FPG Officially Patient-Centered Medical Home
03 Feb 2012
The National Committee for Quality Assurance designated the following offices as recognized practices, the highest level granted by the organization:
- Family Physicians of Oviedo
- Family Physicians of Casselberry
- Family Physicians of Apopka
- Family Physicians of Kissimmee
- Family Physicians of Poinciana
- Family Physicians of Semoran
- Family Physicians of Rosemont
"Since our inception, we've operated as a patient-centered medical home, providing complete care to our patients and coordinating their care throughout the medical process," says owner, Nayana Vyas. "The NCQA recognizing FPG as a patient-centered medical home is a tremendous honor and validates the work our team has done to provide the best health care in Central Florida."
You're Never Too Old
06 Dec 2011
From NIH News in Health:
You’re Never Too Old
Keep Active as You Age
We’ve all heard that exercise is good for you. Did you know that it’s as true for older people as it is for any age group? You’re never too old to get moving, get stronger and improve your health.
Fitting exercise and physical activity into your day can enhance your life in so many ways. Regular physical activity can improve your balance and boost or maintain your strength and fitness. It may also improve your mood and help you manage or lessen the impact of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis and depression.
To continue reading this article, read here.
FPG is a Top Privately Held Company, Again
07 Nov 2011
Last month, Family Physicians Group was recognized by the Orlando Business Journal as a "Golden 100 Top Privately Held" company, for the second year in a row. Congratulations to them for this truly impressive achievement.
FPG VIP Party in Altamonte
18 Oct 2011
The FPG VIP Party were put together to show our appreciation for our patients. The photos below are from our event in Altamonte Springs, specifically.
FPG VIP event in Altamonte
Five Unbelievable Medical Advances
09 Aug 2011
These are really something:
By Thomas Stone
-
Cancer-Fighting Nodes - The RIKEN Institute, located in Japan, has developed artificial lymph nodes which produce immune cells to fight infections. The hope is for physicians to eventually use these nodes as replacements for diseased nodes, or ones with cells geared to treat diseases such as cancer or HIV.
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Say Goodbye to Tooth Decay - ON! BioPharma has created a new bacterial strain, called SMaRT, which prevents tooth decay; this is done by keeping the bacteria that live on teeth from producing lactic acid. Although it is still undergoing clinical trials at the moment, a single application of SMaRT will keep your teeth healthy for the rest of your life!
Read the rest of this article.
Chocolate is good for you -- fact or fiction?
29 Jul 2011
From the August issue of NIH News in Health:
Claims about Cocoa
Can Chocolate Really Be Good for You?
The idea that chocolate might be good for you stems from studies of the Kuna Indians, who live on islands off the coast of Panama. They have a low risk of disease or high blood pressure given their weight and salt intake. Researchers realized that weren’t protecting them, because those who moved away from the Kuna islands developed high blood pressure and heart disease at typical rates. Something in their island environment must have kept their blood pressure from rising.
“What was particularly striking about their environment was the amount of cocoa they consume, which was easily 10 times more than most of us would get in a typical day,” says Dr. Brent M. Egan, a researcher at the Medical University of South Carolina who studies the effect of chocolate on blood pressure.
But Kuna cocoa is a far cry from the chocolate that most Americans eat. The Kuna make a drink with dried and ground cocoa beans (the seeds of the cocoa tree) along with a little added sweetener. The chocolate we tend to eat, on the other hand, is made from cocoa beans that are roasted and processed in various other ways, and then combined with ingredients like whole milk.
Read the rest of this article.
Emergency Preparedness
05 Jul 2011
Get a Kit • Make a Plan • Be Informed
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Red Cross want you to be prepared for any and all emergencies that could arise. So, they have put together a very thorough and motivating guide on how to protect you and your loved ones when something tragic happens. Check it out.
FPG on Facebook
23 Jun 2011
FPG's facebook URL is now facebook.com/fpgflorida. Be a fan!
'More People Receiving Free Preventive Care'
23 Jun 2011
From the Bradenton.com:
More people with Medicare receiving free preventive care
New CMS campaign to educate seniors about new free preventive care provided by Affordable Care Act
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) today released a new report showing that more than 5 million Americans with traditional Medicare – or nearly one in six people with Medicare – took advantage of one or more of the recommended preventive benefits now available for free thanks to the Affordable Care Act. Also today, Medicare launched a nationwide public outreach campaign, including a letter to doctors and a new Public Service Announcement that will raise awareness about all of the important preventive benefits now covered at no charge to patients, including the new Annual Wellness Visit benefit created by the Affordable Care Act.
