Globe Syndicate
For release Friday September 5, 2003
The Sandwich Generation . . . Helping Your Aging Parents
by Carol Abaya, M.A.
HOW MUCH IS TOO MANY DRUGS?
Question: My parents (mid 70s) spent a week with us over July 4th. I was
appalled at the number of pills both took each day. Often they complained they
were nauseous. How can I get them to stop taking so much?
Answer: A new study from the National Institutes of Health says that more than
40% of people over 65 take five or more prescriptions each week.
Too many people keep adding medicine to their daily routine without carefully
evaluating the current need and medical objective.
In your situation
• start a dialogue with your parents’ doctor(s).
• ask the doctor what each medicine is for and the objective/hoped for outcome.
• discuss the nausea problem. They may be taking the medicine improperly or not
need it.
All medicines that do not have a current medical need should be discontinued.
Question: My father, 67, smokes two packs of cigarettes a day and has high blood
pressure. I’m afraid he’ll have a stroke. I’m frustrated.
Answer: According to new research released in Stroke: Journal of the American
Heart Association, about half of stroke risk is connected to traditional factors
(high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol).
The role of genetics seems to play just as important a role especially in
younger stroke victims, according to the new research.
But when all is said and done, who really knows? My father never smoked and did
not have any of the traditional risk factors. Yet he had his first stroke at age
69 and actually lived an active life to age 94.
Question: My father, 88, takes several different medicines to reduce high blood
pressure. He then has stomach cramps and has become confused. His doctor says he
is confused because of his age. Is this true?
Answer: Probably not! Get a new doctor! Stop the medication! Then see how he
feels. If he feels good, stay off the meds.
Again new research indicates that cooking with sesame oil appears to help reduce
blood pressure itself and the amount of medicines needed.
The last time I said elders who react adversely to medicine for high blood
pressure or high cholesterol, should stop taking the drugs, I received a barrage
of letters. The senders said I shouldn’t tell people to stop taking medicine
prescribed by doctors.
I’m not a doctor. But I still feel that if drugs cause daily living problems for
the elderly, that medicine should be stopped. I think quality of daily life is
more important than a “maybe” stroke at your father’s age.
Question: My father, 76, refuses to have a yearly checkup because he “feels
fine” and takes no medicines. Instead, he goes to a chiropractor once every 4 to
6 weeks. This seems dumb.
Answer: Your father is correct. I’m not a doctor, so would never advise someone
not to see a medical doctor. But chiropractic adjustments can help body organs
function better.
Are you juggling doing errands for your aging parents, your children, yourself
and working at the same time? Are you tired, stressed out and upset that your
once vibrant parent is now frail and needy?
Do you feel alone? Rest assured you are not alone! The Sandwich Generation is
dedicated to the 50 million Americans who may have elder/parent care concerns
and/or responsibilities.
* * *
Do you have a question? Send it in. Although letters cannot be answered
individually, appropriate letters will be answered in this column whenever
possible. Letters may be edited. Send letters to Ms. Carol Abaya, mail direct to
her at PO Box 132, Wickatunk, NJ 07765-0132 or contact her through her web site:
thesandwichgeneration.com.
Carol Abaya is an international-award-winning journalist and creator of the
unique magazine The Sandwich Generation: You & Your Aging Parents.
NOTES TO EDITORS: text = 496 words; other material = 160 words
We would appreciate it if you would include the "Globe Syndicate" bug at the end
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©2003 by Globe Syndicate, all rights reserved.