Monday, 23 January 2012
Written by: Dr. Jeffrey Barke
PSA testing has been the standard testing mechanism for the detection of prostate cancer for many years. It stands for prostate specific antigen and is a simple blood test that has been relied upon by primary care and specialty physicians alike. However, this standard test is under attack and rightfully so.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has recently published a draft recommendation AGAINST prostate specific antigen or PSA screening for prostate cancer in asymptomatic men. The USPSTF gave PSA screening in asymptomatic men a D recommendation, which means there is a moderate or high certainty that the test has no net benefit or that the harms outweigh the benefits. The benefit, of course, would be detecting prostate cancer early. The harm is that the vast majority of those diagnosed with prostate cancer will never be harmed by this mostly very slow growing cancer; you get the risks associated with treatment but no benefit.
According to Dr. LeFevre, a professor at the University of Missouri, Columbia, for every 1,000 men treated for prostate cancer, five die of complications from the prostate surgery; 10-70 suffer significant complications but survive; and 200-300 suffer long-term problems including urinary incontinence (think lifelong Depends), impotence (inability to get an erection) or both.
USPSTF noted that the majority of men who have asymptomatic cancer detected by PSA screening have cancer that either will not progress or is so slow-growing that it will not affect the men’s life spans.
So what to do? The USPSTF, although well respected, is but one authority that makes recommendations. The American Urological Association continues to support the use of the PSA test. At minimum you should have a conversation with your doctor about the USPSTF recommendation and how that applies to you. Family history, age and current symptoms all play a role in determining whether to screen or not. The art of medicine is in part, knowing how to apply the latest research and data to an individual patient.
Saturday, 31 December 2011
Written by: Krista Reader
2012 is just around the corner! With the NEW YEAR comes NEW RESOLUTIONS and the annual ritual of setting health and fitness goals. If you feel like your clothes have mysteriously reduced in size this holiday season OR if you want to stay committed to fitness beyond the 15th of January, let the Healthfit 4 Life team jumpstart your 2012 fitness program! Not only will you receive a customized, effective program specific to your physical and medical needs, you will also be held accountable to your commitment and goals. We won’t let you give up!
To help you get started, Personalcare Physicians is offering 3 COMPLIMENTARY PERSONAL TRAINING SESSIONS* to every patient throughout the month of January. Sign up for the Healthfit 4 Life program in January and we will take 10% off your annual membership fee* as a thank you for letting us be a part of your 2012 fitness journey. Space is filling up quickly, so schedule your appointment today!
Happy holidays and here’s to a healthy 2012!!
*Offer valid for new clients only
Thursday, 22 December 2011
Written by: Krista Reader
Personalcare Physicians would like to thank all of our patients, staff and friends for an amazing year. Those in our Healthfit 4 Life program have lost 650 pounds as of Dec. 1 and we want to encourage everyone to stick to their goals as the year comes to a close.
We’ve come up with five easy tips to help keep you healthy through the rest of the year.
Have a wonderful holiday season and we look forward to seeing you in 2012!
Dr. Jeffrey Barke
Dr. Kenneth Cheng
Dr. Marcia Whalen
Dr. David Bloom
5 Tips to Stay Healthy During the Holidays
Indulge, but don’t gorge!
It’s ok, during this brief hiatus, to indulge in the richness and pleasures of the holidays. Be careful not to over-indulge, though. Your body can surely recover quickly from a little bit of bad behavior, but several weeks of overdoing it may have you packing on pounds that will be tough to shed later. If you must indulge at a holiday meal or enjoy a holiday treat, be sure to make your next meal as healthy as possible to balance things out. Moderation is the key!
Avoid the holiday splurge-and-starve cycle.
Sometimes when we eat a large meal or overindulge, there’s a tendency to say ‘I overate at dinner last night, so I’ll just skip breakfast and lunch.’ Better to break the cycle right away by starting the next morning with a quick walk and light, nutritious breakfast, and fill up with a snack and a glass of water before you sit down to the next tempting meal.
Stick to your regular exercise program.
It can be very easy to brake a workout habit, and especially so during the holidays. But if you’ve got one, maintain it!
Keep Hydrated.
