Spectrum 2008 - Nov. 25th

UC Davis Doctor Trains Next Generation of Geriatricians
November 25, 2008

Whether you're approaching life's second half and wondering what to expect in the coming years or facing a challenging diagnosis, UC Davis' Dr. Michael McCloud is a man you'd want at your side. In addition to his work as an attending physician at the geriatric clinic at the UC Davis School of Medicine, McCloud is busy educating the community on healthy living and training the next generation of geriatricians to meet the ever changing demands of aging patients.

In an effort to teach better aging techniques, Dr. McCloud envisioned UC Davis' Aging and Medical Science: A Mini Medical School to Prepare for Life's Second Half in 2003. When the program begins its seventh year in February 2009, over 2,000 members of the greater Sacramento area (ranging between the ages of 23 and 97) will have graduated from the program designed to teach optimal physical and mental health.

Topics in the Mini Medical School include joint health, the importance of sleep and nutrition, dietary supplements, and, new this year, the myths and realities of alcohol and health. The six-week series of lectures is presented by faculty physicians and research scientists from the UC Davis School of Medicine along with special guests from top universities.

Just last week, Dr. McCloud heard from a Mini Medical School graduate whose vision became distorted while she was out driving. Instead of ignoring the passing symptom, this savvy senior remembered her class on eye health and drove directly to an ophthalmologist. The diagnosis was retinal detachment, and immediate treatment saved her eyesight.

The free lectures are already full for the Spring 2009 class, but UC Davis plans on continuing the popular series, which has already made an impact in many lives.

Until recently, Dr. McCloud sat on the Alzheimer's Association of Northern California's Board of Directors. He takes a special interest in the mental health of adults over 50.

As an advocate of continuing education, McCloud says, "You absolutely can control your health." And to do so, he tells patients to, "Make it your hobby, and invest in yourself."

With such a large body of knowledge within the grasp of many seniors, McCloud suggests they begin their education by learning about medications and the attendant side effects, complications and alternative therapies.

"A patient's best self-defense becomes education and devoting the time and energy into learning more about maintaining a healthy lifestyle," he said.

After 15 years in private practice, McCloud returned to school himself, earning a specialty in geriatrics at Duke University. He said the demand for qualified geriatricians grows more dire as the baby boomer generation ages.

Unfortunately, many primary care physicians have never had even one hour of geriatrics training, and most are "learning on the backs of their patients," said McCloud.

When it comes to selecting a good geriatrician, Dr. McCloud recommends talking freely during office visits, sharing your concerns and asking questions. Additionally, each office visit should not end with a new prescription. A qualified geriatrician will examine what medications can be discontinued as well as added.

And if the phrase "At your ag,e you've got to expect this" is used to explain or excuse pain symptoms, then it's time to find a new doctor. After all, McCloud explains, if you're 74 years old and that means pain in the right knee, why shouldn't your left knee have the same pain?

Dr. McCloud is taking affirmative steps to ensure that there are more geriatricians in the coming years. A frequent participant in geriatric training programs, McCloud splits his week between his internal medicine practice in Davis and teaching fellows at the University Hospital.

There are currently an estimated 7,000 geriatricians in the United States, many involved exclusively in laboratory work and teaching. And it is estimated that the demand for these physicians will grow to over 20,000 geriatricians in the near future.

"What makes a difference to a medical student when choosing a specialty is working with a doctor in that field and making a connection," McCloud explains.

And McClou's teaching spirit is not exclusive to medical students, as he is a popular speaker in the Sacramento region. His community outreach includes presentations on topics such as Direct Drug Marketing, Tips for Preventing Medicine Mishaps, and Working with Older Adults with Dementia, Delirium and Depression.

McCloud gives outreach presentations to groups such as Aging and Adult Services, Men's Health Forum and numerous retirement communities. One recent talk to a group of lawyers helped distinguish the medical, and therefore legal, implications of brain injuries on an adult's legal status.

By understanding the difference between Alzheimer's disease and other disorders causing memory and intellectual decline, such as strokes and metabolic diseases, lawyers can operate better, and thus better protect their clients, knowing how to legally determine competence and incompetence.

When it comes to a disease like Alzheimer's that affects an entire family, Dr. McCloud acknowledges that a different approach is needed, one where the entire family is involved. Promising studies will help identify family histories, teach preventable hazards like head trauma and help identify healthy lifestyle choices that may delay a neurological disease such as Alzheimer's.

"As physicians come to understand the causes and treatments of disease, we can work better as a community to address them in a proactive matter," he said.

One thing is certain, Dr. Michael McCloud has taken proactive to a new level providing his patients, the university and the community with an amazing service.

