Falling is the number one leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults. Millions of seniors fall every year and more than 3 million are treated in emergency departments every year, with about 800,000 of those being admitted. Many of these falls are due to loss of muscle and bone density which could be prevented with strength training and exercise.
Each year after age 30, we lose an average of 1 percent of lean body mass and maximal oxygen uptake or VO2Max. Between 70 and 80 years of age, we lose three times that rate.
This loss of muscle mass and VO2Max, known as sarcopenia, is a primary cause of disability from falls and hip fractures and premature death as we age. Exercise has been shown to reduce sarcopenia, but not all types of physical activity are the same when it comes to gaining muscle. What is the number one way to increase lean body mass and reduce sarcopenia? Resistance exercise and strength training is the best type of exercise and should be a priority for those of us who find ourselves on the mailing list of the AARP.
MAXhealth, a primary care network in west Florida, today announced that Mark Josephson, MD, is joining the company and its mission to provide immediate, affordable, and thorough healthcare while using a patient-centered approach.
“We are proud to have a physician of Dr. Josephson’s caliber joining our organization,” said Neil Bedi, Chief Executive Officer, MAXheatlh. “Not only does he bring top-notch clinical education and knowledge, but also a strong passion for his patients.”
MAXhealth, a primary care network in west Florida, today announced the opening of MAXhealth Naples located at 730 Goodlette Rd. Unit 103, Naples, FL 34104.
“Our new Naples office extends MAXhealth’s reach of delivering effective primary care to patients and their families the Sarasota-Manatee area,” said Thomas Blankenship, Managing Partner, MAXheatlh. “We’re very excited to bring our proven model of value-based care to Collier county. It is a much-needed alternative to the traditional fee-for-service approach to health care that has dominated west Florida for so long.”
Keeping track of how much sugar (glucose) is in your blood is an important part of self-care when you have diabetes. This is also called self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). To make sure your glucose and insulin are in balance, check your blood sugar as instructed by your healthcare provider. You may need to check your blood glucose levels at certain times every day. Or you may need to check them only a few times a week.
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the artery wall as it moves from the heart through the blood vessels. You can take your own blood pressure reading using a digital monitor. Take your readings the same each time, using the same arm. Take readings as often as your healthcare provider instructs.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that affects the synovium, the lining of the joints. This causes pain, swelling, and stiffness. Left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis may damage joints so badly that they no longer function. This disease appears most often in young-adult to middle-age women.
The flu (influenza) is caused by a virus that is easily spread. A flu vaccine protects you and others from the flu. It’s best to get a flu shot every year in late summer or early fall, as soon as the vaccine is available in your area. You can get it at your healthcare provider’s office or a health clinic. Pharmacies, senior centers, and workplaces often offer flu shots, too. If you want to know if your provider has the flu vaccine available, or if you have other questions, ask your healthcare provider.
An advance medical directive is a form that lets you plan ahead for the care you’d want if you could no longer express your wishes. This statement outlines the medical treatment you’d want or names the person you’d wish to make healthcare decisions for you. Be aware that laws vary from state to state, and it may be worthwhile to talk with an attorney.
Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the bones. Weakened bones are more likely to fracture (break). Osteoporosis affects men and women, but postmenopausal women are most at risk. To help prevent osteoporosis, you need to exercise and nourish your bones throughout your life.
MAXhealth, a member of the greater Health Point ACO, LLC primary and specialty care network, today announced that it earned from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) a quality score of 94%.
“We are humbled by the superior quality score we earned.” said Neil Bedi, Chief Executive Officer. “The health of our patients is our top priority.”
