Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/804333
DEAR FRIENDS, We know good health is about so much more than just the absence of disease. It's about holistic well-being—mind, body and spirit. Wellness is important to all of us, but when we think about senior wellness, the conversation changes somewhat. Each of us has different wellness goals, not to mention different notions of what successful aging will look like for ourselves and our loved ones. Will we want to adopt or maintain healthy habits and positive lifestyles? Will we want to better understand the aging process and how it affects our bodies and minds? If we have health concerns, will we look for tools and resources for learning how to manage them? At CHI St. Joseph Health, we recognize that our doctors, nurses and entire team of health experts can play an important role in helping you meet your goals. But your journey isn't likely to end there. That's why we're so excited to bring you MatureWell Lifestyle Center, developed in partnership with Texas A&M Health Science Center. Much more than a senior center or a clinic, MatureWell will meet patients where they are in accessing their health and wellness goals, bringing our best resources together under one roof. From individual liaisons— designated points of contact available to help patients find their way around or answer their questions—to fitness coaching, healthy cooking classes, rehabilitation services and much more, MatureWell is designed with seniors in mind. In addition, the center offers a state-of-the-art gym and swimming pool, giving seniors additional resources on site for working out, relaxing or even meeting up with friends. We are proud of MatureWell and what it will mean for senior care in our community. And for those of us who aren't quite ready to use MatureWell yet, we offer a host of other health and wellness services to help you reach your goals. Find out what CHI St. Joseph Health has to offer you and your family to live your best life now. In good health, Rick Napper President & Chief Executive Officer CHI St. Joseph Health Find Ways to Avoid Falls The most common cause of injury in adults older than 65 is a fall. Here's how to protect yourself from falling. Falls become more dangerous as we age. More than one million older adults go to the emergency room for a fall-related injury every year, and falls can lead to a hospital stay or permanent disability. Take these steps to reduce your risk of falling: REVIEW YOUR MEDICATIONS. Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs can affect your sense of balance and cause dizziness as a side-effect. Talk to your physician about whether or not this is a risk with your medications. CHECK YOUR VISION. If you can't see well, it's easier to fall. Make sure you are wearing an up- to-date prescription. GET STRONGER. Regular exercise can improve your strength and balance, which means you are less likely to fall. A physical therapist can give you specific exercises to improve balance, strength and gait. LIGHT THE WAY. Make sure every room of your home is well-lit, especially at the tops and bottoms of stairs. Install motion-sensor lights outside, and make sure you have an easy way to turn on the lights if you need to move around in the middle of the night. Your physician can refer you to physical therapy and help you understand your fall risk. Need a physician? Visit CHIStJoseph.org/findadoctor. RICK NAPPER, PRESIDENT & CEO From the CEO 3 CHIStJoseph.org /// CHI ST. JOSEPH HEALTH