Resources

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Programs

Silver Sneakers | http://www.silversneakers.com 

- This program is taught in many communities by trained leaders. Some insurance plans provide it as a benefit.

Physical activity guidelines

Australia | https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/physical-activity-and-exercise/physical-activity-and-exercise-guidelines-for-all-australians

Canada | https://csepguidelines.ca  

United States | https://health.gov/paguidelines/

Websites

Enhance Fitness | https://projectenhance.org/enhancefitness/

Low-cost, evidence-based group exercise and falls prevention program to help older adults at all levels of fitness become more active, energized, and empowered to sustain independent lives. 

• - Find a class near you: https://projectenhance.org/locations/

Evidence-based Leadership Council | http://www.eblcprograms.org

Proven evidence-based programs (EBPs) in the following categories: chronic disease and medication management, depression, falls management and physical activity. 

• - Evidence-based physical activity programs http://www.eblcprograms.org/evidence-based/recommended-programs/physical-activity/ 

Go4Life from the National Institute on Aging | HealthInAging.org

Exercise and Physical Activity | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov)

Go4Life is an exercise and physical activity campaign from the National Institute on Aging at NIH, designed to help older adults fit exercise and physical activity into their daily life.

National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability | https://www.nchpad.org/

NCHPAD is the premier resource for information on physical activity, health promotion, and disability, serving persons with physical, sensory and cognitive disability across the lifespan. NCHPAD’s website features a variety of resources and services which can benefit all ages and populations and can be found online.

• - Deskercise 20 Ways to Get Moving While You Work https://www.nchpad.org/1061/5452/Deskercise~~20~Ways~to~Get~Moving~While~you~Work  

National Institute on Aging: Exercise and Physical Activity | https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-physical-activity 

WebMD: The 7 Minute Workout | https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/ss/the-7-minute-workout-slideshow 

Videos

Canadian Lung Association: Exercise and COPD | https://youtu.be/DFemC5giG1Y 

Flint Rehabilitation Devices, LLC: Core Exercises for Stroke Patients to Improve Balance and Walking | https://youtu.be/dGBqTLtdVuA 

Kaiser Permanente Thrive: Seated Upper Body Exercise | https://youtu.be/R6Nr-VaFcqM 

Multiple Sclerosis Association of America: Introduction to Multiple Sclerosis Aquatic Fitness | https://youtu.be/PmDArJJjG4c 

Sit and Be Fit | https://www.sitandbefit.org/

Recommended video workouts for those with various conditions including: osteoporosis, diabetes, COPD, neuropathy, arthritis, parkinsons and other conditions. This program offers the classes through public television, streaming, YouTube, and DVDs.

Silver Sneakers: 7-Minute Yoga Workout for Older Adults | https://youtu.be/NDLad2vOHkU

Audiobooks

Exercises for Chronic Conditions | https://www.bullpub.com/exercises-for-chronic-conditions.html

Audio CD self-management resource 

Moving Easy Program | https://www.bullpub.com/catalog-moving-easy.html

Audio CD that guides you through gentle exercise sessions. The recording is also available as a downloadable MP3. 

Videos

DocMikeEvans: 23 and 1/2 hours: What is the single best thing we can do for our health?  | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUaInS6HIGo 

Dr. Michelle Segar: No Sweat: Lasting Motivation to Exercise | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoNFjf9ltMo 

Print

Segar, Michelle: No Sweat: How the Simple Science of Motivation can Bring You a Lifetime of Fitness, 2015. Also online resources: https://michellesegar.com 

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Food Guides

USDA Food Guidance System: My Plate | https://www.choosemyplate.gov/ 

Websites

American Cancer Society | https://www.cancer.org/

Nutrition for People With Cancer, learn about nutrition needs during treatment and how to manage treatment side effects that could affect how well you eat. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/CRC/PDF/Public/6711.00.pdf

The American Heart Association | https://www.heart.org 

Offers many resources to help you with healthy living and eating. Also many recipes: https://recipes.heart.org/en/recipes

Eat Right | https://www.eatright.org

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals founded in Cleveland, Ohio. Today, the Academy represents more than 100,000 credentialed practitioners and is committed to improving the nation's health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy.

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: DASH Eating Plan | https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/dash-eating-plan 

Nutrition.gov | https://www.nutrition.gov/

Sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture, the website features information about basic nutrition, diets for various health conditions, dietary supplements, food assistance programs and more.

