» Elderly

Tips for effective communication with Memory Impaired Loved Ones

Micha Shalev — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:40:35 +0000

New Drug Helps Patients Lose Weight and Maintain the Loss

Micha Shalev — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:30:18 +0000

Lorcaserin, a selective serotonin 2C receptor agonist, helps patients both lose weight and maintain their weight loss, according to a phase III study conducted by the drug’s manufacturer and published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Some 3200 overweight or obese adults were randomized to take lorcaserin or placebo twice daily for a year, after which lorcaserin recipients continued the drug or switched to placebo for another year. All participants also received nutrition and exercise counseling.
At 1 year, more patients in the lorcaserin group than placebo group had lost at least 5% of their body weight (48% vs. 20% of patients; mean weight loss: 5.8 kg vs. 2.2 kg). In addition, lorcaserin patients who stayed on the drug for a second year were more likely to maintain their weight loss than those who switched to placebo.
Serious adverse events did not differ between lorcaserin and placebo recipients. Unlike some other serotonergic agents, lorcaserin did not increase risk for valvular heart disease.

Winter Safety Tips for Older Adults

Micha Shalev — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:06:31 +0000

Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders (SHINE)

Micha Shalev — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:09:01 +0000

The SHINE Program provides free and unbiased health insurance information, counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries of all ages and their caregivers. The SHINE counselors help older persons and younger disabled Medicare beneficiaries understand their Medicare benefits and other health insurance options.

The SHINE program ensures that Medicare beneficiaries have access to accurate information regarding health care options. The SHINE program is supported by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs in partnership with elder and social service agencies and the Councils on Aging.
For more information please visit: http://www.eswa.org/programs/shine/

Sleeping Problems in the Elderly

Micha Shalev — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:24:39 +0000