related web-exclusive features.

Documentary Explores World of Alzheimer’s Victims, Caregivers

Published in Pawtucket Times on January 26, 2004

Sally Weiss, my 80-year-old mother, has Alzheimer’s disease.

Over the past seven years, the progression of this disease was noticeable to me when I made my trips back home to Dallas, Texas.

However, my family, just like the tens of millions of families across the nation who have loved ones afflicted with this mental disorder, tries to understand and cope with the emotional social and financial impact of this devastating disease.

Last Wednesday, a hard-hitting, nationally broadcast PBS program, “The Forgetting: A Portrait of Alzheimer’s,” sought to bring more “insight, context, hope and help” to viewers who tuned in, hoping to better understand this frightening disorder.

The 90-minute documentary explores Alzheimer’s disease by weaving together the history and biology of the disease, the real-life experiences of three Alzheimer’s patients and their families who lives are touched by Alzheimer’s and the latest research findings that may lead to a cure.

Shame on you if you missed last week’s showing of “The Forgetting,” but you’re in luck, especially if you want a second chance to see the PBS program before it comes out on video. The Rhode Island PBS program affiliate, WSBE 36, has scheduled a rerun of this broadcast for Jan. 29 at 9:00 p.m. and again on Feb. 5 at 2:00 p.m.

The PBS documentary is based on David Shenk’s best-selling book, “The Forgetting.”

After overhearing a conversation in a restaurant about a man and his wife- a woman in her 50s afflicted with Alzheimer’s – he realized that this woman could not recognize her husband. By the time Shenk left the restaurant, he was horrified at the thought of his wife not even knowing who he was, being a stranger to her during the best years of their marriage. This thought ultimately propelled Shenk, a journalist and occasional National Public Radio commentator, to explore the mysteries of Alzheimer’s leading to the writing and publication of his 292-page book.

The PBS documentary warns that with the graying of our nation, we will see a growing number of person’s afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease which is considered  to be an age-related disordered.

By 2011, the first of the nation’s 76 million baby boomers will turn age 65, ultimately setting off a demographic time bomb, creating this Alzheimer’s epidemic.  When this occurs, Alzheimer’s may well become American’s biggest public health concern.

Using special animation, “The Forgetting” helps viewers better understand how Alzheimer’s begins, how it does damage and what kind of new medical treatments are being used to treat it.

“The Forgetting” also focuses on the real-life stories of three families, showing how the disease slowly impacts the family caregivers and the loved ones afflicted with Alzheimer’s.

“Like so many coping with this tragedy, the families who share their stories in  “The Forgetting” all have one major motivation in common – they want to let other people facing similar situations know that they are not alone, that there is help and that they too, can find the strength to face a  tragedy like Alzheimer’s with dignity and grace,” said Elizabeth Arledge, a respected film producer who created the PBS documentary, in a written statement.

“These families are drawing on reservoirs of strength and compassion to stay focused on seeing the person they love instead of the symptoms of the disease,” added Arledge.

Liz Morancy, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Rhode Island chapter, calls of Rhode Islanders to watch a Rhode Island PBS program. “The 13th State,” on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2004 at 7:30 p.m.

Scheduled one day before the re-airing of “The Forgetting,” the 30-minute local PBS program will feature a panel discussion about Alzheimer’s.

Panelists included Dr. Cynthia Holzer, of Roger Williams Hospital, along with 84-year-old Sterling Ivision, who is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, and his daughter Kate Meleny.

“The Forgetting’ shows what a really hard, hard disease Alzheimer’s is,” said Morancy, “but by listening to Ivision, you will learn that he still drives and lives independently. People who have early-stage Alzheimer’s can still have a quality of life.”

Check out the Web site, www.pbs.org/theforgetting. This site will provide advice, resources, and chances for caregivers of Alzheimer’s victims to share emotions and insights. In addition, a downloadable viewer’s guide will provide practical information and answer questions.