"The UCD Department of Internal Medicine is dedicated to providing superior clinical care, research and education. The University of California's motto is Fiat Lux - Let There Be Light - the beacon that challenges us to pass the torch of higher education to future generations," said David Eastis, Development Officer for the UC Davis Department of Internal Medicine.

"And that's precisely what Dr. McCloud is doing through his internal medicine practice in David, his teaching fellows at the University Hospital and his teaching the community at the Mini Medical School."

Spectrum 2008 - Oct 21st

16th Annual Memory Walk at State Capitol Benefits Alzheimer's Association
October 21, 2008

Braving the threat of rain, over 2,000 registered walkers arrived at the State Capitol on Saturday, October 4th, for the 16th annual Memory Walk in Sacramento to show their support and to turn in donations raised for Alzheimer's research and community support services. Attendees and walkers ranged from patients, doctors, family and friends of those affected by the disease, caregivers and community outreach leaders.

Nationally sponsored by Genworth Financial, the Memory Walk is the main fund raising vehicle for the Alzheimer's Association, which relies on donations to provide a wide range of services for those affected by the disease.

From support groups and literature to teaching seminars and caregiver training, the Association gives 24-hour help to families with few other places to turn. Decreased federal funding and the state budget crises have put into question future funding even though the need for services is now greater than ever.

Alzheimer's is a neurological disease without a known cause. Every 71 seconds someone develops Alzheimer's. It's estimated that 10 million baby boomers will develop the disease in their lifetime. Little is known about Alzheimer's even though it's the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

Community awareness is lacking. Half a million Americans under the age of 65 have Alzheimer's or a related dementia, and at this time, there is no treatment to cure, delay or stop the progression of the disease.

The Alzheimer's Association is a wealth of information on care provider services, respite care, medical and legal rights, and drug trials and therapies. As patients reach the later stages of the disease, it is imperative that their wishes are respected and that they have advocates in the community to speak on their behalf. The Memory Walk highlights not only this debilitating disease, but also the services available to fight against it.

The event kicked off at 8 a.m. with a breakfast hosted by Genworth Financial and Oakdale Heights for walkers with donations totaling over $500. Registration continued throughout the morning as supporters visited vendor booths, fueled up with breakfast in the cafe and posed for team pictures.

A special Children's Corner hosted a variety of games for young people and a special project to honor those living with the disease. Participants dipped their hands in paint and left their print on the banner, which was inscribed with the message "Touched by Alzheimer's."

Nick Toma from Good Day Sacramento and Adrienne Bankert from KCRA 3 hosted the live program highlighting the services provided by the Alzheimer's Association and introducing special guests.

Banners, balloons, team shirts and signs were displayed with pride as walkers too the path toward a future without Alzheimer's disease. Residents of local assisted living facilities also participated in the 3-mile jaunt around the Capitol building. The throng of walkers soon thinned out as everyone set their own pace. And at the end, groups crossed the finish line together, many with elbows linked or arms raised in victory.

And the event was victorious, raising $255,000 and still counting.

Spectrum 2008 - Sept. 23rd

'Stop.Listen.Care.' Campaign Educated Public About Elder Abuse
September 23, 2008

The Sacramento County Adult & Aging Commission has unveiled a new program, "Stop.Listen.Care," a campaign designed to prevent elder abuse by raising awareness and developing a community of compassion.

This groundbreaking program combines the resources of Health & Human Services, the Adult & Aging Commission, utility providers and the county commissioners to ensure the well-being of seniors and dependent adults within our community.

Legislators and leaders throughout Sacramento County have rallied together, answering the Commission's call to action, and they have begun to branch out within their sphere of influence, inviting others to join the campaign.

Led by Chairwoman Geraldine Esposito, the Adult & Aging Commission will provide speaker's bureaus and campaign literature in an effort to teach the community ways to identify, prevent and report abuse.

Most are familiar with Child Protective Services, but very few are aware of Adult Protective Services (APS), which exists to maintain the health and safety of elderly and dependent adults.

Adult Protective Services is a state-mandated service program that investigates situations involving report os danger due to abuse, neglect, exploitation and hazardous or unsafe living conditions.

Just as we are charged with the responsibility of caring for children who do not have the capabilities to provide for themselves, we must also recognize the adults around us who require assistance to live healthy, happy lives, says Esposito.

The campaign is an effort to educate the public and show how each person is part of the solution when it comes to providing a safety net for seniors and dependent adults. In many situations involving abuse, it takes just one concerned individual speaking up to initiate change.

Elder abuse is a tragedy that affects Californians of all ages. Twelve percent of Sacramento County's population is 65 or older, part of the fastest-growing segment of the population nationwide. Reports of elder abuse have increased 150 percent nationwide in the past decade.

