Managing Anger For a Healthier Life Reversing Roles
With America’s aging population comes a new role for many, parent
Mildred A. McAfee, M.D., internal medicine physician on TIPS FOR MANAGING ANGER: caregiver. Mahenaaz Haq, M.D., geriatric medicine physician on the
the Baylor Plano medical staff discusses how controlling our Baylor Plano medical staff, answers a few frequently asked questions
Breathing: When you begin
anger helps us live a healthier life. regarding caring for loved ones as they age.
to feel angry, inhale from your
When we we’ve been offended, let down, aggravated, or diaphragm.
A profile of America’s aging population
annoyed, it is often easy to react with anger. It is a typical Expression: Rather than Since 1970 the median age of the United States population has been
human feeling that ranges from minor irritation to intense rage. keeping your feelings in, express rising and is expected to continue to rise into the mid-21st century.
them in an assertive but non- By the middle of the century, one in five Americans will be elderly.
Failing to deal with anger, can lead to health problems and can lead
threatening way.
to anxiety and depression. Anger can also disturb relationships, impair thinking, and
also may lead to physical health problems such as high blood pressure, heart trouble, Find friends who will Although only five percent of the elderly are in nursing homes at any
headaches, skin disorders and digestive disease. listen to you and encourage you. particular time, one in four elderly persons will eventually need long-
term care assistance. While most elderly are not severely disabled,
many do require assistance because of their limitations.
How does it feel to be a caregiver?
The Signs of Healthy Aging How Do Your Bones Stack Up? Many discover a sense of satisfaction and view caring for their physician know which treatments are working well, and informing
parents as a significant role, allowing them to express their love and other family members of your parents’ health status. A good
Aging is a normal part of life, but what changes can you expect Although the majority of women have healthy bones, respect for their parents. Providing help to another can also enhance caregiver is not afraid to ask doctors questions and keeps a good
to experience as you get older? Linda Krisik, M.D., internal approximately 329,000 hip fractures occur each year in your life. When we use our gifts and talents to contribute to the lives record of doctor contact information and doctor visits.
medicine physician on the Baylor Plano medical staff the United States. So how do you know if you have of others, we gain a greater sense of purpose for our own lives.
describes the normal signs of healthy aging. strong and healthy bones? Dr. Alicia Starr, Medical In addition, serving as a caregiver can lead to new friendships as you How can I plan ahead as a caregiver?
Director of the Women’s Imaging Center at interact with others serving as caregivers. You may even build deeper Many families don’t face caregiving decisions until they’re faced
Your body begins to burn
Baylor Plano discusses bone density. relationships with your parents or other members of your family as with an emergency, which can make the decision process even more
calories more slowly over time.
you work together to meet the needs of your parents. stressful. But you can ease the tension by planning ahead, doing
Many people begin to need
your research and talking about all possible care options with both
reading glasses after age 40. Our bodies build bone throughout childhood Caregiving is demanding, and not everyone views it in a your parents and other family members now. It may take more than
You may develop hearing loss as and adolescence, but as we age bone growth positive light. Sometimes caregivers experience feelings of being one discussion to come to a conclusion, and if you need assistance
you age. begins to decline. After age 30, we begin to lose overwhelmed, or weighed down during the caregiving process. you can seek the aid of a geriatric-care manager. You can also plan
bone mass faster than our bodies are able to replace Those who feel that they have been forced into the caregiving role ahead by familiarizing yourself with community senior resources
Always visit your doctor if you have questions about
it. The majority of women have enough bone density to may feel resentment or unprepared to administer the everyday jobs and making an emergency contact list that includes neighbors,
whether your symptoms may be related to a health condition
begin with so losing bone density does not pose a major that go along with caregiving. If you feel pressured to serve as the caregivers, doctors, and friends.
other than normal aging.
problem. However, for others the bone loss happens at primary caregiver but don’t have a desire to do so, then you need
such a fast rate that their bones become absorbent and to set boundaries and consider finding someone to assist you in the What is the best way for siblings to share caregiving
their risk of suffering from a fracture increases. caregiving role so that your parents can receive the quality care responsibilities?
HealthQuicks Fracture Risk Factors
If you break a bone
they need.
What will I do as a caregiver?
First, siblings should talk or email once a week to discuss the parents’
status. In addition, family members should take turns visiting their
parents. Set up a schedule so that your parents can look forward to a
NEWS YOU CAN USE!
after the age of 20, especially a wrist, ankle or hip, you Caregivers serve in a variety of roles, including coordinating and daily or weekly visit but each sibling isn’t committed to visiting every
Your body-mass index (BMI), a ratio of height to weight, is more may have weaker bones than you should. monitoring services. In addition, as a caregiver you may act as day. Siblings can report to each other after each visit. In the same
important than your weight alone because it tells you if your a home health aide, assisting your parents with meals, laundry, way the visit schedule was set up, a call and email schedule can be set
A study in the New England Journal
weight may put you at risk for health problems. Calculate your medications and possibly bathing. You may also manage your up. If it’s necessary to take parents to the doctor, pick up groceries
of Medicine found that women with mothers who
BMI online at www.nhlbi.nih.gov. parents schedule, pay bills, serve as a legal aide, assist with or run other errands then take turns doing these activities. The
suffered from hip fractures were three times more
likely to also experience a fracture. housekeeping, and provide transportation. main goal is to give every family member the help they need while
Contrary to popular belief, research shows that bathroom door
According to a New Zealand caregiving so that no one burns out.