The New York Times | https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/13/well/eat/yogurt-kimchi-kombucha-microbiome.html

How Fermented Foods May Alter Your Microbiome and Improve Your Health: Foods like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut and kombucha increased the diversity of gut microbes and led to lower levels of inflammation.

Videos

Voice of America News: Grocery Store Tours Emphasizing Healthy Choices | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUdLl1RDhEA 

A YouTube video of a brief tour that provides tips for healthy good choices. 

Applications

My Fitness Pal  | https://www.myfitnesspal.com/

A free, easy to use food and activity tracker that you can use on your computer or smartphone. 

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Websites

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders | https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/assistive-devices-people-hearing-voice-speech-or-language-disorders

- This article by the National Institute on Deafness and other communication disorders describes assistive Devices for People with Hearing, Voice, Speech, or Language Disorders.

MAYO Clinic Hearing aids: How to choose the right one | https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/in-depth/hearing-aids/art-20044116

Federal Trade Commission Ideas for Buying Hearing Aids | https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/ideas-buying-hearing-aids

European Federation of Hard of Hearing People | https://efhoh.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/EFHOH-Survey-European-Standard-EN-15927-2010-Services-offered-by-hearing-aid-professionals.pdf  

- This link discusses the trial period and follow up on hearing aids in Europe.

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Websites

American Heart Association | https://www.heart.org

Nonprofit organization offering healthy living tips and information about different heart related health topics, caregiver support and community forums. 

• Arrhythmia https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia 
• Heart Failure https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/what-is-heart-failure 
• Peripheral Artery Disease https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/peripheral-artery-disease/about-peripheral-artery-disease-pad 

American Stroke Association | https://www.strokeassociation.org/en 

A division of the American Heart Association providing information about stroke and life after stroke, along with financial resources, support networks and more. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Heart Disease https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/ 
• Stroke https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/ 

Kaiser Permanente: Your guide to heart health | https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health/care/!ut/p/a0/DcdBCsAgDATAF8nee-srWnNbJKhgokjo--tlYCB4Ic6vV0afznGei3rovppyRzqOaHggkLVZjcg-U2FpimV2_9KWcfA!/ 

Mayo Clinic

• Heart Disease in Women: Understanding symptoms and risk factors https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/heart-disease/art-20046167 
• Heart Failure https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-failure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373142
• Stroke https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20350113 

Medline Plus

• Arrhythmia https://medlineplus.gov/arrhythmia.html 
• Blood, Heart and Circulation https://medlineplus.gov/bloodheartandcirculation.html 
• Coronary Artery Disease https://medlineplus.gov/coronaryarterydisease.html 
• Heart Diseases https://medlineplus.gov/heartdiseases.html 
• Heart Disease in Women https://medlineplus.gov/heartdiseaseinwomen.html 
• Heart Failure https://medlineplus.gov/heartfailure.html 
• Peripheral Artery Disease https://medlineplus.gov/peripheralarterialdisease.html 
• Stroke https://medlineplus.gov/stroke.html 
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) https://medlineplus.gov/transientischemicattack.html 

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute | https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/

The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute plans, conducts, and supports research, clinical trials, and observational studies related to the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of heart, blood vessel, lung, and blood diseases, and sleep disorders. 

• Arrhythmia https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/arrhythmia 
• Heart Failure https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/heart-failure 
• Ischemic Heart Disease https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/ischemic-heart-disease 
• Peripheral Artery Disease https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/peripheral-artery-disease 
• Stroke https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/stroke 

Office on Women’s Health: Heart Disease and women https://www.womenshealth.gov/heart-disease-and-stroke/heart-disease/heart-disease-and-women 

WebMD

• Coronary Artery Disease https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/heart-disease-coronary-artery-disease#1 
• Heart Disease Health Center https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/default.htm 
• Stroke Health Center https://www.webmd.com/stroke/default.htm 

WomenHeart | http://www.womenheart.org/

The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease. Website offers information about preventing, diagnosing and treating heart disease, help to find a support network and blog. 

Print

Cohen, Barry. Coronary Heart Disease: From Diagnosis to Treatment 2019.

Heller, Maria. The DASH Diet Action Plan: Proven to Lower Blood Pressure and Cholesterol without Medication. 2014.

Ornish, Dean and Anne Ornish. Undo It!: How Simple Lifestyle Changes Can Reverse Most Chronic Diseases. Ballantine, 2019.

Rippe, James M. Preventing and Reversing Heart Disease for Dummies. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley, 2015.

Taylor, Jill Bolte. My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey. New York: Viking, 2009.

