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For Immediate Release
October 14, 2009
For Further Information
Erin Weller
eweller@americangeriatrics.org
The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA) Tip Sheet about persistent pain -- pain or discomfort that lasts for a long time, or comes and goes over the course of months or years -- is now available in Spanish translation. The pain tips, initially released in May in English, are the first in a series of Spanish language tips, to become available by the FHA. The tips offer Spanish-speaking older adults who suffer from ongoing pain, and their caregivers, advice on getting treatment and relief.
Persistent pain is common among older people, particularly those with chronic health problems such as arthritis. However common, persistent pain isn't a "normal" part of aging and shouldn't be ignored. If untreated or improperly treated, persistent pain can make it hard to sleep, walk, and carry out daily activities. It can contribute to falls and lead to disability. It can take the joy out of living.
Fortunately, there are many effective treatments for persistent pain and FHA's new Spanish version of the easy-to-read "tip sheet" explains this in detail.
Written by experts with the American Geriatrics Society, the Spanish-language tip sheet explains how older adults, and their caregivers, can describe pain and their experiences with pain so their healthcare providers can better understand and treat it. Among other things, it describes signs of pain in older adults with dementia, who may be unable to communicate.
The tip sheet provides an overview of the different classes of pain medications -- including acetaminophen (Tylenol,® for example), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, and opioid pain medications such as Vicodin, Percocet, Ultracet, Lortab and morphine. It explains which types of pain these medications treat most successfully, and the risks associated with their use. And it offers advice on working with your or your loved one's healthcare providers to find the right medication. In addition, the tip sheet includes information about non-drug pain relief options, such as massage, acupuncture, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), physical therapy and exercise.
The tip sheet, which advises older adults and their caregivers to alert their healthcare providers immediately if treatment isn't working or is causing side effects, can be downloaded, printed, and shared at no cost.
ABOUT THE FHA
In 1999, the American Geriatrics Society reached beyond its traditional role as a professional medical society and launched the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA). The FHA aims to build a bridge between geriatrics health care professionals and the public, and advocate on behalf of older adults and their special needs: wellness and preventive care, self-responsibility and independence, and connections to family and community. The FHA champions initiatives in public education, clinical research, and public policy that advance the principles and practice of geriatrics medicine; educate policy makers and the public on the health care needs and concerns of older adults; support aging research that reduces disability and frailty, and improves quality of life and health outcomes; encourage older adults to be effective advocates for their own health care; and help family members and caregivers take better care of their older loved ones and themselves.
ABOUT THE AGS
Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society (www.americangeriatrics.org) is a nationwide, not-for-profit association of geriatrics health care professionals dedicated to improving the health, independence, and quality of life of all older people. The Society supports this mission through activities in clinical practice, professional and public education, research, and public policy. With an active membership of over 6,700 health care professionals, the Society has become a pivotal force in shaping attitudes, policies, and practices in geriatric medicine.
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