Danbury Hospital Experts

Discuss Elder Health Issues

DANBURY — Having a say about your health care, especially during the golden years, should be thought about and addressed long before you reach old age. A living will and advanced directive is a legal document that gives your loved ones your wishes and provides help in making decisions about your care, according to Ann Leiss, patient representative coordinator at Danbury Hospital.

Ms Leiss spoke to community members on “Living Wills, Advance Directives and health Care Decision-Making As We Mature” during a recent Medical Town Meeting sponsored by Danbury Hospital and the Danbury Office of Physicians Services, P.C.

Patients who are admitted to the hospital are asked if they have an advanced directive and are given an opportunity to fill one out at that time. Ms Leiss also recommends that people carry the names of several family members or loved ones in their wallet to contact in case of an emergency.

Ms Leiss spoke along with Byron Thomas, MD, an internist at Danbury Hospital’s Geriatric Health Center (located at the Seifert & Ford Family Community Health Center, 70 Main Street, Danbury) and Gil Lancaster, MD, a cardiologist. Both doctors discussed health issues and emergencies that affect the elderly.

Dr Thomas discussed health conditions that often affect senior adults, including breast and colorectal cancer, as well as hypertension, thyroid disease and diabetes. He also said that he urges his patients to stop smoking and to stay active.

“Everyone should be active, regardless of age,” he said, “the benefits outweigh the risks.” In addition to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attack, activity helps combat osteoporosis and reduces a decline in physical function.

The elderly are also urged to eat a healthy diet. “You are what you eat,” said Dr Thomas, “so eat your veggies, along with less meat and less fat.”

Dr Lancaster discussed the most common heart diseases in the elderly, or what he called “the golden gang of three” – coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation and sick sinus syndrome and the need for pacemakers.

Coronary artery disease is a blockage of the arteries around the heart that can cause heart attacks and angina. Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm, and sick sinus syndrome is a malady of the heart’s natural pacemaking ability.

“The chances of making it to the golden years are increasing, as more of the other diseases are cured,” said Dr Lancaster, “so you’re more likely to get one of the ‘golden gang of three’.”

Dr Lancaster recommended living a healthy lifestyle to avoid some of the more preventable heart diseases like high cholesterol and cardiac artery disease.

For more information or answers to questions regarding living wills and advance directives, call Ann Leiss at Danbury Hospital at 797-7430.