During this time of year, we tend to drink more sugary drinks – hot chocolate, egg nog, etc. – and less water. Try to get at least eight glasses of water a day!
Wash your hands.
Germs spread very fast during the holidays, so remember to wash your hands before every meal and avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth with your hands to keep germs at a minimum.
Happy Holidays!
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
Written by: Dr. Jeffrey Barke
If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it. Measure the ratio of AA:EPA in your blood and you have an accurate account of your future health.
We all try to take good care of ourselves with the belief that if we do so we will reduce the chances of serious illness. We make attempts to eat healthy, we exercise, we don’t smoke, and we try not to drink too much. Our bargain is if we do these things we are less likely to get: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and maybe even cancer. Are we sure? How do we know? What can we measure?
The answers to these questions are difficult and imperfect. Here’s my thesis. Cellular inflammation is the foundation upon which our genetic expression of disease occurs. Control inflammation and we reduce the chances of disease. Full disclosure: Much of my statements are supported by research. However, I take common sense liberty in broadening what the research shows.
Inflammation in our body can be seen by measuring fatty acids. Fatty acids are the building blocks of eicosanoids. Eicosanoids are hormonal messengers in the body that control inflammation, and are produced in every living cell in the body. Manipulating eicosanoids through nutrition and supplements can change cellular inflammation. The ratio of AA (arachidonic acid an omega-6 inflammatory fatty acid) to EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid an omega-3 anti-inflammatory fatty acid) is a measure of “Cellular Inflammation.” This term cellular inflammation was coined by Dr. Barry Sears. Yes, the Barry Sears that wrote the nutrition book “The Zone” and the more recent book “Toxic Fat.” Control cellular inflammation and you control the development of chronic disease.
The AA:EPA ratio can be altered by changing our nutrition and by taking fish-oil. AA (arachidonic acid) is found in processed foods, egg yolks, and animal fat. It can also be produced by the over-consumption of cheap refined carbohydrates and vegetable oils. If you minimize or eliminate these food sources you reduce inflammatory arachidonic acid in your body. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is found in fatty fish such as salmon and sardines, and in fish-oil supplements. If you increase these food sources you increase the levels of anti-inflammatory EPA in your body.
The easiest way to reduce your AA:EPA ratio is to take fish-oil. A caution is in order however. Not all fish-oil is created equal. Fish, in general, is polluted. Eat too much fish and you are likely to get too much mercury and other pollutants like PCBs. Take too much impure fish-oil and the same is true. The fish-oil I take and recommend is the product produce by Zone Labs (Dr. Sears’ company) called OmegaRx.
I take this product for three reasons:
- I believe it is the purest fish-oil on the market and every batch is verified by an independent 3rd party lab.
- It has an EPA:DHA ratio of 2:1. Most of us get plenty of DHA but lack EPA therefore this ratio is important.
- If I’m going to spend a fair amount of money on fish-oil I might as well support Dr. Sears as I believe his research into nutrition and inflammation is important work.
Control cellular inflammation and you control the genetic expression of disease. Measure the AA:EPA ratio in your blood to know your level of cellular inflammation. Most importantly, you can change it and your blood will tell within 30 days.
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
Written by: Dr. Lyndsay Elliott
We’re happy to have a new guest blogger, Dr. Lyndsay Elliott. Dr. Lyndsay, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist who specializes in food and body image issues out of her Newport Beach office. We believe these topics are incredibly important as eating disorders are rampant in Orange County.
We’re excited to have Dr. Lyndsay’s expertise!
Starting college is an exciting but overwhelming time for most young adults. Learning how to balance academics, a new social scene, and any work obligations can leave self-care in a place of neglect. Even with the welcomed change of “leaving the nest,” transitions are a difficult time for most people, and learning how to nourish oneself without the conveniences of home can be a challenge.
You may notice that when your child comes from college for holiday break, that they have gained weight. Anxiety sets in because you’re concerned about how your child is taking care of themselves, what or if to say anything about the change, and yet not wanting to avoid dealing with possible issues that are associated with their changing body. Below you will find some strategies in dealing with such issues to help alleviate the stress as well as to provide support for your loved one:
- Don’t assume that the weight gain is an issue. Perhaps their changing body is reflective of self-exploration, new freedom and fun that they are experiencing at college. Creating independence and learning how to feed themselves appropriately takes time, and there is a learning curve associated with this new phase in self-care.
