Senior Clinics Treat the Whole Person, Not Just Medical Problems

A patient might see the same doctor for decades as people feel comfortable and loyal to their physicians. But as we age, our needs change and considering a geriatrician can become a pressing need. Just like there are pediatricians for babies and children who are specifically trained to check on a young growing body, there are specialty doctors for aging bodies. As parents, we are trained to bring our children to pediatricians right from birth. But at the other end of the spectrum, many seniors and their families do not know when the time is right to reach out to a geriatrician.What is a GeriatricianA geriatrician is a physician that is certified in internal or family medicine. These professionals have proficiency in the care of older adults and expertise in navigating the labyrinth of psychological and social problems that often occur among senior citizens. They also specialize in the medical complexities of seniors and many of the chronic conditions they experience. Geriatricians have a greater understanding of what happens to a seniors mind and how that affects their cognitive abilities and behavior. Some of these areas of expertise include arthritis, Alzheimers disease, dementia, frailty, hearing and much more. They understand issues such as the causes of falls and how to prevent them. These doctors often pay more attention to a patients overall quality of life and set goals to keep seniors bodies and minds healthy. These experts also know its no secret that senior patients can be, and usually are, prescribed a variety of medications. The more medicine a senior patient is is required to take, the greater the chance of side effects, or dangerous drug addictions and interactions. Complex medication regiments also increase the chances of inadvertent mismanagement. Geriatricians know that seniors bodies process drugs differently than they did at a younger age, therefore using their expertise to evaluate a patients medicine and prioritize which drugs are absolutely necessary. When Should You GoMost patients of geriatricians are 65 or older, but there is no set age on when you can start seeing your preferred geriatrician. Experts recommend seeing a geriatrician if you:Become frail or impairedHave multiple conditions that require complex careManage multiple medicationsFind that treatment for one medical condition negatively affects a second conditionStart to feel symptoms of diseases associated with aging such as dementia, incontinence, or osteoporosisHow to Pick a GeriatricianPicking the right doctor is never an easy task. We all have preferred requirements that differ per individual. John Hopkins put together a list of things to look for when choosing your geriatric physician:Ask about their training and whether they have special certifications. Check to see if they are affiliated with an academic medical center that usually offers patients the most up-to-date medical care.Make sure the geriatrician accepts your insurance.Check to see if there are any in-home services.Find out how the geriatrician works with other specialists such as cardiologists, pulmonologists and neurologists.Learn how the geriatrician communicates with patients such as face to face, phone calls, texts or electronic portals.Find a geriatrician with a similar philosophy about your health goals. Work with a local senior living advisor to find geriatricians in your community. The Big PictureGeriatricians pay more attention to seniors overall quality of life and their goals. Consultations typically take more time than a standard physical or check-in. These professionals dont just gather data on patients ailments; they collect information on lifestyle, family, and other community-related questions to get a fuller picture of their patients life. Geriatricians understand that they often cant cure a seniors health conditions, so they strive to bring them to the highest functional status possible to ensure they are able to enjoy their daily lives. Their main goal is to maximize independence and preserve the quality of life for geriatric patients.Research by John Hopkins shows that older adults who receive care from a geriatrician while in the hospital have better function when discharged. Seniors also are more likely to go home directly after discharge rather than to a rehabilitation center or senior community. There are approximately 7,000 geriatricians practicing medicine in the United States. A report from the American Health Rankings shows there are about 28 geriatricians for every 100,000 adults over the age of 65 in Florida. The American Geriatrics Society estimates that to meet the demand, medical schools would have to train at least 6,250 additional geriatricians between now and 2030, or about 450 more a year than the current rate.How Oasis Can HelpAt Oasis Senior Advisors, you are never alone through any process of aging. If you or someone you love needs additional information regarding the need for a geriatrician or are seeking other senior resource options in your area, Oasis is here to help. Call us today at (888) 455-5838 or visit us at oasissenioradvisors.com to find your local Oasis advisor.

