CONNECTIONSenior

A newsletter from Mercyhealth l Fall/Winter 2018

A note from Sharon

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Welcome to the fall/winter edition of the Senior Connection newsletter. I’m looking forward to seeing some colorful fall foliage along with enjoying some crisp, cooler temperatures.

Monday, October 15, through Friday, December 7, is the time of year when I schedule appointments to review Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. An appointment is necessary to review drug plans.

Please be sure to bring the following to your scheduled appointment: • Your Medicare card that provides the Medicare

number and dates that Part A and B began • An updated list of your medications and

dosageDue to the large number of clients needing this review, please be prepared to make a decision at the time of your appointment.

Thank you,Sharon WeglerMercyhealth Senior Advocate

Please note: This Senior Connection Newsletter is now printed twice per year—Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer. Newsletters are available publicly at Mercyhealth Wisconsin locations and senior centers in Rock, Green and Walworth counties. If you’d like to receive a copy via email, please call Mercyhealth Line at (608) 756-6100.

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Every year, a Medicare Open Enrollment Period, cor-rectly referred to as the Annual Enrollment Period, is made available for people who qualify for Medicare benefits. During the 2019 Annual Enrollment dates, anyone who is eligible for Medicare Parts A and B can enroll in or make changes to their Medicare coverage. This includes being able to:• Change from Original Medicare to Medicare

Advantage

• Change back to Original Medicare from Medicare Advantage

• Switch from your current Medicare Advantage plan to a different Medicare Advantage plan

• Make changes to your Medicare Part D coverage

• Apply for Medicare Part D even if you didn’t when you originally applied, although some fees may be incurred

The 2019 Medicare Open Enrollment Period is Monday, October 15, 2018 to Friday, December 7, 2018 for a January 1, 2019 effective date. During the 2019 Medicare Open Enrollment Period you can:• Change from Original Medicare to Medicare

Advantage, or vice versa

• Choose a different Medicare Advantage plan

• Make changes to your current Medicare Part D coverage

• Apply for Medicare Part D, although fees may be required

Medicare Open Enrollment October 15 - December 7, 2018

What You Should Know

The Mercyhealth Development Foundation is pleased to offer friends of Mercyhealth an exciting opportunity. A professional estate planner with Thompson & Associates is available to meet with you (and your spouse or other family member) to confidentially discuss your estate plans—with no obligations and at no cost to you.

Charlie Slamar, Jr., JD, LL.M, FCEP, an experienced estate-planning attorney, comes to Mercyhealth Hospital and Trauma Center–Janesville on the second Wednes-day of every month. His next visits are scheduled for September 12, October 10, and November 14. Appointments are taken on a first-come, first-served basis.

The goal of these visits is to help people make tax-wise estate plans that fulfill their wishes, reflect their values, and provide the peace of mind that comes from knowing your estate plan is up-to-date and in order. Your own professional advisor will be involved in the planning process to the extent you desire.

To schedule your appointment or for more information, call Jennifer Johns, Director of the Mercyhealth Development Foundation, at (608) 755-8821.

Free Help With Estate Planning

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Flu shots — The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends yearly influenza vaccination for people six months and older. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) normally covers one flu shot per flu season. You pay nothing for a flu shot if the doctor or other qualified health care provider accepts assignment for giving the shot.

While how well the flu vaccine works can vary, there are many reasons to get a flu vaccine each year:• Flu vaccination can keep you from getting sick

with flu.

• Flu vaccination can reduce the risk of flu- associated hospitalization, including among older adults.

• Vaccine effectiveness for the prevention of flu-associated hospitalizations was similar to vaccine effectiveness against flu illness resulting in doctor’s visits in a comparative study published in 2016.

• Flu vaccination is an important preventive tool for people with chronic health conditions.

• Flu vaccination has been associated with low-er rates of some cardiac (heart) events among people with heart disease, especially among those who experienced a cardiac event in the past year.

• Flu vaccination also has been associated with reduced hospitalizations among people with diabetes (79%) and chronic lung disease (52%).

