Newsletter

Immunizations for the Elderly Is Last Health Topic of Year

A talk on immunizations that are particularly useful to the older population is set for April 20 at the Howson Branch Library, 2500 Exposition Blvd, at 1:30 p.m.  This presentation, to be made by Dr. Laura Guerrero, internist with the Austin Diagnostic Clinic, will conclude the year's conversations on health issues affecting our aging population.  Co-chairs of the Health Interest Group, Alice Bridges and Carol Obianwu, have arranged these talks throughout the 2008-2009.

In March, Nancy McCranie, director of Volunteer and Bereavement Services at Hospice Austin, discussed what we need to know about options for end of life decisions and the philosophy of the Hospice Movement to provide dignified care to patients with terminal illnesses.

The fear of contracting Alzheimer's disease lurks in the back of everyone's mind, so it was appropriate to have an expert speak on new treatments for this pervasive ailment of old age.  Dr. Jaron Winston, a geriatric psychiatrist, brought the latest information on Alzheimer's last February.

Eldercare issues and concerns were discussed in December by Jeff Stellmach, clinical social worker with UT's Employee Assistance Program (EAP). He explained what community resources are available when care decisions have to be made for loved ones and talked about the prevention and methods of assistance in dealing with depression, a common affliction of the elderly.  Stellmach pointed out the EAP services are available for retired as well as current employees.

November's topic, "Gastroenterology Issues in the Older Population such as GERD (GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease)" was presented by Dr. Todd A. Sheer, gastroenterologist with the Austin Diagnostic Clinic.

Urinary incontinence was discussed at length by Joy Nielsen, M.D, urologist with the Austin Diagnostic Clinic at the October meeting. She talked about the various causes of incontinence in both men and women and discussed the range of remedial treatments, both surgical and medical, available for relieving the condition.

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