Read the rest of this article.
Turning Sixty-Five?
21 Jun 2011
Hey, Baby Boomers! It's time to get busy. Trust us, you do not want to procrastinate when it comes to Medicare coverage. Fortunately, FPG is providing its own Medicare Guide: OrlandoBoomers.com to break it all down. OrlandoBoomers.com carefully goes through the four different parts (A, B, C and D) of Medicare, so that you might make an informed decision when picking your medical coverage.
U.S. Unveils Nutrition Guidelines
15 Jun 2011
From: Healthfinder.gov
In its latest effort to get Americans to eat healthier meals and fight the obesity epidemic, the federal government has introduced a new nutrition icon called MyPlate.
MyPlate replaces the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Pyramid, which was unveiled in 1992 but had become too complicated in ensuing years, many nutritionists contended.
"We are going to continue to have conversations about balanced meals to make this seem fun and simple and not complicated and overburdened," First Lady Michelle Obama said during a Thursday morning press briefing to introduce the MyPlate icon.
"We can do something that makes a difference, something that people can use in their everyday lives," added Obama, who has made combating obesity a priority since becoming First Lady.
The MyPlate logo suggests people eat balanced meals consisting of servings of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and a small amount of dairy. To help make healthy choices, the USDA is also introducing a website called ChooseMyPlate.gov.
Read the rest of this article.
FPG Welcomes Our Newest Providers
03 Jun 2011
FPG patients, please note: We've added four new providers in Central Florida. Doctors Altamirano, Balkman and Littleton will be working out of our Semoran, Poinciana and Metro West locations, respectively. We've also added Physicians Assistant, a Mr. Paul Kilpatrick, to our Clermont office. We've very excited to have them join us. If you are in the area and looking for a provider, look over their profiles (linked).
See Changes to Your Medicare Claims?
25 May 2011
From Medicare.gov
You may see changes to some of your Medicare claims, since we adjusted how we pay for certain services in 2010. Your provider may owe you a refund for services you got in 2010, or you may have to pay your provider more coinsurance. Check your Medicare Summary Notice for any changes to your claims. Your provider will let you know what to do next. They may send you a bill for any extra amounts you owe, or they may credit your account or send you a check for any refunds you're due. Contact your provider with any questions.
WebMD: Recalled Grape Tomatoes
04 May 2011
From WebMD.com
Recalled Grape Tomatoes in Ready-to-Eat Salads
Grape tomatoes possibly contaminated with salmonella have found their way into ready-to-eat salads sold by Albertsons, Raley's, Safeway, Savemart, Sam's Club, and Walmart stores.
The grape tomatoes had been recalled on April 29 by Six L's of Immokalee, Fla. The recalled lot of grape tomatoes were sold under the brand name Cherry Berry and marked with the lot code DW-H. They were sold in clamshell packages as well as in 20-pound cardboard containers.
The grape tomatoes were distributed in 10 states and in Canada, but then spread out through retail and restaurant distribution.
Read the rest of this article.
One of the 10 states is Florida. Please note.
Salud en tu Ciudad: Asthma and Allergies
31 Mar 2011
Para Español, oprima aqui
Ah, Spring! The flowers are blooming, the leaves are sprouting, and if you suffer from asthma and allergies, you're sneezing and coughing all over again. Dr. Gerald Farmer is here to explain the symptoms and solutions to asthma and allergies better than I can. If you would like to receive other helpful tips and information, subscribe to our YouTube channel or continue to visit our blog.
Salud en tu Ciudad is an educational show focusing on today's important health-related news and topics.
We're Proud Sponsors of the Step Out Walk
18 Mar 2011
Every twenty seconds, someone is diagnosed with diabetes. For that reason, it deserves a good deal of attention. That’s why Family Physicians Group is determined to spread the word and raise some much-needed funds for research by sponsoring Red Striders at the American Diabetes Association’s Step Out: Walk to STOP Diabetes. A Red Strider is someone living with diabetes that walks in Step Out.
If you know a loved one afflicted with diabetes, consider donating to this cause or encourage that person to become a Red Strider this November 5th. For more information on Step Out or to learn of all the ways to get involved, go to the Orlando Step Out event website.
