Can acupuncture replace opioids for pain?
Marine veteran Jeff Harris was among the first to sign up when the Providence VA hospital started offering acupuncture for chronic pain. “I don’t like taking pain medication. I don’t like the way it makes me feel,” he said. Harris also didn’t want to risk getting addicted to heavy-duty prescription painkillers. Although long derided as pseudoscience and still questioned by... READ MORE
Why do some stay so sharp as they age?
It’s pretty extraordinary for people in their 80s and 90s to keep the same sharp memory as someone several decades younger, and now scientists are peeking into the brains of these “superagers” to uncover their secret. The work is the flip side of the disappointing hunt for new drugs to fight or prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Instead, “why don’t we figure out what it is we... READ MORE
Testing acupuncture against side effects
Studies have shown that complementary medical therapies, such as acupuncture, can be highly effective in controlling symptoms of disease without the unpleasant side effects many traditional therapies have. GBMC and Mend Acupuncture are currently conducting a study to look at the use of acupuncture during cancer treatment as a cost-effective, non-drug tool for symptom management. The... READ MORE
How to keep your kidneys healthy as you age
Q: I recently was told that kidney function declines with age, and was wondering what I could do to keep my kidneys healthy? A: As we grow older, our kidneys undergo a gradual decline, even for people who do not have kidney disease. One major function of the kidneys is to remove waste products as well as excess fluid from the body through urine output. The kidneys also help... READ MORE
Powerlifter pushes herself to new heights
The year was 1986, and 40-year-old Linda Odum had a goal: to earn a spot on the U.S. Taekwondo team — a demonstration sport debuting at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. Because she was older than her competitors, she felt she needed to step up her game and become stronger. She knew increased strength could give her the edge to make the team. Having come of age when women were not... READ MORE
Address daughter-in-law issues directly
Dear Solutions: My daughter-in-law came to stay at my house for a few days while she had a job close to where I live but far from where she lives. Without going into details, she just ignored certain ways I do things in my home, and acted as if I could be ignored. I asked her to go to dinner with me, and it was arranged —until her friend called, and then she just broke our... READ MORE
Try these beauty tips from a pharmacist
No matter what your age, you always want to look your absolute best. Throughout my life, I’ve learned all kinds of beauty tips and tricks from reading, talking to friends, and getting to know a few make-up artists when I appeared as a guest on TV shows. I always ‘pumped’ these girls to get their secret beauty tips while sitting in their chair and getting made up. I recall one... READ MORE
Coconut milk and curry elevate chicken dish
Boneless skinless chicken breasts save the day for so many busy folks who want to get a lean, protein-filled, affordable dinner on the table in a hurry. I always have a package or two in my freezer. I buy them when they are on super-sale (which they are every four to six weeks in my experience) and freeze them. Even if I forget to pop the frozen chicken in the fridge to thaw the night ... READ MORE
‘Memory books’ can spark recollections
Family photo albums can help jog an elderly friend or relative’s memories, but consider taking the photo book idea one step further: Create a “memory book” that combines personal photos with brief family stories and historical information. These can be used to help people struggling with memory loss, and give younger family members a window into older relatives’ lives. Memory... READ MORE
Best ways to find companionship online
Dear Savvy Senior: What can you tell me about online dating for baby boomers? I’m 57 and recently divorced, and would like to find a new friend to spend time with. — Lonely Linda Dear Linda: Whether you’re interested in dating again or just looking for a friend to spend time with, online dating sites have become a very popular and effective way for baby boomers to meet new... READ MORE
