We’ve been
hearing in the news about the opioid epidemic effecting many working-class
communities in America. In the past when I thought of opioid abuse I thought of
heroin use. But according to the most recent data, in 2015 over 13,000 people
have died from heroin - but over 15,000 people have died from overdoses on
legal prescription opioids such as OxyContin, Vicodin, morphine, and others. In
addition, every day over one thousand people across the country are treated in
emergency rooms for misusing prescribed opiates.
But I
was surprised to read in Terry Lynn’s article in the Oregonian, it’s not just
young people affected by this epidemic.
In
fact, in 2015, Oregonians age 65 and over are entering the hospital for opioid
overdoses, abuse, dependence and adverse effects at a greater rate than any
other state. In Oregon, the rate has tripled in the past decade; peaking at 700
hospitalizations per 100,000 elderly which translates to 4,500 people.
But
why does Oregon have the highest rate nationally? While there is not a
definitive answer, there are several possible factors.
First
is history. Oregon has been a national leader in encouraging a more liberal use
of medications that focus on treating pain. Consequently, doctors have
continued to prescribe more opioids to older adults. Also, many people who
started taking opioids when they were younger have likely stayed on them or
resumed using them when experiencing arthritis or after having hip or knee
replacements.
Second
is a lack of awareness. Many doctors underestimate the effect of opioids on
older adults.
Third
is perception. Many doctors miss seeing opioid abuse in older adults, because
they see substance abuse and addiction as a young person’s problem; or they
might associate symptoms such as falls, delirium and memory loss, with aging
instead of opioids.
Chronic
pain can dramatically affect your life. Thankfully, pain relieving opioids can
bring some comfort particularly for hospice or cancer patients or for patients
during or after surgery. But always be aware of the risks. Even when prescribed
by a doctor, regular use of opioids can lead to dependence, and even overdose
and death.
Speaking
of medications, often when you are discharged from the hospital, you will be
prescribed an opioid such as Vicodin in case the pain returns. But what do you
do if you don’t use it or any other medications?
Thanks
to the partnership between YouthThink, MCMC and The Dalles Police Force, you
can drop off your unwanted medications at The Dalles police station. Just walk
inside, turn to your left and you will find a green container where you can
safely drop your unwanted medications - but they will not accept needles or
sharps, thermometers, medical waste or equipment, or inhalers.
By properly
disposing your unwanted medications, you help keep
potentially dangerous drugs away from our children and keep unused medications from
polluting our water supply.
No music on the 15th
but the all-star band of Andre, K.C., Tom and Joe will be back at the Center on
the 22nd playing blues, bluegrass, ballads and country rock for your
dancing and listening pleasure.
The name of the comic strip first introduced in
1931 featuring a police detective was Dick Tracy. (I received answers from
Marta Moser, Donna Smith, and several of the regular suspects: Ed Anghilante
(who I also missed mentioning several weeks ago), Jim Ayres, Diane Weston, Jess
Birge, Jerry Phillips, and Bob and Sandy Haechrel. But this week’s winner of a
quilt raffle ticket goes to Joel Brown who texted me his answer using his Dick
Tracy-like smartwatch.)
Continuing with comic strips from the past, this
comic strip debuted in 1919 and starred Barney Google with his Goo-Goo-Googly
eyes. But in 1934, Barney visited “Hootin’ Holler” in the North Carolina
mountains and met a “bodacious hillbilly” who became the star of the comic
strip. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of this character
with the broad brimmed felt hat, scraggly moustache, and tattered britches? Email
your answers to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788
or send it with a bottle of “corn-likker” moonshine in a plain brown paper bag
so Sheriff Magill won’t confiscate it.
Well,
it’s been another week, trying to decide, do I stay hydrated during the hot day,
or do I sleep through the night. Until we meet again, as I was recently told at
the Center, there are times when living by yourself is bad company.
“If
you think communication is all talking, you haven't been listening.” Ashleigh
Brilliant
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