- Watch out for warning signs that your child is concerned about the changes in their body. How do they talk to themselves about the weight gain? Are they criticizing their bodies or complaining that they do not fit into their clothes? You may have to purchase a few new items of clothing during this time of transition so that they feel confident and comfortable, but you do not have to buy a new wardrobe. Once their weight settles out, you can decide what else, if anything, needs to be purchased.
- Have a body composition test done by a professional. Is the new weight reflective (and appropriate) of any growth that has occurred or an increase in age? Physical maturity usually completes during the college years, and weight gain/loss can occur during times of growth.
- Spend consistent time with your child, and be a good observer during meals. Are they eating intuitively, or are there new behaviors that cause concern?
- Continue to monitor your child’s actions following meals. Are they drinking a lot of water, then disappearing or spending long periods of time in the bathroom? If you suspect that your child is purging, you should confront them with any worries.
- State any concerns in a loving and clear, but firm manner. If possible, use the same descriptors that they are using themselves (i.e. “I’ve gained so much weight”) to prevent them from accusing you of believing they are “fat.” Any concerns that you have should be addressed directly in the context of what concerns your child is stating, or behaviors you have noticed.
- Ask questions. How is your child making the transition in college? What are their stressors in school? Have they developed friendships or when are they feeling lonely? Are they too involved with the social scene? Develop ways that you can best support them while also holding them accountable to take care of themselves (i.e. nourish themselves appropriately), and not be pushed away because your child is too embarrassed to admit any difficulties.
- Hold your child accountable for their actions, and any commitments they make to increase their self-care. If they are gaining weight because they are going out and drinking most nights, chances are they are neglecting other areas of their life (i.e. academics or sleep) and need to re-prioritize their commitments.
- Praise any positive behaviors during this time of transition. Remember that they are still learning, and continue to encourage in areas that are appropriate. The holidays are for spending quality time with loved ones, and celebrating new milestones (i.e. college). Do not allow the weight gain to take away from such special and infrequent experiences, but rather enhance and build upon this new phase of their life. Afterall, you are still their parent, able to offer guidance and support in times of need, while also holding your child accountable for self-care and without avoiding potentially destructive behaviors. Finally, if your child still needs more support, encourage them to seek out help from their college counseling center where they can receive (often free) support to cope with stressors, or specialized counseling in food and body image issues.
Lyndsay Elliott, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist and maintains a boutique practice in Newport Beach, California. Dr. Lyndsay specializes in food and body image issues, and has been an expert in the field since 1996. Dr. Lyndsay posts relevant information on her blog at www.DrLyndsayElliott.com, on twitter @DrLyndsay and Facebook at Dr. Lyndsay Elliott, Inc.
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
Written by: Dr. David Bloom
The holiday season is in full swing and while it becomes more difficult than ever to cut calories and keep to your health regimen, healthy doses of protein can help curb your stress-induced diet choices.
A new study has found that including enough protein in your diet, rather than relying on cutting calories, can be an important factor in controlling your appetite and preventing excessive consumption of fats and carbohydrates, such as stuffing, bread, rolls, and pie.
People who consume a diet that includes only 10% protein will snack more between meals, as well as eat more calories overall compared to those who fill their plates with 15% protein or more.
Researchers found that humans, by nature, have a strong appetite for protein and those that include less in their diet seek more energy through carbohydrates. Holiday standards, such as mashed potatoes, only reinforce this practice.
Carbohydrates are not only easy to make, but are often cheap and readily available like never before in our society. The easy access to these quick sources of energy has contributed to the obesity epidemic sweeping the country and contributes to overeating.
The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture has dropped the traditional food pyramid we grew up with in favor of My Plate. My Plate recommends a balanced meal and shows how to properly portion for your plate. The protein segment, between 15% and 25% of your balanced plate, should include a variety of foods made from low-fat meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, nuts, soy products, seeds, beans and peas.
To determine how much protein you should include, take your body weight in pounds and multiply by 0.37. This number will indicate the minimum amount of grams of protein you should consume on a daily basis. According to the Food and Nutrition Board at the National Academy of Sciences, a 120-pound person should eat 44 grams of protein each day, a 150-pound person should eat 55 grams of protein each day and a 200-pound person should eat 74 grams of protein daily.