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Websites

American Heart Association | https://www.heart.org

Nonprofit organization offering healthy living tips and information about different heart related health topics, caregiver support and community forums. 

• High Blood Pressure https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: High Blood Pressure | https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/ 

Mayo Clinic: Video - How to measure blood pressure using an automatic monitor | https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/multimedia/how-to-measure-blood-pressure/vid-20084749

Mayo Clinic: High blood pressure (hypertension) | https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373410

Medline Plus: High Blood Pressure | https://medlineplus.gov/highbloodpressure.html 

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute | https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/

The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute plans, conducts, and supports research, clinical trials, and observational studies related to the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of heart, blood vessel, lung, and blood diseases, and sleep disorders. 

• High Blood Pressure https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/high-blood-pressure 

Videos

Mayo Clinic: How to measure blood pressure using an automatic monitor | https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/multimedia/how-to-measure-blood-pressure/vid-20084749 

Medline Plus: Hypertension Overview | https://medlineplus.gov/ency/anatomyvideos/000072.htm

National Association of Community Health Centers: How to use your home blood pressure monitor | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tGyRJxbYpQ 

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Websites

Choosing Wisely | http://www.choosingwisely.org

An initiative of the American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation. The mission of Choosing Wisely is to promote conversations between clinicians and patients by helping patients choose care that is supported by evidence. 

• Patient Resources: http://www.choosingwisely.org/patient-resources/ 

Consumer Lab | https://www.consumerlab.com 

Their mission is to identify the best quality health and nutritional products through independent testing. 

Health Canada: 

- Drugs and medication - https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication.html

- Drug products - https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products.html

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Health Information | https://nccih.nih.gov/health 

Quackwatch | https://www.quackwatch.org

An international network providing links to information on health-related frauds, myths, fads, fallacies and misconduct.

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Websites

Choosing Wisely | http://www.choosingwisely.org/

Nonprofit collaboration of over 70 major medical organizations that reviews evidence on tests and treatments that are overused and should be avoided. Promotes conversations between clinicians and patients by helping patients choose care that is: supported by evidence, not duplicative of other tests or procedures already received, free from harm, and truly necessary.

• - Patient resources http://www.choosingwisely.org/patient-resources/
• - Patient Pamphlets for Canadians https://choosingwiselycanada.org/patient-pamphlets

Also, has free downloadable app for Apple and Android devices

Consumer Lab | https://www.consumerlab.com/ 

Independent testing on nutritional products.

Consumer Reports | https://www.consumerreports.org 

Reviews and evaluates both alternative and conventional treatments and products.

Drugs.com | https://www.drugs.com/

Information on medications, pill identifier, interactions checker and more.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Educational Resources | https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-information-consumers/educational-resources-alphabetical-list

Health Canada: Licensed National Health Products Database | https://health-products.canada.ca/lnhpd-bdpsnh/index-eng.jsp

Website maintained by the government of Canada. It contains information about natural health products that have been issued a product license by Health Canada. It includes information on vitamin and mineral supplements, herb and plant-based remedies, traditional medicines such as Traditional Chinese Medicines or Ayurvedic (Indian) Medicines, homeopathic medicines, and many everyday consumer products. 

Medline Plus

• - Drugs, Health and Supplements https://medlineplus.gov/druginformation.html
• - Evaluating Internet Health Information: A Tutorial from the National Library of Medicine https://medlineplus.gov/webeval/webeval.html

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine | https://nccih.nih.gov/

A government agency providing research-based info. 

National Institute on Aging: Safe Use of Medications for Older Adults | https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/safe-use-medicines-older-adults

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database | https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/ 

Clinical data on approximately 90,000 herbal products, dietary supplements, vitamins, minerals, homeopathic products, Ayurvedic medicines, complementary alternative medicines, integrative therapies, alternative treatments (such as acupuncture), traditional Chinese medicines products, and other natural remedies as well as a Natural Product / Drug Interaction Checker. 

The Public Health Agency of Canada: A-Z Index | https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/a-z.html

US Preventive Services Task Force | https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/ 

An independent, volunteer panel of national experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine that provide critical reviews of various screening tests and medical treatments for both professionals and consumers

• - Information for consumers https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Tools/ConsumerInfo/Index/information-for-consumers

WebMD: Drugs and Medications A to Z | https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/index

Print

Griffith, H. Winter, and Stephen W. Moore. Complete Guide to Prescription and Nonprescription Drugs, 2018-2019. New York: Perigee Books, 2019.

