By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
Untreated hearing loss is a risk factor for falls and dementia
October is National Audiology Awareness Month, and Affiliated Audiology Consultants Inc. is urging the public to be aware of the importance of good hearing health.
The National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders states that approximately 28.8 million Americans could benefit from the use of hearing aids. While age is often cited as a factor, there are growing numbers of younger people reporting hearing difficulties.
A study published by the Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care cited nine risk factors for dementia. Midlife, untreated hearing loss is listed as one of those risk factors. The report also stated that dementia typically starts many years before it is recognized. Untreated hearing loss can impact the brain and cognitive health.
There is also a link between untreated hearing loss and falls. According to a study conducted by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, an increase in hearing loss in an individual, for instance going from normal hearing to an untreated mild hearing loss, is associated with a threefold increase in fall risk.
The four main ways to protect hearing are: wear earplugs, avoid loud sounds, reduce the level of sounds, and shorten time in loud environments.
“There is no doubt people are concerned about their health. Often, though, they don’t think about the importance of hearing health,” says Dr. Georgine Ray, owner/audiologist at Affiliated Audiology Consultants.
“An audiologist educates patients about safe versus unsafe levels for listening. They utilize tools and share resources that empower patients to protect their hearing. Additionally, they perform hearing evaluations and facilitate aural rehabilitation efforts for hearing loss, tinnitus and certain balance problems.”
Info: hearphoenix.com
Moving Day Phoenix supports Parkinson’s
The North Scottsdsale Movers and Shakers team will walk for Parkinson’s at the third annual Moving Day Phoenix event at 9 a.m. Saturday, November 6, at Kiwanis Park in Tempe.
Moving Day is part of a nationwide series of fundraisers to benefit the Parkinson’s Foundation, whose goal is to make life better for those living with Parkinson’s.
The Movers and Shakers are recruiting members to join their walk to help meet their $20,000 goal. Those interested in joining the Movers and Shakers team are asked to commit to raising at least $100 in donations to support the work of the Parkinson’s Foundation. If supporters can’t make the event in Tempe, the Movers and Shakers will also hold a local community walk in North Scottsdale on Saturday, November 13.
Info: movingdayphoenix.org
Sunland Village bingo is back
Sunland Village is hosting bingo on Thursdays in October. Auditorium doors open at 5 p.m., with cards sold at 6 p.m. Play begins at 7 p.m. The games are held at 4601 E. Dolphin Avenue, Mesa.
Info: 480-832-9003
Sun Lakes UMC Krafters sets annual bazaar and bake sale
The Sun Lakes United Methodist Church Krafters are holding its annual bazaar and bake sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, November 6, at the church, 9248 E. Riggs Road, Sun Lakes. Available items include fall and holiday décor, placemats, table runners, wreaths, centerpieces, vintage jewelry, clothing for 18-inch dolls, homemade baked goods and a selection of Simple Treasures. The organization is following all CDC requirements.
Info: 480-895-8766, sunlakesumc.org
Wilkoff named executive director at Life Care Center of Paradise Valley
Ross Wilkoff was recently named executive director at Life Care Center of Paradise Valley, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in Phoenix.
“Ross comes to us with more than 30 years of experience in health care,” says Machelle Harris, vice president of Life Care Centers of America’s Silver Region. “He has proven success in team building, quality care and survey results. He loves his staff and residents.”
Before stepping into this role, Wilkoff served as administrator at Highland Pointe Health and Rehabilitation Center in Highland Heights, Ohio. Prior to that appointment, he was administrator at Grand River Health and Rehab Center in Painesville, Ohio. He has 25 years of experience in senior care, starting as a human resources manager at a skilled nursing facility in New Jersey. He previously worked in the energy business.
“I fell in love with the residents and the work the minute I set foot in the building,” Wilkoff says about his move to the senior care field. “It is really a privilege, especially in the days of COVID-19, to be in the position to make so big a difference in people’s lives.”
Originally from the Cleveland area, Wilkoff earned a master’s degree in human resources and a bachelor’s degree in political science and business. He recently moved to Scottsdale and is engaged to be married in October.
Life Care Center of Paradise Valley, located at 4065 E. Bell Road, is one of 10 skilled nursing and rehab facilities in Arizona managed by Life Care Centers of America.
Info: lcca.com
Northwest Valley Connect seeks volunteer drivers
Northwest Valley Connect officials are looking for people who can drive neighbors to the doctor or shopping four hours per week.
NVC provides transportation to medical appointments, COVID-19 vaccinations, essential errands and more for seniors 65 and older, veterans and persons with disabilities, giving them independence and mobility with dignity.
NVC is a critical link for many who live alone and do not drive, enabling them to fully function again.
After safety training, NVC officials ask drivers to commit to at least one shift per week. Flexible scheduling is available to accommodate volunteers’ availability.
Call the NVC volunteer coordinator at 623-282-9300 or email kchandler@
northwestvalleyconnect.org.
Catholic Daughters Court hosting fashion show
Catholic Daughters Court Our Lady of Lourdes has scheduled a “Welcome Back Boo-tiful” fashion show on Saturday, October 16, at Briarwood Country Club.
Fashions will be by New Image Fashions. Clothes and accessories can be viewed and purchased from 10 a.m.; lunch will be served at noon, with more perusing of clothes until 3 p.m.
New Image Fashions has all sizes, from petite to plus sizes, in all the latest styles and fashion.
Tickets are $30 for the luncheon. There will be a 50/50 and baskets to purchase tickets on. For more information, contact Lynn Connor at 623-546-9337, DeAnne Cooper at 623-680-4280 or Judy Brady at 623-544-1932.
