Caring for Your Health
is a publication developed
and created by the Marketing and Communications
Department at SBH Health System.
SENIOR EDITORS
Steven Clark, Karen Crowe and Christine Zhuang
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Michelle O’Gara
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Barbara Amstutz
WEB PROGRAMMER
Kenneth Ho
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Sharon Sextus
TRANSLATION CONSULTANT
Lynette Alvarado
4422 Third Avenue | Bronx, NY. 10457 | 718-960-9000
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Twitter.com/SBHBronx
Youtube.com/user/StBarnabasHospital
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©2017 SBH Health System. All rights reserved.
To Our Bronx Community,
Happy New Year!
Caring for Your Health
is your guide to living well in the Bronx.
This issue is dedicated to a topic that affects
many in our community: caring for elderly and
fragile loved ones. You’ll find information here
on managing Alzheimer’s disease, recognizing
signs of depression and other mental health
problems in the elderly, preventing caregiver
burnout, emergency care for seniors, and
healthy eating tips.
Let us know what you think and what you’d like
to see in future issues. We are here to help you
live better today and every day that follows.
Sincerely,
SBH Health System
IN THIS ISSUE
MENTAL
ILLNESS
IN SENIORS
Do you know the
normal signs of aging?
04
PREVENT
CAREGIVER
BURNOUT
Tips for self-care while
caring for others.
05
MANAGING
ALZHEIMER’S
A Bronx family shares
their story.
06
WHAT TO EAT
AS YOU AGE
Choose foods that
keep your mind sharp
and body strong.
08
SUPER
-HEALTHY
SMOOTHIES
Load up on fruits and
vegetables with these
easy recipes.
08
SBH Caring
FOR YOUR
Health | 3
What you need to know when ...
BRINGING SENIORS
to the
EMERGENCY ROOM
By Ernest F. Patti, DO, Emergency Medicine Physician
Elderly patients can offer special challenges to emergency room doctors
and need special attention due to the many health risks they face, including:
At SBH, we know your family is important to you. Our Emergency
Department staff is experienced in working with patients who
have these issues. We have medical specialists trained in geriatric
medicine, including nurse practitioners, social workers, physical and
occupational therapists, case managers, and pharmacists who are
familiar with the needs of older patients. Our staff also understands
that many senior patients may be shy about asking for help. Their
pride, in addition to their health issues, may prevent them from ever
admitting that they cannot do it alone. Specially trained in lowering
anxiety and fears, the Emergency Department team gives patients
the support they need.
While our goal is to make sure that older adults remain in their
own homes whenever possible, sometimes it is necessary for
short or long-term placement in a rehabilitation center for the best
care. SBH works closely with patients and their families to make the
best choice.
Uncommon diseases and injuries
Having more than one condition or disease at the same time
Mental and behavioral disorders
Cultural and language issues
Possible elder abuse and neglect
Need for pain management and planning for end-of-life care
Need for referrals to other health services
Need for environmental adaptations for limited movements
and prevention of falls, such as hand rails and proper lighting.
Disorders that impact basic functions such as weak and
sensitive skin, dizziness and poor balance
Difficulty in managing multiple medications and their side effects
