Receive $500.00 off your rent for your first 6 months for Assisted Living & Memory Care. Must move in by 2/29/12*

The individuals at Rittenhouse Senior Living believe residents come first—in everything. We’ve created Assisted Living and Alzheimer’s Care that places individuality and personal fulfillment as our highest objective. This focus on each resident and his or her enjoyment of life gives Rittenhouse its refreshing charm.

We are here for you when your loved one can no longer stay home.

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Retired and Senior Volunteer Program counselors will provide direction on the 2012 Medicare plans during the open enrollment period, beginning Oct. 15 and ending Dec. 7.

Seven State Health Insurance Assistance Program volunteers have been trained and certified by the Indiana Department of Insurance and will be available by appointment to meet clients during this timeframe. Scheduled meetings will take place at the RSVP office in Porter County Aging and Community Services, 1005 Campbell St. in Valparaiso, and at locations in Portage.

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To increase awareness on how to best avoid the flu this season, Porter Health System’s Senior Circle program will present “Beat the Bug” at 6 pm, Wednesday, Oct. 19 at Porter’s Education and Rehabilitation Campus, 1401 Calumet Ave. in Valparaiso. During the presentation, Derek Gasper, DO, will discuss ways to reduce the risk and severity of the flu virus, as well as the importance of getting a flu vaccine. The program is free, refreshments will be provided and registration is required, by calling 1-800-541-1861.

Additionally, from 4 to 6 pm prior to the program, Porter Health System’s Senior Circle program will be offering free flu shots to its members. Appointments are not necessary for flu shots (just for the above program). All participants must show their Senior Circle membership card or may sign up that day to become Senior Circle members for the $15 annual membership fee.

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From the Fall 2011 Senior Circle publication

Stroke – a brain attack – is America’s third leading cause of death and a top cause of serious disability. Yet quick treatment can mean survival and recovery, according to Maria Stamp, MD, with Porter’s Lake Porter Medical Group. “There are treatments available, but they’re only available in the first few hours of a stroke,” said Stamp. “Time is critical. Your chances of recovering well may depend on your timing.”

Stamp advises to look for the following signs:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
  
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
  
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

  Read more: Stroke: Time Matters...

Porter Health System’s Senior Circle program will present “Urinary Incontinence: It’s Nothing to Laugh About” at Noon on Tuesday, Sept. 27 at Porter’s Education and Rehabilitation Campus, 1401 Calumet Avenue in Valparaiso.

Urologist John Lynam, DO, will lead a discussion on the types of incontinence and detail treatment options. The program is free and a light lunch will be provided. To register, call 1-800-541-1861.

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From the 2011 Fall Senior Circle publication

Q: I’m so embarrassed. Sometimes I have to go and can hardly make it to the bathroom without peeing my pants. What can I do?

A: “I see many patients with this same complaint,” said Namir Shaba, DO, urologist with Lakeshore Urology. “Just because this is common, people shouldn’t accept it as a natural process of aging.” Shaba explains that this form of incontinence could be due to many causes, including an infection, overactive bladder, cystocele (a dropped bladder) in women, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men, or a number of other anatomical changes. According to Shaba, the first step is to get a urinalysis and have a good pelvic exam, both of which your primary physician can perform. If you need further evaluation, your physician may send you to a urologist. Infections can be treated with antibiotics, an overactive bladder can usually be treated by medication, and other anatomical changes can be repaired through surgery to restore normal function.

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