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10 Tips to Help Seniors Sleep Better
By Jenilee Matz, M. P. H. , Staff Writer Do you have trouble falling asleep? Do you wake up in the middle of night and can't fall back to sleep? Do you nap during the day to make..
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5 Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy
By Lila Havens, Staff Writer Alzheimer's is a devastating brain disease, and the exact cause isn't known. But researchers continue to search for answers. They hope to find better..
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A Vitamin for Your Bones
For years, the media have trumpeted the vital role calcium plays in preventing osteoporosis - a bone-thinning disease that afflicts 10 million Americans. Almost 34 million more..
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Aching Knees? Try These Low-Impact Exercises
By Amanda Genge, Staff Writer Do you avoid exercise because your knees ache from arthritis, excess weight or just getting older? You may be able to exercise without pain if you..
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An Example of What a Care Coordinator Does
Marie F. is a 79-year-old Hispanic female with heart failure and Parkinsons Disease. She lives alone and has no family living nearby. Marie understands English but isnt very..
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Bicycling for Beginners: How to Get Started
The wind in your hair. The sun on your back. Remember the joys of bicycling when you were a kid?..
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Blood Analysis
By Geri K. Metzger, Staff Writer OverviewBlood carries out many vital functions as it circulates through the body. It transports oxygen from the lungs to other body tissues and..
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Checklist: Going Home From the Hospital
By Lila Havens, Staff Writer You've been in the hospital, and now it's almost time to go home. Before you are discharged, you will need to do some planning to ease the move from..
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Could You Be at Risk for Kidney Disease?
By Lila Havens, Staff Writer Kidney disease is on the rise in the United States. Between 1994 and 2004, the rate increased from 10 percent to 13 percent of the adult population...
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Defining the Problem: Care Coordination
What is a chronic condition? A chronic condition is a condition that will last more than a year, probably limit your activity, and require ongoing medical treatment. Diabetes and..
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Downsizing Your Home: You Can't Take it With You
You were a young couple with two babies and your whole life ahead of you when you moved in. Now, you're both retired, the kids are gone and upkeep of this huge house is getting..
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For Shingles, Quick Treatment is Best
By Nancy Reid, Staff Writer When you were little, you probably came down with a case of the chickenpox. Mom told you that once you got it, you never had to worry about catching..
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Getting Ready for a Visit to the Doctor
Sometimes it’s easy to forget what you wanted to ask your doctor when you go to see him or her. Here are some tips that can help you or your loved one prepare for the doctor..
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Goals of Care Coordination
Many people have never worked with a care coordinator and you may wonder what a care coordinator does. If you are ill or have a disability, a care coordinator could help make..
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Good Morning Sunshine: Waking up to the Benefits of Vitamin D
By Jane Harrison, R. D. , Staff Nutritionist Any nutrition book will tell you that vitamin D is an important nutrient for healthy bones and teeth. But can it help you live..
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Healthy Eating on a Budget
By Jane Harrison, R. D. , Staff Nutritionist You know you should improve your diet, but "health foods" always seem to cost more...
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How to Cope With Vision Loss
Many devices (low vision aids) can help a partially sighted person make the most of the remaining vision. These devices have special lenses or electronic systems that produce..
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How to Prepare For Swine (H1N1) Flu
By Lila Havens, Staff Writer The news about a growing number of swine (H1N1) flu cases is worrisome. The Boy Scout motto "Be prepared" is a good one to follow in any time of..
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How to Protect Yourself Against Elder Abuse
By Eve Glicksman, Staff Writer Older adults may face a higher risk of getting treated improperly. They may be frail and unable to stand up for themselves. Some don't think as..
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Is the Flu Shot for You?
By Lila Havens, Staff Writer Each year, millions of Americans get the flu (influenza). Most people have muscle aches, chills and a fever for a week or so, but some get much..
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Knee Replacement Surgery: Things to Consider Before Making a Decision
Knee replacement surgery can often mean walking again with little or no pain. But you'll need to spend time and effort to get to that painless zone. If you are thinking about..
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Loss of Appetite in Seniors: Causes and Solutions
By Jane Harrison, R. D. , Staff Nutritionist You have a healthy appetite if you eat enough of a variety of foods to maintain a desirable weight. But if you can't remember the..
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Lowering Your Risk for Stroke
A stroke can happen to anybody, anytime. The good news is that you can help reduce your risk for stroke. First, lifestyle changes such as losing weight and being active can help..
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Meeting the Goals of Care Coordination
How can you tell if care coordination is working? Your care coordinator should be doing the following:..
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My Medication Schedule
It's easy to lose track of when to take your medications. A medication worksheet can help you know which medications you take. It will help you know when to take your..
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Older Adults and Back Pain
You don't have to move heavy furniture to hurt your back. Simply picking up a dropped pencil can do it if you bend down from the waist instead of the knees...
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Osteoarthritis
What is osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis (OA) is an age-related disease involving the breakdown of the joint cartilage - a tissue in the joint that helps it move normally. The loss..
