Boom

I Beaumont Cardiovascular & Senior Care Giving

Beaumont's New
Cardivascular Fertormance Center

Reduce health risks related to high-intensity activity.

F

rom weekend warriors to serious
triathletes, Beaumont Health System's
new Cardiovascular Performance Clinic
seeks to not only improve performance of
those involved in high-intensity sports and
exercise programs, but reduce associated
health risks.
Participation in marathons, half-marathons
and triathlons has skyrocketed the past 30
years. The popularity of these and other
endurance sports is at an all-time high.
While the benefits of moderate-to-
vigorous exercise are well documented, is
participation in the popular high-volume,
high-intensity sports too much of a good
thing?
"Exercise both protects and provokes
cardiovascular events," explains Justin Trivax,
M.D., runner, cardiologist and co-medical
director of Beaumont's Cardiovascular Perfor-
mance Clinic.
A recent study published in the New

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Helpful Advice When Caring
For An Aging Fovea vnP

n estimated 15 million Americans are
sandwiched between two genera-
tions and working to support both,
according to the Pew Research Center.
Known as the "Sandwich Generation,"
these adults struggle to balance caring for
their children and their elderly parents.
"Staying organized is important to ensure
that loved ones aren't ignored in the hustle
of a hectic family schedule," says Mark
Armstrong, founder and CEO of ComFor-
care Senior Services and At Your Side Home
Care, an international senior care franchise
that provides in-home, non-medical care to
seniors and others in need of assistance.
Armstrong is offering some juggling tips for
family caregivers:
• Map out doctors' appointments, pre-
scription pick-up dates, school talent shows
and other planned events on a calendar or on
your smart phone to avoid double booking
and overextending yourself.
• Members of the sandwich generation
often feel they don't spend enough time with
their children because they're busy caring
for their parents and vice versa. Combat this

12

England Journal of Medicine
gist and co-medical director
of the new clinic. "We now
evaluated the incidences
and outcomes of cardiac
have the tools to offer all
events in nearly 11 million
athletes who undergo our
marathon runners over a
core examination a prescrip-
10-year period. Of 59 cases
tion to safely improve their
of exertion-related cardiac
physical performance. Each
arrest, 42, or 71 percent,
athlete will receive counsel-
John VanHouten of St. Clair
were fatal.
ing and specific training
undergoes cardiopulmonary
The investigators con-
recommendations."
exercise stress testing.
cluded that cardiac compli-
Beaumont's Cardiovas-
cations among recreational
cular Performance Clinic, at
athletes could be reduced with a systematic,
the Beaumont Health Center in Royal Oak, is
cost-effective, medically-directed approach
believed to be the first-of-its-kind in Michi-
to screening for underlying cardiovascular
gan. It is staffed by a team of cardiologists,
disease.
sports medicine physicians, exercise physiolo-
"In the last 20 years, remarkable techno-
gists, cardiac rehabilitation specialists, dieti-
logical advances and increased knowledge of
tians, athletic trainers and researchers.
the effects of prolonged strenuous exercise,
The basic screening package, known as the
have allowed us to provide athletes with
core examination, is $300. For more informa-
an accurate assessment of their fitness,"
tion, or to schedule an appointment, call
explains Harold Friedman, M.D., cardiolo-
(248) 655-5750.

BOOM Magazine • February 2014

issue with intergenerational
activities, such as cooking dinner,
taking a walk and watching a
movie.
• Caring for another human
being for an extended period
of time can take its toll on even
the most caring and nurturing
of people. Don't be afraid to ask
for help. It may mean alternating
days with a relative or bringing in
a professional caregiver.
• Watch out for these red
flags that could mean your aging
relative is in need of additional
assistance: mismatched, wrinkled or soiled
clothing, weight loss or gain, trouble remem-
bering names or an unclean home.
• Discuss the possibility of hiring a profes-
sional caregiver to relieve some strain on you.
A caregiver can help your loved one age safe-
ly and comfortably in his or her own home by
providing a wide range of non-medical home
care services, including help with bathing,
hairstyling and dressing, incontinence care,
medication reminders, chores and light exer-

cise assistance.
Look for a company
that offers a wide range
of services 24 hours a day,
seven days a week, includ-
ing holidays. For example,
ComForcare Senior Services
and At Your Side Home Care,
develop a customized care
plan based on an in-home
evaluation by a nurse and
provides ongoing training
and education to caregivers.
More information can be
found at www.ComForcare.
com or www.AtYourSideHomeCare.com .
• Even you need some care sometimes!
Set aside "me" time every day to do some-
thing just for you and you'll be able to return
to your caregiving duties refreshed and ready
to help.
Every so often, take the time to address
the challenges facing you and your aging
loved one.

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COURTESY OF STATEPOINT