As someone who works with vibrant seniors daily and who is about to be Medicare eligible myself, I’m fascinated with this research on ageism and with the conversations especially about healthcare reform and who will pay and for what.

Construction is expected to begin May 15th

April 30, 2013

Dear Friends:

We have exciting news to share with you.  The McLean Wellness Center is going to be renovated and the Outpatient Rehab gym will be moving over to the Wellness Center.  Our outpatient rehab clients have been telling us and we have been listening….they asked for better access to the building and better parking.  This move will also help to facilitate a client’s transition from rehab treatment to use of the wellness program for continued healthy living.

The pool will remain open with the same hours during and after the construction, except for a couple of days (which will be announced) during a portion of the construction. 

The Wellness Gym will be closed for approximately one month during the construction.  Please speak with staff about billing and fees.

Click here to read the latest Best Life Newsletter.

What is COPD? Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is an umbrella term for two respiratory illnesses -- chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. In 1998, approximately 107,000 Americans died of COPD.  COPD's prevalence and death rate are rising. In 2020, COPD is projected to become the third leading cause of death in the United States. COPD has a higher mortality rate than asthma. The highest increase in mortality has been in white women, as observed between 1960 and 1998. An estimated 30 million Americans have COPD. However, only 16 million adult Americans have been diagnosed with disease.

The good news is that there are many things people suffering with COPD can do to improve their quality of life.

What is COPD? Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is an umbrella term for two respiratory illnesses -- chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. In 1998, approximately 107,000 Americans died of COPD.  COPD's prevalence and death rate are rising. In 2020, COPD is projected to become the third leading cause of death in the United States. COPD has a higher mortality rate than asthma. The highest increase in mortality has been in white women, as observed between 1960 and 1998. An estimated 30 million Americans have COPD. However, only 16 million adult Americans have been diagnosed with disease.

The good news is that there are many things people suffering with COPD can do to improve their quality of life.

The American Heart Association website states that “the term "heart failure" makes it sound like the heart is no longer working at all and there's nothing that can be done. Actually, heart failure means that the heart isn't pumping as well as it should be. Your body depends on the heart's pumping action to deliver oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to the body's cells. When the cells are nourished properly, the body can function normally. With heart failure, the weakened heart can't supply the cells with enough blood (View an animation of heart failure). This results in fatigue and shortness of breath. Everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs or carrying groceries can become very difficult. Heart failure is a serious condition, and usually there's no cure.”

The good news from the American Heart Association is that “many people with heart failure lead a full, enjoyable life when the condition is managed with heart failure medications and healthy lifestyle changes. It's also helpful to have the support of family and friends who understand your condition.”

Arthritic disease is the most common cause of disability in the United States and now affects 46 million Americans, or more than 21 percent of the adult population. The debilitating pain of end stage hip or knee degenerative disease makes even the most simple of daily tasks excruciating.

 Whether you are just starting and exercise routine or have prior gym experience, you’ll be sure to find our exercise center and warm water therapeutic pool a great place to improve your health and fitness. Our 92° pool offers a wide variety of specialized classes, as well as open exercise programming designed to help you build strength and flexibility, as well as relieve aches and pains! Membership offers SilverSneakers® Muscle Stengthening & Range of Movement classes twice a week, and we also offer our own Group Strength class. Call to learn more about the McLean Healthy Living Center and the programs it runs for seniors of all ability levels, or stop in during one of the open enrollment days.

January is National Stay Healthy Month.

There are many ways to stay healthy and many things that people should know. Staying healthy includes proper diet, removing allergens from home, exercise and much more. Staying healthy or getting more healthy is good advice for any age. The number one thing to stay healthy as one ages is companionship. So grab a friend and do something together. Go to the senior center to enjoy the company of others, or consider moving to a community with many seniors and things that will keep you active mentally and physically. Walk daily with a friend or join a gym. Some programs specialize in safe and fun exercise for seniors like SilverSneakers®, which may be paid for by your insurance, or the McLean Wellness Program. Physical activity is very important even for those with dementia.  Caregivers may click to learn more helpful tips from two McLean therapists.

In partnership with Trinity College in Hartford, please join us for an exciting new four-part lecture series - "The Women of Ancient Israel." Click here to view the brochure.