Aging & Independence Archives

Woman using exercise to prevent sarcopenia

Strategies to Prevent Sarcopenia—Better Known as Age-Related Muscle Loss

Apr 14, 2020 · UHN Staff · Aging & Independence

Sarcopenia, the loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, is a major problem as people age. It can lead to disability, osteoporosis, falls, hospital stays, and even death.[1] Wondering how to prevent sarcopenia? Taking a few natural steps now can improve muscle health and help maintain autonomy and well-being into … Read More

Disinfect to Protect Yourself and Your Family From COVID-19

Mar 31, 2020 · Dawn Bialy · Aging & Independence

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas. In most homes, frequently touched surfaces include doorknobs, light switches, remotes, countertops, tables, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. And don’t forget the handles of … Read More

View From Duke Health: Coronavirus Insights

Mar 18, 2020 · Carrie Adkins-Ali · Aging & Independence

DukeMedicine HealthNews: What have we learned about how COVID-19 spreads? Nicholas Turner, MD, MHSc: Novel coronavirus poses a few challenges. Compared to other respiratory viruses (including SARS from 2003), it has a higher transmission rate, can be spread while symptoms are still mild or have yet to develop, and may … Read More

When Will COVID-19 End?

Mar 18, 2020 · Carrie Adkins-Ali · Aging & Independence

On Monday, March 16, President Trump predicted that the COVID-19 outbreak could go on until July or August, prompting a collective gasp among Americans who had been hoping for a quicker resolution. While there are too many variables at play to know for sure when this will end, experts are … Read More

COVID-19 Precautions for Older Adults

Mar 17, 2020 · JoAnn Milivojevic · Aging & Independence

The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, is an evolving public health issue, and public health officials are working diligently to understand and quickly communicate relevant information. Unfortunately, misinformation and disinformation about COVID-19 is running wild. What should you really be doing and not doing? Who do you listen to? How often should … Read More

It's important to keep medications you use on hand.

Coronavirus: Don’t Run Out of Medications

Mar 17, 2020 · Lynne Christensen · Aging & Independence

Take the time now to check the medications you take on a regular basis and make sure you have enough for at least two weeks longer than usual. If you or someone you live with comes down with COVID-19 you may not be able to leave your home for a … Read More

Dry, Chapped Skin from Overwashing Your Hands: How to Treat Dry Hands

Mar 17, 2020 · Jane Murcia and Sara Hogan, MD · Aging & Independence

More people are upping their hand-washing game now that the CDC and health officials have emphasized that regular hand washing is imperative to helping curb the spread of COVID-19. But there's one step we all tend to forget after washing our hands or applying hand sanitizer – that critical layer … Read More

Coronavirus: Take Precautions, But Try Not to Panic

Mar 10, 2020 · Rosanne Leipzig, MD, PhD · Aging & Independence

You are no doubt alarmed by news reports about the spread of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus. Most confirmed cases of coronavirus cause mild symptoms, and it is possible that the death rate for the virus is artificially high because many of these mild cases haven’t been reported. However, early … Read More

Skin Maintenance: Cleanse, Moisturize, Protect

Dec 17, 2019 · Jim Brown, PhD · Aging & Independence

Skin problems and skin care (or the lack of it) begin at day one and continue for a lifetime. At no point in time is a person immune to a skin condition that could be life-changing or even life-threatening. Evidence-based medicine tells us three things about skin and skin care. … Read More

Senior woman prepares to receive flu shot

Who Should Get a Flu Shot?

Dec 12, 2019 · Lynne Christensen · Aging & Independence

Everyone can benefit from getting a flu shot, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend vaccinating everyone six months of age and older. For people age 65 and older, Medicare covers annual flu shots, including the high-dose version. Many health insurance plans also cover flu shots with … Read More

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