By: Jadzia Nguyen-Khoa
Life Course Scholar
They say that, “if you don’t use it, you lose it”. Many studies have shown that as we age, our muscles naturally slowly lose strength as hormones amounts needed to stimulate new muscle formation begin to decrease and our muscle fibers degrade. Today at the Norman Center located in Chula Vista, the Life Course Scholars met a lively group of older men and women who are testing the hypothesis that a regular exercise regimen can maintain or even improve fitness metrics. As part of a UC San Diego research study, each person has committed to an exercise plan created to fit his or her personal ability. So far, the outcome seems very promising as I was told a man with late stage Parkinson’s disease can now complete walks without the cane he once had to use.
Now that I may have bored you with the science of our outing, let’s move on to other highlights. The first Walking Club member I was able to talk to was Loretta. We spoke about the changes we hope to see in the healthcare system. She mentioned that medicine should be more personal, not just business, as the system has become. We talked about how patients now may see a different doctors each time they have a check-up, how the ten to fifteen minute interaction is very standardized, checklist-like. Loretta and I discussed that while, Physicians Assistants (PA) are wonderful and skilled, their existence can sometimes create a disconnect between patient and physician. This is something I had not considered in the past. While shadowing doctors, I experienced the ways in which PAs can help make a doctor’s clinic more efficient and thus, “better”. Thinking about it now, however, the way in which a PA examines the patient, filtering through the various ailments and formulating a diagnosis before the physician even enters the room, is a very impersonal method of treatment. The doctor would only make a brief appearance to confirm the interpretation of the evidence. Therefore, although modernized medicine may improve the healthcare system in that they allow doctors to treat more patients on a given day, this style does not allow for the continuity of care that leaves the patient feeling respected and understood.
Following a short walk around the surrounding neighborhood (I hope to return for longer walks with the club), we settled in the recreation center for some fresh bagels and fruit. During this time, I conversed with Dan, a retired Social Security Analyst and Speech Pathologist. We touched upon many topics including the best way to learn Spanish and the power of “Voting with Dollars”. After speaking with Dan who explained the creation of the Walking Club, I was sure that this was the place to implement my Healthy Aging Project. The men and women all held such uplifting spirits and a very open and excited view towards intergenerational interaction. I will not yet disclose the details of my HAP but it will be focused on building this Walking Club to include people of all ages from the community. The people in this club have such diverse experiences and expertise and it would be a waste not to learn from them. Walking with them can help anyone build a healthier body and a healthier mind.
Until next time.
Life Course Scholar
They say that, “if you don’t use it, you lose it”. Many studies have shown that as we age, our muscles naturally slowly lose strength as hormones amounts needed to stimulate new muscle formation begin to decrease and our muscle fibers degrade. Today at the Norman Center located in Chula Vista, the Life Course Scholars met a lively group of older men and women who are testing the hypothesis that a regular exercise regimen can maintain or even improve fitness metrics. As part of a UC San Diego research study, each person has committed to an exercise plan created to fit his or her personal ability. So far, the outcome seems very promising as I was told a man with late stage Parkinson’s disease can now complete walks without the cane he once had to use.
Now that I may have bored you with the science of our outing, let’s move on to other highlights. The first Walking Club member I was able to talk to was Loretta. We spoke about the changes we hope to see in the healthcare system. She mentioned that medicine should be more personal, not just business, as the system has become. We talked about how patients now may see a different doctors each time they have a check-up, how the ten to fifteen minute interaction is very standardized, checklist-like. Loretta and I discussed that while, Physicians Assistants (PA) are wonderful and skilled, their existence can sometimes create a disconnect between patient and physician. This is something I had not considered in the past. While shadowing doctors, I experienced the ways in which PAs can help make a doctor’s clinic more efficient and thus, “better”. Thinking about it now, however, the way in which a PA examines the patient, filtering through the various ailments and formulating a diagnosis before the physician even enters the room, is a very impersonal method of treatment. The doctor would only make a brief appearance to confirm the interpretation of the evidence. Therefore, although modernized medicine may improve the healthcare system in that they allow doctors to treat more patients on a given day, this style does not allow for the continuity of care that leaves the patient feeling respected and understood.
Following a short walk around the surrounding neighborhood (I hope to return for longer walks with the club), we settled in the recreation center for some fresh bagels and fruit. During this time, I conversed with Dan, a retired Social Security Analyst and Speech Pathologist. We touched upon many topics including the best way to learn Spanish and the power of “Voting with Dollars”. After speaking with Dan who explained the creation of the Walking Club, I was sure that this was the place to implement my Healthy Aging Project. The men and women all held such uplifting spirits and a very open and excited view towards intergenerational interaction. I will not yet disclose the details of my HAP but it will be focused on building this Walking Club to include people of all ages from the community. The people in this club have such diverse experiences and expertise and it would be a waste not to learn from them. Walking with them can help anyone build a healthier body and a healthier mind.
Until next time.