Many older adults use mobility devices, like walkers and canes, to assist them in walking and to help prevent a fall. However, you may be surprised to learn that from 2001 to 2006 over 47,000 Americans ages 65 and over (129 people each day) were...
It should not be surprising to hear Americans consume too much sodium. The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans published by the U.S. government recommends people consume less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day as part of a healthy diet. However, the majority of...
When her children were toddlers, our staff member, Kim, had an 80-year old baby sitter come to her home to watch them a couple of days a week. Kim admits Anne was older than a typical care giver but she was in excellent health, thin and...
Dehydration occurs when your body does not have as much water and fluid as it needs to properly function. Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe. An extreme case of dehydration may lead to kidney issues, seizures, a drop in blood pressure, and possibly death. Although anyone...
Did you know your skin is the largest and heaviest organ in your body? Yes, skin is an organ and actually quite an amazing one serving many important functions in the body. Foremost, the epidermis (outer layer) acts as a barrier, protecting the body's internal parts...
My friend Jim bought his dad an Apple iPad for his 95th birthday. Since he worked and lived in Los Angeles, and his dad resided in St. Louis, Jim hoped the device would make it easier for them to communicate with each other through the...
Last year the impact from flu-related illnesses reached epidemic proportions. Approximately 48 million people became sick with the flu. Over 900,000 were hospitalized and 80,000 Americans died from the illness during the 2017-2018 flu season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fortunately,...
The winter of 2019 brought subzero temperatures to the much of the country as a cold air mass, known as a polar vortex, swept the area in late January. Temperatures reached 43 degrees below zero and wind chills made the air feel like minus 50...
Recently widowed, Kate's daughter, son-in-law and grandchild moved in with her to her large suburban home. The young couple pays Kate a reduced rent which enables them to make their student loan payments. Additionally, they can save money to buy their own home in the...
A geriatric physician, also called a geriatrician, is a medical doctor who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease and disability in older adults. A geriatrician is well-trained in the specific diseases and conditions that affect people over 65. After completing medical school and a...