Stop.Listen.Care Committee Chair Peggy Forseth-Andrews reminds us that "it will take everyone working together to create the kind of community where we all want to spend the rest of our lives."

The Sacramento APS received about 450 calls reporting abuse or neglect of a senior or a dependent adult each month. The abuse transcends physical violence and the intentional misuse of medication or unauthorized restraint. Abuse may also be sexual, emotional or verbal in nature.

Neglect is an often overlooked form of abuse involving the deprivation of water, food, housing, clothing or medical care. It may also come from a situation created due to self-neglect as an individual is unwilling or unable to care for, provide for or portect themselves. By training neighbors, business people and caregivers to recognize the denial of basic needs, it is the Committee's goal to enable a proactive community of caring.

Adult Protective Services stands ready to assist the Adult & Aging Commission with programs in place to provide 24-hour emergency response services, mobilize emergency personnel as needed, provide counseling services and act as an advocate for those with hardships.

As needs are identified, services such as meal delivery, transportation, financial and medical assistance may be dispatched. APS is charged with investigating allegations of abuse or neglect with the goal of preventing further mistreatment.

"By enabling our community members to reach out to others by giving them suggestions to act on as well as providing them with resources for which to assist, we really can create an umbrella of protection. In reality, this campaign is asking people to do just what we all wand; someone to take the time to stop, listen and care about us," concluded Forseth-Andrews.

In the future, members of the Commission will be organizing speaker's bureaus to foster community understanding as well as a business owner's luncheon to garner support. Now is the time to ask yourself how you can become involved in this important mission to care for our peers and family members - those around us who cannot speak for themselves any longer.

Take the time to learn about this important program, say advocates. Listen to those around you for signs of abuse, and care for the elders and dependent adults in your life.

For more information, campaign materials or to attend a speaker's bureau, contact the Adult & Aging Commission at (916) 447-7063.

Spectrum 2008 - Sept. 9th

Gold Rush Comes Alive in Old Sacramento

September 9, 2008

On Labor Day weekend, thousands arrived in Old Sacramento as the area turned back the clock to celebrate the 1848 Gold Rush that established our capital city.

After a slow summer season due to the I-5 project detours, Old Sac came alive again as thousands of area residents came to witness the shootouts, enjoy the sarsaparilla and take a stagecoach ride. Many attendees recounted Sacramento history from the gold rush days. The Railroad Museum and state historians coordinated the three-day event to provide an accurate portrait of the time period.

First introduced in 1998 and a yearly event since 2000, Gold Rush Days is put on by the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau. Volunteers from the bureau were on hand to pass out weekend schedules and information while city police worked outside to direct traffic. The wooden plank sidewalks creaked as people recreated the hustle and bustle the Gold Rush ushered in 150 years ago.

The 28 riverfront acres of Old Sacramento is comprised of 53 historical buildings and is a National and California Historical Landmark, which has become a favorite stop for shopping and dining.

The Old Sacramento Business Association provides historical walking tours and trips on the steam train for interested parties year round. But for three days each summer, the streets are once again covered in dirt, and horseless carriages give way to horse-drawn wagons.

Actor John Redgwick stood on patrol as Wells Fargo Special Agent Harry Morse, the man who helped capture famed stagecoach robber Charles "Black Bart" Bolton. He explained that they rarely reenact that scene during events as "it's a rather boring story; the capture came down to good old fashioned detective work."

And Redgwick would know; he also portrays Black Bart, whom he describes as a "fascinating character" who first arrived in Sac Town in 1850 and had a long journey before his capture in 1883.

Handlebar mustaches, pocket watches, top hats and parasols were once again seen on the streets of Sacramento. Some event participants made their own costumes as the original characters would have done. Peggy Morgan-Pond wore a gingham print dress and appreciated the mild temperatures and breezy conditions which kept her cool despite the heavy fabric and petticoat that comprised her ensemble.

The streets were filled with dance demonstrations, vendors and the very popular recreation of a grand shootout at the corner of 4th and J streets. The discovery of gold hastened the development of Sacramento, and the influx of miners eventually led to the 1850 Squatters Riots that counted among its victims the city mayor and sheriff.

The 1847 Mormon Batalion held a revival tent meeting, the preaching rising over the calls to play cards from the saloon down the dirt road. Laundry demonstrations exhibited manpower over Maytag, and women sat cross stitching, showing their talent with a needle and thread. The event emphasized hands-on learning as families bumped down the streets in antique carriages and water sloshed out of gold prospector's pans.

Thirty-seven year residents of Sacramento, Reid and Carol Buchanan, were first time visitors to the event and described the scene along the street as "simply amazing." As self-proclaimed horse lovers, the couple appreciated seeing the animals most of all.

