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How’s Your Handwashing Technique?

— It’s always a good idea to practice proper handwashing technique, and most of us know we should do it. Handwashing lowers the risk of many types of disease. But with the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, there’s new emphasis on this very important way to stop the spread of the disease, which is especially dangerous for older... Read More

Opioid Medications Raise the Risk of Falls

— You’ve no doubt read of the terrible opioid epidemic that is ruining—and taking—so many lives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that 40 people die each day from an overdose of opioid medications, such as hydrocodone, oxycodone and codeine. Experts say the average life expectancy in the U.S. has even dropped slightly... Read More

For Seniors, Mental Health Treatment Supports Physical Health

— As we grow older, we are more likely to be living with chronic health conditions. Heart disease, arthritis, vision and hearing loss, diabetes and many other illnesses all can take a toll on our quality of life, so it’s not surprising that many seniors who are living with health challenges are also dealing with depression,... Read More

Managing and Preventing the Complications of Diabetes

— November is National Diabetes Month. This year’s theme is “Take Diabetes to Heart,” reflecting the connection between diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Heart disease is only one of the health problems made worse by diabetes. Read on to learn more. More than 30 million people in the U.S. are living with diabetes, a disease that happens... Read More

Hospital Delirium: What Senior Patients and Families Should Know

— A senior goes in for a routine surgery and afterward, family are dismayed to see that their loved one isn’t themselves at all! Their loved one might be agitated, confused, or barely awake. They might not know where they are, or even recognize family members. Their loved one is most likely experiencing delirium, a sudden,... Read More

Preventing Suicide Among Older Adults

— September Is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Suicide among younger people receives a lot of media attention. But did you know that the suicide rate is highest among older adults? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 47,173 people in the U.S. took their lives in 2017, and 8,568 of them were older... Read More

Study Urges Doctors to Consider “Symptom Burden” in Older Patients

— Larry went to the doctor because his knee pain was worsening. The doctor ordered x-rays and increased Larry’s dose of anti-inflammatory medication. Larry never mentioned to the doctor that he had been feeling depressed lately, and that he’d been having trouble sleeping … yet both of those things can increase sensations of pain. And in... Read More

Oral Health: It’s Not Just About a Nice Smile

— June Is Oral Health Month Our teeth and gums change as we grow older. Years of wear and tear take a toll, often causing thinning enamel and broken or lost teeth. Teeth with repairs such as crowns, fillings and root canals are less hardy. As gums recede, sensitive areas of the teeth not covered by... Read More

Is Your Pet Keeping You Awake?

— Many studies show that owning a pet can benefit us in multiple ways, no matter what our age. Pets provide companionship, motivation to exercise, a context for socializing, stress reduction and a powerful emotional boost. But experts advise us that pet ownership is not a decision to make lightly, especially when we’re older. For some... Read More