In This Issue 

This Month 

March 1-31

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

March 1-31

National Nutrition Month®

March 5-11

National Sleep Awareness Week®

March 27

American Diabetes Alert Day

March 20

First day of Spring

March 17

Happy
St. Patrick's Day  

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Are you a caregiver? Join the conversation and connect with others who are facing similar challenges. This popular blog won the 2011 "Top 100 Senior & Boomer Blogs & Websites" award.

AWG Online
Talk Show 

Join host Patricia Grace Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. EST.

National Senior Care Examiner 

AWG Founder Patricia Grace writes a column on aging topics. This month's topic:"Finally, a raise in social security."

Resources

The "Cliffs Notes" for the VA Aid & Attendance Benefit Process

Learn about programs to keep your loved one safe at home. Special AWG member pricing.

American Seniors Association  

Learn how it provides seniors with the choices, information and services they need to live healthier, wealthier lives.

The Medicare pages on this insurance company website provide a clear summary of Medicare Parts A, B, C and D.

Books & Videos 

A workbook by Matt Gurwell for the families of older drivers. Special AWG member pricing.

A free video from VITAS Innovative Hospice Care that you can view online.

A book by aging and wellness expert Dr. Wayne T. Phillips. You can read a sample and buy it online.

Message from Patricia ...  

March 20 - First Day of Spring

Thanks to improvements in prevention, early detection and treatment, more than a million people in the U.S. count themselves as survivors of colorectal cancer.

Most people with early colon or rectal cancer have no symptoms of the disease. Symptoms usually appear only with more advanced disease. From the time the first abnormal cells start to grow into polyps, it usually takes 10 to 15 years for the polyps to develop into colorectal cancer. This is why getting the recommended screening tests before any symptoms develop is so important.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), fewer African Americans are dying from colorectal cancer than in previous years. However, African Americans still have the highest death rate of any other racial or ethnic group for most cancers, including colorectal cancer. An estimated 7,020 deaths from colorectal cancer are expected to occur among African Americans in 2012. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in both African American men and women.

The causes are complex and are thought to reflect social and economic disparities more than biological differences associated with race. These include inequities in work, wealth, income, education, housing and overall standard of living, as well as barriers to high-quality cancer prevention, early detection and treatment services.

Chances of colon cancer increase with age. Diabetes, obesity, smoking and heavy use of alcohol also increase the risk. Screenings should start at age 50 and continue every 10 years after that, as long as results are normal. You should start earlier at the age of 40 if you have a family history.

Malnutrition is a serious senior health issue. Know the warning signs and how to help an older loved one avoid poor nutrition.

Observe your loved one's eating habits. Spend time with an older loved one during meals at home, not just on special occasions. If your loved one lives alone, find out who buys his or her food. If your loved one is in a hospital or long-term care facility, visit during mealtimes.

Look for physical problems. Red flags for malnutrition might include poor wound healing, easy bruising, dental difficulties and weight loss. Watch for signs of weight loss, such as changes in how clothing fits.

Know your loved one's medications. Many drugs affect appetite, digestion and nutrient absorption.

You can also try to prevent the causes of inadequate nutrition in your senior's life. The following list details things that can trigger malnutrition:

Health problems. Older adults often have health problems that can lead to decreased appetite or trouble eating, such as chronic illness, use of certain medications, trouble chewing due to dental issues, problems swallowing or difficulty absorbing nutrients. A recent hospitalization may be accompanied by loss of appetite or other nutrition problems. In other cases, a diminished sense of taste and smell decreases appetite.

Limited income and reduced social contact. Some older adults may have trouble affording groceries, especially if they're taking expensive medications. Those who eat alone may not enjoy meals, causing them to lose interest in cooking and eating.

Depression. Grief, loneliness, failing health, lack of mobility and other factors may contribute to depression - causing loss of appetite among older adults.

Alcoholism. Alcoholism is a leading contributor to malnutrition - decreasing appetite and vital nutrients and frequently serving as a substitute for meals.

Restricted diets. Older adults often have dietary restrictions, including limits on salt, fat, protein and sugar. Although such diets can help manage many medical conditions, they can also be bland and unappealing.  

American Diabetes Association Alert Day is a one-day "wake-up call" asking Americans to take the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. Held on the fourth Tuesday of every March, the next Alert Day will be held on March 27, 2012.

The Diabetes Risk Test asks users to answer simple questions about weight, age, family history and other potential risk factors for pre-diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Preventative tips are provided for everyone who takes the test, including encouraging those at high risk to talk with their health care provider.

Click here to assess your risk.  

Moving and relocation, even under the best of circumstances, can be stressful. For older adults and the elderly, who have 30, 40, or 50+ years of household furniture, goods and "treasures," moving from their home can be paralyzing.

Transitional Assistance Design was founded by Susie Danick, RN, BSN. Susie also holds the credential of Certified Relocation and Transition Specialist and is the former Board President of the National Association of Senior Move Managers.

Learn more about a career as a senior move manager or to locate a move manager in all 50 states.