November is National Diabetes Awareness Month | | | | |
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC): 37.3 million people, or 11.3% of the U.S. population, have diabetes.
An estimated 28.7 million people – had diagnosed diabetes. The percentage of Americans age 65 and older remains high, at 29.2%, or 16.5 million seniors (diagnosed and undiagnosed).
Approximately 8.7 million people have diabetes but have not yet been diagnosed.
| |
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. High blood glucose can cause health problems over time. The main types of diabetes are type 1, type 2, and gestational.
Symptoms
Increased thirst and urination, feeling tired, unexplained weight loss, and blurred vision are symptoms of diabetes. Many people have no symptoms and don’t know they have diabetes. Each type of diabetes has different causes.
Prevention
You can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by losing weight if you are overweight, being active for 30 minutes most days of the week, and following a reduced-calorie eating plan. Some people also take the diabetes drug metformin to help prevent type 2 diabetes.
Management
Managing your diabetes means managing your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol, and quitting smoking if you smoke. A healthy diet and physical activity are important too. Work with your health care team to create a diabetes care plan that works for you.
Treatment
Following your diabetes treatment plan may include taking diabetes pills, insulin, or other shots, as well as medicines for related health problems. Some types of surgery, such as weight loss surgery, may be options for certain people with diabetes.
Your diabetes meal plan helps you manage your blood glucose. Moderate physical activity most days of the week also helps control blood glucose. Talk with your health care team about a plan for eating and physical activity that is right for you.
Understanding Diabetes
Whether you're newly diagnosed, have had type 1 or type 2 diabetes for a while, or you're helping a loved one, you’ve come to the right place. This is the way to start learning how you can live a healthier life—with the tools, health tips, and food ideas you need. Wherever you are with diabetes, you can still live your best life—and we have the steps you can take to get there. All you have to do is take action and stick with it.
From symptoms and treatment to management and medication—arm yourself with the knowledge to live well with diabetes.
Diabetes Risk Test
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Knowing your risk means knowing what diabetes is and how to prevent it. Take a quick diabetes risk test to check your risk and find out what you can do to lower your risk or get the help you need.
| | November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month | | |
Memory screenings are something all adults should include in their health and wellness routine and are especially important for someone who is experiencing signs/symptoms of memory loss or declining cognitive ability.
They are a significant first step toward detecting a potential memory problem. Memory loss or impairment could be caused by a number of medical conditions, including vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues, urinary tract infections and depression, which are treatable or curable.
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) offers free virtual memory screenings which allow individuals to receive one-on-one, confidential memory screenings from a qualified professional using their computer, smart phone or tablet.
This service, which is part of AFA’s National Memory Screening Program, began during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that people could still get screened from the safety and comfort of their homes.
About Alzheimer's: When are virtual memory screenings conducted?
Screenings are done by appointment daily, Monday through Friday.
Appointments can be scheduled by calling AFA at 866-232-8484 or online by clicking here.
About Alzheimer's: What is Mild Cognitive Impairment?
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition in which people have more memory or thinking problems than other people their age. The symptoms of MCI are not as severe as those of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. People with MCI can usually take care of themselves and carry out their normal daily activities.
People with MCI are at a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Estimates vary as to how many people who have MCI will develop dementia. Roughly one to two out of 10 people age 65 or older with MCI are estimated to develop dementia over a one-year period. However, in many cases, the symptoms of MCI stay the same or even improve.
If you have this condition, it’s important to see a doctor or specialist regularly to help monitor changes in memory and thinking over time.
There is currently no treatment or medication for MCI, but there are things you can do that may help you stay healthy and manage changes in your thinking. Keeping your mind active is one thing that may benefit your brain.
The following tips may help you feel better, and could help your memory:
- Follow a daily routine.
- Use memory tools such as calendars, to-do lists, and notes to yourself.
- Put commonly used objects in the same place each day.
- Learn a new skill.
- Volunteer in your community, at a school, or at your place of worship.
- Spend time with friends and family.
- Get enough sleep, generally seven to eight hours each night.
- Exercise and eat well.
- Don’t drink a lot of alcohol.
- Get help if you feel depressed for weeks at a time.
For more information on mild cognitive impairment and dementia click here.
About Alzheimer's: Getting forgetful? Memory aids can help
Here are a few tips:
- Keep “to do” lists and put them where you will see them often. Mark off items as you accomplish them.
- Establish a routine and follow it. For example, if you take your medicines at the same times every day, you are more likely to remember them.
- Don’t rush. Give yourself time to memorize a new name or recall an old one.
- Keep everything in its place: If you always put your reading glasses in the same place, you will always know where they are. Put items that you don’t want to forget in a place where you will see them when you need to. For example, hang your keys by the exit door you use most often.
- Use associations. For example, picture an apple on top of a gate to recall Mrs. Applegate’s name.
- Keep a paper or electronic calendar of important dates. Make sure to check it a couple of times a day.
About Alzheimer's: When to seek professional help
Normal memory problems do not affect your everyday living. If you forget where you put your keys, you probably just need to get better organized.
However, if you forget what keys are used for or how to unlock doors, you should see a psychologist for a complete assessment and/or speak with your primary health care provider. This type of memory problem is not a normal part of aging.
For more information on memory, forgetfulness, and aging, click here.
About Alzheimer's: Age-Related Forgetfulness or Signs of Dementia?
Forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging, but some worry that it is the first sign of dementia. However, not all people with memory problems have dementia.
How can you tell the difference between mild forgetfulness and serious memory problems like Alzheimer's disease? Learn the differences between age-related forgetfulness and signs of dementia.
| | | November is National Family Caregivers Month | | |
November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to honor and celebrate the incredible contributions of California's estimated 4.5 million family caregivers.
