FIGHT BACK!  BY DAVID HOROWITZ

Straight Health Talk for Seniors

        No matter how much we carefully watch our diets, exer- cise and
generally care for our health, aging takes its  inevitable toll on our
bodies. How well we deal with these  changes often depends on our
attitude toward aging and the  limitations it imposes on us. Good,
reliable information is  the key to maintaining a positive approach to
growing older.
        Failing eyesight may be emotionally devastating to  people who
have always enjoyed good vision. Conditions like  macular degeneration
can cause a sudden and rapid loss of  visual acuity. People faced with
that loss often take it as a  sign that their useful lives are over.
They often become  angry and reclusive, they don't socialize with their
peers,  they neglect their health, and they may sink into a profound
depression.
        It doesn't have to be that way. The Prevention of  Blindness
Society has prepared an excellent handbook for  people who are losing
their sight. It's called "Learning To  Live With Impaired Sight," and
it spells out the facts in  clear, no-nonsense terms. It describes the
conditions that  cause vision loss, how those changes are likely to
affect  people's lives and how to compensate for them. Printed in
large, bold type, the book also includes a comprehensive list  of
services and resources available to help the visually  impaired. If you
would like a copy of "Learning To Live With  Impaired Sight," call the
Prevention of Blindness Society in  Washington, D.C. The number is
(202) 234-1010. There is a $5  charge for postage and handling.
        People often have similar reactions to hearing loss. The  fact
is, 28 million Americans suffer from some degree of  deafness. The
answer is usually as simple as getting a good  hearing aid. But, as
with failing vision, hearing loss comes  with a lot of unnecessary
emotional baggage, including fear,  anger and denial. Again,
information is the key. Here are  three helpful booklets and brochures
on dealing with hearing  loss:
        "The 5-Minute Hearing Test" contains a quick self- assessment
in which you answer 15 questions and score your  own hearing abilities.
It's available free for a stamped,  self-addressed, business-sized
envelope to the American  Academy of Otolaryngology, 1 Prince Street,
Alexandria, Va,  22314.
booklet that answers questions about hearing loss and  lists various
services, organizations and resources available  to hearing-impaired
individuals. Send a postcard request to  AARP Fulfillment (EE0569),
P.O. Box 22796, Long Beach,  Calif., 90801-5796. Include the title of
the booklet and its  number (D142925).
        "Resources for Hearing-Impaired Adults" is published by  Self
Help for Hard of Hearing People Inc. It contains useful  information on
hearing technology, support groups and medical  references. Send a
stamped, self-addressed, business-sized  envelope to SHHH, 7910
Woodmont Avenue, Suite 1200, Bethesda,  Md., 20814.
        Finally, there are few health issues more stressful and  less
understood than impotence. It affects not only the man  but, obviously,
his spouse or partner as well. "Male  Impotence: A Woman's Perspective"
was written to help women  understand impotence, its effects and its
treatment. You can  obtain a free copy by calling the Osbon Foundation
toll-free  at (800) 433-4215 or by writing to the foundation at P.O.
Drawer 1593, Augusta, GA, 30903-1593. COPYRIGHT 1994 CREATORS
SYNDICATE, INC.