Laura Rocha joins Health Happenings on Methuen TV to discuss Age/Dementia Friendly initiative in Methuen
Local TV show features our Age/Dementia Friendly Methuen initiative
Our Outreach Manager, Laura Rocha recently appeared on the local television show “Health Happenings” for Methuen TV, on a panel discussing our Age/Dementia Friendly Methuen project we have been working on with Methuen Mayor, Jim Jajuga. We will miss him, and look forward to continuing the initiatives with the Mayor-elect Neil Perry.
Watch the discussion here http://archive.methuentv.org/Video/5398
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, a dementia–friendly community is a city, town or village where people with dementia are understood, respected and supported. In a dementia–friendly community people will be aware of and understand dementia, so that people with dementia can continue to live in the way they want to and in the community they choose.
We have partnered with other key community partners to make this initiative work for the city:
Here’s what we have accomplished so far:
Spring 2019- ActivMed met with Mayor Jim Jajuga to present the idea and address the needs of the community
Summer 2019- Mayor Jajuga and several city officials came to ActivMed to receive Dementia Training from the Alzheimer’s Association
Fall 2019- Focus Group to share ideas and to get feedback directly from the citizens of Methuen
Coming soon in 2020- Training of First Responders!
There is still plenty of work to be done, so stay tuned for more updates!
Life is a constant roller coaster of challenges and victories. Feeling sad or hopeless is something we all experience at some point in our lives For many, these feelings persist and may require medical intervention.
The Black Hole
Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the U.S., affecting men, women, and children from all walks of life. Depression can deeply impact every aspect of life. Symptoms can include difficulty concentrating, anger and irritability, loss of energy, and loss of interest in the things we once loved.
Depressive episodes are when these symptoms do not go away for long periods. Below are some quick facts about those affected:
- 3 % of American Adults (18+) are affected
- Depression is more prevalent in women than men
- 9 million children (ages 3-17) have been diagnosed with depression
- Adults with depressive disorders have a 64% higher chance of developing coronary artery issues
Types of Depression
Depression affects everyone differently. How each person responds to treatment is also different, so understanding the various types of depression can be an important piece in finding the most effective treatment. Below are some common types of depression along with a general understanding of each:
- Major Depression– Recurrent depressive episodes that if left untreated, can last up to 6 months.
- Atypical Depression– Those who have it experience a temporary mood elevation from positive events such as receiving good news, hanging out with friends, etc.
- Dysthymia (Recurrent Mild Depression)– Symptoms are not as strong as major depression but can last for long periods. Those with this type of depression feel moderately depressed more days than not.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)– Feeling of sadness, stress, and being tense beginning in fall or winter when daylight hours are reduced. This usually lasts until spring, when there is more sunlight.
Clinical Studies and Depression
Up to 80% of those treated for depression show improvement in symptoms within 4-6 weeks of beginning psychotherapy, medication, attending support groups, or a combination of these. Sadly, 2 out of every 3 people with depression do not actively seek treatment or receive proper treatment. Consulting your physician is the only way to truly be diagnosed and treated properly.
A clinical study conducted by ActivMed in our Methuen location could also benefit individuals who battle with this disorder. If you or someone you know is suffering from depression or feel like pieces are missing from your current depression treatment, these studies may be a great opportunity. Qualified candidates who participate will receive study-related care at no cost and compensation for travel. To learn more about our depression studies, please click HERE.
References:
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/depression-symptoms-and-warning-signs.htm
https://www.dbsalliance.org/education/depression/statistics/
If you or a loved one struggle with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), take comfort in the fact that you are not alone! Contrary to popular belief, COPD is more than just a smoker’s cough, it is a life-threatening disease that interferes with breathing. There are an estimated 64 million people who live with COPD.
The most common cause of COPD is tobacco smoke through tobacco use or second-hand smoke. Warning signs for COPD are frequently dismissed and, usually, people think that the reason they are short of breath is due to “just getting older.”
Living Life with COPD
Common COPD Symptoms:
- shortness of breath (often the first sign)
- coughing
- wheezing
- having a tight feeling your chest
- feeling winded going up the stairs
- frequently needing to catch your breath.
People with COPD are more likely to have frequent colds, recurring bouts of the flu, or pneumonia and all of these can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and other symptoms. Shortness of breath and coughing can also be a sign of asthma which is why women with COPD are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed with asthma.
In the late 1960’s, tobacco companies heavily targeted women, resulting in an increase of women who started smoking and COPD now affects men and women almost equally because of increased tobacco use among women. Women are more likely to have lung damage from cigarette smoke than men are because women’s lungs are smaller and higher estrogen levels tend to worsen lung disease. Women are often misdiagnosed because COPD has been thought of as a man’s disease.
People are often diagnosed with COPD between age 50 and 60 when symptoms are so obvious that they can no longer be ignored, but COPD actually can begin to develop around age 40.
To find out if a patient has COPD, a doctor will have a patient breathe into a tube hooked up to a spirometer which measures how much air the patient exhales. More primary care doctors use this simple method to test anyone who is at risk for COPD, even if they don’t have symptoms.
COPD is the 5th biggest killer worldwide and is estimated to kill over 250 people worldwide. Although there is no cure for COPD, it can be found early and steps can be taken to help manage the disease. With medications, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation and social support, many people diagnosed with COPD are able to live long lives.
Enjoying Life with COPD
How to Get Involved:
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with COPD, a medical research study may be an option. ActivMed is currently seeking participants for several current and upcoming studies. Qualified candidates who participate will receive study-related care at no cost and receive compensation for travel. To learn more and see if you or someone you love may qualify for a study, click HERE.
