Free Health Information for Spanish Seniors

For Immediate Release
June 27, 2005

Contact: Brandon Alvarez Montgomery 
301-565-0770 Ext. 247

Aging can bring changes that affect your eyesight and hearing. Years of wear and tear can be hard on your feet. Smiling, talking, and laughing with others are easier when your mouth and teeth are healthy. That’s why it’s important for all of us to do what we can to maintain our health as we age and to prevent disease and disability.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is offering free fact sheets in Spanish on vision, hearing, foot care, and taking care of your teeth and mouth. They discuss ways to recognize problems early and get treatment promptly. The science-based information is useful for seniors and their family members.

About one-third of Americans older than age 60 have hearing problems, but hearing loss does not have to get in the way of your ability to enjoy life. Treatment can help. With early detection, many eye problems can be treated successfully and the risk of vision loss reduced. When your mouth is healthy, you can easily eat the foods you need for good nutrition. By taking good care of your teeth and gums, you can protect them for years to come. Foot problems can be a first sign of more serious medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and nerve and circulatory disorders. Find out more about common foot problems and what you can do about them.

Call 1-800-222-2225 to order free copies of: El Envejecimiento y Sus Ojos, Pérdida de la Audición, El Cuidado de la Boca y los Dientes, and El Cuidado de los Pies. The NIA Information Center is open weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. eastern time. An information specialist will be available to respond to calls in Spanish. You also can order these and other Spanish publications on healthy aging on the NIA Web site at www.niapublications.org.

The NIA, part of the National Institutes of Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, leads the Federal effort supporting and conducting research on aging and the special needs of older people. The Institute is committed to making health information available to older Hispanic Americans and their families.