The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck just below the Adam's apple. It is part of the endocrine system and regulates the body's metabolism by producing and releasing hormones. The thyroid regulates many important functions including breathing, heart rate, nervous systems, muscle strength,...
A UTI is an infection in the urinary tract. Infections are caused by microbes which are organisms too small to be seen without a microscope. This includes fungi, viruses, and bacteria--the most common cause of a UTI. Normally, bacteria that enter the urinary tract flush through the body...
A family health history is a written record of a family's health--think of it as a family health tree. Older adults are in a unique position to create such a document because they have the most knowledge about the health of previous generations. Creating a family health history...
Age-related macular degeneration, also referred to as AMD, is a common eye condition and a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. The disease causes damage to a part of the eye called the macula--a small spot near the center of the retina. Essential for sharp,...
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, approximately one in three people in the United States between the ages of 65 and 74 have hearing loss, and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing. After the age of 85, hearing...
It is never too late to stop smoking. Anybody at any age can reap the benefits of giving up cigarettes. According to Smokefree.gov within 20 minutes of smoking the last cigarette, a body starts to make healthy changes that continue for years. And, within a few weeks people...
Most older adults drink responsibly. In fact, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, the prevalence of heavy alcohol use is lower among adults ages 65 and older than among other adult age groups. However, as the body ages, the way it is able to...
On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Medicare program into law which became available one year later on July 1, 1966. Regardless of income or medical history, this government-run benefit provides health insurance to people 65 or older (and those under 65 who live with...
According to the American Heart Association, 1 in 5 people will develop heart failure (HF). In HF, the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Either the heart cannot fill with enough blood or it is unable to pump blood to the...
From meeting a work deadline to passing a test, it is normal and even helpful to have some anxiety about the common stresses of everyday life. However, when the usual anxiety becomes excessive it can interfere with the regular activities and enjoyment of living. In seniors, studies show that anxiety disorders affect...