These dedicated individuals embody the heart and soul of our communities, providing an estimated $81 billion worth of care annually to ensure their loved ones receive the support they deserve.
Caregivers do not have to go on this journey alone. Various free resources are available to lighten the load and make it easier to provide the best care for those who need it.
| | | |
Agency on Aging Area 4 offer services to support caregivers, including respite care and educational programs. Engaging with these resources can enhance your caregiving experience.
Contact us for more information:
| | Medicare: Open Enrollment Begins October 13 | | |
Medicare health and drug plans can make changes each year—things like cost, coverage, and what providers and pharmacies are in their networks.
October 15 to December 7 is when all people with Medicare can change their Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year to better meet their needs.
- Join, drop, or switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (or add or drop drug coverage).
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan or from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare.
- Join, drop, or switch to another Medicare drug plan if you’re in Original Medicare.
Benefit changes go into effect: January 1 of the next year.
Find Medicare plan information or compare plans by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or by visiting Medicare.gov.
For other languages like Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Arabic, Khmer, Polish, Russian, Arabic, or Chinese, click here.
| | Healthy Eating = Healthy Aging | |
Smothered Greens
November is here and with it is Diabetes Awareness month, so drop that leftover Halloween candy and see how you can maintain and improve your blood sugar levels.
Dark green leafy vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A,C,K, folate, iron, calcium and potassium.
The healthy greens in this recipe get their rich flavor from smoked turkey. Click the link below to check out this recipe.
| |
Bean & Veggie Soup
Beans and vegetables have fiber rich nutrients that moderate how your body digest foods and helps control blood sugar levels.
As the temperature drops try this hearty bean and vegetable soup to increase your fiber intake.
Click the link below for more details.
| |
Sweet Potato Apple Pie
Many people believe that desserts are off limits if you're living with diabetes. But that's simply not true. With a few considerations, people with diabetes can have dessert.
To limit overconsumption of added sugar, incorporate fruits and vegetables which are rich in fiber and can help control blood sugar. This month try a delicious Sweet Potato Apple Pie to increase your fiber intake.
| |
— Volunteer Opportunities —
| | |
Volunteer to help build an edible community garden in senior living facilities! These fun and rewarding opportunities promote better nutrition, exercise, socialization, and community building.
- Wednesday, November 16
- 8:30am - 12:30pm
- Davis, CA
Click link below to learn more and sign up to volunteer.
| | | GetSetUp: Free Online Classes for Older Adults | | |
We’ve selected a variety of online fall prevention courses for you through GetSetUp, an organization created by older adults, to help people 55+ learn new skills, connect with others, and unlock new life experiences.
All those 60+ are welcome and workshops are free when using passcode "area4-ca".
| | October's Featured Classes | |
Thriving as a Caregiver: Alzheimer's Support and Self Care
This class covers caregiver burnout and its signs, and practical strategies tailed for you.
| |
Dementia: Conquering the Challenges of Caregiving
This class covers useful information you can use to help improve the quality of life for your loved one with dementia.
| |
Alzheimer's: What We Know and What We Don't Know
(This class covers the groups most affected by Alzheimer's and the potential risk factors associated with this disease.
| |
Heart Healthy Foods: Your Guide to Building a Healthy Shopping List
In this class, learn strategies on how to create a heart-healthy shopping list. We'll explore essential ingredients, smart choices, and dietary tips to help you maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle through your food choices.
| |
Fall Harvest: Healthy Recipes to Enjoy This Season
Fall is the perfect time to get back into your kitchen and cook up some delicious, healthy meals!
This class will teach you how to make healthy dishes that make the most of autumn's harvest.
| |
What to Do with Thanksgiving Leftovers
Unsure of how to utilize Thanksgiving leftovers? Discover creative and delicious ways to repurpose them into new meals. From sandwiches to soups, learn how to give your festive food a delightful second act.
| | Do you receive SSI? Don’t miss out on food benefits! | | | | |
Food prices have increased significantly in recent years. It makes it difficult for many of us—especially older adults—to keep eating well.
Fortunately, CalFresh has allocated funds specifically for adults aged 60+. We simplify the application process for them.
Learn more and start your application today.
Click button below or call us at
1-800-211-4545
| |
What is Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)?
An ADRC is a network of organizations that work together to make access to services easier for older adults, people with disabilities, and family care providers. We are here to support you in finding resources and exploring your community options for living independently.
We can help you stay in your home, remain connected to your community, make a smooth transition from hospital to home, and access caregiver resources or respite care.
How can an ADRC help you: A Story of Success
Agency on Aging staff working with the Placer Aging and Disability Resource Connection helped a husband and wife in their nineties reduce their prescription drug costs.
From her knowledge of public benefits programs, Case Manager, Marion, advised the couple to apply for Medi-Cal with a share of cost. Many people don’t realize Medi-Cal eligibility can help them even if their monthly income causes them to have a share of cost.
Once approved for Medi-Cal, Marion helped the couple identify a vision care plan that cost $17 per month. This fulfills their share of cost obligations and so Medi-Cal will now cover their Medicare supplemental payments, prescriptions, and needed dental work.
ADRCs are transforming the way people access community resources.
Get help today!
CALL: (800) 211-4545
EMAIL: cm@agencyonaging4.org
WEB: www.adrc4.org
| | | | Workshops for Healthy Aging | | |
Agency on Aging Area 4 hosts free virtual and in-person workshops for the older adult community in Sacramento, Nevada, Placer, Sierra, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba Counties.
Whether you’re interested in nutrition, health promotion or job readiness we have the classes for you!
| | For the latest news on healthy aging, follow us on social media! | | |
This material was funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. The materials or product were a result of a project funded by a contract with the California Department of Aging.
| | | | |
