ADVIL – A NEW ANTI-PARKINSON’S DRUG?

A new study, the latest in many, of more than 130,000 healthy adults by the Harvard School of Public Health found that those who took ibuprofen (Advil,Motrin) regularly for more than six years reduced their chances of developing Parkinson’s by 38%, compared to those who did not use the over-the-counter medication.

The study revealed that using ibuprofen and not other inflammatory pain drugs as aspirin suggested the ibuprofen in some way works differently in the body.

WHAT IS A CONTINUING RESOLUTION?

Congress finally reached an agreement to keep the government funded through March.  But happens after that?

The debate goes on trying to slash spending while the opposition struggles to
keep their favorite programs funded.  Many economists say the debate over a spending ceiling is nothing more than political drama.

A similar situation occurred in 1995 when President Clinton and Speaker Of The House Newt Gingrich differed on spending levels. That dispute ended with the government shutting down for 26 days and 800,000 federal employees taking unpaid leave for that time.

Government spending for that quarter was over 14% lower, but the GDP lost a full percentage point. Not good for the economy then and not good now.

DIABETES CONTROL STANDARDS

The American Diabetes Association sets control standards to help diabetics maintain good health and lifestyle.  One of the main recommendations is a hemoglobin AiC blood test. It gives a picture of how well blood sugar is controlled during the past three months. A score of less than 7% is a good score.  The goal for a fasting blood sugar test is 130. 

Numerous medications and a sugar-free diet  help to keep the blood sugar level within recommended guidelines. Additionally, just losing 10 pounds will lower blood sugar scores.    

SafeAlex PROGRAM  ANNOUNCED

Living in a safe environment is a major concern to all citizens, but especially to elderly residents. Mayor Roy has announced the SafeAlex program that has as its primary goal to reduce crime in Alexandria neighborhoods.

“SafeAlex is not designed to lessen the role of the police force, considering the great strides that have been made recently in community policing.” Mayor Roy said.
Neighborhood captains in all districts will head small teams that are similar to military strike force units to identifying criminal problems.

 For more information about the program and how a citizen can be part of this important plan call the Mayor’s Office at 449-5000.

     
YOUR LIFE, YOUR HEALTH

CENLA Area Agency on Aging will present Your Life, Your Health, a program that offers workshops on how to get the support you need and to find practical ways to deal with pain and fatigue. Workshops will present how to learn about better treatment choices, discover better nutrition and exercise choices and a better way to talk to your doctor and family about your health

Register to attend free workshops that will present information on long term conditions, difficult emotions, tense muscles, pain, fatigue, stress and anxiety, depression and shortness of breath. 

Call CENLA Area Agency of Aging at 484-2260 or 1-800-454-9573.