Health Tips
10 Important Foot Care Rules for Diabetics
The elevated blood sugar levels associated with diabetes mellitus cause a range of complications. Between one-third and one-half of diabetics will develop peripheral neuropathy, nerve damage that usually affects the feet and legs. Diabetics also have reduced circulation, which in combination with peripheral neuropathy means that even minor foot issues can quickly become medical emergencies,…
Read MoreIrritable Bowel Syndrome: Just the Facts
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder afflicting approximately 12% of adults in the United States. It is more commonly found in women than men: nearly twice as many women suffer from IBS as men. There are many theories about the cause of IBS, but currently scientists seem to be honing in on two…
Read MoreThe 4 Most Common Complications of Diabetes
Since today is World Diabetes Day, it is especially fitting to talk about the serious — and common — complications this disease can cause. Diabetes affects the blood, but its complications are not limited to blood-related issues, such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Blood nourishes every cell of the body, and therefore diabetes can disrupt…
Read MoreShort-Term Rehab Improves Outcomes for Hospitalized Seniors
A hospital stay is almost always traumatic for an older person. But going home is not necessarily much easier. There may be new medications to manage, new dietary restrictions to implement, new wounds to treat, follow-up appointments to make, and even in-house repairs to make, such as installing grab bars or ramps. So difficult is…
Read MoreThe Emotional Costs of Heart Failure
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is not strong enough to pump as much blood as the body needs. The heart is a muscle, but unlike other muscles, it doesn’t get stronger the harder it works. Instead, as it works harder to pump blood, it gets weaker, not stronger. As the heart…
Read More6 Surprising Causes of Heart Palpitations
With heart disease the leading cause of death in the US, people are right to be concerned if their heartbeat ever feels “funny.” Heart palpitations, when the heart skips a beat, flutters, or beats too hard or too fast, can occur for many reasons, only some of which require medical attention. Many people feel heart…
Read MoreGetting Your Loved One the Care They Need
Helping a loved one navigate the world of Medicare or Medicaid involves becoming familiar with a variety of acronyms, including ADL and IADL. While these two may sound similar, knowing the difference determine what type of care your loved one can get — and whether it’s covered. ADLs ADL stands for Activities of Daily Living.…
Read MoreThe Best Shoes and Socks for Diabetics
Diabetes affects the body from head to toe, but diabetics need to be aware that those toes, as well as the rest of their feet, are particularly prone to problems. Proper foot care, including washing, drying, and inspecting your feet is crucial. So is what you wear on your feet. Diabetics should follow these 6…
Read More4 Tips for Staying Healthy and Happy as You Age
The American population is aging, and as it does, scientists are looking for ways to keep it healthy. Here are 4 research-based tips for living a healthy old age. Go Mediterranean. If you want to live longer and protect yourself against age-related diseases, you should cut down on processed foods, and increase your intake of…
Read MoreThe Flu Vaccine: Just the FAQs
The weather is getting brisker. The leaves are starting to turn. We know what that means: it’s time to get a flu shot. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of people get the flu each year. Of those millions, hundreds of thousands will require hospitalization, and tens of thousands will…
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