Health

Get more involved with your Health Care.

For 25 years, the Colorado Chapter has lead the fight against Alzheimer's disease and related disorders by increasing the understanding of dementia and its impact on family and community, providing information and support for those affected, and promoting the advancement of research. 

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The website for the American Cancer Society is a complete resource center for information on cancer prevention, awareness, types of treatment, complementary and alternative treatment methods, treatment centers and much more. Information is provided in Spanish/Espanol.

The American Heart Association is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke. 

The mission of the American Lung Association is to prevent lung disease and to promote lung health. Their website provides information on lung disease prevention, data and statistical information. Information is provided in Spanish/Espanol. 

APDA founded in 1961 to "ease the burden and find a cure" for Parkinson's disease. Headquartered in New York, the organization focuses its energies on research, patient support, education and raising public awareness of the disease.

The American Prostate Society was created with the mission of reducing the suffering and deaths causes by prostate diseases through education, awareness and service to the community. Their site features a section that answers the most frequently asked questions about the disease.

The American Speech-Language Hearing Association's
mission is to ensure that all people with speech, language, and hearing disorders have access to quality services to help them communicate more effectively. Their website offers information on speech, language, hearing and balance as well as how to find an audiologist or speech-language pathologist. Resources are offered in Spanish/Espanol.

The Arthritis Foundation website gives you information on many different forms of arthritis plus offers ways to make life easier while living with the disease. The Foundation's goal is to improve lives through leadership in prevention, control and cure of the disease. They offer information in Spanish/Espanol. 

What is AT? Assistive Technology are the tools and resources used by individuals to help improve their quality of life, such as a hearing aid, a talking alarm clock, a knee brace, manual and power wheelchairs or, it can be more sophisticated, such as a voice-activated computer systems or stair climbing wheelchairs.

AT tools assist a person with dressing or cooking, and help people stay in contact with friends and family through electronic adaptation devices such as computers, or special telephones.

AT help people on the job, at home and in the community. AT tools and services are necessities, not luxury items. The tools empower people to control their lives and their futures.

During Assistive Technology Awareness week, agencies and organizations will be highlighting technology in a variety of ways: open houses, demonstrations on the use of assistive technology, and poster sessions.

For more information on events in your are

The Center for Hearing, Speech and Language is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization in existence since 1918.  The Center for Hearing, Speech and Language is unique in that our professional staff of audiologists, speech pathologists and therapists provide quality hearing, vision, speech and language services for people of all ages, including those who are unable to pay.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is a Federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Programs for which CMS is responsible include Medicare, Medicaid, State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), HIPAA, and CLIA

See a listing of all the Colorado Community Mental Health Centers.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to protecting and preserving the health and environment of the people of Colorado.

Colorado Gerontological Society and Senior Answers and Services
These are both local nonprofit organizations dedicated to education and the dissemination of information pertinent to seniors and professionals in the field of aging.

The Colorado Neurological Institute (CNI) is the largest, most comprehensive neuroscience center in the Rocky Mountain region. Integrated, multi-disciplinary teams of neuroscientists provide comprehensive care for adults with neurological disorders and adults and children with hearing loss and ear disease.  

Many people mistakenly believe that depression is normal for older people and that little can be done about it. Depression may be more common among older people, but it is not an inevitable part of aging. Depression is a serious medical disorder with biological causes that can be treated effectively in most people.

This Staying Sharp pamphlet identifies symptoms and causes of depression. You'll learn what's new in brain research and get some tips on managing stress and getting help for depression.

The National Long Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center provides support, technical assistance and training to the 53 State Long Term Care Ombudsman Programs and their statewide networks of almost 600 regional (local) programs.

Even though you have arthritis you can reduce your pain and improve your flexibility with exercise.

Slips and falls are the #1 cause of injury-related deaths for people over the age of 65, and are the most frequent reason for hospital trauma admissions among older adults.

Despite being labeled "accidents," many fall-related injuries and deaths are actually predictable and preventable.
There are four simple steps that can help prevent injuries from falls:
• physical activity to improve balance
• evaluation of medicines that might cause dizziness
• getting a yearly eye exam
• eliminating the hazards at home that could lead to slips and falls

In an effort to prevent these injuries and deaths, Tri-County Health Department has collaborated with over 40 local agencies to create the Fall Prevention Network referral system, a coordinated community referral service available to Aurora and Westminster residents.

"This collaboration of diverse service providers is vitally important, since of those

The Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division assures that patients and residents receive quality care from health facilities and programs which are licensed and/or certified and promotes health and safety through on-site inspections and complaint investigations. The division licenses, certifies and inspects the following types of healthcare providers.  

is a free, full-service counseling program that provides information to seniors about Medicare and other health insurance issues of interest to older adults and the disabled. Areas covered include Medicare benefits, appeals, Medigap insurance, employer health plans, long-term care insurance and Medicaid. We also help sort and file Medicare claims. We do not recommend, endorse or promote any insurance company, policy or agent. Call 303-629-4940 or toll-free at 1-800-544-9181. 

Health Passport is for people like you who want to live better, be healthier, stay active, meet interesting people, and contribute to their community. Offering health and wellness education and lifelong learning and travel opportunities, Health Passport is a free membership program. Call 303-629-4921 for information, class schedules and to register.

