Strategies for Getting Organized

Falls can lead to disability from brain damage, fractured bones, and muscle sprains. Fall risk increases with age due to declining eyesight and hearing loss. Falls also result from age-related medical conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. Use the strategies and resources mentioned in this article to help yourself, your family, and your friends to avoid falling down. Strategies Checkups  – use a checklist to assess your fall risk. Devices   – wear a pendant or smartwatch to detect falls and call for help. Distractions  – suspend the use of smartphones and headphones when driving, exercising, or walking. Exercise  – maintain strength and stability with daily exercise (i.e., aerobics, strengthening, and yoga). Footwear  – prevent trips by wearing practical shoes (e.g., slip-ons, low heels, etc.). Gait  – take slow, steady steps when walking; use a walking stick for balance and support. Health  – get annual health, hearing, and visio...

Hearing difficulties can start at any age and can worsen over time. Hearing loss is a problem for a third of Americans over 65 and for half of those older than 75. Most fail to take advantage of listening devices despite recent improvements in appearance, features, and size. The first hearing aids were clumsy and unsightly, but modern listening devices are attractive and convenient. The recent launch of a hearing aid feature for Apple’s AirPod Pro should increase their popularity. Below are tips for selecting a listening device and resources for using it.   Tips Alternatives  – Apple AirPod Pros are a good choice for listeners with mild impairment, but hearing aids are better for those with severe hearing loss. Hearing aids are less noticeable than AirPods since they mostly hide behind the ear. Apps  – Users can adjust AirPod Pros and hearing aids by touch or by using smartphone apps that control loudness and background noise. Audiologist  – AirPod Pros facilitate se...

Below are tips from Joe Murphy about seeking treatment for a rare disease. For more insight, read  Murphy's article  and the additional articles listed below. Tips Advice  - Consider seeking a second third opinion Advocacy  - Be your own patient advocate  Checkups - Get periodic checkups, colonoscopies calcium scans, etc. (even if you feel healthy) Lifestyle  - Lead a healthy lifestyle with by exercising daily and eating a nutritious diet Questioning  - Ask lots of questions when you go to the doctor Research - Use the Internet to research articles and databases about your condition/symptoms.  Articles Aging Well Boosting Immunity   Healthy Living Patient Advocacy   Personal Health Records .  Murphy's Insights