handles have less bacteria than any other surface in public
study of hip fracture risk, impaired vision nearly triples You can have a great deal of influence on the lives of your parents as
restrooms. Office desks tend to be much dirtier than the average
ones risk for suffering a fracture, and trouble with a caregiver. Creating an encouraging and positive environment for How can I manage the costs of caregiving?
toilet bowl because they aren’t cleaned regularly.
depth perception increases risk six times. your parents to live in is a vital part of your role as a caregiver. Discuss the financial obligations of caregiving with your parents
Next time you’re stressed, take a break and breathe. Research and other family members. Be sure to research which home-care
shows that when we’re stressed we take quick, thin breaths that Bone density testing requires a physicians’ order. To have Another role you may take on is coordinating your parents’ or nursing-home expenses will be reimbursed by Medicare and
lower blood-oxygen levels. Focus on deeply inhaling and exhaling your bone density tested at the Women’s Imaging Center healthcare and serving as a liaison between your parents and your Medicaid as they have specific rules regarding what they’ll cover.
to the count of five to help increase blood-oxygen flow. at Plano, have your physicians’ office call 469.814.5500. parents’ health care team. This may include giving medications, You may also consider speaking to a financial adviser to determine if
managing side effects, reporting concerns to physicians, letting the long-term care insurance is a practical option.

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Calendar of Events
Baylor April & May 2009 Events
Plano All programs held at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano,
Has The in Plano Conference Room A/B, Garden Level, unless otherwise
Answers noted. For more information or to register for a program, please call
1.800.4BAYLOR (422.9567).
Is hormone therapy Saturday Mammography Clinics
Saturdays, April 4 & 25; May 9 & 30. Women’s Imaging Center at
right for me? Plano, Medical Pavilion I, Suite 450. Appointments begin at 8:30 a.m.
Daryl Greebon, M.D., gynecologist Tuesday, April 7. 12 to 1 p.m. Shibu Oommen, M.D., gastroenter-
ologist on the Baylor Plano medical staff, will discuss the symptoms
on the Baylor Plano medical staff and treatment options of diverticular disease. Lunch provided.
discusses the benefits and risks of Head and Neck Cancer Support Group
hormone therapy. Tuesday, April 7 & May 5. 6 to 8 p.m.
Abdominal Bleeding Seminar
ursday, April 9. 12 to 1 p.m. Daryl Greebon, M.D., gynecologist
Benefits on the Baylor Plano medical staff, will discuss the symptoms and
Estrogen is helpful in easing some treatment options of abdominal bleeding. Lunch provided.
symptoms of menopause, including
hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal ursday, April 9 & May 14. 5:30 to 7 p.m.
dryness, burning, and pain with Living Well With Cancer Information Session
Monday, April 13 & May 11. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dinner provided.
intercourse. However, the Women’s Health Weight Loss Surgery Informational Seminar
Initiative Study also showed that April 16 & 29; May 5 & 27. 6:30 p.m. Presented by Nick Nicholson,
It’s no longer recommended that out of 10,000 women who had had M.D., bariatric surgeon. Baylor Plano’s surgical weight loss program
women use hormone therapy for an offers three options: gastric banding, gastric bypass and sleeve
a hysterectomy and were taking gastrectomy to help you try to achieve a healthy weight.
extended period, but women who estrogen alone (no progestin): Your Health This Month
use estrogen for temporary relief of Friday, April 17. 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Free breast cancer risk assessments,
menopausal symptoms might also diabetes and skin cancer prevention education and asthma, blood pres-
decrease their risk for osteoporosis, sure and scoliosis screenings will be provided. Cholesterol and glucose
clots screening will be available for $15. Continental breakfast provided.
and colorectal cancer. Look Good Feel Better®
Tuesday, April 21. 6 to 8 p.m. Light dinner provided.
Risks Us Too! Prostate Cancer Support Group
Research from The Women’s Tuesdays, April 28 & May 26. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dinner provided.
Health Initiative study showed Should I consider hormone Chronic Stress Seminar
Wednesday, May 6. 12 to 1 p.m. Mildred McAfee, M.D., internal
that women who took an estrogen- therapy? medicine physician on the Baylor Plano medical staff, will discuss
progestin combination developed With all medical decisions, it’s prevention, symptoms and treatment options of chronic stress.
an increased risk of developing important for you to discuss Lunch provided.
some medical conditions. your situation with your doctor. Preventative Health: Paving the Way for Life’s Transitions
Friday, May 8. 12 to 1 p.m. Murray Fox, M.D., gynecologist on the
Specifically, the study reported the But in spite of the reported Baylor Plano medical staff, will discuss an array of preventative health
following cases in one year out of health risks, estrogen is still the topics, including BRCCA genetic testing for cancer, diet, exercise,
10,000 women taking estrogen plus primary treatment for menopausal cholesterol, triglycerides, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, bone
metabolism, osteoporosis and supplements. Lunch provided.
progestin: symptoms. If you experience
Your Health This Month
modest to severe hot flashes or Friday, May 15. 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Free bone density and blood
other symptoms, the benefits pressure screenings, sleep apnea disorder assessments and education,
of temporary therapy offset the osteoporosis education, and breast cancer risk assessments and
education will be provided. Cholesterol and glucose testing will be
possible risks. offered for $15. Continental breakfast provided.
Classes are offered at various times. To register call (469)814-6896.
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content or privacy, and the reference to these websites should not be construed as an endorsement of the entities that own the websites or of the information, products, or services offered by them. Physicians are members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Health
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actual patients. ©2009 Baylor Health Care System. MOD-09-234. BRMCPL-302-FY2009. 8thED. 40,000. 03/09