Study: Blood Pressure linked to Walking Speed
18 Mar 2011
From the National Institutes of Health (NIH):
Researchers have found a link between high blood pressure and a greater drop in average walking speeds in older adults, according to results from a new National Institutes of Health-funded study. The drop seems to occur even in study participants whose high blood pressure is successfully treated. Drastic changes in walking speed can impact a senior’s ability to remain independent and indicate possible health problems.
The study examined the role of brain, heart, and kidney function in changes in seniors' walking speeds over 14 years. Participating seniors, with an average age of 76 at the start of the study, who had high blood pressure, saw their average walking speeds decline 0.2 miles per hour more than seniors who did not have high blood pressure. The study will appear in the March edition of the Journal of the American Geriatric Society.
Read the rest of this article.
Add Some Color to Your Plate!
14 Mar 2011
Believe it or not, the color of a food can indicate the nutrients it possesses. To maximize the nutritional value of your meal, include healthful choices in a variety of colors.
|
|
Fruits |
Veggies |
 |
Green produce indicates antioxidant potential and may help promote healthy vision. |
avocado, apples, grapes, honeydew, kiwi, lime |
artichoke, asparagus, broccoli, green beans, peppers, leafy greens |
 |
Orange and yellow fruits and vegetables have nutrients promoting healthy vision, immunity and reduce the risk of some cancers |
apricot, cantaloupe, grape fruit, mango, papaya, peach, pineapple |
carrots, yellow pepper, yellow corn, sweet potatoes |
 |
Purple and blue have antioxidants and anti-aging benefits and may help with memory, urinary tract health and reduced cancer risks |
blackberries, blueberries, plums, raisins |
eggplant, purple cabbage, purple-fleshed potatoes |
 |
Red indicates produce that may help maintain a healthy heart, vision, immunity and may reduce cancer |
cherries, cranberries, pomegranate, pink grapefruit, red grapes, watermelon |
beets, red onions, red peppers, red potatoes, rhubarb, tomatoes |
 |
White, tan and brown foods sometimes contain nutrients that may promote heart health and reduce cancer risks. |
banana, brown pear, dates, white peaches |
cauliflower, mushrooms, onions, parsnips, turnips, potatoes, white corn |
For additional options, choose frozen or dried fruits and vegetables available throughout the year. More information on how to "Eat Right with Color" is available at www.eatright.org.
Salud en tu Ciudad: Physical Activity
10 Feb 2011
Para Español, oprima aqui
You don't need a personal trainer to be more physically active. There are simple ways to increase your daily activity and FPG's Sophia McCoy, LPN is here to tell us how. If you would like to receive other helpful tips and information, subscribe to our YouTube channel or continue to visit our blog.
Salud en tu Ciudad is an educational show focusing on today's important health-related news and topics.
Salud en tu Ciudad: Fall Prevention
28 Dec 2010
Para Español, oprima aqui
In this week's video, Phil Ciufo, PA-C offers a helpful health tip explaining the unfortunate frequency at which the elderly fall and how important it is to prevent it. If you would like to receive other helpful tips and information, subscribe to our YouTube channel or continue to visit our blog.
Salud en tu Ciudad is an educational show focusing on today's important health-related news and topics.
Salud en tu Ciudad: Hypertension
10 Dec 2010
Para Español, oprima aqui
In this week's video, Gerald Farmer, MD offers a helpful health tip explaining the cause and effects of a very common condition: Hypertension. If you would like to receive other helpful tips and information, subscribe to our YouTube channel or continue to visit our blog.
Salud en tu Ciudad is an educational show focusing on today's important health-related news and topics.
Salud en tu Ciudad: Nutrition
23 Nov 2010
Para Español, oprima aqui
The holidays are here! If you're like me, you're looking forward to all of the delicious food that the season brings and that's why it's important to know what you're eating. Please watch our latest entry of Salud en tu Ciudad (above) in which Sophia McCoy, LPN offers a quick word on nutrition. If you would like to receive other helpful tips and information, subscribe to our YouTube channel or continue to visit our blog.
Salud en tu Ciudad is an educational show focusing on today's important health-related news and topics.