An easy trick for the holiday season is to imagine the My Plate and try to replicate that on your own. Try placing the turkey, ham, chicken or prime rib on your plate in the recommended portion and eat it first, curbing your appetite for the delicious, although less nutritious traditional holiday fixings.
For more advice on creating a balanced diet, with the correct balance of protein, for you and your family, make sure to visit your personal physician or your nutritionist.
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Written by: Dr. David Bloom
California just passed a law banning minors from spending time in tanning beds.
The law, which takes effect Jan. 1, modifies current regulations which had allowed anyone between the ages of 14 and 17 to pay for yearlong sun-kissed skin with written permission by their parents.
Those that fought for the bill’s passage at the state capitol cited adverse health effects, including skin cancer, from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays as the reason for pushing through this new regulation.
How does a tanning bed work?
While German researcher Friedrich Wolff was studying the beneficial effects of ultraviolet light on athletes, he noticed a side effect: tanned skin. His discovery was brought over to the United States during the late 1970s.
Tanning beds emit ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) waves, similar to the rays of the sun, which in turn tans the skin by darkening the skin’s pigment melanin.
While exposure to some UVB rays is beneficial for humans and help keep vitamin D in the body at healthy levels, many scientists and researchers warn against excessive exposure.
For or against?
The World Health Organization warns against the use of indoor tanning beds, citing the increased risk in “the development of skin cancer, cataracts and other eye conditions” and the possible suppression of the immune system and premature skin aging.
The organization further classifies the beds as carcinogenic and recommends banning the use for children under 18. According to recent data, approximately 1 out of 5 teenage girls have used an indoor tanning bed at least once.
The Indoor Tanning Association agrees that there are risks for certain skin types and overexposure to ultraviolet light may have adverse consequences. Although visits are often for cosmetic reasons in the United States, the Tanning Association asserts the industry’s roots are therapeutic and many still visit for that purpose (such as for psoriasis or certain types of eczema).
Indoor tanning beds, the association argues, helps minimize the risk of a sunburn while still keeping tanned skin (not necessarily an accepted medical fact).
Alternatives
Spray tanning is an alternative to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays and can be done at home or by a professional. The worry with spray tanning, as with bronzing lotions, is keeping your “tan” even, especially around the joints.
Another alternative is to spend some time out in the sun, protected by sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. We do live in OC and you can visit the beach all year long without getting too chilly.
Is it safe or not?
Overall, there is no “safe tan.” Any tanning induces some amount of skin damage and photo-aging. And the more exposure to these harmful rays the higher one’s risk of cancer. As in most of our daily choices we must weigh any benefits against the risks. And at least now in California, such decisions are left to an adult. Just as buying and smoking cigarettes are illegal for those under 18, so is choosing to use a tanning bed.
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Written by: Dr. Jeffrey Barke
With the loss of one of the greatest minds of our generation to pancreatic cancer, it raises questions about the disease that claimed the man who has changed the way we talk, compute, listen to music or even read.
Steve Jobs passed away on Oct. 5 after suffering respiratory arrest resulting from pancreatic cancer that had spread to other organs. The co-founder, and former chairman and chief executive officer of Apple Inc. was 56.
Everyone has known someone with one of the more common types of cancer of those that receive more attention and funding – breast cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia – but the full weight of pancreatic cancer seems a bit more difficult to grasp. Most people can identify the affected body parts or understand a disease that attacks the blood, however, most Americans have a difficult time pointing to where their pancreas resides, let alone what it does.
What is the pancreas?
The pancreas is a six inch long organ surrounded by the stomach, small intestine, liver and spleen in the upper middle of the abdomen. It looks like a thin pear and is responsible for creating pancreatic juices to help digest food and produce hormones for the body, such as insulin.
he pancreatic juices contain enzymes through a system of ducts. The main duct joins with the common bile duct with the liver and gallbladder, which carries bile to digest fat before emptying out into the first part of the small intestine. The hormones produced by the pancreas help the body use or store energy for food.
What goes wrong?
