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Mountain View News Saturday, November 9, 2024


FREE ASSISTED LIVING PLACEMENT SERVICE

 

 Discover the perfect assisted living community with 
Safe Path for Seniors. Our compassionate advisors 
specialize in assisting individuals with unique needs. 
Benefit from our extensive network and affordable 
options. Plus, we offer personalized tours to help you 
explore each community firsthand. Call (626) 999-
6913 or visit www.safepathforseniors.com for free 
assistance.

SENIOR HAPPENINGS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! … NOVEMBER Birthdays*

Flo Mankin, Alberta Curran, Carmela Frontino, Kathy Wood, Lena Zate, 
Joe Pergola, Janice Kacer, Valerie Howard, Lois Stueck, Jean Wood, Shirley 
Yergeau, Pat Krok, Irene Nakagawa, Anna Ross, Mary Steinberg, Mary 
Bowser, Susan Clifton, Mary Higgins, Kim Buchanan, Leigh Thach, Sue 
Quinn, Jill Girod, Jeanne Martin.*

 * To add your name to this distinguished list, please call the paper at 
626.355.2737. YEAR of birth not required 


From The Desk of Steve Sciurba, Safe Path For Senior


PREPARING FOR FLU SEASON: A GUIDE FOR FAMILIES CARING 
FOR AGING PARENTS

As flu season moves into full swing, families with aging loved ones may be concerned about keeping them 
safe through the winter months. Seniors are more vulnerable to the flu due to age-related changes in their 
immune systems, and an infection can lead to serious complications. Here’s a guide on how to help your 
loved ones stay healthy and prepared for the months ahead.

________________________________________

Understanding the Risks

The flu can have severe consequences for seniors, including complications like pneumonia and worsening of 
existing health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. With colder months increasing time indoors, 
extra care during flu season is essential to help reduce these risks and protect your loved ones.

Prioritizing Prevention with Vaccination

If your loved one hasn’t been vaccinated yet, there’s still time to get the flu shot. The vaccine remains a 
powerful preventive measure throughout flu season. Families can help coordinate with their loved one’s 
healthcare provider to discuss the best vaccine options, like the high-dose flu vaccine, designed specifically 
for seniors. Additionally, it may be worthwhile to ask about the pneumococcal vaccine, which helps protect 
against respiratory infections that can complicate the flu.

Everyday Measures for Ongoing Protection

Simple daily habits can go a long way in minimizing flu exposure:

• Hand Hygiene: Encourage regular hand washing, especially before meals or after being in public 
spaces.

• Mask Use in Crowds: Wearing a mask in crowded or enclosed spaces can provide added protection 
as flu cases rise.

• Support Immunity with Nutrition: Help ensure your loved one’s diet includes nutrient-rich foods, 
such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which support immune health.

Home Preparations and Supplies for Flu Season

Preparing the home can ease stress and reduce risks if flu symptoms do appear. Here’s a checklist to help 
you and your loved one stay ready:

• Stock Essentials: Keep plenty of tissues, hand sanitizers, and household disinfectants on hand.

• Medication on Hand: Have prescription medications, over-the-counter fever reducers, and any 
doctor-recommended supplements readily available.

• Accessible Contacts: Ensure emergency contact numbers and healthcare provider information are 
easily accessible.

Recognizing Symptoms Early

Early intervention is key if your loved one shows flu symptoms. Be alert for signs like fever, chills, muscle 
aches, sore throat, or extreme fatigue. If symptoms do appear, encourage them to rest, stay hydrated, and 
consult their healthcare provider promptly, especially if they have underlying health conditions that increase 
their risk.

When to Seek Medical Attention

It’s crucial to know when symptoms require more urgent care. Watch for signs of difficulty breathing, chest 
pain, or confusion—these may indicate complications that need immediate medical attention.

Supporting Recovery

If your loved one does catch the flu, providing supportive care can help them recover more comfortably. 
Encourage rest, maintain hydration, and offer light, nutritious meals. Even after symptoms subside, older 
adults may take longer to regain strength, so allow time for a gradual return to normal activity.

