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Arthritis

Old Colony Elder Services Launches “Tai Chi for Healthy Aging” Pilot Program for Older Adults

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES
Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults, individuals with disabilities and caregivers throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth County, has recently launched “Tai Chi for Healthy Aging” community based classes for Older Adults at the Hanover Senior Center, 665 Center Street, Hanover.

Tai Chi for Healthy Aging is an evidence based program for reducing falls. There are 15 participants in the Hanover Tai Chi pilot program who have been learning a total of 10 different Tai Chi Forms designed to promote better balance. The group meets once a week for one hour. The eight-week pilot program concludes on July 22.

Tai Chi is a series of low impact, gentle, focused exercises and stretches. Suitable for adults aged 60 and older, Tai Chi helps improve flexibility, strength and balance. It promotes better breathing which facilitates relaxation, and provides an opportunity for older adults to engage socially in a group setting.

The classes are led by Donna-Marie Forand and Patricia Livie, Outreach and Education Specialists at OCES. Both are trained in leading evidence based programs for OCES’ Healthy Living Programs and received Tai Chi training through Brookline Tai Chi. Brookline Tai Chi received a grant from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation to provide leader trainings.

“Tai Chi can help older adults increase mobility and utilize the skills they learn in daily activities. Tai Chi Forms can be beneficial to those with arthritis or repetitive stress conditions affecting the arms, hands, or wrists,” noted Diana DiGiorgi Executive Director of OCES. “The Tai Chi for Healthy Aging pilot program has been a success and we’ve received positive feedback from participants.”

For more information about Tai Chi for Healthy Aging classes, contact Christine McLaren at (508) 584-1561 extension 309.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 179 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Have Diabetes? Boston Podiatrists Offer Foot Care Tips

People who have been diagnosed with Diabetes are at greater risk for infection from an injury to the foot, even if that injury is minor, such as a scrape.

Boston Common Podiatry’s Jordana Szpiro, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S., a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and Shannon Thompson, D.P.M. offer the following tips to people affected by diabetes:

-Inspect feet and between the toes daily, checking for: dry or cracking skin, corns and calluses, any unusual lesions, discolored or thick nails. Those with Type I or Type II Diabetes who may be experiencing any of these symptoms are at risk for infection and should see a primary care physician or podiatrist immediately for treatment.

-Check shoes and socks for foreign objects before putting them on. A minor scrape incurred by a pebble in the shoe is a major health concern for people with diabetes as there is a risk of infection. A person with diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) is at even greater risk for infection from a scrape because s/he would not be able to feel they have an injury.

-Check the temperature of soaking or bath water with the hands first to avoid scalding. A minor burn can turn into an open wound and become infected.

-Wear white socks only because the dyes in colored socks can be toxic if absorbed into open wounds and cause infection.

-Have shoes sized and fit by a professional. Shoes that are too large will allow the foot to move within the shoe and chafe the skin. Shoes that are too small can pinch the feet and cause blisters, which may become infected.

-Be aware of any changes in sensation or circulation. Numbness or tingling in the feet may be a sign of neuropathy due to elevated glucose levels over a significant period of time.

– People with diabetes should not cut their own toenails. Again, the risk of cutting nails incorrectly (resulting in ingrown toenails), cutting nails too short, or of nicking the skin is significant. Have a podiatrist do it.

If there is a sign that there is something wrong, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist immediately.

Boston Common Podiatry treats a large number of senior and Medicare patients. The setting is a private; there is no wait time and no referral needed.

For more information, visit the website at www.BostonCommonPodiatry.com or contact the office at 617-262-2266.

About Boston Common Podiatry

Boston Common Podiatry specializes in the treatment of foot conditions including pain, fractures and sports-related injuries; complicated foot conditions caused by diabetes, arthritis and cardiovascular disease; pediatric podiatry, molded orthotics and foot fillers. From athletes and dancers to marathon runners and high-heeled fashionistas to seniors and children, the renowned Boston Common Podiatry cares for patients from the greater Boston and Cape Cod areas.

The practice’s physicians are affiliated with Partner’s Healthcare, Mt. Auburn Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Cambridge Health Alliance, and Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Medford. The office is handicapped accessible and they offer convenient, on-site x-ray services.

Boston Common Podiatry is one of the few practices in the area offering two of the newest, most advanced treatments: Keryflex, which is a new and innovative solution to fungal or dystrophic nails and the innovative FDA-cleared GenesisPlus laser in the treatment of fungal nails. The GenesisPlus laser provides a fast, highly effective solution, with minimal discomfort for warts, scars and Onychomycosis, which is a fungal infection that causes toenails to thicken, discolor and split. It is also ideal for skin rejuvenation and the treatment of spider veins.

Boston Common Podiatry is located at 264 Beacon Street, Second Floor, Boston, MA. For more information contact 617-262-2266 or visit bostoncommonpodiatry.com.

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Boston Podiatrists Offer Healthy Feet Tips for Seniors

Maintaining foot health is especially important in those over 55 years of age.

Dr. Jordana Szpiro, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S. and Dr. Shannon Thompson, D.P.M., podiatrists at Boston Common Podiatry offer the following tips to seniors:

1. Inspect your feet and between the toes daily checking for: dry or cracking skin, corns and calluses, any unusual lesions, discolored or thick nails

2. Clean and moisturize daily.

3. Check your shoe size yearly. If the arch collapses or the foot widens shoes that are too tight or not supportive enough can lead to foot pain, ingrown toenails or painful corns

4. Warning signs something may be wrong:

-Burning, tingling or dulled sensation

-Open sores that appear for no reason

-Delayed healing of wounds

-Foot or leg pain after walking short distances

-Discoloration of feet or toes

5. Diabetic foot care tips:

-Check your shoes and socks for foreign objects before putting them on

-Check temperature of soaking or bath water with the hands first to make avoid scalding.