Pancreatic cancer occurs with cells in your pancreas begin to grow out of control and continue to live after normal cells would typically die. The extra cells can form a tumor.
There are two primary types of pancreatic cancer, one that forms in the ducts that produce digestive juices and another that forms in the hormone producing cells, with more cases of the former, instead of the latter.
Pancreatic cancer typically spreads rapidly and is rarely detected in its early stages. Unfortunately, it is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the country.
What are the symptoms?
In its early stages, pancreatic cancer may present itself with a yellowing of the skin, mucus membranes or the eyes, called jaundice. Besides the pigmentation change, you could experience a change in digestive habits, loss of appetite and weight loss, fatigue and weakness, nausea and vomiting or pain in the area where the pancreas is located. Other possible symptoms include back pain, blood clots and indigestion.
Are you at risk?
According to the National Cancer Institute, in the past year 44,030 new cases of pancreatic cancer were diagnosed and there were 37,660 deaths. Although a rare form of cancer, risk increases with age, especially over the age of 60, those of African American descent, being overweight or obese, chronic inflammation of the pancreas, diabetes, family history and smoking.
Prevention and outreach
November is the designated awareness month for pancreatic cancer, but with current events, there is nothing wrong with starting early. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the easier it is for your physician to determine a proactive and effective plan of care. Treatment depends on the type of cancer, the stage of cancer, age and well-being, and pancreatic cancer is usually only curable when found in its earliest stages. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are the most common treatment types and are to remove the cancer and relieve painful symptoms that the cancer is causing if possible. Besides living a healthy lifestyle, the best defense is to avoid smoking.
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network works to educate the public about the disease to better identify the symptoms to catch and diagnose the cancer in its earliest stages.
Pancreatic cancer has the lowest relative survival rate of all the cancers tracked by both the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute, according to the network. It is the only cancer with a five-year relative survival rate in the single digits at just six percent. 94% of patients will die within five years of diagnosis – only 6% survive more than five years and 74% of pancreatic cancer patients die within the first year of diagnosis.
To learn more, visit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or become an advocate for additional federal funding for education and research for the fourth leading cancer killer.
Unfortunately there is much about cancer that we do not understand. My belief is that we are all dealt a genetic hand. Some are dealt four aces and can live to 110 despite very poor self-care. Others, despite almost perfect self-care, need to bluff their way to get to age 60. Most of us are somewhere in the middle; that is how we take care of ourselves will determine the genetic expression of disease. I further believe that inflammation in our body is the foundation upon which our genetic expression of disease occurs: cardiovascular disease, diabetes and even cancer. Control inflammation and you control the genetic expression of disease. Inflammation is best controlled by our nutrition and secondarily by exercise and supplements. See my previous blogs to better understand anti-inflammatory nutrition.
The pancreatic cancer that plagued Steve Jobs was the rarest form of the disease and affects only 5% of those with pancreatic cancer, but his passing serves as a reminder of the lack of early treatment and screening options.
Friday, 23 September 2011
Written by: Krista Reader
Personalcare Physicans Strength Training!
You have heard us say it before, but one more time just in case you have forgotten. As we get older, we can naturally lose 30% (or more) of our muscle mass between the ages of 40 and 75. The best way we can protect ourselves and prevent this from happening is to commit to strength (or resistance) training.
Your muscles are important for everything you do. Whether you’re reaching for a box of cereal in the morning, climbing the steps outside your home and walking the dog, you need your muscles to move and function every day.
Strength training is the best solution to building and maintaining muscle mass to keep functioning at your best. Performing daily exercises with weights and learning to increase the difficulty as your body adjusts to the pattern gives the most physical benefits for your body.
In addition to the benefits for your muscles, strength training will also help you:
- Develop strong bones – By stressing your bones, strength training increases bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
- Control your weight – As you gain muscle, your body gains the ability to burn calories more efficiently, which can result in weight loss. The more toned your muscles, the easier it is to control your weight.
- Reduce your risk of injury – Building muscle helps protect your joints from injury and contributes to better balance, which can help you maintain independence as you age.
- Boost your stamina – As you get stronger, you won’t fatigue as easily.
- Manage chronic conditions – Strength training can reduce the signs and symptoms of many chronic conditions, including arthritis, back pain, depression, diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis.
