Health Notes Health Notes (March 10, 2004)

Activity and aging

Stanford researchers are recruiting 100 volunteers between ages 70 and 85 to participate in a study designed to answer the question: Does a regular program of activity or other changes in lifestyle patterns prevent physical disability as we age?

Participants in the 12-month study will be randomly assigned to one of two health programs. One will include classes and demonstrations on such topics as nutrition, communicating with health-care professionals, and foot care. The other involves moderate-intensity exercise that includes fitness, strength, flexibility and balance training.

Both groups will have regular contact with Stanford staff, and all participants will receive health and medical screening exams at no cost.

Researcher Abby King, professor of medicine and of health research and policy, said the project's goal "is to find strategies that will help people remain independent longer so they can live in their own homes and participate in the day-to-day activities of their choosing."

In addition to the age requirement, participants should be experiencing some difficulty with such daily activities as walking, getting out of chairs or climbing stairs; should not be involved in regular physical activity; and should live within a reasonable commuting distance of Stanford.

For more information about the study, call 723-9530 and choose option 4; or log on at http://prevention.stanford.edu.

Dial a Doctor

The Lupus Foundation of Northern California is sponsoring a free call-in program for those with medical questions on Monday, March 15, from 7 to 9 p.m.

Three doctors who specialize in rheumatology will participate in "Dial-a-Doctor Night." Calls will be accepted in English and Spanish.

Those with questions should call 408-954-8600 or 800-523-3363 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to leave their questions with a staff person or volunteer. The doctors will return calls between 7 and 9 p.m.

The Art of aging

Art Linkletter will speak about aging at a free program sponsored by Fifty-Plus Lifelong Fitness on Friday, March 12, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The program, "Old Age is Not for Sissies," will be held at Dinkelspiel Auditorium at Stanford. It is free and open to the public. For information, call 843-1754, or log on at www.50plus.org.

Alzheimer's support group

A support group for family members and caregivers of people who suffer from Alzheimer's disease will meet on Wednesday, March 17, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the library of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, 975 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park.

The group is sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association of the Greater San Francisco Bay Area. Participants share practical information, offer mutual support, and learn new ways of coping with dementia.

More information about the support group may be obtained by calling Sue Sheehan at 851-0296. Additional information about the association may be obtained by logging on at www.alznorcal.org, or by calling 1-800-660-1993.

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