Senior Citizens Thought

Q: I want my driver’s license to have a notice that I want to be an organ donor but I’m afraid if I am unconscious in a bad accident, the doctors will finish me so they can use my organs for other purposes.

A: The top priority of doctors/hospitals is to save your life. Doctors in emergency wards are not involved in arranging organ transplants. Your donation means more people in need of organ transplant can be served.

Q: My husband snores a lot. Our stateside son bought a mask but the loud whistling noise of the air being forced out of the side of the mask made it worse.

A: To snoring: 1) Change sleep positions. It is caused by lying on your back. 2) Sew a tennis ball to the back of your pajamas. It will force you to lie on your side, instead of flat on your back. 3) No heavy supper or alcohol. Both increase mucus production which can cause snoring. 4) Exercise. Extra body fat especially bulky neck tissues can cause snoring. Losing just 10% of your body weight can improve your overall breathing. 5) Use a throat spray. Lubricate your throat with a spray that will relax the throat muscles. 6) Prop up your mattress. Put a thick book or pillows under your mattress/banig to raise your head and change the angle of your neck.

If adjusting sleep position and the mask failed, tell your son to contact the medical equipment firm that built the mask and ask for help. They will know what to do because that’s their business.

Q: Is it rare for a 40 year old above to have gout?

A: NO. Gout, a painful form of chronic arthritis happens when excess uric acid in the bloodstream crystallizes inside the joints causing painful swelling. Most males have higher uric acid levels than females. Overeating, alcohol use, overweight and kidney problems in men and women over 60 are also contributors.

Q: I am above 65 years old and my children want me to make a will. I said they are greedy and cannot wait for my death.

A: They are right. You might already Alzheimer’s, but do not know it. Besides, you might have a bad accident because of bad eyes, bad reflexes, bad hearing, bad perceptions, sickly. Then, it’s too late to make a will.

Q: Are you a doctor?

A: No. I am a retiree. I listen to seniors talking about pills, pains, aching bones, worn out muscles, tablets, during funeral wakes, wedding parties, hospital checkups and parties.