Pneumonia shots — Pneumococcal disease is common in young children, but adults are at greatest risk of serious illness and death. There are two kinds of vaccines that help prevent pneu-mococcal disease. Ask your doctor which vaccine is right for you. Medicare Part B (Medical Insur-ance) covers a pneumococcal shot to prevent pneumococcal infections (like certain types of pneumonia). Older Part B also covers a different second shot if it’s given one year (or later) after the first shot. Talk with your doctor or other health care provider to see if you need one or both shots. You pay nothing for pneumococcal shots if your doctor or other qualified health care provider accepts assignment.

It’s Time for Your Autumn Vaccinations

First Tuesday of each month, 6 - 7 pmMercyhealth Conference Center at Mercyhealth Hospital and Trauma Center1000 Mineral Point Ave., Janesville

Fourth Monday of each month, 10 - 11 amMercyhealth Hospital and Medical Center-WalworthN2950 State Road 67, Lake Geneva

New! Cancer at Any Age Support GroupIt’s important to know you are not alone when you face cancer. This group brings together anyone touched by cancer, at any stage in their journey. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, comfortable, encouraged and supported. To register for this free support group, please call (608) 756-6238.

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A simple thing—like tripping on a rug or slipping on a wet floor—can change your life. If you fall, you could break a bone, like thousands of older men and women do each year. Falls can result in hip fractures, broken bones, and head injuries. For older people, a break can be the start of more serious problems, such as a trip to the hospital, injury, or even disability. This can cause an older adult to become fearful or depressed, and makes it difficult for them to stay active.

If you or an older person you know has fallen, you’re not alone. More than one in three people age 65 years or older falls each year. The risk of falling—and fall-related problems—rises with age.

Here are some common factors that can lead to a fall:• Balance and gait: As we age, most of us lose some

coordination, flexibility and balance due to being less active. Losing these conditions makes it easier to fall.

• Vision: As our eyes age, less light reaches the retina. This makes it harder to see contrasting edges, tripping hazards, and obstacles.

• Medications: Some prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can cause dizziness and dehydration. Interactions with each other that can also lead to a fall.

• Environment: Most seniors have lived in their homes for a long time and have never thought about simple modifications that might make it safer as they age.

• Chronic conditions: More than 80% of older adults have at least one chronic condition like diabetes, stroke or arthritis. Often, these health conditions increase the risk of falling because they result in lost function, inactivity, depression, pain, or multiple medications.

How to Prevent Falls and Fractures

continued on next page

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Take the Right Steps to Prevent FallsIf you take care of your overall health, you may be able to lower your chances of falling. Most of the time, falls and accidents don’t “just happen.” Here are a few tips to help you avoid falls and broken bones:• Stay physically active. Plan an exercise

program that is right for you. Regular exercise improves muscles and makes you stronger. It also helps keep your joints, tendons, and ligaments flexible. Mild weight-bearing activities, such as walking or climbing stairs, may slow bone loss from osteoporosis.

• Have your eyes and hearing tested. Even small changes in sight and hearing may cause you to fall. When you get new eyeglasses or contact lenses, take time to get used to them. Always wear your glasses or contacts when you need them. Tint-changing lenses can be hazardous when going from bright sun into darkened buildings. Bifocals can be problematic on stairs, so be cautious. Ask your optometrist for suggestions on ways to improve your vision or prevent falls. If you have a hearing aid, be sure it fits well and wear it.

• Learn about the side effects of any medicine you take. If you are having a hard time keeping track of medicines, or if you are experiencing side effects like sleepiness or dizziness, discuss

your concerns with your doctor and pharmacist. Beware of non-prescription medicines that contain sleep aids, including painkillers with PM in their names. These can lead to balance issues and dizziness.

• Get enough sleep. If you are sleepy, you are more likely to fall.

• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect your balance and reflexes. Studies show that the rate of hip fractures in older adults increases with alcohol use.

• Stand up slowly. Getting up too quickly can cause your blood pressure to drop. That can make you feel wobbly. Get your blood pressure checked when lying and standing.

• Are you holding onto walls and furniture when walking, or have difficulty getting up from a chair? These are signs that you could use the help of a physical therapist to improve your balance, strength, and gait through exercise.

