Aging & Independence Archives

Varicose Vein Treatment: Which Approach Is Best for You?

Jan 24, 2019 · Jim Brown, PhD · Aging & Independence

If you have varicose veins or spider veins, you are not alone. They affect one in five adults and half of people over the age of 50 in the U.S. Although varicose veins are an indication of weak or damaged veins, they are usually more of a cosmetic problem than … Read More

Muscular Dystrophy: What Causes This Disabling Condition?

Jan 4, 2019 · Leonaura Rhodes, MD · Aging & Independence

We typically think of muscular dystrophy as a singular disease. But, per the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, it's more complex than that: “The muscular dystrophies (MD) are a group of more than 30 genetic diseases characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles that control … Read More

Tackling a Taboo Topic: Dealing with Advance Directives and End-of-Life Issues

Jan 3, 2019 · Rosanne Leipzig, MD, PhD · Aging & Independence

Thanks to medical advances, Americans are living longer than at any other time in history. For many, the same medical technology that increases lifespan also increases quality of life. But for some, longevity comes at the expense of dignity and comfort, and in contravention of what they may actually want. … Read More

How to Keep Hand-Eye Coordination from Declining

Nov 6, 2018 · Jim Brown, PhD · Aging & Independence

In his high school and college days, Rick was an outstanding basketball player—good shooter, prolific scorer. He was even better at ping-pong (table tennis, for purists)—good hands, quick reflexes, great hand-eye coordination. For Rick, playing ping-pong eventually gave way to work, family, church, and other responsibilities and interests. Decades years … Read More

Fall Risk Assessment: How It Can Help You Keep Your Independence

Oct 29, 2018 · Kate Brophy · Aging & Independence

Over the past decade, we've seen a significant increase in the number of older adults dying from falls, per research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Falls are also a leading cause of nonfatal injuries in seniors. People are living longer, but the increased longevity makes us … Read More

Vaccines Aren’t Just for Children: What Seniors Should Know About Immunization

Oct 15, 2018 · Rosanne Leipzig, MD, PhD · Aging & Independence

As we get into the annual flu season (it runs from October to May), we no doubt will see advertisements for flu shots at every pharmacy we visit. But the flu shot is just one of several immunizations available to older adults, and even though we may associate routine vaccination … Read More

Bags Under Eyes? These Are Your Best Bets for “Eye Bag” Treatment

Oct 11, 2018 · Daniel Pendick · Aging & Independence

Do people often ask you if you're tired or recovering from a late night, even when you're well-rested? You may have a case of chronic eye bags—persistent bagginess or drooping under the eyes. And let’s not sugarcoat it: Bags under eyes make you look a bit longer in the tooth. … Read More

Mercury-Free Flu Shot Options

Oct 10, 2018 · Kathleen Jade, ND · Aging & Independence

While you may think that most naturopathic doctors are anti-vaccine, the truth is that many licensed NDs do recommend and/or administer vaccinations such as flu shots. As medical students, we learn all about vaccinations and their many benefits, and administer them in our teaching clinics. I get a flu shot … Read More

5 Steam Room Benefits: From Pain Relief to Circulatory Health

Oct 8, 2018 · Cindy Foley · Aging & Independence

The benefits of steam are remarkably similar to the benefits of a sauna, which isn’t surprising, since a steam room and a sauna room are both hot, wet rooms you sit in for therapeutic benefits. In case you wondered, a steam room is filled with moist heat, while a sauna … Read More

Thinning Hair Can Have Myriad Causes

Oct 1, 2018 · Cindy Foley · Aging & Independence

Forget using the hair you see in your hairbrush or bathroom sink as a gauge of thinning hair. It’s normal to lose 50 to 100 strands of hair a day, says the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA). What makes thinning hair diagnosable is evidence of bald patches and sections … Read More

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