How to reduce retirement healthcare costs
Q: I thought most of my healthcare costs would be covered by Medicare after I turn 65, but it looks like I'll still have to pay quite a bit myself. How much can I expect to pay for healthcare in retirement? What can I do to lower those costs? A: Even though Medicare covers the bulk of your healthcare costs after you turn 65, you may still have a lot of out-of-pocket expenses. A recent... READ MORE
Caregivers are overwhelmed, undertrained
Adult caregivers looking after aging relatives and friends have little training for their stressful roles but still find the experience rewarding, according to a new poll. The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey finds that long-term caregivers don't just provide rides to the doctor and run errands. Nearly half perform some kind of medical care, from changing... READ MORE
Can probiotics treat depression and anxiety?
There is a lot of interest right now in the human microbiome (the populations of bacteria that live in various parts of the body, including the intestine, skin and lungs). We now know that there are approximately 10 times as many bacterial cells as human cells in the body. The vast majority of these bacterial cells are in the intestinal tract, and they serve many purposes, including... READ MORE
International tai chi champions
Many recreation centers provide instruction in the ancient martial art of tai chi. But it’s a rare program that sends 17 of its members to China to participate in an international competition, and no doubt even rarer when such a group sweeps the awards in their categories. That’s exactly what happened, however, when a group from the East Columbia 50+ Center’s tai chi class traveled ... READ MORE
Grandmother’s kids books focus on family
As is the case with most grandparents, Daneace Terry Jeffery’s grandchildren have her wrapped around every one of their adorable little fingers. But unlike most grandparents, Jeffery has made her grandchildren the stars of a series of children’s books. Her “Ella Books” are loosely based on Jeffery’s two oldest granddaughters. The third of Jeffery’s projected five-book... READ MORE
Retiree rekindles passion for painting
Former homemaker, beautician and banker Pauline Rakis is making up for lost painting time. It’s a pursuit she had put on hold for decades. At 74, she is now on a full brush-on-canvas schedule four days a week, at least six hours a day. One of the 25 artists who own and operate the co-op Artists Gallery in Ellicott City, Rakis spent many earlier years styling the hair of other women,... READ MORE
Easing agitation in Alzheimer’s patients
Anxiety and agitation are commonly found in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. These behavioral changes may be caused by different medical conditions, medication interactions, or circumstances that continue to worsen the person’s ability to think. As an individual with dementia is biologically experiencing a loss of their ability to negotiate new information and different stimuli,... READ MORE
How to feed backyard birds this winter
Although many of our feathered friends fly south during colder weather, other birds remain in the Richmond metropolitan area over the winter. Observing birds is one of the most popular wildlife-related activities. By feeding the birds, you will increase your opportunities to observe permanent residents, such as the cardinal, goldfinch, blue jay and tufted titmouse, as well as winter-only ... READ MORE
A bitter pill indeed
A seemingly innocuous request recently led me to a bout of righteous indignation and a passionate battle. At the end of an appointment with my orthopedist, I asked him to refill my prescription for an NSAID pain reliever. Though it happens to be available over-the-counter at a reasonable price, the prescription is a 12-hour version, and its cost (to me and to my insurance company) is... READ MORE
What’s new in Newport News – a spirited tour
The combination of a new craft brewery, a soon-to-open distillery, and the centennial celebration of the city’s World War I significance makes 2018 a big year for Newport News. The city has always been rich in American heritage, dating to 1607 when Capt. Christopher Newport was commander of the Susan Constant, the flagship of the English fleet that landed at Jamestown. Capt. Newport... READ MORE