• Use an assistive device. Using a cane and walker can help you feel steady on your feet and prevent a fall. If your doctor tells you to use a cane or walker, make sure it is the right size for you and the wheels roll smoothly. (Poorly fitted or wrongly used walking aids can increase your risk of falling.) Assistive devices are

Many Older Adults Fear FallingThe fear of falling becomes more common as people age, even among those who haven’t fallen. It may lead older people to avoid activities such as walking, shopping or taking part in social activities.

But don’t let a fear of falling keep you from being active. Overcoming this fear can help you stay active, maintain your physical health, and prevent future falls. Doing things like getting together with friends, garden-ing, walking, or going to the local senior center helps you stay healthy. The good news is, there are simple ways to prevent most falls.

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important when you’re walking in areas you don’t know well or where the walk-ways are uneven. A physical or occupa-tional therapist can help you decide which devices might be helpful and teach you how to use them safely.

• Do a walk-through safety assessment of your home. There are many simple and inexpensive ways to make a home safer. Here are some examples:

• Lighting: Increase lighting throughout the house, especially at the top and bottom of stairs.

• Stairs: Make sure there are two secure rails on all stairs.

• Bathrooms: Install grab bars in the tub/shower and near the toilet. Consider using a shower chair and a hand-held shower wand

• Trip hazards. Get rid of throw rugs, move extension cords out of walkways, pick up clutter, and replace broken or unstable furniture.

• Be very careful when walking on wet or icy surfaces. They can be very slippery! Try to have sand or salt spread on icy areas by your front or back door.

• Wear non-skid, rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes, or lace-up shoes with non-skid soles that fully support your feet. It is important that the soles are not too thin or too thick. Don’t walk on stairs or floors in socks or in shoes and slippers with smooth soles.

• Always tell your doctor if you have fallen since your last checkup, even if you aren’t hurt when you fall. A fall can alert your doctor to a new medical problem or problems with your medicines or eyesight that can be corrected. Your doctor may suggest physical therapy, a walking aid, or other steps to help prevent future falls.

What to Do If You FallWhether you are at home or somewhere else, a sudden fall can be startling and upsetting. If you do fall, stay as calm as possible.

Take several deep breaths to try to relax. Remain still on the floor or ground for a few moments. This will help you get over the shock of falling.

Decide if you are hurt before getting up. Getting up too quickly or in the wrong way could make an injury worse.

If you think you can get up safely without help, roll over onto your side. Rest again while your body and blood pressure adjust. Slowly get up on your hands and knees, and crawl to a sturdy chair.

Put your hands on the chair seat and slide one foot forward so that it is flat on the floor. Keep the other leg bent so the knee is on the floor. From this kneeling position, slowly rise and turn your body to sit in the chair.

If you are hurt or cannot get up on your own, ask some-one for help or call 911. If you are alone, try to get into a comfortable position and wait for help to arrive.

Carrying a mobile or portable phone with you as you move about your house could make it easier to call someone if you need assistance.

If you are concerned about falling in your home, consider the use of a personal emergency response system, like Mercyhealth Safe Connect. It is ideal for elderly and dis-abled individuals who want to stay in their own homes, independent, safe and comfortable. With Safe Connect, there is always a 24/7 connection to family members or friends to help your loved one get back on their feet from a fall. To learn more about Mercyhealth Safe Connect, visit mercyhealthsafeconnect.org or call (608) 756-6784.

A Final WordMany recognize falling as a risk, but believe it won’t happen to them. If falling, dizziness, or balance is a concern, talk to your health care provider. Your provider can do a fall assessment and suggest a prevention program or service.

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Sign up for the Wisconsin Do Not Call Registry

Wisconsin’s Bureau of Consumer Protection works to enforce the Do Not Call law, protecting Wiscon-sin residents from unwanted sales calls and texts. Criminals often use telemarketing as a tool to reach their victims. If your number is on the Do Not Call Registry and you receive an unsolicited sales call, it’s probably fraudulent.

