Here's to Healthy Aging -- Now and in 2012! by Kaylene Moon, Advisory Council for Aging & Disability Services

Seattle-King County Edition

December 10, 2011

Here's to Healthy Aging -- Now and in 2012!

Kaylene Moon, Advisory Council for Aging & Disability Services

Welcome to the December 2011 issue of Seniors Digest!

When Arthur Heide (left) suffered a stroke last year, Dr. Aaron Heide—a local neurologist—was at his father's ER bedside via telemedicine. Quick response ensured Arthur's full recovery.

How many of us have witnessed or experienced a stroke, or a possible stroke, and wondered what to do? This month, you'll benefit from reading about Arthur Heide and his son, Dr. Aaron Heide, in Merrili Owens' article about strokes, the FAST test, and 911, as well as Merrili’s experience with her own father. Key message: "Remember FAST. Tell somebody. Call 911."

In our ongoing focus on navigating the health care system, Washington Prescription Drug Program coordinator Regina Chacón explains why every Washington state resident should apply for a free prescription drug discount card.

And since we're in the thick of the holiday season, Steve Emmer's article on the "Caregiving Family Holiday Hangover Syndrome" gives family caregivers timely ideas on coping with family elders' declining conditions.

Also in this issue:

An overview of Aging and Disability Services' online publications—Facebook, Web site, Web portal, and e-newsletter
Low-income discounts offered by several cable, internet, and phone companies
December and early January events for your calendar
"Holiday Feast" Wordfind

On behalf of the Advisory Council for Aging & Disability Services and the staff of Aging and Disability Services, the Area Agency on Aging for Seattle-King County, happy holidays to all. And here's to healthy aging in 2012!

Now Hiring: ADS Director

The Seattle Human Services Department is searching for a new Aging and Disability Services director. Find more information on the Aging and Disability Services Web site. The deadline for applications is December 13, 2011.

For More Information

See "Links You Can Use" for local websites that can direct you to services for seniors. And check out the Online Information Center, where you will find resources and information about issues of interest to older adults and their families.

We hope you will refer to our electronic pages often—to obtain advice, to learn of new and exciting services, and to offer us your constructive feedback.

Read Seniors Digest and tell us what you think. We are here to help.

Kaylene Moon, Chair
Seattle-King County Advisory Council
on Aging and Disability Services