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Arthritis Your primary care physician may refer you to a rheumatologist, an internal medicine physician who specializes in treating rheumatoid diseases such as arthritis. In addition, NMMC offers physical and occupational therapy programs by physician referral.
NMMC Wellness Centers
offer the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program classes.
The Arthritis Foundation’s Aquatic Program, a
water-based exercise program for people with arthritis,
is available at the Tupelo location. |
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Bone and Joint Health
The
NMMC Joint Replacement Center uses a team
approach to hip or knee replacement, ensuring a smooth
transition from pre-op through recovery. The health care
team works together for a common goal: your good health.
The center offers educational seminars that help seniors
replace their fears with facts about joint replacement.
For more information, call 1-800-843-3375. |
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Breast Health Risk for breast cancer increases with age. NMMC wants to help individuals understand their risk as well as the early detection and prevention programs available. The NMMC Breast Care Center offers digital mammography, breast MRI, breast ultrasound and galactography (radiography of the mammary glands). A mobile mammography unit is available in remote locations. For mammogram information, call: NMMC & Mobile Unit (662) 377-4158* NMMC-Eupora (662) 258-6221 NMMC-Hamilton (205) 921-6280 NMMC-Iuka (662) 423-4502 NMMC-West Point (662) 495-2331* *Screening mammograms available by self-referral
The
NMMC Breast Care Center is staffed by breast health
specialists and offers a resource center and Life After
Diagnosis support group. For more information, call the NMMC
Breast Care Center at (662) 377-4910 . |
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Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer refers to cancer that
starts in either the colon or the rectum. Cancer that
starts in these different areas may cause different
symptoms., but colon cancer and rectal cancer have many
things in common. Not counting skin cancers, colorectal
cancer is the third most common cancer found in men and
women nationwide. In most cases, colorectal cancers
develop slowly over many years. Most of these cancers
begin as a polyp—a growth of tissue that starts in the
lining and grows into the center of the colon or rectum.
This tissue may or may not be cancer. Thanks to
colorectal cancer screening, polyps can be found and
removed before they turn into cancer. |
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Approximately four million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for nearly two-thirds of dementia in older adults. The two greatest risk factors are age and family history. Alzheimer’s disease affects approximately 6-8 percent of people age 65 and older, and about 30 percent or more of people age 85 and older. Among those with first-degree relatives (parents, siblings) who have Alzheimer’s, nearly half contract the disease by age 90. Other possible risk factors include a previous head injury and a low level of formal education. In addition, Alzheimer’s is more common in women than in men. People with Alzheimer’s disease may have difficulty recognizing or finding objects, or drawing simple designs. The abilities to organize, plan and think abstractly are frequently lost, which usually interferes with being able to make appropriate judgments at work or in social situations. Behavioral and psychiatric symptoms are also common in Alzheimer’s disease. These include wandering, aggressive behaviors, visual hallucinations and delusions. The delusions often involve being unreasonably suspicious of other people, including caregivers, or being concerned that others are stealing personal possessions. These behaviors are extremely troubling to caregivers and often result in family distress. Most people with Alzheimer’s disease have severe disability within eight to 12 years. Generally, these people have little insight into their own disabilities as the disease progresses. The severity of the dementia is strongly related to life expectancy; those with severe dementia live the shortest.