Registration on the Wisconsin Do Not Call Regis-try is permanent. Wisconsin residents no longer have to sign up every two years. Sign up once, and you’re done, as long as you have that number.

Wisconsin uses the National Do Not Call list for registrations. To verify that your number is registered, check through the federal website or call 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236). You must call from the phone you want to verify.

Wisconsin residents who sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry are protected by both the federal Do Not Call law and by Wisconsin’s telemarketing laws.

Why do I get calls when I’m on the registry?The Do Not Call Registry is a tool to reduce the number and frequency of unwanted calls. Some businesses or organizations are permitted by law to call numbers on the registry, including:• Organizations with which you have established a

business relationship

• Organizations you have given prior consent to contact you

• Tax-exempt nonprofit organizations

• Noncommercial calls such as polls, surveys and political messages

• Calls made to a number listed in the current local business telephone directory

• Calls made by an individual acting on his or her own behalf and not as an employee or agent of any other person

Text messages — Wisconsin law protects cell phone users from unwanted texts. If your cell phone number is on the Do Not Call Registry, unsolicited text sales pitches are illegal. The same exceptions apply to texting.

Robocalls — You’ve probably gotten robocalls (a recorded message) about candidates running for office, or charities asking for donations. These robocalls are allowed. But if the recording is a sales message and you haven’t given your permission to get calls from the company on the other end, the call is illegal. In addition to these phone calls being illegal, their pitch most likely is a scam. Don’t press any numbers—just hang up the phone. Pressing numbers can lead to more robocalls.

Help reduce unwanted sales calls and deter fraud

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How to register your phone for the Wisconsin Do Not Call Registry

Residential cell phones, landlines, and VoIP numbers are eligible for registry. You can register online or by calling.

Online: www.DoNotCall.gov

Calling: Call from the phone you are registering: 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236).

After you register, your phone number will show up on the registry by the next day. Telemar-keters covered by the Do Not Call Registry have up to 31 days from the date you register to stop calling you. If you receive a call from a telemarketer after 31 days, file a complaint by calling 1-800-422-7128.

Source: State of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, datcp.wi.gov.

Managing Life with ArthritisWednesday, September 1210 - 11 amMercyhealth Mall education room 11010 N. Washington St., Janesville

Painful joints can make daily activities difficult or even impossible. By making alterations in your environment and assistive devices, you can improve your daily ability to stay more independent and ac-tive. Join us to learn about functional solutions like joint protection, pain relief options, splinting options, and adaptive equipment and techniques.

This event is free and open to the public. Please register by September 10 by calling Mercyhealth Line at (608) 756-6100.

We All Forget: Is it Normal Aging or Should I be Concerned?Wednesday, September 2610 - 11:30 amMercyhealth Mall1010 N. Washington St., Janesville

This event is free and open to the public. Join us to learn:• What’s normal and not normal as we age• How our memory works• What to do if we are concerned

Presented by Mercyhealth and Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin.

Opportunities for AllParticipate. Learn. Grow.

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Free Dinner SeminarDiabetes: What is it? Can I prevent it? Can I cure it?Wednesday, September 266 pmMercyhealth Hospital and Medical Center– Walworth cafeteriaHwys. 50 and 67, Lake Geneva

Join Mercyhealth Certified Diabetes Educator, Angela Mack, RD, LD, CD, CDE, as she discusses important information about diabetes. For more information, or to RSVP by September 25, call Mercyhealth Line at (888) 396-3729.

Stepping On Fall Prevention WorkshopFridays, September 14 - October 2610 am - noonMercyhealth North3400 Deerfield Dr., Janesville

This 7-week workshop is proven to reduce falls by improving your balance and strength, teaching you about home and environmental safety, and addressing other risk factors. Presented by the Rock County Council on Aging. For more infor-mation or to register, call (608) 757-5472 or visit www.co.rock.wi.us/aging.

Nutrition 101: Making Healthy Food ChoicesThursday, October 410 - 11 amMercyhealth Mall education room 11010 N. Washington St., Janesville

Making healthy food choices is important, no matter how old you are! Come learn about plan-ning healthy meals, eating on a budget, staying hydrated, seasoning with herbs and spices, and much more!