Salud en tu Ciudad: Diabetes
10 Nov 2010
Para Español, oprima aqui
November 14 marks the 20th anniversary of World Diabetes Day. This day was founded in 1991 in response to the alarming rise of diabetes mellitus around the world. Our blog this week features Dr. Gerald Farmer of Family Physicians of Altamonte saying a few words about this disease and ways to limit its effects. If you would like to receive other helpful tips and information, subscribe to our YouTube channel or continue to visit our blog.
Salud en tu Ciudad is an educational show focusing on today's important health-related news and topics.
Salud en tu Ciudad: Medical Storage and Disposal
20 Oct 2010
Para Español, oprima aqui
In this week's video, Phil Ciufo, PA-C offers a helpful health tip advising on how to properly store and destroy medication. If you would like to receive other helpful tips and information, subscribe to our YouTube channel or continue to visit our blog.
Salud en tu Ciudad is an educational show focusing on today's important health-related news and topics.
Salud en tu Ciudad: Sun Protection
12 Oct 2010
Para Español, oprima aqui
The recent cooler weather in Central Florida does not necessarily mean you don't have to worry about the Sun until next year. Our own Sophia McCoy, LPN offers a helpful health tip on how to protect yourself from the Sun. If you would like to receive other helpful tips and information, subscribe to our YouTube channel or continue to visit our blog.
Salud en tu Ciudad is an educational show focusing on today's important health-related news and topics.
Salud en tu Ciudad: Breast Cancer
04 Oct 2010
Para Español, oprima aqui
In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM), our own Phil Ciufo, PA-C offers a helpful health tip about this devastating disease. If you would like to receive other helpful tips and information, subscribe to our YouTube channel or continue to visit our blog.
Salud en tu Ciudad is an educational show focusing on today's important health-related news and topics.
FPG is a Top Privately Held Company
22 Sep 2010
Last week, Family Physicians Group was recognized by the Orlando Business Journal as a "Golden 100 Top Privately Held" company, coming in as ninth overall in Central Florida. The Golden 100 event is now in it's 26th year honoring the largest privately held companies for their business excellence and contributions to the community. Andy and Dr. Nayana Vyas accepted their award on September 17, 2010 amongst coworkers, family and friends. Below are pictures of the occasion. Check them out.
Reminder: Orlando Heart Walk 2010 is Approaching
22 Sep 2010
We still need your help to reach our goal of raising $5,000.00 for the American Heart Association's Start! Heart Walk on October 2nd. We're almost there! Please donate what you can, it's for a terrific cause. Thank you in advance for your support!
We are fighting heart disease and stroke by participating in the American Heart Association’s Start! Heart Walk. Please support this cause by making a donation that will help provide research and education to stop our No. 1 and No. 3 killers.
Hawaiian Party at the FPG-BVL Senior Center
30 Aug 2010
On August 19th, the FPG-BVL Senior Center held a Hawaiian Party for the community's elderly. Below are some pictures of that event. Seniors enjoy themselves at the FPG-BVL Senior Center with regularly scheduled games of Dominos and Bingo, fitness activity sessions and more.
The FPG-BVL Senior Center can be found in Buena Ventura Lakes at 2576 Boggy Creek Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34744. For more information, call 1-866-999-3741.
The Medicare Enrollment Period has Shortened
11 Aug 2010
Medicare beneficiaries: Be prepared!
The dates to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan have changed. The only time to do so is between November 15 and December 31. Those 45 short days will be your only chance to join or make changes to your Medicare Advantage Plan. There will no longer be an election period from January through March!
If you are already a member of FPG, check with your office to confirm participating plans. For more information, contact our helpful customer service department at 1-866-999-3741.
Orlando Heart Walk 2010
12 Jul 2010
Family Physicians Group is taking a headstart to raise as much money as possible for the American Heart Association’s Start! Heart Walk, held October 2nd. Our goal as a company is $5,000.00, and as of today (July 12th), we have over $800.00. Please donate what you can, it's for a terrific cause. Thank you in advance for your support!
We are fighting heart disease and stroke by participating in the American Heart Association’s Start! Heart Walk. Please support this cause by making a donation that will help provide research and education to stop our No. 1 and No. 3 killers.
Reminder: Keep Cool, Healthy and Hydrated
02 Jul 2010
From the Winter Park/Maitland Observer:
J
uly 1, 2010
By Sarah Wilson, Observer Staff
Phil Ciufo, a physician's assistant in Casselberry whose office – as part of Family Physicians Group- Florida – deals primarily with senior citizens and medicare patients, says the elderly are more at risk for heat-related health concerns because their bodies cannot as easily cope with rising temperatures.
