In the course of the last 50 years, osteoporosis has reached epidemic levels. Although the disease used to be relatively uncommon, currently one out of every two women will be diagnosed with osteoporosis by the age of 60. Additionally, one out of five of these women will have a hip fracture — and half of [Read More]
A 2016 study by the World Health Organization revealed that approximately one third of all adults are overweight. Globally, this means that approximately 2 billion people are overweight. The epidemic of weight gain is further highlighted by the fact that among overweight people, nearly one-third are technically defined as obese. That is more than 650 [Read More]
As we age, our medical conditions can rack up. According to the National Committee on Aging, 80% of seniors have at least one chronic medical condition; 68% have two or more. Here are the top 10 chronic medical problems in seniors, as determined by Medicare: 1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Nearly 60% of seniors have [Read More]
Spring may be around the corner, but March is certainly coming in like a lion. And that means, among other things, trips to the emergency room. Each year in the United States more than 39 million people visit the emergency room due to injuries. These visits are especially common during the winter months and the [Read More]
According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 25% of US seniors have diabetes, and a staggering 50% have prediabetes. In seniors, diabetes is associated with higher mortality rates, higher risk of cardiovascular disease, reduced function, and decreased ability to live independently. However, it is possible to be healthy despite diabetes. Here are 5 tips [Read More]
From Your friends at Beacon of LIFE!
Most people assume that there is a direct connection between cold weather and catching a cold. Why else would we use the term “catching a cold” if lower temperatures played no role in contracting this viral illness? The fact is, however, that cold weather is not directly responsible for causing colds. What is true is [Read More]
Chronic swollen feet are a common complaint in the elderly. Edema, the medical term for swelling, is caused by fluid becoming trapped in the tissue of the body. There are four main signs of edema in the legs and feet. Swelling Shiny or stretched skin around the legs or feet Discomfort and reduced mobility in [Read More]
Many older people are distressed by the appearance of dark blotches on their skin, considering them unsightly signals of old age. What are age spots, and what can be done about them? What Causes Age Spots? Age spots are caused by the body’s production of excess melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Melanin [Read More]