Management
Source: American Gerontological Society |
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Depression
Unlike grief or passing sadness,
depression does not usually respond to changes in
circumstances or go away with time. Depression can last
for months or years if not treated. It can disrupt
relationships, affect productivity and result in
disability or even death. Call the
NMMC Behavioral
Health Center for help at (662) 377-3161. |
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Diabetes
NMMC’s Diabetes Treatment Center
is dedicated to helping people with diabetes better
understand their disease and inform them of new
medications and technologies. The facility is recognized
by the American Diabetes Association as a Diabetes
Center of Excellence. Comprehensive Diabetes
Self-Management Programs are offered at NMMC hospitals
in Eupora, Tupelo and West Point. Diabetes Support
Groups are sponsored by NMMC in Booneville, Iuka, Eupora,
Tupelo and West Point. For more information, call (662)
377-2500 or your local NMMC hospital. |
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Falls A fall is one of the most common events that threatens the independence of older adults. Approximately 33 percent of individuals over age 65 fall at least one time a year. However, that percentage approaches 50 percent for older adults living in long term care institutions. Complications from falls are the leading cause of death from injury in adults over 65 years of age. Most falls cause some sort of injury, many times a soft tissue injury like a bruise or scrape. However, approximately 10 percent of those falls result in serious injury such as head trauma, hip or wrist fracture, and large contusions. It is one of the most common reasons that older adults go to the emergency room. An older adult may fall for a variety of reasons. Many times it is a combination of medical problems that lead to a fall. Common risks for falls include visual impairment, muscle weakness, taking more than four medications, depression and difficulty with balance. Discovering the cause of a fall in an elderly patient requires a comprehensive evaluation. First, it is important to find out when the fall occurred and the environment in which the fall took place. For example, many falls occur at night in dimly lit rooms. With visually impaired adults, the risk of falls may be reduced by simple measures such as providing adequate lighting and accessible grab bars. Second, a complete physical examination may detect other underlying causes for falls. These can include findings such as a fluctuating blood pressure that may drop when standing, poor sensation of the lower extremities that is common in patients with diabetes and other chronic conditions, and gait instability. A physical exam may also detect early Parkinson’s disease or previous neurological events that may have been overlooked. Finally, a review of medications helps identify common medications that may contribute to falls. These medications include diuretics (fluid pills), pills used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), sedatives such as Xanax or Ativan, and antipsychotics such as Haldol. Treatment of falls is usually individualized for the specific patient and normally involves an environmental survey of the home. Removing rugs, moving furniture and placing assistance devices such as grab bars may be very helpful. A trained occupational therapist may be very useful in identifying risk factors at home. Adjusting medications may also help eliminate risk factors. One of the common treatment options involves consultation with physical or occupational therapists to work on balance and muscle strengthening. Exercises like T’ai Chi have been shown to be beneficial in fall prevention. A patient who has suffered a fall should also be evaluated for osteoporosis. As stated earlier, one of the most feared complications of a fall is a hip or wrist fracture. A bone density scan and evaluation of bone health, with treatment if indicated, may help prevent serious injury from future falls. Falls are extremely common in older adults and
should be discussed with a health care provider so that
possible causes and treatment options may be explored.
To request a home evaluation in Tupelo or a checklist of
potential fall risks, call the
NMMC Rehabilitation
Institute at (662) 377-4058. |
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Gerontology Gerontology is a medical specialty that focuses on the care and treatment of the elderly. With the large number of aging “baby boomers,” gerontology is increasing in importance. |
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patients are admitted to
the Geriatric Psychiatry unit where they receive care
from an interdisciplinary clinical team whose specialty
area is geriatrics. Family involvement and communication
is vital to the treatment process on this unit. |
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Talk with your physician to learn more about the
risk factors for heart disease, which increase with age.
The NMMC Heart Institute is the region’s leader
for cardiovascular services and offers free educational
programs and screenings throughout the year. |
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As a woman ages, her body begins to slow its
production of estrogen, a hormone that seems to protect
women from heart disease and osteoporosis. HRT helps
control hot flashes, insomnia and other symptoms and
helps protect a woman from heart disease and bone loss.
Ask your physician about treatment options.
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Incontinence People of all ages experience bladder control problems. It is important to realize that incontinence is a medical problem and no cause for shame. Nearly every individual with a bladder control problem can be helped. Ask your physician, gynecologist or urologist about treatment options. |
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Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage As part of the North Mississippi Medical Center Live Well initiative the following information provides responses to frequently asked questions about Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage. Click here to view the list of questions. |
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Approximately three-quarters of osteoporosis is inherited from our parents and grandparents through our genes. However, there are also other risk factors.
Importance of Exercise Exercise is an important part of osteoporosis treatment and prevention. Frequent (three times per week), moderate to vigorous exercise is associated with increased bone mass and decreased fractures. Weight-bearing exercises such as walking are best. Strength training (weight lifting and other forms of resistance training) strengthens hip bones and improves muscle mass, strength, and balance in women after menopause. This reduces both falls and fractures. Likewise, a marked decrease in physical activity (long-term bed rest) results in a loss of bone mass. This is one reason why it is important to return to activity as soon as possible after a stroke, surgery or other debilitating event.