-Wear white socks only because the dyes in colored socks can be toxic if absorbed into open wounds and cause infection.

-Have shoes sized and fit by a professional

-Be aware of any changes in sensation or circulation

According to Dr. Szpiro, “If you notice a warning sign, don’t wait. Some warning signs that exhibit in the feet can indicate a more serious health issue. Schedule an appointment with your podiatrist as soon as possible.”

Boston Common Podiatry treats a large number of senior and Medicare patients. They prefer Boston Common Podiatry’s private setting to a clinical environment and the fact that there is no wait time and no referral needed.

For more information, visit the website at www.BostonCommonPodiatry.com or contact the office at 617-262-2266.

About Boston Common Podiatry

Boston Common Podiatry specializes in the treatment of foot conditions including pain, fractures and sports-related injuries; complicated foot conditions caused by diabetes, arthritis and cardiovascular disease; pediatric podiatry and molded orthotics. From athletes and dancers to marathon runners and high-heeled fashionistas to seniors and children, the renowned Boston Common Podiatry cares for patients from the greater Boston and Cape Cod areas.

The practice’s physicians are affiliated with Partner’s Healthcare, Mt. Auburn Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Cambridge Health Alliance, and Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Medford. The office is handicapped accessible and they offer convenient, on-site x-ray services.

Boston Common Podiatry is one of the few practices in the area offering two of the newest, most advanced treatments: Keryflex, which is a new and innovative solution to fungal or dystrophic nails and the innovative GenesisPlus Nd:YAG laser by Cutera, the most powerful FDA-cleared laser for the treatment of warts, fungus, scars and thermal resurfacing. Boston Common Podiatry is located at 264 Beacon Street, Second Floor, Boston, MA. For more information contact 617-262-2266 or visit bostoncommonpodiatry.com.

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Shannon Thompson, D.P.M. Joins Boston Common Podiatry

Shannon Thompson D.P.M.

Shannon Thompson, D.P.M., an established podiatrist, has recently joined Boston Common Podiatry and is now accepting new patients.

Dr. Thompson holds a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences and a Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine from Barry University in Florida. Previous to joining the practice, Dr. Thompson treated podiatry patients in a private sports medicine-oriented practice as well as a private podiatry practice. Previous to that, she was on staff at HealthDrive, an in-home healthcare service, where she provided geriatric podiatry care at several Boston area nursing homes.

“Dr. Thompson is a highly regarded, compassionate podiatrist and we’re delighted to have her on staff,” noted Jordana Szpiro, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S., the practice’s founder.

Dr. Thompson is a Massachusetts native and Milton Academy alumnus.

About Boston Common Podiatry

Boston Common Podiatry specializes in the treatment of foot conditions including pain, fractures and sports-related injuries; complicated foot conditions caused by diabetes, arthritis and cardiovascular disease; pediatric podiatry and molded orthotics. Boston Common Podiatry is one of the only providers in the Boston area using the powerful and innovative GenesisPlus Nd:YAG laser by Cutera, the most powerful FDA-cleared laser for the treatment of warts, fungus, scars and thermal resurfacing.

From athletes and dancers to marathon runners and high-heeled fashionistas to seniors and children, the renowned Boston Common Podiatry cares for patients from the greater Boston and Cape Cod areas.

Boston Common Podiatry physicians are Partner’s Healthcare affiliated physicians as well as on staff at several area hospitals including Mt. Auburn, a Harvard teaching hospital, and hospitals affiliated with the Cambridge Health Alliance. The practice is led by established Boston podiatrist, Jordana Szpiro, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S. Boston Common Podiatry is located at 264 Beacon Street, Second Floor, Boston, MA. For more information contact 617.262.2266 or visit bostoncommonpodiatry.com.

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Old Colony Elder Services Announces “My Life, My Health” Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs in English and Spanish

Arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and asthma are illnesses and chronic conditions that affect seniors at a much higher rate than younger adults.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is helping seniors and others dealing with chronic diseases take charge of their own health by offering FREE My Life, My Health Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs (CDSMP) in English and Spanish. The programs are designed to give people with chronic conditions and/or their caregivers the knowledge and skills needed to take a more active role in their health care.

The first Spanish speaking session will be held on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Neighborhood Health Center, 63 Main Street in Brockton.

The first English speaking session will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Abington Council on Aging, 441 Summer Street in Abington.

Each program runs for six consecutive weeks.

My Life, My Health CDSMP programs teach individuals:

How to deal with issues such as frustration, pain, isolation and fatigue.
How to exercise to improve strength and endurance.
How to improve nutrition by healthier eating.
How to set goals and speak effectively with doctors or other health care professionals.
How to use medications properly.

Partial funding for the OCES My Life, My Health CDSMP was provided by a grant from Greater Brockton Community Health Network Area (CHNA). These programs are offered to seniors residing in the Greater Brockton CHNA service area including Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Easton, Holbrook, Stoughton, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

OCES’ My Life, My Health program is FREE and lunch will be provided each week. Seating is limited. To sign up for the program, contact Dottie Slack at (508) 584-1561.

Old Colony Elder Services is seeking Spanish and English speaking volunteers who would like to become My Life, My Health CDSMP trained leaders. Contact Dottie Slack at (508) 584-1561.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is a private, non-profit corporation designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts:
Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 157 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org
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