Chicago Senior Pulse Blog

Keeping Tabs on the Latest News, Events, and Professional Advice for Chicago's Senior Citizens and Caregivers. The views and opinions expressed in these blogs do not necessarily represent those of CMSS or its affiliates.

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How Medicare Reform Can Lead to Better Care for You or a Loved One

Monday, February 06, 2012 by Dan Hofford

Growing Pains When Medicare was established under the Social Security Act of 1965, it was considered a "gentle giant" by many in the field of health care. Starting a few years back, however, it has earned a reputation as being a "ferocious beast". With baby boomers aging, medicine improving, and people generally... Read more >

Remembering Our Past

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 by Kalyn Chomko

Over the last week, we have been busy promoting an exciting update in our organization: The Methodist Home name change to Wesley Place. Throughout the process of this transformation, we have been directing our focus toward the future. As we continue to look ahead, we also recognize all that is a part of our past. We ha... Read more >

Getting Online: Your Options

Friday, January 27, 2012 by Brian Holmertz

Fifteen years ago, there was basically one option if someone wanted to connect to the internet: get dial-up service through a phone line using a service such as Prodigy or America Online. While this got you online, it was slow, and it occupied a phone line while you browsed the web. You would need two lines ... Read more >

Winter Safety for Older Adults

Monday, January 23, 2012 by Carrie Robertson

Some folks despise winter because of the miserable weather and lack of sunlight; others absolutely adore the tranquility of a snow fall and the splendor of the season. I know how excited I get when the first big snow hits - I can't wait to get outside, marvel at how quiet the streets sound, and experience the crunch of ... Read more >

Distinguishing Between Alzheimer’s & Dementia

Tuesday, January 17, 2012 by Carrie Robertson

Having several family members that struggle with Alzheimer's as well as dementia, there's one question that seems to constantly circulate in my mind which I never quite get an answer to: "What exactly is the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia?" I've received answers such as, "Alzheimer's is where a person can't... Read more >

Winter Skin Care for Older Adults

Wednesday, January 11, 2012 by Carrie Robertson

Winter has arrived, and for many of us, that means the all-too-familiar-itch in the middle of our back every time we reach for something. We might notice the flakes of skin at the tip of our nose, or the chalkiness on our hands. Dry skin is already a common problem after the age of 60; throw in the cold dry air of winte... Read more >

New Research Shows Happier Nurses at Nonprofit Nursing Homes

Friday, January 06, 2012 by Charlie Nadler

There have been a number of studies over the years that seek to determine which type of nursing homes tend to provide a higher level of quality care. In most of these studies, researchers find that, when compared to commercial homes, nonprofits as a group provide better care for their patients. There are a number of po... Read more >

Alzheimer’s Myths, Rumors & Tall Tales

Wednesday, January 04, 2012 by Carrie Robertson

According to Dictionary.com, a myth is defined as an unproved or false collective belief that is used to justify a social institution. Myths, rumors, tall tales -- whatever you want to call them -- exist with regards to just about every subject. They are certainly plentiful when it comes to Alzheimer's disease. There ar... Read more >

Goal Setting - Important at Any Age

Saturday, December 31, 2011 by Carrie Robertson

Those that know me know that before the first day of the New Year comes, you better believe I'll have a crisp sheet of paper on my bulletin board with all the things I'd like to achieve in the coming year. Some call them New Year resolutions; I just call them yearly goals. Regardless, I'd feel a bit lost without them - ... Read more >

Knowing When to Call an Electrophysiologist Could Save Your Life

Friday, December 23, 2011 by Tracy Hernandez

If you have an abnormal heart rhythm, you might receive an EKG to read your heart. Changes in heart rate are everyday occurrences for most people. Whether we are exercising, climbing stairs, watching a scary movie or being overwhelmed with emotion, we often feel like our hearts are pounding, fluttering or maybe... Read more >