- Sharpen your focus – Some research suggests that regular strength training helps improve attention span and concentration as we age.
Strength training can be done at home or in the gym and here are some options for you to consider as you are building your program:
- Body weight – You can do many exercises with little or no equipment including push-ups (elevated or on knees if needed), front & side abdominal planks, dips, lunges and squats.
- Resistance tubing – Resistance tubing is inexpensive, lightweight tubing that provides resistance when stretched.
- Free weights – Barbells and dumbbells are classic strength training tools.
- Weight machines – Most fitness centers offer various resistance machines and there are tons of options for home gyms that are portable.
Getting started
Please make sure to check with your primary care physician before you begin a strength training program and plan to start slowly. Warm up with 5-10 minutes of active stretching and/or light aerobic activity, such as brisk walking. Then choose a weight or resistance level heavy enough to tire your muscles after about 12 repetitions.
To give your muscles time to recover, rest one full day between exercising each specific muscle group. When you can easily do more than 15 repetitions of a certain exercise, gradually increase the weight or resistance. Remember to stop if you feel pain. Although mild muscle soreness is normal, sharp pain and sore or swollen joints are signs that you’ve overdone it.
When to expect results
You don’t need to spend hours a day lifting weights to benefit from strength training. Depending on your goals, two to three strength training sessions a week lasting just 30-40 minutes are sufficient for most people starting a strength training routine. Two times per week is plenty if your goal is to just maintain your current muscle mass and at least three sessions if you are looking to build.
By exercising your entire body (not just the muscles you can see) you will prevent your body from losing muscle mass as you grow older and ensuring you keep your independent spirit both physically and mentally. If done properly, you will notice a difference in your strength and stamina in as little as a few weeks.
Strength training can do wonders for your physical and emotional well-being. Make it part of your quest for better health. If you are just getting started, we highly recommend seeking the help of a professional trainer to ensure that you know how to most effectively exercise and avoid injury. Please feel free to contact our Healthfit 4 Life Fitness Team for help getting started.
Thursday, 22 September 2011
Written by: Dr. Marcia Whalen
Does it seem like you’re always looking for your keys when you walk out the door now? Are you repeating yourself during conversations or can’t remember small details? Are you concerned that your memory is getting worse?
A certain amount of memory decline is to be expected as our brains age but when should you be worried about significant “cognitive impairment” that may need medical intervention? At Personalcare Physicians, we are utilizing a diagnostic screening tool that can identify this subtle memory loss and distinguish normal aging from abnormal memory loss. By detecting any signs of mild cognitive impairment of the brain early, we can help you to find and treat the cause.
The MCI Screen is designed to accurately measure an individual’s memory function. This short, accurate memory test can be performed in the comfort of our office. Answers are analyzed by a computerized scoring method with results provided to your physician to review with you. This diagnostic tool enables a physician to distinguish normal aging from subtle memory changes due to other medical causes. It is about 97% accurate.
Conditions such as anxiety, sleep deprivation, ADHD, depression, thyroid gland disease, diabetes, metabolic encephalopathy, Vitamin deficiency, infections and medications can cause significant memory loss. The effects can often be reversed after finding the cause and with the appropriate treatment.
Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and dementia are the first culprits patients associate with memory loss, and usually the worst case scenario. Through early diagnosis and treatment, doctors can work towards a reduced rate of memory decline and often allow patients to continue living a good quality of life for a long time.
A complete list of what may cause memory loss is available here, but in the meantime, take the following short test for yourself. Check off any of the following if you have found you are having increasing difficulty with the tasks.
Symptoms of Medical Conditions:
- Forgetting important details of things you have done in the past few weeks.
- Forgetting to do things you said you would do.
- Forgetting recent events or conversations.
- Retelling a story or joke to the same person because you forgot that I had already told them.
- Completing complex tasks at work or home (i.e. balancing checkbook, planning projects).
Symptoms of Normal Aging:
- Forgetting the name of someone you know well.
- Forgetting what you were going to say in a conversation.
- Forgetting what you were going to do when going into another room.
- Finding things you have just put down.
- Recalling a specific word you want to use.
If you’re worried about memory loss, give your personal physician a call to speak about options and possibly taking the short MCI Screen.
