11 hours ago
Senior Living: TLC for the body, from head to toe
It used to be that my agenda contained reminders of upcoming events like lunches, bridge games or concerts at Place-des-Arts, but no more. Nowadays I see reminders of upcoming medical appointments, food or pharmacy deliveries and other health-related items. From head to toe, each part of me seems to be clamouring for attention. Here are some of them.
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Hair.
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Let's start with a good part. Thanks to the skill of my hairdresser Toni who has tended to my locks for the past 38 years, my hair is in good shape. Toni does my cutting, styling and colouring as I like to keep at least my hair looking young.
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Going downward, we come to the eyes.
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Here the trouble started 12 years ago when I was diagnosed with AMD (age-related macular degeneration). I was referred to retina specialist Dr. Julius Gomolin at Montreal's Jewish General Hospital (Sir Mortimer B. Davis Jewish General Hospital) and my visits are still going strong. He treats me with injections in both eyes for which I am grateful. But age takes its toll and even a great doctor can't stop that.
Then there's my teeth.
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Here, too, I have had problems for years but hey, nothing is perfect. Swollen and inflamed gums demand cleaning several times a year and I am glad to oblige as dental health is related to the rest of your body or so I am told. The federal dental plan to the rescue as dental expenses are concerned.
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Still on my head (luckily the brain part is functioning) we come to the ears and my hearing or rather, the increasing difficulties I experience with its functioning. Here I count on the expertise of Dr. Jack Rothstein an ear-nose-and throat specialist who checks all those parts and keeps an eye on my hearing tests (to use a play on words).
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Now we arrive at my neck which also decided to get into the act. Mentioning a swallowing problem to my doctor I was sent for thyroid gland examinations. These were then evaluated by a doctor specializing in endocrine surgery. Luckily the results were negative.
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One area of the branches of medicine I have been well acquainted with over the years is dermatology, due to many skin problems. Carcinoma, melanoma, I had them, but escaped unscathed due to the work of my excellent dermatologist, Dr. Sasseville. I am now under the care of Dr. Powell. My latest issue is called keratosis and is a harmless but unpleasant dry skin condition. So my dermatology visits continue as before.
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I must give a hand or two to my manicurist. I can no longer take care of my nails due to poor eyesight. Then there's the overall health of the body. It demands attention day and night. Arrange vaccinations, cholesterol count and blood pressure to be checked, blood tests scheduled by your family doctor (if you are lucky to have one).