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Osteoporosis
Normal or early menopause (brought about naturally or because of surgery) increases your risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition in which bones are fragile or easily broken...
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Osteoporosis
What are the risk factors?How can it be prevented?How is it diagnosed?How is it treated? Normal or early menopause (brought about naturally or because of surgery) increases your..
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Osteoporosis Challenge
Take the osteoporosis challenge and learn more about this debilitating disease. True or False?Women and men run the same risk of developing osteoporosis. True FalseIn general,..
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Osteoporosis: Not Just a Women's Disease
By Howard Seidman, Staff Writer Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by loss of bone density. It is often miscast as a "women's disease. " But its incidence among aging males..
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Planning Ahead for Emergencies
It's hard enough just remembering to take your medication, but there's something else you should think about. What if you were in an emergency, like a hurricane, and had to leave..
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Pneumococcal Vaccination Can Be Life-Saving for Seniors
By Lila Havens, Staff Writer All adults 65 and older and younger people with certain health risks should get a pneumococcal vaccination. It helps prevent diseases caused by..
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Postherpetic Neuralgia: When You Still Have Pain After Shingles
By Laurie Sammeth, Contributing Writer You had shingles and the rash has finally healed, but the pain is still there. What's going on? You may have a painful complication of..
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Protect your health: Recommended Services and Screenings
Seeing your doctor on a regular basis can help you understand and manage your health better. Learn more about the type of health screenings that are often recommended for both..
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Protect Yourself From Medical Identity Theft
Like most people, you try to guard your social security number, bank account and credit card information. It's also important to protect your "medical identity. " This refers to..
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Protecting the Elderly From Summertime Heat
By Martha Jablow, Contributing Writer The lazy, hazy days of summer aren't always healthy for older people. High heat can cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion and the most serious,..
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Recipe Substitutions Make for Healthier Meals
Using the right ingredients in your meals can help you create the recipe for a healthier life. Recipe substitutions can help subtract calories, sodium and saturated fat from your..
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Recognizing and Reporting Elder Abuse
By Geri K. Metzger, Staff Writer Do you suspect an older adult you know is being abused? Abuse may not be easy to detect. The frail elderly and those with age-related personality..
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Restless Legs, Restless Nights
Maybe you never thought anything of it. Maybe your doctor couldn't find anything wrong - but something's not right. Does this sound familiar?..
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Revving up Desire: Keeping Passion Alive as We Age
You're never too old to be interested in sex. Intimacy, love and sexual passion are part of feeling healthy and alive...
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Risk Factors for Osteoporosis
Of the 10 million Americans estimated to have osteoporosis, 8 million are women and 2 million are men. Even more troubling is that 34 million Americans, or 55 percent of people..
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Self-Care Strategies for Arthritis
What is arthritis pain? The two most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis caused by the breakdown of..
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Senior Fit: How to Feel and Live Younger
Would you believe us if we claimed we could give you the secret to feeling 20 years younger than your chronological age? And that this secret would leave you as strong and..
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Separating Myth from Fact: Women and Stroke
By Geri K. Metzger, Staff Writer A stroke can be devastating, even deadly. And women are at a disadvantage when it comes to stroke. Most strokes occur when blood flow to the..
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Sex Education - At My Age?
By Eve Glicksman, Staff Writer The bees do it. The birds do it. What's to learn? Doing what comes naturally at age 25 doesn't always work at age 70. Men may have trouble keeping..
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Sex in Your 50s and Beyond
For millions of baby boomers now in their 50s and 60s, sexual activity is the norm. They're staying sexually active and enjoying it. Today's older adults are not following the..
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Sexual Dysfunction: a Widespread Problem
Four of 10 women and three of 10 men experience sexual problems, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The most common problems reported by..
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Simple Ways to Ward Off Aging
Just because your body ages, don't think you are destined to a fate of hobbling from doctor to doctor. Genes account for only a third of the problems related to aging. The rest..
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Sleep Log
Create a sleep log Print out and fill in the sleep log each day for one to two weeks. Keep your answers brief, but be as specific as possible. If you have trouble identifying a..
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Staying Active: As Good as Exercise?
You've had your physical exam and you've passed with flying colors. You're eating right, your blood pressure is on target, your weight is just where you want it and your..
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Staying in Shape on the Road
Whether you travel for business or pleasure, you may know what it's like to fight the "travel tummy, " often a result of serious veering from fitness and dietary routines while..
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Swimming
What is swimming and water exercise?AdvantagesTypes of water exerciseSwimming gear What is swimming and water exercise?..
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Tai Chi
What is it?How many calories does it burn?AdvantagesDisadvantagesWho should participate?Learning to do Tai ChiGuidelinesGearGlossary of terms..
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The Eyes: Windows to Disease?
The eyes may be the windows to the soul, but they may also offer a peek at the heart - and the rest of you...
