The healthcare needs of older adults are unique. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 85% of older adults have at least one chronic health condition. While medical advances have made a huge difference in the treatment and management of chronic diseases, prevention is a critical piece of healthy aging. A healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a nutritious diet, along with regular preventive screenings and visits, can help mature adults increase the number of years lived in good health.
For some people, a trip to the doctor’s office equates to a quick physical examination, a discussion of medical history and the symptoms of a current condition, and a prescription for some type of medication. While medications certainly help when it comes to things that require antibiotics or treatments for specific viruses, other types of prescription medications may cover the symptoms rather than healing the underlying condition.
Two types of treatments that are beneficial to the overall health of older adults will be the focus of the April 6 presentation at the Seniors’ Council of Douglas County meeting. The presenters are specialists at Rocky Vista Health Center in Parker, Colorado. The meeting is free and open to the public from 10-11:30 am at Canvas Credit Union, 9990 Park Meadows Drive, Lone Tree.
Osteopathic Manipulative (OMM) is a great complement to traditional medical techniques, including drug therapy and surgery. OMM takes a holistic approach to the diagnosis and treatment of medical issues throughout the body. It is a therapeutic application of careful, manual pressure or force on an affected area of the body. If a patient is experiencing issues with a certain organ, a trained OMM physician may examine for structural problems in the spinal column since these problems can radiate outward and cause dysfunction in various organs. The treatment may include manipulation of bones and joints which may be the root cause of illness, injury, or pain. Trained physicians may use several osteopathic manipulative techniques to treat their patients. These techniques will be discussed and demonstrated by JP Krueger, M.D., who is specialty trained in OMM, during the April 6 presentation.
The feet are one of the most important parts of the human body. They are constantly helping us stand, walk, run, or perform other movements we do throughout the day. Additionally, they help maintain balance, allowing us to walk upright. A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in caring for the foot and ankle, including the bones, muscles, ligaments, and other parts of the lower extremities. Podiatrists also treat symptoms of peripheral vascular disease and neuropathies which can cause numbness and pain in the feet. Zach Weis DPM is an experienced podiatrist, who will present on treatment of the feet, with emphasis on signs and symptoms of peripheral vascular disease.
This article was prepared by Lisa Varga, Liaison for Rocky Vista Health Center. Seniors’ Council of Douglas County generally meets the first Thursday of the month at locations throughout Douglas County. Contact Seniors’ Council at dcseniorlife@douglas.co.us. For current information on meetings and activities, visit www.douglas.co.us/community-services/services/senior-services/seniors-council/.
