Remember when we thought fat was the No. 1 dietary villain and felt virtuous eating low-fat cookies loaded with sugar? Not anymore, thanks to the growing recognition that the sweet stuff increases our risk of developing a range of serious health problems. In fact, research has linked an excessive intake of sugar with an increased risk
Aches and pains…Could it be that you’re just getting older or that you’re less active, perhaps? Maybe it’s just a temporary phase in your life. You’ll grow out of it, right? The truth is, aches and pains are often associated with daily, ongoing, habitual mistakes. Take note of the word habitual – habits are key
The first 10 minutes after you wake up are the most influential time, so it’s important to have a mindful routine and ritual in place to make sure your mind and body are happy from the start. (1) No Snooze: Choose a time to get up and tell yourself that the snooze button isn’t even
Achieving healthy teeth takes a lifetime of care. Even if you’ve been told that you have nice teeth, it’s crucial to take the right steps every day to take care of them and prevent problems. This involves getting the right oral care products, as well as, being mindful of your daily habits. Keep your teeth
If you’re in your 60s or 70s, you may have wondered if you should start seeing a geriatrician instead of, or in addition to, your primary care provider. These are family doctors or internists with special training in the health needs of older adults. About 30 percent of people over age 65 need one, according
“Falls don’t just happen, and people don’t fall because they get older. Often there is one underlying cause or risk factor involved with the fall.” –National Institutes of Health (NIH) Many older adults are concerned about the possibility of falling. In many cases, such apprehension leads to a reduction in activity which only increases the
If you’ve ever felt like your doctor isn’t listening to you, it may be true. Studies have found that doctors let patients speak for only 23 seconds on average before cutting them off; in one University of South Carolina study, primary care patients were interrupted just 12 seconds after the physician entered the exam room.
Keep up to date with the latest cancer screening guidelines and recommendations. Early cancer detection is the best solution to saving your life. The goal of cancer screening is to find disease at early stages in people who are otherwise asymptomatic—before it causes symptoms and when it may be more easily treatable. Screening tests are
As we age, most of us hope to experience a lifestyle that is fun, rewarding, and meaningful. Maintaining mobility and independence are fundamental components to aging well. Unfortunately, too many older adults in the United States experience chronic disease, illness, and debility. Some of the most common chronic illnesses facing older adults (such as heart
Hearing loss is America’s silent epidemic. It can have a more negative impact on the quality of life than obesity, diabetes, strokes or even cancer. Yet according to an AARP survey, more people report having gotten colonoscopies than hearing tests. Hearing loss is associated with an increased risk of dementia, falls and depression. It is also a