This event is free and open to the public. Please register by October 1 by calling Mercyhealth Line at (608) 756-6100.

Urinary IncontinenceWednesday, October 2410 - 11 amMercyhealth Mall education room 11010 N. Washington St., Janesville

Did you know there are effective ways to decrease leakage and urgency that don’t involve surgery? This event teaches both men and women ways to manage incontinence.

This event is free and open to the public. Register by October 22 by calling Mercyhealth Line at (608) 756-6100.

Mercyhealth Association of Volunteers 18th Annual Holiday MarketSunday, November 4, 10 am - 4 pmMonday, November 5, 7:30 am - 6 pmTuesday, November 6, 8 am - noonMercyhealth Conference Center at Mercyhealth Hospital and Trauma Center–Janesville1000 Mineral Point Ave.

Door prizes! Shop early! Save 25% on everything including many Made in USA items, gourmet foods, holiday textiles, home décor and framed art, women’s boutique items, jewelry, gifts for babies and children, and much more!

Mercyhealth GalaSaturday, November 105:30 pmMercyhealth Riverside CampusRiverside Boulevard and I-90, Rockford

Mercyhealth Development Foundation’s premier black tie fundraising event promises to deliver a spectacular evening of elegance and fun–all for a good cause. Proceeds will support the new rooftop healing garden at the Mercyhealth Riverside Campus. For more information, call (815) 971-4141.

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Exercising for Weight LossWednesday, November 141 – 2 pmMercyhealth Mall education room 11010 N. Washington St., Janesville

Join us to learn a multi-dimensional approach to weight management with an emphasis on exercise. Learn more about achieving a healthy weight through lifestyle changes. We will discuss the prevalence and risk of obesity, benefits of low-intensity exercise, why we eat, the obesity cycle, the most effective approach to managing weight, and a better understanding of exercise and diet.

This event is free and open to the public. Please register by November 11 by calling Mercyhealth Line at (608) 756-6100.

Mercyhealth Association of Volunteers Holiday MarketThursday, December 6, 9 am – 4 pmFriday, December 7, 9 am – 4 pmMercyhealth Hospital and Medical Center– WalworthGift ShopHwys. 50 and 67, Lake Geneva

Stop in and save 25% on almost everything in the store, and bid on our silent auction items donated by volunteers and staff.

Love Light Tree Lighting CeremoniesMonday, December 3

5 pmMercyhealth Hospital and Medical Center– Harvard901 Grant St., Harvard6 pmMercyhealth Hospital and Trauma Center1000 Mineral Point Ave., Janesville6 pmMercyhealth Hospital and Medical Center– WalworthHwys. 50 and 67, Lake Geneva

Mercyhealth Riverside Campus Public Open HouseSaturday, December 810 am - 4 pmRiverside Blvd. and Interstate 90, Rockford, IL• Take a guided tour through our new hospital• Learn about services available here and at

our Rockton Avenue campus• Enjoy local entertainment• Enter to win prizes

New! Fall Prevention and Better Balance ClassThursdays: February 7 - March 28, 201910 amMercyhealth Mall Community Education Room1010 N. Washington St., Janesville

Tai chi has both physical and mental benefits. If done regularly, it improves muscle tone, flexibili-ty, balance, and coordination. Many older people find that it boosts their energy, stamina and agility, sharpens their reflexes, and gives an overall sense of well-being.

Nancy Mayhew, certified tai chi instructor, will lead you through this one-hour session, held once a week for eight weeks. Cost is $50. To register, please call Mercyhealth Line at (608) 756-6100.

The Importance of Good Oral Health Thursday, April 4, 201910 amMercyhealth Mall1010 N. Washington St., Janesville

Advancing age puts many seniors at risk for a number of oral health problems. Join Angie Stone, RDH, BS, the author of the Amazon best-selling book, Dying from Dirty Teeth, as she discusses the importance of dental health for a lifetime. Learn what can happen to those who suffer from poor dental health and how to keep our mouths healthy. One lucky winner will take home a free copy of Angie’s book! This event is free and open to the public.