\u62c9\u53e4\u7d0d\u4f0d\u8332\u6751<\/p>\n
The Endangered Elderly:<\/p>\n
By Security Chief Tim Moy<\/p>\n
Contact the Chief at chief@vmsinc.org<\/p>\n
RS<\/p>\n
“5<\/p>\n
especially to senior citizens. Abuse or misuse of<\/p>\n
prescription drugs is second only to alcohol abuse in<\/p>\n
the 65 and over population.<\/p>\n
Abuse on the Rise<\/p>\n
Until recently, the misuse and abuse of prescription<\/p>\n
The 2017 Health Care Agency and Sheriff-Coroner<\/p>\n
drugs by the elderly community has been over-<\/p>\n
report on Drug and Alcohol Morbidity and Mortality<\/p>\n
shadowed by the illegal drug use common to<\/p>\n
in Orange County shows an alarming increase<\/p>\n
the younger generations. We often hear about<\/p>\n
in prescription abuse among seniors. In a three-<\/p>\n
the dangers of methamphetamine, cocaine and<\/p>\n
year study from 2013 to 2015, the most common<\/p>\n
heroin. However, the abuse of certain prescription<\/p>\n
cause of death was accidental overdose from<\/p>\n
medications can be just as dangerous and deadly as<\/p>\n
prescription opioids. Seniors aged 55 to 64 years<\/p>\n
illicit drugs. Opioids, in particular, include a group<\/p>\n
had the highest percentage of overdose deaths and<\/p>\n
of drugs that are common to the senior population<\/p>\n
those aged 65 to 74 years were a disturbing third.<\/p>\n
and if not properly managed can lead to addiction,<\/p>\n
For those hospitalized due to a drug and alcohol<\/p>\n
overdose and death.<\/p>\n
related disorder, alcohol dependence was the<\/p>\n
Elderly individuals use prescription medications<\/p>\n
leading contributor. Opioid dependence was the<\/p>\n
approximately three times more often as the general<\/p>\n
second leading cause of hospitalization. Of those<\/p>\n
population. We know that in the majority of cases,<\/p>\n
hospitalized due to opioid abuse, seniors 55 to 64<\/p>\n
seniors take a variety of medications prescribed<\/p>\n
years ranked second only behind those in the 45 to<\/p>\n
by a doctor for legitimate reasons. Prescription<\/p>\n
54 year range.<\/p>\n
medications can improve the lives of the aging<\/p>\n
So why is prescription drug abuse a specific<\/p>\n
community by doing everything from lowering<\/p>\n
threat to the aged community? Seniors take more<\/p>\n
blood pressure to relieving chronic pain.<\/p>\n
Opioids are frequently prescribed to relieve<\/p>\n
aches and pains associated with long-term injuries,<\/p>\n
chronic illnesses and acute pain. You may know<\/p>\n
these opioids better as Oxycontin (oxycodone),<\/p>\n
Percodan (aspirin\/oxycodone), Percocet (Tylenol\/<\/p>\n
The Florence Sylvester Memorial Senior Center<\/p>\n
offers a \u201cBrown Bag\u201d day to review all medications<\/p>\n
oxycodone), Vicodin (Tylenol\/hydrocodone), Darvon<\/p>\n
(propoxyphene), Dilaudid (hydromorphone) and<\/p>\n
with a consulting pharmacist with the Orange<\/p>\n
even morphine. When properly prescribed under<\/p>\n
County Health Care Agency. Call to find out when<\/p>\n
the next event is scheduled: 949-380-0155. The<\/p>\n
the watchful eye of a doctor, opioids can provide<\/p>\n
the health benefits as designed to relieve pain and<\/p>\n
center is located at 23721 Moulton Parkway,<\/p>\n
accelerate recovery. Unfortunately, the abuse of<\/p>\n
Laguna Hills, CA 92653.<\/p>\n
these same drugs can have devastating effects,
\nprescription drugs, so they are more vulnerable to<\/p>\n
misuse, abuse and addiction. Seniors often take<\/p>\n
multiple medications, and for a prolonged duration<\/p>\n
The Laguna Woods Village Social Services<\/p>\n
of time. Many other factors compound the issue,<\/p>\n
such as combining prescription medications with<\/p>\n
Department is available for any Resident<\/p>\n
in the Village who might be struggling with<\/p>\n
over-the-counter drugs, dietary supplements and<\/p>\n
alcohol consumption. Add in age-related changes to<\/p>\n
a dependence problem or who knows of<\/p>\n
drug metabolism, overall poor health, a weakened<\/p>\n
someone who might need assistance.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany of the prescription drugs older<\/p>\n
