October 4, 2021 —
Every October 1 since 1990, the United Nations has honored older adults worldwide on the International Day of Older Persons. The theme each year draws attention to an important need faced by older adults. Not surprisingly, last year the spotlight was on the effect of a pandemic on elders. In previous years, themes included ageism,... Read More
September 27, 2021 —
Do you “doomscroll”? That word was coined to describe a habit many of us have developed over the past few years, obsessively clicking on links to bad news in our social media feeds or online news sites. “The biology of our brains may play a role in that,” say researchers from Washington University School of... Read More
September 20, 2021 —
September is National Cholesterol Education Month, when patients are reminded about the importance of controlling their intake of dietary cholesterol to protect their heart and vascular system. We can improve our cholesterol numbers by improving our diet. And 2021 is an especially good year to give our diet a makeover! Many people report that during... Read More
September 15, 2021 —
By: Janet Jackson-McCulloch Until you or a loved one experience a fall, you probably have no idea how common falls are or how serious the consequences of them can be. The stats are alarming, and they tell a cautionary tale. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, millions of Americans aged 65 and... Read More
September 12, 2021 —
Not so long ago, scientists thought we were born with all the brain cells we would ever have. But using modern brain imagery, neurologists now tell us that the brain can continue to grow new cells, even in our later years. This process, called neurogenesis, protects our memory. We can promote neurogenesis by eating and... Read More
September 7, 2021 —
Judy’s phone rang early one morning. “Grandma?” the caller said. “This is your grandson.” “Well hello, Morgan! It’s good to hear from you,” said Judy. It had been a long time since her college-age grandson had called her. “Grandma,” said Morgan, “I need your help. I’m in the hospital in Mexico with COVID and I... Read More
August 30, 2021 —
During the pandemic, it has become more apparent than ever that working family caregivers are stretched thin as they balance caregiving with their job responsibilities. Much attention has been paid to the stressful situation of working parents, who were suddenly called to serve as home school teachers during their working hours. But families who provide... Read More
August 23, 2021 —
The Flintstones had all sorts of humorous labor-saving devices—a dinosaur lawn mower, a mastodon vacuum cleaner and so forth. But in reality, our ancient ancestors worked hard to survive. Anthropologists tell us this might be why it’s so hard to get ourselves moving, even if we know that physical activity is healthy for us. Are... Read More
August 15, 2021 —
As stay-at-home orders went into place over the past year and a half, the streets were virtually deserted. Businesses and industries suspended production. Airlines canceled flights. Live music at bars and concert arenas ceased. Even the 4th of July fireworks were called off. That resulted in a quieter world! Massachusetts General Hospital cardiologist told the American... Read More
August 9, 2021 —
Prescription and nonprescription drugs help seniors manage a variety of health conditions. They preserve both life and quality of life. Of course, they only work if we take them properly. How much do you know about your medications? True or False? If my doctor prescribes a drug, and then I start to feel better, it’s OK... Read More