"We find that the elderly are more prone to heat injuries because they don't adjust as well as young people do to changes in temperature," he said. "They also can have cognitive impairments that can keep them from recognizing changes in heat or how they feel in the heat."
Because of this, he said, senior citizens need to do all they can to keep cool, healthy and hydrated.
"Most of the advice we give is to of course stay cool and out of the sun during the peaks in temperatures," Ciufo said.
Avoiding the heat from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and drinking plenty of liquids, even when you're not thirsty, are the best ways to stay healthy, he said.
Hot Weather Tips
17 Jun 2010
From the Duval County Health Department: 
Florida’s climate can often be hot and humid. Staying cool and making simple changes in your fluid intake, activities, and clothing during hot weather can help you remain safe and healthy. To prevent heat-related illness:
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Drink cool water and other fluids (nonalcoholic and low in sugar) frequently. Drink enough water that you never become thirsty.
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Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. (When the temperature is in the high 90s, electric fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath is a much better way to cool off.)
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Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. If outdoors, also wear a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler), sunglasses and sunscreen.
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If you must be out in the heat, limit activity to morning and evening hours. Try to rest often in shady areas.
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Check regularly on adults at risk who are older or physically/mentally ill, and closely watch infants and young children them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
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Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave the water in a shady area.
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Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
"Affordable Care Act" Town Hall
10 Jun 2010
On June 8, 2010, President Obama held a national tele-town hall meeting with senior citizens in Wheaton, MD on the Affordable Care Act and as well as other things, filling the Medication Part D coverage gap or "donut hole".
Re: The Medication Coverage Gap
28:26 So essentially what we said is, how do we provide some immediate
28:30 assistance to seniors who are falling into the doughnut hole,
28:33 and then how do we ratchet down the cost to seniors each year so
28:38 that by the time we get to 2020, the doughnut
28:41 hole is completely eliminated?
28:43 In the meantime, though, as I said -- I want everybody
28:45 to be clear here -- you will immediately benefit first from
28:49 the $250 check that you receive.
28:53 Next year we then phase in 50 percent discount on the
28:58 prescription drugs that you're paying.
29:00 And each subsequent year what you're going to be seeing is,
29:02 is that the costs are going to be continually reduced.
|
Re: The Patient-Centered Medical Home
38:07 So you go to one doctor; they take a test.
38:10 Then you go to the hospital; they have
38:12 you take the same test.
38:15 A lot of errors occur because there's not communications
38:19 between these various specialists,
38:22 and it adds a lot of cost because each time that test is
38:26 being taken, they're charging Medicare if you're on Medicare,
38:31 and if you're not on Medicare they're charging
38:33 the insurance company.
38:34 And that is part of what is adding to all these costs.
38:37 So what we've been trying to do -- and this was a major focus of
38:42 the health reform bill -- is, how do we get more primary
38:45 physicians, number one; and number two,
38:49 how do we give them more power so that they are the hub around
38:52 which a patient-centered medical system exists, right?
38:58 And the first step is getting more primary care physicians.
|
Bingo at the FPG-BVL Senior Center
10 Jun 2010
On May 3rd, the FPG-BVL Senior Center held a Bingo event for the community's elderly. Below are some pictures of that event. Seniors enjoy themselves at the FPG-BVL Senior Center with regularly scheduled games of Dominos and Bingo, fitness activity sessions and more.
The FPG-BVL Senior Center can be found in Buena Ventura Lakes at 2576 Boggy Creek Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34744. For more information, call 1-866-999-3741.
SHE WON! Dr. Vyas is Business Owner of the Year
10 Jun 2010
Dr. Nayana Vyas of Family Physicians of Conway as honored this month by the Orlando Business Journal (OBJ) as 2010 Business Owner of the Year, during the Women Who Mean Business award ceremony held at the exclusive Waldorf Astoria Orlando. Dr. Vyas' innovative healthcare knowledge and vision have made FPG the leading primary health care organization in Central Florida ranking as the number one largest women-owned business in Central Florida for 2009-2010.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Vyas on her great accomplishment!