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The Truth About Cats and Dogs: How They Can Improve Your Health
When your spouse is complaining, your kids say they hate you and your boss is giving you dirty looks, you can be sure of one thing. Your dog still loves you...
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Top Ten Super-Nutritious Foods
Want to improve your family's health and fight disease? Add the following "superfoods" to your shopping list, then serve them to your loved ones on a regular basis...
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Treating Age-Related Macular Degeneration
By Howard Seidman, Staff Writer A leading cause of vision loss in Americans over age 55 is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This disease blurs your central or..
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What Can I Do at Home to Feel Better When I Catch a Cold or Flu?
Once you are infected with cold or flu viruses (influenza), all you can do to feel better is treat your symptoms while your body fights the virus. During your recovery, the..
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What Do My Cholesterol Results Mean?
By Geri K. Metzger, Staff Writer A simple blood test can reveal the hidden details of your cholesterol. But knowing what the numbers mean is not so simple...
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What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
Anatomy image insertion begins Anatomy image insertion ends Macular degeneration affects 15 million Americans, making it the leading cause of vision loss. Its most common form is..
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What Is Alternative Medicine?
Since the 1960s more Americans have turned to complementary and alternative medical (CAM) treatments. According to a nationwide government survey released in 2004, 36 percent of..
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What Is Arthritis?
Anatomy image insertion begins Anatomy image insertion ends Arthritis is: A disorder that causes pain, stiffness and swelling in or around joints. A leading cause of disability,..
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What Is Care Coordination?
A person who has a chronic medical condition, or many chronic conditions, often gets home based services and health care services from many different providers. "Care..
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What Is Chronic Pain?
Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience that often starts with an injury or illness. The incoming pain signals trigger specialized nerve cells in your brain to..
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What is Emphysema?
Anatomy image insertion begins Anatomy image insertion ends Do you smoke?Does anyone in your family smoke?Do you have a persistent cough that often produces clear or colored..
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What Is Insomnia?
Insomnia is the inability to get adequate, restful sleep. Its symptoms include one or more of the following:..
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What Is Mesothelioma?
Anatomy image insertion begins Anatomy image insertion ends Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects cells (called mesothelium) that line the pleura (chest cavity) or..
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What Is Myasthenia Gravis?
Being told that you have myasthenia gravis may sound scary. The term means "grave muscle weakness. " However, the good news is that the disease is most often not grave. Today's..
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What Is Parkinson's Disease?
Anatomy image insertion begins Anatomy image insertion ends Parkinson's disease is a slowly progressive deterioration of control over one's voluntary movements. Every movement,..
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What Is Periodontal Disease?
Commonly known as gum disease, periodontal disease is a family of related chronic inflammatory diseases that are caused by bacterial infections. The disease results in red,..
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What to Ask Your Doctor if You Just Had a Stroke
Suffering a stroke is a devastating and frightening medical crisis that affects about 700, 000 Americans each year, according to the American Stroke Association. But having a..
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What to do About Your Cholesterol
By Geri K. Metzger, Staff Writer How high is too high? The short answer is: It depends. When it comes to cholesterol, you want more of one type and less of others. Here's the..
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What to Do When a Friend is Seriously Ill
Your friend has a serious illness. That's a cold fact. So, it seems easy enough. Just pick up the phone and call. . . but what do you say? Well, that's the tough part - figuring..
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What You Eat Can Help in Calming an Irritable Bowel
By Jane Harrison, R. D. , Staff Nutritionist Is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) getting the better of you? Making changes to your diet may be one of the best ways to help control..
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What Your Mouth Says About Your Health
By Diane Griffith, Staff Writer Did you know that your dentist can detect more than 120 diseases during a routine exam? Whether you have undiagnosed diabetes or could be headed..
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When a Grandchild Has Special Needs
When a child has a disability, every member of the family is affected. Discovering that a new baby or a young child has special needs can be as painful and challenging for..
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When Driving Is No Longer Safe
Some people can drive safely for a lifetime. Sometimes, though, medications or health problems make driving dangerous. This doesn't always mean that driving needs to stop; it may..
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Who Gets Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) affects men and women, and its incidence cuts across a wide swath of age, racial and socio-economic groups. First described in the 1930s, CFS..
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Why We Age
Why do people age? Wouldn't it be nice if we could stay young and healthy for as long as we want? Science has come up with many possible reasons for aging. Let's look at some of..
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Women and Menopause: Livening up Libido
As women enter menopause, they may have changes in their libido, or sex drive. Just how menopause and hormones affect the loss of a woman's libido isn't clear...
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Yard Work - Good for the Bones, Too
You've gotten the message that a calcium-rich diet is important for building strong bones, but have you heard that gardening and yard work are also good for bone strength?..
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Yard Work - The Ultimate Fall Workout
Leaves are beginning to fall, yet the grass still needs mowing. It's almost time to give your yard the usual fall cleanup and to plant bulbs for the spring. Looks like your spare..
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