Some simple steps that can lower fall risk
One in four U.S. adults 65 and older fall each year, putting them at risk of injury, broken bones and even death. But common as falls may be, they are not inevitable. “The more work we do, the more we realize that healthy aging doesn’t have to include falling,” said Cara McDermott, who researches falls at Duke University School of Medicine. Here are some ways to reduce your... READ MORE
Meds and supplements for Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of people worldwide, progressively impairing memory and cognitive function. To manage this challenging condition, a combination of pharmaceutical treatments and natural remedies can be highly effective. Medications like donepezil (Aricept), memantine and rivastigmine play a crucial role in improving cognition and slowing the progression of... READ MORE
Ways to cope with ringing in your ears
Q: I have persistent ringing in my ears, mostly in my right ear. My hearing test showed mild hearing loss. What can I try before spending money on hearing aids? A: You are one of the estimated 15% of American adults who suffer from tinnitus. For many, it’s a high-pitched ringing, while for others, it sounds like whistling, whooshing, buzzing, chirping, hissing, humming, roaring or even... READ MORE
Some of the top health benefits of dates
When you hit the supermarket to restock your kitchen with nutrient-packed fruit, you probably unconsciously turn your cart into the produce section, where apples, oranges and grapes abound. But in doing so, you could be missing out on a fresh fruit hiding out next to the raisins and prunes in the bulk bin aisle: dates. That’s right: Though wrinkly, sticky and chewy like dried... READ MORE
Telling our stories can produce catharsis
Recalling our past and telling or writing our stories can release a floodgate of emotions that have long been blocked within us. As a professional biographer and personal historian, I have witnessed how summoning the details of our lives from our memory banks — or even learning missing information about our own or our forefathers’ and foremothers’ life stories — can bring us joy, ... READ MORE
Study volunteers needed for daily walks
We all know that exercise is good for us, but as we age, our joints might feel creaky or we may have more aches and pains. That may make exercise harder. Now a new study at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health hopes to help people age 65 and older get moving again. “Sit less by moving more,” explained Amal Wanigatunga, Ph.D., the principal investigator of the... READ MORE
Are nitrates good or bad for your health?
Nitrates in cured meats — such as bacon, hot dogs and cold cuts — have long had a reputation for being unhealthy. But more recently there’s been a lot of talk about the health benefits of nitrates in beets and other vegetables. Nitrates are compounds made up of nitrogen and oxygen. Most come from plants, such as leafy greens, beets and celery. But they are also added to... READ MORE
There’s a better way to clean these foods
Prepping your ingredients is an essential part of the cooking process. Most of us probably don’t think too much about how we wash fruits, veggies and other foods, but as with most things, there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it. Sometimes, incorrect cleaning means a little grit in your salad. But in other instances, it can be the difference between a memorable meal and a... READ MORE
When should one stop driving? Part II
This is the second half of a two-part article on making decisions about driving as we age. It’s a simple but unfortunate fact: Driving skills can wane over time. Eventually, driving can become unsafe for an older driver, their passengers and others on the road. If you notice a decline in driving abilities in a loved one or in yourself, what’s the best way to handle this? If... READ MORE
A new way to look at toilet paper choices
Imagine being in the store trying to decide which toilet paper is best for you. It’s about comfort versus environmental concern. Should you buy virgin white, soft toilet paper, or should you buy recycled paper because it’s thought to be more eco-friendly? While that decision is entirely up to you, I’ll share some information about each type of toilet paper to help you make an... READ MORE