FPG's Dr. Vyas: Finalist for Regional Award
10 Jun 2010
Dr. Nayana Vyas of Family Physicians of Conway and founder and president of Family Physicians Group is a finalist for Orlando Business Journal's 2010 Women Who Mean Business in Central Florida award. We received the news via email just last week:
Congratulations! You have been named a finalist for Orlando Business Journal's 2010 Women Who Mean Business in Central Florida. Please mark your calendars for Thursday, April 8, as there will be an exclusive event held in your honor to recognize your achievements in the Central Florida business community.
So, there you have it. We'll update you next month.
Tips to Stay Safe and Healthy in the Sun
01 Jun 2010
By Dr. Tomas Figueroa of Family Physicians of Armenia
Summers in Florida are well known for their high temperatures and humidity. Here are a few tips that should make your Summer safe and enjoyable:
- Take it slow. If you're used to being indoors or in cooler weather, take it easy at first. As your body adapts to the heat, gradually insrease the length and intensity of your outdoor activities.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Your body's ability to seat and cool down depends on adequate rehydration. Drink plenty of water while you're outdoors - even if you don't feel thirsty. You may also consider sports drinks since they replace the sodium, chloride and potassium you lose through sweating. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine, large amounts of sugar or alcohol, which actually promote fluid loss.
- Dress appropriately. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing promotes sweat evaporation and cooling by letting more air pass over your body. Avoid dark colors, which can absorb the heat. A light-colored hat with a brim can limit your exposure to the sun. You may also consider using an umbrella.
- Avoid midday sun. Schedule outdoor activities carefully - limit activity to morning and evening hours. If you exercise, try to remain in the shade or in a pool.
- Wear sunscreen. Sunburn decreases your body's ability to cool itself.
Silver Sneakers Fitness Program
06 Apr 2010
At Family Physicians Group, we recommend SilverSneakers for our elderly patients. On their website, SilverSneakers describes itself as a fun, energizing program that helps older adults take greater control of their health by encouraging physical activity and offering social events. Members of WellCare and UnitedHealthcare will be pleased to know that the SilverSneakers Fitness Program currently accept their plans. Don't wait. Get active!
About Our Company
06 Apr 2010
FPG's latest video is a clear and thorough introduction to our Integrated Chronic Care model, our physicians' offices and our company history. If you have seven minutes, give it a quick watch. Or visit the Family Physicians Group office nearest you, where you can see it in the lobby.
Tips to Prevent Falls at Home
06 Apr 2010
Each year, more than 11 million older Americans (33% of that population) will suffer a fall. The majority of these falls occur at home. Many of these falls result in serious injuries including but not limited to hip fractures and head injuries. It is estimated that about 20% of older Americans that suffer a hip fracture may die within 5 years. Therefore, it is very important to try and prevent these injuries.
As we age, we undergo several changes that contribute to the risk of falls. Changes such as failing vision, decreased muscular strength and tone, and impaired higher brain functions all contribute to the risk of falling. The medications a patient takes should also be reviewed. Sedatives, pain medications, medications for blood pressure, antidepressants, and many others can contribute to the risk of falls for various reasons. Finally, many medical conditions including strokes, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, impaired vision from glaucoma or macular degeneration, Alzheimer’s dementia, seizure disorders, and Parkinson’s disease can contribute to these risks. In the case of Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to remember that as the disease advances, patients develop gait apraxia. In gait apraxia, the patient literally forgets how to walk. They have good strength in their legs but they lack the ability to coordinate movements between their legs and trunk in order to either stand or walk.
Here are several tips for preventing falls:
- Begin a regular exercise program. Exercise is one of the most important ways to lower your chances of falling. It makes you stronger and helps you feel better. Exercises that improve balance and coordination (like Tai Chi) are the most helpful. Lack of exercise leads to weakness and increases your chances of falling.
- Review your medications with your physician. Some medications can cause dizziness or affect your body in other ways that could lead to a fall.
- Have your vision checked. Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year. You may be wearing the wrong glasses or have a condition like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or cataracts that limits your vision. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling.
- Use caution when standing or sitting down. Always do this slowly. Getting up too quickly may cause dizziness. When sitting down, make sure that the back of your legs are touching the seat of the chair and that the chair is secure behind you.
- Make your home safer. Watch out for the following common hazards you can find in your home:
- Remove throw rugs or use double-sided tape or a non-slip backing so the rugs won’t slip.
