There are more than three million people in the United States with glaucoma. The eye disease, the number two cause for blindness in this country, is known as “the sneak thief of sight,” as there are virtually no symptoms. Once vision is lost, the loss is permanent. Although glaucoma primarily affects the middle-aged and [...]
The holiday season offers many opportunities to spend quality time with family and friends. If you are a caregiver or family member of an aging loved one, you may observe a change in their mood or behavior during the holidays. You may notice unusual signs of fatigue or sadness or perhaps limited interest in the [...]
There is no better time to exercise than when you’re older. Although many older people know the importance of physical fitness, it is estimated that about 85 percent fail to exercise on a regular basis. They don’t do it for the same reason younger people don’t exercise – it’s too hard, it’s too boring, or [...]
Alzheimer’s disease changes lives. In addition to the more than five million Americans who suffer from it, the disease also changes the lives of the family members who care for them. The family caregiver experiences considerable burden, stress and disruption to her own life. She is at risk for emotional and physical health problems, with [...]
November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month It’s been estimated that 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. As of now, it is the only one of the common causes of death that has no cure, effective treatment or prevention. Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. [...]
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While the date is a reminder, it’s important that you and your loved ones remain vigilant all year round in performing self-exams and undergoing regular testing. Early diagnosis and intervention save lives. And, while it appears that more and more women are aware of this, the news [...]
September is Healthy Aging Month, a time when older Americans should not only take a look at what aging has done to them, but what they can do to slow down the aging process. Let's face it, aging is not fun. It hits us where it hurts (both figuratively and literally). Our bones become thinner [...]
Summer tends to bring with it a sense of excitement and a desire to get outside and be active. That’s great, but for seniors who have a higher sensitivity to heat, a little more caution needs to be exercised when it comes to making plans in the sun. As long as you’re careful and [...]
Arthritis affects more than 50 million Americans, making it the leading cause of disability in the country. What is arthritis? Actually, it’s an umbrella term, covering a number of different conditions that affect the joints. The two most common are osteoarthritis, where the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones and provides cushioning begins [...]
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to increase awareness and understanding of alcoholism, its causes, effective treatment and recovery. How serious a problem is alcoholism in the U.S.? Consider the following: An estimated 6.8 percent of adults engaged in heavy drinking in the past month. About 16.6 million adults in the U.S. have [...]