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Websites

National Institute of Mental Health | http://www.nimh.nih.gov/

Lead federal agency for research on mental disorders

Print

Boroson, M. (2009). One-Moment meditation: Stillness for People on the Go. Winter Road Publishing. 

Goldstein, E., & Stahl, B. (2015). Mbsr every day: daily practices from the heart of mindfulness-based stress reduction. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

Kabat-Zinn, J. (2018). Falling Awake: How to Practice Mindfulness in Everyday Life. New York, NY: Hachette Books.

Kabat-Zinn, J. (2012). Mindfulness for beginners: reclaiming the present moment--and your life. Boulder, CO: Sounds True.

Kabat-Zinn, J. (2018). The healing power of mindfulness: a new way of being. New York, NY: Hachette Books.

Video

Martin Boroson: One-Moment Meditation: How to Meditate in a Moment | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiC8ktpev30 

Other

Health Journeys: Audio library | https://www.healthjourneys.com/audio-library

- Guided imagery audio CDs and MP3s programs for stress, sleep, successful surgery, diabetes, depression, anxiety, smoking, pain and more.

Regan, Catherine. and Rick Seidel. Relaxation for Mind and Body: Pathways to Healing [audio CD]. Boulder, Colo.: Bull Publishing, 2012.

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Websites

ACL (Administration for Community Living) Assistive Technology: Tools to Improve the Everyday | https://acl.gov/AT

- This page contains links to Assistive Technology programs in your state and provides information on the right type of AT for your needs, financial assistance, and insurance.

Multiple Sclerosis Society: Guide to Medical & Assistive Equipment Resources

Medical & Assistive Equipment | National Multiple Sclerosis Society (nationalmssociety.org)

Multiple Sclerosis Society: Assistance for Adaptive Equipment

Assistance for Adaptive Equipment | National Multiple Sclerosis Society (nationalmssociety.org)

Multiple Sclerosis Society: How to Choose the Mobility Device that is Right for You (.pdf)

Brochure-How-to-Choose-the-Mobility-Device-that-is-Right-for-You.pdf (azureedge.net)

Multiple Sclerosis Society: All Brochures on a variety of topics in English and Spanish

All Brochures | National Multiple Sclerosis Society (nationalmssociety.org)

Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation: Home Modification | https://www.christopherreeve.org/living-with-paralysis/home-travel/home-modification

Eldercare Locator: Assistive Technology | https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Resources/Factsheets/Assistive_Technology.aspx

MedlinePlus: Mobility Aids | https://medlineplus.gov/mobilityaids.html

Mayo Clinic: Tips for Choosing and Using Canes | https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/multimedia/canes/sls-20077060?s=6

National Institute on Aging: Home Safety and Alcheimer’s Disease | https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/home-safety-and-alzheimers-disease

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) | https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/assistive-devices-people-hearing-voice-speech-or-language-disorders 

- Assistive Devices for People with Hearing, Voice, Speech, or Language Disorders

Videos

Clinic Excellence Commission (Australia): Falls Prevention - Safe use of Mobility Aids - Walking stick | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RB7OZ5KVyk 

National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability: How to Choose a Wheelchair | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xc1aDJgdzzk&list=PLwMObYmlSHaM3ILerLzVBh5T11XygRVnS&index=2&t=0s

Other

A Family and Caregivers Guide to Home Safety for the Disabled | https://www.safehome.org/resources/family-caregivers-guide-safety-disabled/

Muscular Dystrophy Association: Everyday Life with ALS A Practical Guide | https://www.mda.org/sites/default/files/publications/Everyday_Life_with_ALS_P-532.pdf

* From 2005. Might be a little outdated

Multiple Sclerosis Society: Considering Assistive Devices | https://www.nationalmssociety.org/NationalMSSociety/media/MSNationalFiles/Documents/Living-Well-with-MS-Considering-Assistive-Devices_Final-Single-Pages_1.pdf

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Website

National Institute on Drug Abuse: Opioids | https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids 

Mayo Clinic: How Opioid Addiction Occurs | https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/in-depth/how-opioid-addiction-occurs/art-2036037

US Department of Health and Human Services: What are Opioids? | https://www.hhs.gov/opioids/prevention/index.html

Print

Darnall, B. (2014). Less Pain, Fewer Pills: Avoid the Dangers of Prescription Opioids and Gain Gontrol Over Chronic Pain. Bull Publishing Company.

Darnall, B. (2016). The Opioid-Free Pain Relief Kit: 10 Simple Steps to Ease Your Pain. Bull Publishing Company.