- Move furniture, particularly in high traffic areas, and remove all loose objects from the floor. Make sure the pathways you walk through your home are without obstructions.
- Coil or tape down loose cords and wires to avoid tripping over them.
- Replace or remove carpets that are torn or have turned-up edges. Also, avoid thick carpets since shoes are more likely to get caught in the fibers and cause a fall.
- Place a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick strips or decals on the floor of the tub or shower.
- Install grab bars in the shower or tub as well as around the toilet. You may also consider a shower chair for the tub or an elevated toilet seat.
- Have good lighting everywhere in your home. Pay particular attention to stairs in your home and your bedroom. There should be light switches at each end of the stairs and you want these switches to glow in the dark. Also, use night lights in your bedroom to help you get around in the dark.
- Avoid wearing long nightgowns or robes. You can easily get tangled and trip over them.
- Avoid wearing loose shoes that cause you to shuffle your feet while you walk. Make sure that the shoes you wear fit snugly and stay securely in your feet.
- Watch out for your pets. You can trip over them. Restrict the access of your pets to certain rooms in the house.
- Review the stairs in your home. In addition to good lighting, make sure to mount sturdy handrails that extend beyond the bottom and top stair. Fix any loose or uneven steps. Apply non-skid rubber treads to wooden stairs without carpet. Mark each step with colored paint or tape to make it easier to tell them apart.
- In the bedroom, place a lamp and telephone within easy reach of your bed in the event of an emergency. You should also review the location of other phones around your home and consider having one in your bathroom as well.
- Keep items that are located in shelves and cabinets around your home at waist level whenever possible. Avoid placing things in high shelves and if you need to use a step stool, get one with a bar to hold on to. Never use chairs as step stools.
- Use adequate assistive devices within the home ( canes, walkers, etc. ) and make sure that they are always within your reach when trying to get up from sitting.
Finally, always keep emergency numbers in large print near each phone in the event that you actually fall. Consider buying a portable alarm device that can be worn around the neck or wrist. If you fall and are unable to reach a phone, this can alert emergency services promptly.
Remember that injuries that result from these falls can lead to long term disability, loss of independence, or death. Many older Americans feel ashamed to admit that their walking or ability to sit down or stand up is impaired. They feel that family members may try limit their mobility or even consider moving them out of their homes. The reality is that falls are preventable and, in addition to reviewing the suggestions mentioned above, you should involve your family members in these efforts. They are more likely to respect your independence when they see that you are taking proactive steps to prevent these falls.
The Integrated Chronic Care Video
03 Nov 2009
Family Physicians Group has a new video describing their Integrated Chronic Care model. In just a few minutes (4:28), the video has been proven to help our patients understand how we provide care. If you're curious, make sure your speakers are on and click here.
Special thanks to Emmi Solutions for this instructive video.
Three Questions About Medicare Enrollment
07 Oct 2009
On the eve of the Medicare Enrollment Period, we thought it would be appropriate to meet with the SHINE program, Florida's health insurance counseling and assistance program, and ask them some important questions that everyone eligible for Medicare should know the answer to. The SHINE program's Lynne Meagher was kind enough to help.
Q: What is the Medicare Enrollment Period?
A: The Annual Coordinated Election Period (better known as AEP or Annual Enrollment) takes place November 15th through December 31st each year. This period allows beneficiaries to choose health plans and prescription drug coverage. The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) runs from January 1st through March 31st and provides beneficiaries one more opportunity to review their health coverage for the year and join or switch a Medicare Advantage plan. It is important to understand that OEP does not allow for the stopping or starting of prescription drug coverage.
Q: What are the most important benefits seniors must evaluate when choosing a health plan for 2010?
A: The benefits of health coverage will vary from one senior to another . However, important factors to consider may include costs (premium and deductibles), coverage (formularies, providers, etc.), and customer service.
Q: Are we going to see changes in Medicare Advantage Plans benefits? And if so, how can seniors find more information about changes in their current Medicare HMO plan?
A: As previously stated, we cannot say whether there will be changes to Medicare Advantage Plans until the new plan information has been released. Beneficiaries will soon be receving their Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), which would indicate any changes to their coverage pending they stick with their current plan in 2010.
Lynne Meagher and the SHINE program do not endorse Family Physicians Group as a Medicare service provider. For more information about your Medicare options, call SHINE at the toll-free Elder Helpline 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337).