Calcium and vitamin D are required for bone health at all ages. To maintain good calcium balance, everyone 65 years and older, as well as younger women after menopause should have a calcium intake of at least 1,200 mg per day. The average dietary intake of calcium for postmenopausal women in the United States averages 500-700 mg per day. Therefore, most American women need calcium supplementation to ensure adequate intake. Older adults also require between 400 and 800 IU of vitamin D per day. It is recommended that all adults take a daily supplement of at least 400 IU of vitamin D, which is the amount provided by most over-the-counter multivitamins. Quitting Smoking Cigarette smoking and alcohol abuse are also risk factors for osteoporosis. Quitting smoking cuts down your risk and provides many other health benefits, including decreased risk of cancer, heart attack and lung disease. Source: American Gerontological Society
Heel screenings for osteoporosis are available at health fairs throughout the year and at certain North Mississippi Medical Clinics. Board-certified rheumatologists are available at the Rheumatology and Osteoporosis Center at IMA-Tupelo , and services are available by self-referral. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to measure bone density is available at NMMC hospitals in Eupora and West Point, and at the NMMC Breast Care Center and IMA-Tupelo. Physical and occupational therapy programs that can help with osteoporosis are available throughout the NMMC organization, and an Osteoporosis Support Group meets at noon the fourth Thursday of each month at NMMC’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, Longtown Medical Park, 4381 S. Eason Blvd., Tupelo. |
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Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer among
men nationwide. One in every three men who are diagnosed
with cancer each year is diagnosed with prostate cancer.
For many men a diagnosis of prostate cancer can be
frightening, not only because of the threat to their
lives, but because of the threat to their sexuality. If
prostate cancer is detected early, there is a better
chance of successful treatment. Contact your physician
or call 1-800-THE DESK (1-800-843-3375) for information
about prostate cancer screening and referral to a
radiologist. |
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Seniors who exercise face a lower risk of health problems, including heart disease, osteoporosis, hypertension and diabetes. North Mississippi Medical Center Wellness Centers offer group classes for lifestyle modification and weight loss, complementary classes including T’ai Chi Chih and yoga, as well as free community health programs. NMMC Wellness
Centers offer a wide variety of exercise equipment and
classes for all ages and fitness levels. |
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Call for more information: Baldwyn (662) 365-7873 Eupora (662) 258-6221 Iuka (662) 423-1980 Pontotoc (662) 489-1335 Tupelo (662) 377-4141 West Point (662) 495-9355
Life Trail at Ballard Park |
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walking trail. Each
station has three sides—one is informational; the other
two offer exercises at different levels of challenge.
Exercises include upper body warm-ups and stretches,
push-ups, forearm rolls and movements to help with
balance and stability. |
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Smoking Cessation
Quitting reverses much
of the damage caused by smoking. When you stop smoking,
your body begins to repair itself and with time, your
health risks will equal those of a nonsmoker. NMMC
offers a free smoking cessation course that teaches
skills for stress management, weight control, assertive
communication and exercise to help ex-smokers succeed.
Tactics include positive thinking, alternative
behaviors, one-on-one help, rewards and group support.
For class information, call (662) 377-5787. |
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Stroke A stroke is similar to a heart attack. It occurs when a blood vessel bringing oxygen and nutrients to the brain bursts or is clogged by a blood clot or some other particle. Treat every warning sign of stroke as an emergency and get treatment immediately. Talk with your physician about the risk factors and warning signs of stroke. Located on 2 South, the
NMMC Acute Stroke Unit
is comprised of eight private rooms and a centralized
nursing station which provides specialized stroke care.