To learn more about Inspire Health Clinics, CLICK HERE.Whether you run for miles or sit around the house, the health of your feet is vital for walking, running, or just about anything that requires your lower body for movement. Read on to find out how to best protect your podiatric foundation.We tend to not think of our feet unless there's something wrong, but the lowest part of our body is crucial for so many things we take for granted. Whether its supporting our weight, keeping our balance, or just the act of standing or walking (our feet endure hundreds of tons of force daily from normal tasks), our feet play a vital part of our everyday activities. Proper care for your feet is good for your whole body, so lets look at the best ways to treat foot problems, foot exercises, and the best equipment to help keep your feet healthy.Residents of South Jordan, Utah, looking for help with foot problems can rely on the comprehensive care of Dr. Matthew Graff and the experienced team at Inspire Health Clinics. We offer cutting-edge treatments for podiatric care, and innovative family care for patients of all ages.Common foot problems The pain you could be experiencing in your feet may be the result of these problems:Fungal issuesExcessive foot sweat and other damp environments like showers and pools can lead to problems like athletes foot or fungal nail infections.Structural issuesJoint and musculoskeletal problems can make your feet very uncomfortable, like heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. Some conditions can cause the feet to become misshapen in some way, leading to pain and other complications like bunions, claw toe, hammer toe, or flat foot.Growths This can be anything that causes abnormal tissue to grow on your feet, such as corns and plantar warts. Blisters are a mild annoyance, but are examples of growths that can cause pain.Irritations Inflammation of the bone and tissue in your feet can lead to things like sesamoiditis, gout, and metatarsalgia (stone bruise).Best ways to take care of your feet Here are some basic practices you can use to provide your feet with better care:Keep your feet clean and dryDon't share pedicure utensilsAvoid sharing shoesDon't shave callusesGive yourself foot massagesSoothe irritation with a vinegar soakThe first tip is the easiest way to avoid many future foot issues. Cleaning your feet regularly and keeping them dry will help prevent the buildup of bacteria and dry skin from causing numerous foot problems. Soaking and massaging your feet will help relieve pain and promote blood circulation.Best exercises for your feetIn addition to massaging and soaking your feet, exercises are a great way to keep your feet limber and relaxed. These include exercises like point your toes, raise your heels, squeeze your toes, roll a ball, and stretch standing up and sitting down. Once done, you can relax your feet in a bath with Epsom salts.Best shoes for your feetGetting proper shoes is a big part of foot care, because you spend so much time in them whether you're active or not. According to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, the ball of your foot should fit comfortably in the widest part of the shoe, and you need enough depth in it so your toes don't touch the top. When you stand up, you should have about a half an inch of space between your big toe and the front of your shoe. It also helps to walk around in shoes to make sure there isn't any rubbing or slipping. Cloth shoes are best for leisure activities, and sneakers are best for running and sports.The best practices for proper foot care are easy to implement and can make a world of difference in the comfort of your foot, as well as avoiding any harmful conditions. If you're having foot problems and need help, make an appointment with Dr. Graff and Inspire Health Clinics today.

To learn more aboutWeber/Morgan Senior Services, CLICK HERE.Weber Human Services The RIDE provides transportation services for seniors who have no other means of transportation to access appointments, senior centers or other community interests. It is not medical or assisted transportation, but a curb-to-curb program. Curb-to-curb means that the driver will pull up to the curb or the end of the driveway. The individual must be able to get from his or her residence to the vehicle without assistance. Scheduling is done by telephone, with at least five business days notice required to schedule a ride.Registration for new clients or scheduling is doneby telephone with The RIDE office at801-625-3776.YOU MAY QUALIFY TO USE THE RIDE PROGRAM IF:You reside in a Weber County city, in a home or apartment.You do not drive and have no other means of transportation (i.e., you do not qualify for Medicaid medical transportation or UTA Paratransit; are not able to use UTA buses; and do not have any transportation support from family, friends, or others).You are age 60 or above (except for clients of Weber Human Services, for whom age is not a determining factor). This age requirement includes wheelchair service.You are in a wheelchair or can access a RIDE vehicle with minimal assistance.SCHEDULING TRIPS FOR THE RIDE:Services are available from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (except holidays).Five working days notice is required for all appointments, including medical appointments. (This includes trips to Weber Human Services for all authorized clients. Weekends and holidays are not considered working days for purposes of scheduling.)All trips must be pre-scheduled for both initial pickup time and return time (destination pickup).Donation:There is a suggested donation of $4.00 per round trip for the riders. Donations from businesses, residents, and other community leaders are also much appreciated. You can donate to Senior Services through Weber Human Services Foundation. Please click the Donate button above this screen to access our Foundation page.Registration/Scheduling:Registration for new clients or scheduling is done by telephone with The RIDE office (801-625-3776). A determination is made at the time of the call regarding eligibility for using The RIDE.