November 4, 2018 —
We see plenty of public service messages around the holidays warning us not to drink and drive. And these days, we can get a ticket if we’re caught texting or using our phone while behind the wheel. But there’s another driving hazard that’s pretty common during this time of year. Even if drivers have abstained... Read More
October 29, 2018 —
Depression is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults. According to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, an estimated 15 percent of people older than 65 are dealing with depression, which affects the whole person: mind, body and emotions. Symptoms include a persistent feeling of sadness, lack of energy, changes in normal... Read More
October 19, 2018 —
With so much coverage of today’s opioid epidemic, there is new emphasis on alternative pain treatment. For many people with arthritis and other musculoskeletal pain, this includes the use of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). This class of drugs includes aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve) and Celebrex. But while NSAIDs are overall safer than... Read More
October 16, 2018 —
Podiatrists report that autumn brings an increase in patients coming in with foot pain—specifically, the pain caused by bunions. Why? According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), it’s because people, especially women, often wear sandals and other lighter shoes all summer. When the temperature drops, out come the enclosed-toe shoes—and bunion... Read More
October 9, 2018 —
Did you get your flu shot yet? Last year’s severe flu season provided a big reminder of how dangerous seasonal influenza can be! Flu season 2017 – 2018 took the lives of 80,000 people, and caused 900,000 people to be hospitalized. Experts say it was the most deadly since the infamous Spanish flu epidemic of... Read More
October 4, 2018 —
Neurologists tell us that one of the best ways to protect our brains is to exercise our bodies. Exercise not only protects us from heart disease and other health conditions that damage the brain … but in its own right, it increases brain size and builds connections in the brain that keep us sharp. Anything... Read More
September 24, 2018 —
Last year’s flu season was unusually severe. This year—which is incidentally the 100th anniversary of the devastating 1918 Spanish flu pandemic—it’s important to pay attention to the dangers of seasonal influenza. The flu can be a serious illness for people of every age, and older adults are at highest risk of dangerous, even fatal, complications.... Read More
September 17, 2018 —
September Is Pain Awareness Month People who are living with chronic pain can feel discounted and insulted when someone says “It’s all in your head.” But studies show that the way we think about pain can make a real difference in how we perceive it, and how it affects our lives. It’s not just a... Read More
September 10, 2018 —
September is Falls Prevention Month. Falling is a big senior health issue! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 25 percent of older adults will fall this year, and many will suffer brain damage, a hip fracture or other broken bone—injuries that can be fatal, or so serious that a senior never... Read More
September 4, 2018 —
September is National Preparedness Month. This year reminded us about the importance of emergency preparation, for individuals, communities and the nation. We just learned that the effects of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico took almost 3,000 lives. Other hurricanes and winter storms ravaged coastal areas, including our very own Hurricane Harvey. Volcanic activity in Hawaii... Read More