Staying Connected and Supporting from a Distance

For family members who live far away or have limited availability, staying connected through regular calls 
or video check-ins can provide emotional support and help monitor their well-being. Look into community 
resources such as grocery delivery or in-home health visits if needed.

Maintaining Mental and Emotional Well-being

Isolation during flu season can impact seniors’ mental health. Help keep your loved one engaged through 
hobbies, puzzles, or virtual meetups with family and friends. Many community centers and senior 
organizations offer online events to keep older adults connected and active.

________________________________________

As flu season progresses, staying vigilant about health and preparedness can make a significant difference. 
By helping your loved one stay proactive, you’re not only protecting them from illness but also providing 
peace of mind for you and your family through the winter months.


OUT TO PASTOR 

A Weekly Religion Column by Rev. James Snyder

DID I REALLY SAY THAT?

I was working on my computer when The Gracious Mistress of the 
Parsonage walked in and said, "Are you ready to go?" She caught me by 
surprise. I looked up from my computer and, staring at her, said, "What 
are you talking about?" "You remember what you said this morning? That 
we can go to to get our blood drawn for the doctor?"

I looked at her, not knowing what she was talking about, and said, "What doctor are you 
talking about?"

"Don't tell me you don't remember me telling you about our appointment this afternoon?"

I had no recollection at all about an appointment to have my blood drawn. I knew it was 
somewhere in our schedule, but I really didn't think it was for today. If she told me about 
it this morning, I do not remember.

Not knowing what else to do, I got up, followed her out to the car, and we went to the 
place to have our blood drawn. I knew we had it scheduled, but I did not think it was for 
today. But, I was wrong. I just didn’t hear correctly.

That's one of my problems. I don't remember a lot of things. It's not because I'm getting 
old, but because this has always been one of my problems. It's not that I can't hear. It's 
just that I sometimes am not listening to what people are saying, especially The Gracious 
Mistress of the Parsonage.

I need to work on this weakness of mine, but I just don't know how to do it. When I'm 
doing some work on my computer, I can hear what's going on around me, but I don't 
understand, and I'm not really listening to it. I'm afraid I say "yes," not knowing what I 
am "yessing" to. That can get me into a lot of trouble. Believe me it has.

Sometimes, while watching TV, the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage will point 
something out and say, "Did you see what that person just did?" Then she will laugh.

Of course, I didn't, but I did shake my head and say calmly, "Yes, my dear. I did see that. 
Yes, it is funny."

I need to look up the definition of lying. Some people misunderstand it, and I think I'm 
on that list.

However, I tried to improve my listening habits and pay attention to what people around 
me were saying.

The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage recently approached me while I was working and 
said, "I'll take that $50 you promised me to get groceries." I looked at her and said, "I don't 
know what you're talking about." "You know, I ask you this morning if you could give me 
$50 to get groceries this afternoon. You said you would." I pulled out my wallet; all I had 
was $50. I handed it to her, and then I thought about it. Is it a coincidence that she asked 
for $50, and all I had in my wallet was $50? Did she really ask me that morning for $50?

If I only paid attention, maybe I could figure some of these things out. I don't remember 
telling her that I would give her $50 for groceries, but after all, I am not going to infer to 
her that she is lying to me.

If only I would keep my mouth shut when I should, maybe I wouldn't get into some of 
the trouble I get into. And maybe, just maybe, if I had the volume in my ears turned up 
a little more, I might hear more clearly what's being said around me. If I could do those 
two things, I could escape some of the problems I get into.

While she was going to get the groceries, I pondered this subject for a while. Then, I 
had a wonderful thought that maybe I could get even with her. I thought about it, put it 
together very nicely, and was ready to put it together when she walked in.

She came home from shopping and put the bags on the table, so I went to the kitchen, 
looked at her, and said, "Can I have the Apple Fritter that you promised me now?" I was 
laughing on the inside and trying to keep it from coming to the outside. There was no 
way she was going to get out of this one.

Looking at me seriously, she said, "Oh, my dear. I got that Apple Fritter, and it smelled so 
good that I'm afraid I ate it on the way home."

