12 The QUEE NS Courier • health • june 4, 2015 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com ▶health Wellness and Aging Part III by DR. SHELDON ORNSTEIN In last month’s article, “Wellness and Aging, Part II,” I expanded on those techniques that have proven to offer healthier benefits to the aging population, i.e. education that deals with issues associated with aging, exercise that can promote and maintain the highest level of functioning, and an introduction to mental health. In Part III, I ask what does the statement “promoting mental health mean to the older person.” Mental health is: 1) having a good quality of life, 2) feeling successful, 3) feeling in control with the ability to make choices, 4) having the ability to act in line with one’s view of oneself, 5) being a part of a social network that is meaningful to the individual, 6) to be valued and respected by those around you, 7) to be productive, 8) to do things that are respected and that add to our community. The research declares that “what promotes physical wellness has a beneficial impact on the brain.” It is well known that people’s physical ability and functional ability is very much affected by motivation, attitude, by approach, and by feelings. The research also states that “boredom is one of the biggest hurdles to successful mental health. Once boredom, especially of the unrelieved kind sets in, the brain starts to shut down from lack of stimulation.” The objective then for all of us is to continue validating our lives, thereby achieving our goals. Living a long and healthy life has a lot to do with living an enjoyable one. In an article on aging, the writer stated a particularly interesting idea: “at least once a week buy yourself the present of spending time doing exactly what you want.” My thought then for all of us is to laugh more, for laughter is mysterious. Laughter is such an involuntary response, and it’s unpredictable. However, if crying is your thing…then I remind you that crying may be cleansing, but humor is healing. So choose laughter! Sheldon Ornstein Ed.D, RN Dr. Sheldon Ornstein is a registered professional nurse with a doctoral degree in Nursing Organization. He has specialized in the care of older adults and has published many articles on the subject. He has done post-graduate work in gerontology and has taught at several universities. In 2013, he was inducted into the Nursing Hall of Fame at Teachers College, Columbia University. Medicare approved provider PHYSICAL THERAPY AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AGEWELL is pleased to announce that it now offers quality senior focused occupational therapy as well as physical therapy in their Lake Success state-of-the-art office. Occupational therapy is beneficial to people who have joint, muscle, neurological or cognitive problems which interfere with self-care and other activities of daily living. For information or an appointment, please call 516-488-8808 www.AgeWellPT.com Quality health plans & benefits Healthier living Financial well-being Intelligent solutions Get a Medicare plan that works for you … right now Aetna Medicare See if you can enroll today There are many reasons you can enroll in a Medicare plan right now. Like turning 65, moving to a new area or losing your health coverage. So call today. We’ll talk through your choices and how you can … Keep more of your money We offer you a choice of well-priced plans that cover medical services, prescription drugs or both. We also have options with low or $0 plan premiums. Keep your doctors and your pharmacy You get a choice of providers with any Aetna Medicare plan: • Medicare Advantage plans include a national network of over 250,000 doctors and hospitals to help you save. • Medicare supplement insurance has no network, so you can visit any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. • Medicare Rx plans are accepted at over 65,000 pharmacies nationwide. Plus, our plans offer coverage that travels with you in the U.S. So call today to see if you can enroll right now. Ask me how KAREN R. TAYLOR Your local Aetna Medicare representative (516) 678-1069 or (917) 684-6208 (TTY: 711) The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information, contact the plan. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. See plan documents. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Aetna Medicare is an HMO/PPO/PDP plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Aetna Medicare depends on contract renewal. Plans are offered by Aetna Health Inc., Aetna Health of California Inc., and/or Aetna Life Insurance Company (Aetna). Not all health services are covered. See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by location. For additional assistance, call 1-800-832-2640 (TTY: 711), 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. Y0001_M_LG_PF_30110 CMS Accepted ©2014 Aetna Inc. 58.03.349.1 B (12/13) 54782
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