Pony Express riders came roaring down the streets in a cloud of dust, stopping their horses only to hand off the mail to the next rider. In between rides, the animals were allowed to relax in the shade as the first postmen told of long days and cold nights on the trail.

Sacramento Railroad Museum docent Cher Johnson played the piano outside a gambling parlor erected in the street, singing hymns and period music for even visitors. Johnson was joined by Roseville residents Elizabeth and Mattison Schwieren, a 4-year-old girl who climbed on the bench and pounded on the keys despite being unable to reach the pedals. A long time piano teacher, Johnson noted that Mattison would be a good piano student one day.

Old Sacramento merchants appreciated the influx of visitors on the holiday weekend as tourists tried on hats and clothing from every era. Children could be found elbow deep in the taffy barrels at Candy Heaven and tempted by the creations at Sacramento Sweets Co.

When it came time to rest, many flocked to the outdoor Farmer's Market and Grill sponsored by Safeway, pulling up a hay bale to hear country western bands liven up the stage. Event attendees were sometimes delayed as the Tower Bridge rose to allow passage for the Spirit of Sacramento riverboat as it cruised upstream, but few complaints could be heard as 1848 Sacramento provided sights, smells and sounds for everyone to enjoy.

If you missed this year's Gold Rush Days, don't fret. Sacramento will leapfrog into the 1900s this week as the Towe Auto Museum holds the 100-year celebration of Henry Ford's Model T on September 12-14.

Spectrum 2008 - August 19th

Twenty-Something Shares Insight Into Grandma's Generation
Guest Column
Published August 19, 2008

Greetings from the other end of the spectrum. As a 23-year-old, it may seem that I have little to contribute to a publication that focuses on the needs of seniors. Three years ago I would have agreed with you. In 2005, I was a college senior, far from being worried about Social Security benefits, the cost of medication or family legacies.

But a single decision has brought me miles from that place; 3,000 miles to be precise. When I finished college in Virginia, I was dazed and confused. I had no earthly idea what to do after 16 years of advisers telling me what class to take next, what internship to apply for next or what dorm to move to next. There was no suggested class schedule for life.

The options were intimidating. In my mind, moving home was for losers, and finding a job and thus moving away from the comfort of friends and family scared me out of my recently-educated mind. I could have just kept going to school, which would involve more loan debt and less idea about what I wanted to do with my life. I could join the Peace Corps, but I don't look good in green.

Somehow, in the chaos of determining my life's path, I came to the decision to move to Sacramento to care for my grandparents in exchange for a rent-free room and the opportunity to delay those life-altering decisions for another few years. Surprisingly, that was the life-altering decision I'd been afraid of making.

As I've spent the last 26 months caring for my grandparents, I have developed a certain appreciation of their lives, their lifestyles and their choices. You have have been blessed with children and subsequent grandchildren. If you're lucky, you may even have a positive relationship with some of them. Even if you don't know the details of each grandchild's school, hobbies and dreams, allow me to share my take on the generation at the other end of the spectrum.

My generation is stubborn. We're largely idiots who want it all without paying our dues. We talk in numbers and symbols (if U kno LOL) and have little understanding of our history. For example, I knew my grandparents had never traveled internationally to exotic locales. But thumbing through their photo albums, I realized they'd used every vacation to visit family members across the nation - going to Dollywood and St. Louis and driving through redwoods, always with family.

Until she was unable to drive, my grandmother traveled around town in a 1991 Oldsmobile. I thought it was ugly. The seats creaked, and it had enough cat hair on the hood to genetically engineer a new Fluffy. But there was the evidence in her financial records and "thank you" cards from a half dozen used cars bought for us grandkids when we were young and newly licensed.

In a world where everything seems to be drive-thru, my grandma was a proponent of home-cooked meals, fresh produce straight from the farm and ice cream for dessert. My grandpa was a proponent of taking her out for a hamburger, treating his friends and co-workers to a meal and ignoring his diabetes meter in favor of a birthday celebration with a friend.

Every day in a hundred ways I see the evidence of my grandparent's values. Many of those are values I want to incorporate in my own life. None of this came to me in a grand "let me tell you about life lessons, girlie" speech. It came as I helped grandma prepare a home-made meal; as I drove grandpa to his support meetings and grandma to church. The lessons flooded in with cards from family, photo albums on the shelf and watching them live simple, beautiful lives.

I don't know you all personally, but I do know some of your children, your grand-children, maybe even your great-grandchildren. In many ways we're lost in the noise of advertising and programming and the busyness of life. Please, for me, for my peers and friends, make some iced tea, sit on the porch swing and share your wisdom.