Ask the Experts: Zika Virus; Fall Prevention; Yoga; Medications
Q. I’m really spooked by this Zika virus. What do I need to know about it?
A. Most people have no need to worry about being infected with the Zika virus. But for those who are bitten by a Zika-carrying mosquito, the result is a mild virus with a low fever and itchy rash, with recovery within one to two weeks. Once infected with Zika, an immunity develops and they cannot get it again. Still unknown is whether the immunity is just long-term or for life. However, the virus can be dangerous to babies in utero because it can cross the placenta and damage fetal brain cells. Thus, health officials have advised pregnant women to avoid areas where the Zika virus is known to be, as well as women considering pregnancy and their sexual partners. Symptoms, when they occur, take several days to a week to appear. In addition, there can be a delay between transmission and detection, and testing takes about two weeks. If you or friends and family are in the endangered category, it’s best to avoid areas known for Zika outbreaks.
Q. I’m 66 years old and have osteoporosis. I’m deathly afraid of falling and fracturing or breaking a bone. How can I help prevent falls?
A. One-third of Americans age 65 and older fall each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But falls are not a normal part of aging, and exercising is a good way to help prevent falls. It’s important to improve your strength, balance, posture and flexibility. To evaluate your falling risk, see if you must use your hands in order to stand up. If you do, it means your legs and thighs are weak and you are at risk of falling. Other risk factors include previous falls and fear of falling. Balance exercises are key in preventing falls. One thing you can do is stand on one foot whenever you’re standing in line—at the grocery store, or the bank—to practice balancing; put all your weight on one foot and use the toe of the other to balance; gradually raise the toe so you’re balancing on one foot. A walking program will also help you strengthen your legs, as well as improving your posture so you walk standing straight.
Q. A lot of my older (age 65+) friends practice yoga. What are the benefits of yoga, and can I start it in older age?
A. The practice of yoga can be started at any age, but if you’re just finding your way, find classes such as Hatha or Iyengar yoga, or look for classes in chair yoga. These classes are generally milder and focus more on stretching instead of intense strengthening positions. With age, muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue become less flexible. Yoga can strengthen and stretch your body, and also uses your breath to focus and calm your mind. It can improve concentration and boost positive mood as well as flexibility.
Q. I take many medications in the course of the day. Should I worry about the interaction between the various drugs? Some are prescription and some are over-the-counter, and I take several supplements as well.
A. Taking multiple medications and supplements is called polypharmacy— you should work with your doctor and pharmacist to manage the medications to prevent adverse reactions. For example, if you take an anticoagulant as well as a ginkgo biloba supplement, you could be at risk of a serious bleeding problem. Older adults are more prone to adverse drug reactions because they generally take more medications than younger adults, and their kidney function, which normally can clear these drugs from their systems, declines with age, creating higher risk. To help prevent adverse reactions, periodically review your medication/supplement list with your doctor to confirm that you still need the medications In addition, your pharmacist is knowledgeable and can speak to you about potentially dangerous drug interactions.
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