To counteract that, I would number the days of my life. I have not known her to eat an 
Apple Fritter with this time she got me.

I wish I could prepare for the next trick she'll play on me, but I'm afraid I won't be able to.

Thinking about this I was reminded of a special verse of scripture. My spiritual life is 
based on my hearing the “word of God.”

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,” Romans 10:17.

I can read the Bible but not really hear what God is saying to me. If I don’t hear what God 
is saying how can I live a life that is pleasing unto the Lord. Daily I need to so surrender 
to God’s word that I understand what He really wants of me.

Dr. James L. Snyder lives in Ocala, FL with the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. 
Telephone 1-352-216-3025, e-mail jamessnyder51@gmail.com, website www.
jamessnyderministries.com

HOW TO KNOW IF YOU’RE 
GETTING OSTEOPOROSIS

Dear Savvy Senior:

Can a person in their early fifties have osteoporosis? 
When I fell and broke my wrist last winter the 
doctor that treated me told me I might have 
osteoporosis. Surprised Susan

Dear Susan:

While osteoporosis is much more common in adults over age 60, it can strike younger people too. In fact, 
according to the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation half of women and up to 25 percent of men in the 
U.S. over age 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Here’s what you should know.

Osteoporosis, a disease that weakens your bones is also called a “silent” disease because there are no warning 
signs until a fracture occurs. Around 10 million Americans over age 50 currently have osteoporosis, and an 
additional 44 million have osteopenia (lower than normal bone density) – 80 percent of whom are women.

Most people, by the time they reach their late 30’s, gradually start losing some of their bone mass, but for 
women, the biggest decline happens in the five to seven years following menopause, when levels of estrogen, 
which helps to keep bone strong, plummets. Bone loss for men occurs much more gradually. However, by age 
75, osteoporosis is as common in men as it is in women.

To help you determine your risk of osteoporosis, the International Osteoporosis Foundation has a quick, 
online test you can take at RiskCheck.Osteoporosis.Foundation.

Bone Checkup

According to the BHOF all women over 65 and men over 70 should have a baseline dual energy X-ray 
absorptiometry (DXA) scan, which is a painless measurement of the calcium in your bones. But those at 
high risk should start around age 50. Factors that make a good case for early screening include having a 
family history of osteoporosis, a broken bone after age 50, vitamin D deficiency, a smoking habit, medical 
conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis or previous or current use of medications that can 
weaken bones, like steroid prednisone and certain antidepressants.

Most bone density tests are covered by health insurance companies including Medicare, and are done in 
hospital radiology departments, private radiology practices and stand-alone clinics.

Bone-Builders

If your bone scan finds that you have osteopenia but have a low to moderate 10-year fracture risk, lifestyle 
measures are usually the best course of action. Three important things you can do to boost your bone health 
include:

Get enough calcium and vitamin D: Calcium helps keep bones strong, and vitamin D helps us absorb 
calcium. Women older than 50 and men over 70 need at least 1,200 mg of calcium per day ideally from foods 
like dairy, canned sardines, kale, and fortified orange juice. Adults over 50 need 870 to 1,000 IU of vitamin 
D each day, but that’s hard to get from food. Have your levels checked to see if you need a supplement.

Exercise: Low impact weight-bearing exercises like walking, and strength training with light weights or 
resistant bands several times a week can actually help build bone strength, as well as improve balance and 
muscle strength.

Don’t smoke: Women who smoke a pack of cigarettes per day as adults have less dense bones at menopause.

Osteoporosis Meds

If, however, your bone density test finds that you have osteoporosis your doctor will probably recommend 
medications. The first line of treatment is usually bisphosphonates such as alendronate (Binosto and 
Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel and Atelvia), and ibandronate (Boniva). These oral or injectable drugs slow 
the breakdown of bone but won’t build it back.

For severe osteoporosis your doctor may instead prescribe an anabolic: teriparatide (Forteo), abaloparatide 
(Tymlos), or romosozumab (Evenity). These are typically given as daily or monthly injections and they 
increase the amount and strength of bones.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim 
Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com