Through evidence-based programming offered by Berks Encore in Berks County, older adults can learn ways to take control of their lives when it comes to chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart failure and chronic pain.
“It shows them they can do something about it and change the outlook of their future,” said Kathy Roberts, Berks Encore’s director of health and wellness. “Their quality of life will lead them to living active, independent and fulfilling lives.”
It will also determine how people will retire and what they do in retirement. A baby boomer herself, Roberts, who is a retired nurse, said the face of aging is changing.
“My husband and I have great planning, and we’re golfing, playing pickleball and hiking,” she said. “Get ready — the baby boomers are here and they are educated, active, healthier and living longer lives.“
Four pillars of good health
Roberts said the four pillars of good health are healthy eating, exercise, socialization and good sleep. Their programs help instill these pillars and more.
“The main goal is to educate, facilitate and coach older adults to make healthy choices, and how they live their lives, she said.
Done in a group setting, Berks Encore’s programming enables participants to realize they aren’t alone because it enables them to see that their struggles and challenges are like everyone else’s.
“In two to three weeks they form a little family and learn from each other, as well as from us” she said.
Their “Healthy Heart, Happy Heart” six-week program teaches self-management strategies to manage AFib, coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure. Participants meet once a week for two and a half hours.
“These are the three big ones that are rampant in the older adult community, all which contribute to having a stroke — especially Afib,” Roberts said. “The number one complication of AFib is stroke. If it is unmanaged, it will lead to a stroke.”
Higher risk of stroke
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, if you have atrial fibrillation (Afib), your heart has episodes when it beats irregularly and the condition can cause troubling symptoms and serious medical complications, including blood clots that can lead to stroke and heart failure.
People with Afib have a significantly higher risk of stroke than the average population,” Johns Hopkins Medicine states on its website.
“They also tend to have more severe strokes with more serious complications and a higher chance of death from stroke,” the website says.
With May marking American Stroke Month, it’s a time to focus on the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms. The American Stroke Association’s abbreviation of F.A.S.T. is a way to help you remember what to look out for.
• Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven?
• Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• Speech difficulty: Is speech slurred?
• Time to call 911: If the person has any of the symptoms above, call 911.
If you or someone around you experiences any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. According to the American Stroke Association, learning to act fast can save lives.
“Recognizing the stroke warning signs and calling 911 immediately may make the difference between a strong recovery or long-term disability; survival or death,” according to the American Stroke Association.
“Healthy Heart, Happy Heart”
The next six-week “Healthy Heart, Happy Heart” program being offered by Berks Encore will take place from Sept. 4-Oct. 9 and requires registration in advance. To register or find out about other health and wellness programs offered by Berks Encore, contact Kathy Roberts at 484-388-3196.
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