| Today’s seniors – living longer, better
It turns out aging well is all about living well. Sure, genes play a part, about 30 percent, according to researchers, but the rest is up to us. The prescription is simple – eat healthy foods, get regular exercise, reduce stress and stay active.
While growing older is inevitable, there is a lot we can do to keep our bodies healthy and strong. Cathy Hasle, director of Community Wellness at Calvert Memorial Hospital, offers these tips:
Stay active
“Most older adults don’t get enough physical activity,” says Hasle. “Exercise is the key to staying independent. You need muscle strength for everyday activities. It also keeps your bones strong, helps you sleep better, improves your balance and is an excellent stress-buster.”
The KeepWell Fitness Center at CMH provides a safe environment for people with medical conditions like heart disease, arthritis, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. “We provide monitored exercise,” she said, “and each program is tailored to meet the individual’s needs.” For information, call 410-535-8245.
Eat healthy
You may have noticed that your appetite has been decreasing – all the more reason to pack your diet with nutrient-rich foods that help prevent disease. A well-balanced diet, says Hasle, is essential to controlling your weight and managing medical problems like diabetes.
Do you know how many calories you really need? Now, you can meet one-on-one with a registered dietitian at CMH who will develop a diet just for you. For information, call 410-535-8233.
Another resource is the Diabetes Self Management Program at CMH. It offers practical advice about nutrition, medications, exercise and monitoring. For information, call 410-414-4780.
Practice prevention
Like exercise, eating right, and other things you do to keep healthy, preventive care is up to you. Regular checkups are vital. Need help finding a physician? CMH provides a toll-free referral line at 1-888-906-8773.
“The main focus of our Community Wellness program” says Hasle, “is education, screenings and prevention.” CMH offers free screenings for colorectal and prostate cancer throughout the year. Our HeartWell program provides low-cost cholesterol testing, she added.
The hospital’s Woman’s Wellness program offers women the convenience of scheduling their yearly well-woman check-up and mammogram in one easy visit. To make an appointment, call 410-286-7992.
Reduce stress
Stress can wear anybody down, mentally and physically, but a healthy body can cope with stress better than an unhealthy one. Looking for ways to unwind and relax? Check out Healthy Alternatives at CMH. It offers yoga, taiji, therapeutic massage and more. For information, call 410-414-4507.
CMH senior services address special needs
Cancer Help Line: if you have questions about cancer care, call the hospital’s toll-free help line at 1-877-CMH-CANCER (264-2262).
Cardiac Rehabilitation: monitored exercise, nutrition and tobacco counseling, medication management, stress reduction and support group, call 410-414-4527.
Home Health: skilled nursing and outpatient therapy provided in your home through CMH affiliate, Chesapeake-Potomac Home Health Agency, call 301-274-9000.
Medbank Program: for qualified applicants it provides help obtaining free medications, call 1-866-633-2265.
Rehabilitation Services: physical (including wound care), occupational and speech therapy on outpatient basis for all ages, call 410-535-8308.
Sleep Disorders Center: comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for sleep-related complaints such as heavy snoring and inability to fall asleep, call 410-535-8271.
Transitional Care Unit: temporary care in home-like environment for those recovering from serious illness or surgery, call 410-414-4708. Respite care is also offered.
Urgent Care: after-hours care for minor medical emergencies at centers in Dunkirk (410-286-7911) and Solomons (410-394-2800).
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