Health Passport Links helps low-income seniors who are eligible for Medicaid and other public benefits, assisting with the application process and advocating for seniors who are trying to navigate through the vast Medicaid network.  Multiple programs are available based on different income and asset amounts. Call 303-629-4996 or toll-free 1-866-550-2752 for information.

Healthier Living is a six week, lay lead, evidence based participant education program that provides information and teaches practical skills on managing chronic health problems such as hypertension, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and diabetes. Call 303-629-4921 for information, class schedules and to register.

A medical and health consumer information resource containing comprehensive and unbiased information in patient-friendly language from trusted sources on over 1,500 health topics, 70 focused health centers, and more than 11,000 drugs and medications

Healthy Aging Programs offer health and wellness classes to low income seniors in Denver Metro Area housing facilities and recreation centers. Seniors receive information on nutrition and chronic disease self-management along with physical activity classes offered by certified instructors and/or registered dieticians. 

Longterm Care Options coordinates services for people who need assistance with daily activities.

Medicare Part D Assistance is a free, one-to-one counseling service to help Medicare beneficiaries identify the best Medicare Prescription Drug program to meet their medication needs. Counselors also help determine eligibility for the Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy application. Call RxAssist at 303-629-4996 or toll-free at 1-866-550-2752.

see also:  http://www.medicare.gov

This site offers doctor-produces relevant, easy to read, in-depth medical information for consumers. All information on their site is written, reviewed and/or edited by one or more board-certified physicians

Mills Milers and Westminster Walkers are community-oriented walking programs from St. Anthony Hospitals Health Passport. "Milers" meet at Colorado Mills; "Walkers" gather at St. Anthony North Hospital. Monthly meetings for both include health-related discussions, blood pressure checks, chair massages, incentives for walking and more. Call 303-629-4921 for information, class schedules and to register.

N Balance is an eight week, evidence based fall prevention exercise class which focuses on sitting, standing and moving progressions for strength, gait, posture, cognition, equilibrium, and other balance related systems. Call 303-629-4921 for information, class schedules and to register.

The Society and its network of chapters nationwide promote research, educate, advocate on critical issues, and organize a wide range of programs - including support for the newly diagnosed and those living with MS over time.

This is the website for the National Stroke Association. It offers information about the prevention and treatment of stroke plus provides help for the family and caregiver.

The North American Menopause Society is dedicated to promoting understanding of menopause, and thereby improving the health of women as they approach menopause and beyond. Their website provides general information about menopause.

Older Adults and Mental Health
The majority of older Americans successfully cope with the physical and cognitive changes associated with aging as well as various losses, such as the loss of family and friends that frequently are associated with late life. However, a substantial proportion of the population aged 55 years and older-almost 20 percent of this age group-experience specific mental disorders that are not part of "normal" aging including:

• depression
• anxiety disorders
• dementia including Alzheimer's disease

which can be debilitating and severely affect an older adult's quality of life. (from: http://www.cdc/gov/aging/info.htm) 

Staying healthy and looking good are two main wishes of today's seniors. Exercising and eating right are important. Equally important as good general health for seniors is good oral care of teeth and gums. Simply by brushing twice a day with fluoride, toothpaste and flossing daily seniors can avoid many oral health problems. Regular dental checkups and having their teeth professionally cleaned are also important. Click here for oral care health tips

Pancreatica - Confronting Pancreatic Cancer provides a concentrated wealth of current and topical scientific and medical information about pancreatic cancer.

The Parkinson's Association of the Rockies provides education, awareness and support for Parkinson parents, families and health care providers in the Rocky Mountain region.

The Psychology Information Online website explains depression, its causes, diagnosis and types. It offers help for fighting depression and includes a special section on depression in the elderly.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released in rock, soil, and water from the natural decay of uranium. While levels in outdoor air pose a relatively low threat to human health, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels inside buildings. You can't see, smell, or taste it, but an elevated radon level in your home may be affecting the health of your family.

Review these range-of-motion exercises for Seniors.

The mission of the Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Center is to help people living with MS and their families lead a quality life by providing individualized care, support, education and research.

A non-profit community service agency with many programs for stroke survivors and their families.

Facility information presented by geographic location. Select a specific city or county. 

RxAssist is a free telephone counseling service to help determine if there are programs available to lower the cost of medications. Counselors also assist in the application process. Call RxAssist at 303-629-4937 or toll-free at 1-866-550-2752.

Does someone you love need help with prescription costs?
The Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program, within the Colorado Division of Insurance, helps people enrolled in Medicare with questions about health insurance. Topics addressed by the program include Medicare, Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap), Medicare HMOs, Medicaid assistance for people on Medicare, and long-term care insurance.  

The program trains counselors working through regional organizations around the state to provide: individual counseling and assistance; public education presentations about Medicare, related health insurance, and Medicare fraud; and distribution of printed materials about these health insurances.

Consumers may contact their regional community program by calling toll-free 1-888-696-7213. The Denver regional affiliate can be accessed statewide by calling toll free 1-800-544-9181 or 303-629-4940.