Reduce your fall risk

As we age, we begin to learn — sometimes firsthand –- how devastating a fall can be. It isn’t quite as easy as it once was to hop back up and continue on our way. Each year, millions of older adults experience falls and fall-related injuries. In Maryland, 23% of adults over age 65 reported a fall in the past 12 months, according to new local data from the 2021 America’s Health... READ MORE

Possible COVID tie to later Alzheimer’s

Researchers are trying to unravel why some COVID-19 survivors suffer “brain fog” and other problems that can last for months, and new findings suggest some worrisome overlaps with Alzheimer’s disease. One study of older adults in Argentina found a surprising number of dementia-like changes in memory and thinking for at least six months after a bout with the coronavirus —... READ MORE

Why to add yoga into a workout routine

Crying offers health benefits for everyone

It’s safe to say that 2020 gave us more than enough to cry about. Yet even prior to last year, it seems that we were crying fairly often. Researchers note that, on average, American women cry 3.5 times each month, while American men cry about 1.9 times each month. These figures may take some of us by surprise, especially as our society has often looked at crying — particularly by... READ MORE

There are effective treatments for dry eyes

Q: What is dry eye disease? A: Dry eye disease, known as dry eye, is a common condition that occurs when the eye does not produce enough tears to properly lubricate itself. Symptoms include irritation, tearing, burning or stinging, a dry sensation, vision changes and contact-lens irritation. Q: How common is it? According to the National Health and Wellness Survey, 6.8% of the U.S. adult ... READ MORE

Research study will pay you to exercise

As we age, we lose as much as 5% of muscle mass every decade. If we don’t exercise, we become even weaker. “If you’re unable to be as active and do as much physical activity, then you’re setting yourself up for a worsening of the problem,” said Steven Prior, associate professor in the University of Maryland School of Public Health’s Department of Kinesiology. But it’s... READ MORE

Colorful peppers with turkey casserole

When life gets busy, you need a recipe that is quick to make, easy to bake and mouthwatering to eat. Try this recipe for Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole next time you are in a pinch. It’s made with hearty ground turkey breast, delicious bell peppers, crushed tomatoes and brown rice, then topped with gooey sharp cheddar cheese. It’s a whole meal in a dish. This short ingredient list... READ MORE

Practical uses for common baking soda

Everyone has some baking soda in the house, and if not, you should get some. Aside from baking with it, I use it in my garbage disposal and to brighten my laundry. Sodium bicarbonate is known more commonly as “baking soda” since it helps make dough rise by producing carbon dioxide. Today, I’ll share the most common medicinal uses for baking soda, as well as a few household uses... READ MORE

The pros and cons of consuming fructose

Fructose is a simple sugar with a bad reputation. Sweeter than table sugar — which it’s a component of — and primarily found in many fruits and some vegetables, fructose once enjoyed status as a “healthier” sweetener. More recently, it’s had a fall from grace, stemming in part from the ubiquity of high-fructose corn syrup in processed foods. But what does the science say... READ MORE

Are your bones getting enough calcium?

Calcium and vitamin D are essential to building strong, dense bones when you’re young and to keeping them strong and healthy as you age. About 99% of the calcium in our bodies is in our bones and teeth. When we don’t get the calcium our body needs, it is taken from our bones. This is fine once in a while, but if it happens too often, bones get weak and may break. Vitamin D plays... READ MORE