Treatment goals for Acute Stroke Unit patients are
diagnostic evaluation of the stroke, cardiac monitoring,
minimizing the risk of complications, initiating
rehabilitation as soon as possible, educating the
patient and family on risk factors, and preventing
secondary strokes. |
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Substance Abuse
The
NMMC Behavioral
Health Center can help individuals struggling with
alcohol and drug problems, as well as provide
information to family members and friends on how they
can help. |
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Vaccinations Flu Shots: During influenza (flu) epidemics, the hospitalization rate for older people increases two to five times. Vaccination for the flu is necessary every year because the flu virus constantly changes. Everyone 65 years or older, or those under 65 who have other illnesses, should receive a flu shot every year between September and mid-November. Medical personnel and caregivers for high-risk patients should also be vaccinated. Side effects are usually rare, but include fever, chills, aches and pains, and general feelings of ill health. People who are allergic to eggs or any part of the vaccine should not get a flu shot. Your health care provider can tell you about other options to prevent the flu. If you do get the flu, some oral medications are available that can reduce flu symptoms. Pneumonia Vaccine: Everyone 65 or older (and people younger than 65 who have other illnesses) should be vaccinated against pneumococcal diseases, such as pneumonia. Side effects after revaccination are rare and mild. If it has been five or more years since you were vaccinated and if you received that vaccination when you were younger than 65, you should be vaccinated again. If you are unsure if you have ever been vaccinated against pneumonia, it is best to be vaccinated again. This vaccine cannot totally prevent pneumonia and related diseases, but it is still recommended for older adults. Diphtheria/Tetanus Vaccine: Sixty percent of tetanus infections are in people age 60 and older. So, older adults who have never been vaccinated should receive two tetanus shots, one to two months apart, followed by a third shot six to 12 months later. After that, tetanus booster shots should be given about every 10 years. After vaccination, there may be pain or swelling where the shot was given. Rarely, someone may have an allergic reaction. People who have had an allergic or other bad reaction to a previous tetanus shot should not be vaccinated again. Source: American Gerontology Society |
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Vision Loss
Low vision can cause
difficulty in seeing detailed letters and numbers when
reading, recognizing the slope of a curb, steps or
facial features, and distinguishing between similar
colors, such as black and blue. Small changes in vision
can have an impact on one’s ability to cook safely,
complete financial management, drive or complete outdoor
activities. NMMC occupational therapists can help people
with low vision continue to live independently at home
and function in the community. Occupational therapists
can help by evaluating a person’s home to determine how
it can be altered to make the most of a person’s
remaining vision. An occupational therapist can also
educate individuals about how to compensate for vision
loss by using other senses, as well as train individuals
how to use assistive devices, such as magnifiers, that
can help with daily activities. Occupational therapists
may be contacted through
NMMC Rehabilitation
Services or
Home Health Agency. |
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Volunteer
Opportunities
Volunteers 18 years
and older are welcome throughout North Mississippi
Medical Center's facilities in north Mississippi and
north Alabama.
Volunteers may work in clinical areas, assist with patient and visitor comfort, and perform clerical duties.
Volunteers set their
own work hours and while most work at least four
hours per week, there is no minimum requirement.
Some volunteers who have limited time offer to help
with special projects and events.
Volunteers complete an application, go through a background check, have a tuberculosis (TB) skin test and attend an orientation session. For more information about volunteering, call 1-800-THE DESK. For A Volunteer Application , click here
Volunteer sites
include:
Baldwyn Nursing Facility Baldwyn Wellness Center NMMC-Tupelo Family Medicine Residency Center Cancer Center Behavioral Health Center Longtown Medical Park Wellness Center NMMC-Eupora NMMC-Hamilton (Ala.) NMMC-Pontotoc NMMC-West Point |
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Appointments
The Appointment Desk,
1-800-843-3375, is a free physician referral service.
Call between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to speak with a
referral specialist who can provide timely appointments with health care providers. |
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Contact Us
Your thoughts and opinions
are very important to us and we want to hear from you.