immune system, lack of sleep and loss of appetite,<\/p>\n
and the potential for adverse reactions increases<\/p>\n
adults take to alleviate pain are highly addictive<\/p>\n
and can lead to dependency or misuse,\u201d said<\/p>\n
significantly.<\/p>\n
Susan McInerney, Manager of the Laguna<\/p>\n
The Road to Recovery<\/p>\n
Woods Village Social Services Department. \u201cIf<\/p>\n
you find yourself in this situation, please reach<\/p>\n
Seniors who fall victim to prescription abuse are not<\/p>\n
necessarily inclined to seek help. On one hand, they<\/p>\n
out for help. The Social Services Department is<\/p>\n
might minimize their reliance on powerful opioids<\/p>\n
comprised of a staff of highly educated Social<\/p>\n
Workers with the knowledge, referrals and<\/p>\n
and argue that the medications are prescribed by<\/p>\n
a doctor and therefore necessary for their health<\/p>\n
resources to help you take the next steps to<\/p>\n
recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n
and recovery. On the other hand, a person may be<\/p>\n
Older adults who do fall victim to<\/p>\n
too ashamed to acknowledge they have a problem<\/p>\n
and may fear losing their personal freedoms and<\/p>\n
prescription abuse do so by accident and<\/p>\n
the Social Services team is ready to provide<\/p>\n
independence.<\/p>\n
To prevent or minimize the risk of prescription<\/p>\n
compassionate assistance. Please feel free to<\/p>\n
stop by the Social Services office on the first<\/p>\n
abuse, seniors should consider the following:<\/p>\n
floor of the Community Center or call the office<\/p>\n
Keep your health provider fully advised of the<\/p>\n
at 949-597-4267.<\/p>\n
symptoms you are experiencing.<\/p>\n
Ensure your primary health provider has approved<\/p>\n
all medications you are taking, including over-the-<\/p>\n
+ Do not stop or change a dosing regimen without<\/p>\n
counter medications and dietary supplements.<\/p>\n
first discussing it with your doctor.<\/p>\n
Be aware of potential interactions with other<\/p>\n
+ Make a medications list, both prescribed and<\/p>\n
prescriptions as well as alcohol.<\/p>\n
over-the-counter medicine, and regularly review<\/p>\n
Become educated on the medication and know<\/p>\n
with your doctor.<\/p>\n
the risks involved in prolonged use of opioids.<\/p>\n
\u00bb Consider using a pill organizer to stay on schedule.<\/p>\n
Take your medications exactly as prescribed.<\/p>\n
\u00ab Store prescriptions in a safe location.<\/p>\n
Take prescription medications at the correct time<\/p>\n
\u00ab Properly dispose of unused medications. You can<\/p>\n
of day and take them with food if it is advised.<\/p>\n
bring unused medication in a baggie to Laguna<\/p>\n
Understand the drugs\u2019 side effects (drowsiness,<\/p>\n
Woods City Hall (24264 El Toro Road) Monday<\/p>\n
light-headedness, nausea).<\/p>\n
.<\/p>\n
through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 949-639-0500<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t use other people\u2019s prescriptions.<\/p>\n
\u4e86\u89e3\u66f4\u591a\u3002<\/p>\n
Signs of prescription abuse and misuse can mirror other common signs of aging. For this reason and if a<\/p>\n
senior is not forthcoming, it can be difficult to diagnose a problem. Warning signs include:<\/p>\n
\u00ab Confusion or forgetfulness<\/p>\n
\u00ab Shaky hands<\/p>\n
.<\/p>\n
.<\/p>\n
Depression, anxiety or mental health problems<\/p>\n
Slurred speech<\/p>\n
.<\/p>\n
Lack of balance<\/p>\n
.<\/p>\n
Unexplained bruises and repeated falls<\/p>\n
.<\/p>\n
Memory loss<\/p>\n
.<\/p>\n
.<\/p>\n
Unkempt appearance<\/p>\n
Withdrawn or angry<\/p>\n
.<\/p>\n
Weight loss<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"template":"","document_category":[1099],"document_type":[53],"class_list":["post-18331","document","type-document","status-publish","hentry","document_category-hide-it-lock-it-or-lose-it","document_type-other"],"acf":{"document":3021,"resolutions":null,"legacy_id":"","pdf_extracted_text":""},"yoast_head":"\n