_ Vision HealthThe Healthy-Vision Plan By Jane Farrell articleAlthough we don’t worry as much about eye health as we do about, say, heart disease, it’s still crucial to … Read More→
_ Skin Skin HealthThe Newest Treatments for Psoriasis By Jane Farrell articlePeople who suffer from psoriasis know how aggravating it can be, but treatments for the persistent skin condition are improving. … Read More→
_ Understanding How Ebola Works By Jane Farrell articleA new study has expanded our understanding of Ebola, by discovering one way the deadly virus dodges the body’s defenses. … Read More→
_ When Swelling Isn't So Swell: Curbing Chronic Inflammation By Jane Farrell articleBy Dr. Mickey Barber Of the 10 leading causes of death in the United States, chronic, low-level inflammation contributes to … Read More→
_ Heart HealthA New Tool to Detect Atrial Fibrillation By Jane Farrell articleThanks to a new technology, a web camera can distinguish whether someone is suffering atrial fibrillation, a potentially serious heart condition.A project by researchers from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, showed that subtle changes in skin color can be used to detect the kind of uneven blood flow caused by atrial fibrillation. The technology was developed in a partnership between the university and Xerox.The findings were published in the journal Heart Rhythm.
_ Skin Skin HealthWhat Your Skin Says About Your Health By Jane Farrell articleAccording to the National Institutes of Health, our skin is the body’s largest organ. While it protects the body, it also does things such as hold fluids in, keep microbes out, regulate body temperature, and more. While most people think of skin only in terms of beauty, but there’s a lot more to it. “The way our skin looks says a lot about how healthy we are, believe it or not,” explains Dr. Sanjiv Saini of MD Dermatology, in Edgewater and Lexington Park, Maryland.
_ Volunteering is Healthy for Body as Well as Mind By Jane Farrell articleOlder people who volunteer are getting not only an emotional boost – it’s also benefiting their health.A study led by researchers from the Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Health services analyzed data from 73 studies over the past 45 years. The studies involved adults over 50 who were involved in formal volunteering roles.
_ Preventing Falls and Fractures By Jane Farrell articleA simple thing can change your life—like tripping on a rug or slipping on a wet floor. If you fall, you could break a bone, like thousands of older men and women do each year. A broken bone might not sound awful. But, for older people, a break can be the start of more serious problems.
_ "Old" People Often Believe They Are in Bad Health By Jane Farrell articlePeople who identify as “old” are likelier to have a worse view of their health than those of the same age who don’t think of themselves as old, according to new research.The findings, from researchers at the University of Kent, UK, used data from a study, the European Social Survey. The respondents, who were 70 or older, were asked to rate their health.
_ ExerciseReady, Set - Change Your Health Habits! By Jane Farrell articleWe all know how crucial it is to make lifestyle changes to improve our health, but knowing that and actually changing a habit are two very different things. Here, the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, offers an easy-to-follow plan that will help you understand how best to make the move to healthier habits.
_ 10 Natural Ways to Control Blood Pressure By Jane Farrell articleIf you've been diagnosed with high blood pressure (a systolic pressure — the top number — of 140 or above or a diastolic pressure — the bottom number — of 90 or above), you might be worried about taking medication to bring your numbers down.Lifestyle plays an important role in treating your high blood pressure. If you successfully control your blood pressure with a healthy lifestyle, you may avoid, delay or reduce the need for medication.Here are 10 lifestyle changes you can make to lower your blood pressure and keep it down.
_ A Possible Improvement in Measuring Glucose Levels By Jane Farrell articleResearchers have developed a new glucose measuring material that could eventually eliminate current measurement instruments such as test strips.The material changes colors as glucose levels fluctuate, providing a much more precise readings than are now available. “There are significant limitations to current continuous glucose monitoring technologies,” said study leader Paul Braun, a professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Illinois. “The systems available today all have some combination of limited sensitivity [and] limited precision.”
_ The Bug Battle Isn't Over Yet By Jane Farrell articleEditor’s note: Although most of us think of ticks and mosquitoes as primarily summer pests, sadly, they’re not. According to the University of Rhode Island Tick Encounter Center, some species of ticks, such as deer ticks, remain active as long as the temperature is above freezing. Still other kinds of ticks, such as the American dog tick and the Lone Star tick, just aren’t active in the cold weather, the Encounter Center experts say.
_ ExerciseFinding the Right Fitness Trainer for You By Jane Farrell articleAs summer turns to fall, you might be thinking about moving your exercise routine indoors. Once the weather gets snowy and frigid, it’s harder to get out and hit the walking or bike trails. Or you may be thinking that you want to move beyond your current 30-minute treadmill routine at the gym. A fitness trainer may be the way to go.A trainer can help you do everything from helping you use the gym equipment correctly to taking your workout to the next level. Here, from the National Institute on Aging, are some tips on how to find the best trainer for you.
_ A Good Way to Improve Nursing-Home Care By Jane Farrell articleA “culture change” to a more residential atmosphere in nursing homes can lead to significant improvements in quality of care, according to a new study.Researchers from Brown University examined the effect of culture change – an adjustment in nursing homes to allow a more flexible lifestyle for patients. Specifically, that means, among other adjustments, more resident choices in schedules and activities, and more input into care management from “front-line” workers who have close daily contact with residents.
_ Mental & Emotional HealthWatch: Do You Have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder? By Jane Farrell articleHere's another addition to our Third Age video collection. Press play to start learning.
_ Exercise Could Prevent Cognitive Decline By Jane Farrell articleCardiovascular exercise, which has been shown to help our bodies, may also protect our minds, according to new research.
_ Study: Watch Out for Prescription-Level NSAIDs By Jane Farrell articleThree widely used drugs, known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, alter the activity of enzymes within cell membranes and could lead to unwanted side effects.Those side effects could be the results of taking the drugs for a long period of time and/or at a higher-than-approved dosage level.The NSAIDS, sold over the counter as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, would have the effects primarily at prescription levels.