You may contact us via mail at 830 S. Gloster St.,
Tupelo, MS 38801; by phone at (662) 377-3000; or through
our interactive
e-mail program. |
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First Friends
First Friends is a
non-profit daycare center for the elderly diagnosed with
dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. First Friends
provides socialization for the impaired individual and
respite for the caregiver. Activities include games,
stories, crafts, singing, dancing and conversations on a
variety of topics. All activities are designed to meet
the level of each individual. First Friends operates
with a professionally trained staff of volunteers and a
one-to-one model based on friendship. For more
information, call: |
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Lee County Library
The Lee County
Library offers book delivery to nursing homes as well as
homebound patrons. The library provides a large print
collection, books on tape and Internet access for the
visually impaired. Each month the Lee County Library
hosts a Lunching with Books program where they review a
new book every fourth Friday. Meeting rooms are provided
for AARP and other groups. For more information, call:
(662) 841-9029. |
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Lee County Sheriff’s Department
The
Lee County Sheriff’s Department wants senior citizens to
feel safe and comfortable calling on law enforcement for
assistance. To accomplish this they began the TRIAD
program in 2005. This program allows senior citizens and
law enforcement the opportunity to work together to
improve the quality of life for seniors. Seniors meet at
the Sheriff’s Department each quarter to discuss
projects to help local seniors. For more information,
call: (662) 841-9040 or visit
www.leecosheriff.com |
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Lift Inc. Retired and Senior Volunteer
Program (RSVP)
RSVP
provides volunteer opportunities for individuals 55
years of age and older. Volunteers make lap blankets for
homebound seniors, and casseroles and turbans for cancer
patients. They provide transportation for seniors and
disabled persons, deliver mail and greet visitors at the
hospital. Volunteers also assist at Head Start Centers
by reading and mentoring to the children. For more
information, call: (662) 842-9511. |
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Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels is a
community program for disabled, handicapped and
convalescing individuals who are at least 60 years of
age. Meals are delivered to seniors who are unable to
prepare their own meals or cannot leave their homes to
receive meals elsewhere. The cost is $3 per meal or $780
per year. The program is administered by the Outreach
Department of Mississippi Methodist Senior Services in
Tupelo. For more information, call:(662) 844-8977 or
visit
www.mississippimethodist.org |
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Nettleton FAITH Food Pantry
The FAITH
Food Pantry of Nettleton provides low income families
and seniors with basic staple foods and personal hygiene
items. FAITH also hosts health fairs and helps seniors
complete applications for prescription assistance. For
more information, call:(662) 963-2608 |
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NurseLink®
Nurse Link® is a free community service initiated to provide
callers with health information, triage symptom-based calls and make recommendations by
utilizing a physician-approved, computerized protocol system and reference materials. All
calls are answered and recorded by registered nurses with combined experiences in pediatrics,
home health, med-surg and physicians offices. Nurse Link® is available from 7 a.m. until
midnight, seven days a week by calling 1-800-882-6274. |
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Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Department
The Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Department offers planning
programs and safety seminars to help senior citizens.
They will also check on a senior individual by request.
For more information, call:(662) 489-3111 |
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Spirit
of Women
Spirit of Women offers free
educational opportunities for women of all ages and
interests. Members can take advantage of lunchtime,
evening and weekend programs on a variety of topics, as
well as member discounts from participating businesses.
The Spirit of Women Hospital Network is a coalition of
hospitals and health care providers nationwide that
ascribe to the highest standards of excellence in
women’s health, education and community outreach. NMMC
is the exclusive Spirit of Women hospital in this area.
For more information, call (662) 377-4099 or
click
here. |
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Speakers Bureau
A
Speakers Bureau featuring
experts on many health topics is available to provide
speakers for community and church groups. For more
information, call the NMMC Community Health Department
at (662) 377-3867. |
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Support Groups Everyone needs the support of others who are in similar situations. For a list of NMMC support groups, click here .
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Three Rivers Area Agency on Aging
The
Three Rivers Area Agency on Aging provides a meal
program, long term care alternatives program, in-home
services as an alternative to premature nursing home
placement, case management services and insurance
counseling and assistance. The agency also provides an
Ombudsman, an advocate for nursing home patients who can
investigate and assist in resolving complaints and
problems identified by patients and families. For more
information call 1-877-489-6911. |
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Tupelo Department of Parks and
Recreation
The
Tupelo Department of Parks and
Recreation offers many clubs and activities
for active seniors, including Young at Heart, Tupelo
Duplicate Bridge Club, Tupelo Ballroom Dance Club and
Lively Hearts. Senior aquatics and senior tennis
programs are also available. The department’s Senior
Center is open for anyone age 50 and older may come to
for educational purposes, physical and mental fitness,
and socialization with other citizens. For more
information, call (662) 841-6440. |
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Union County Library System Volunteers with the Union County Library read to nursing home residents. The library also offers AARP tax help.
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