Photo courtesy of NewsUSA (NewsUSA) — Each year, an average of 200,000 Americans are hospitalized because of flu complications, but people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes are three times more likely to face complications that may be fatal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The best step is prevention, and anyone with diabetes should seriously consider getting a flu shot in the fall. But for those who do get sick, it's important that people with diabetes be prepared. The following sick-day plan is … [Read more...] about How to prepare for a cough, cold or flu if you have diabetes
Senior
Clay and Jessica Walker share how they care for caregivers
Photo courtesy of NewsUSA Clay and Jessica Walker celebrate National Family Caregivers Month. (NewsUSA) — More than 65 million people in the United States act as a caregiver for a loved one. One of those caregivers is Jessica Walker — wife of multiplatinum country music recording artist Clay Walker. Clay was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis or RRMS — a lifelong and unpredictable disease — at a pivotal time in his life. He was 26 and had just finished his fourth album, and his oldest daughter had just been … [Read more...] about Clay and Jessica Walker share how they care for caregivers
Tips for independent living after 70
Photo courtesy of NewsUSA Programs and improved technology make it possible for seniors to maintain long lives within their homes. (NewsUSA) — You love your home and don't want to leave it, but your children are concerned and keep mentioning assisted living. So, how can you maintain your independence while assuring your kids that you're fine on your own? Many people are capable of living on their own in their seventies and beyond — with a few small adjustments to their lifestyles and living areas. Here are some … [Read more...] about Tips for independent living after 70
Grandparents, grandkids benefit from better hearing
Photo courtesy of NewsUSA Don't let hearing loss affect time with the grandkids. (NewsUSA) — Grandparents and grandchildren have much to learn from one another, and such valuable relationships should be cultivated. Oxford University research has shown that 'involved' grandparents contribute significantly to better-adjusted grandchildren. The research suggests that children find unique acceptance in their relationships with grandparents, which benefits them emotionally and mentally. The grandparental bond is built on … [Read more...] about Grandparents, grandkids benefit from better hearing
A dip in the pool is a blood pressure lowering bonanza
Photo courtesy of NewsUSA Swimming offers a total cardiovascular workout, lowering blood pressure and choles-terol. (NewsUSA) — A refreshing swim can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. These are vascular health bonuses for people who are at risk for stroke, the leading cause of disability and the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. In 2010, 137,000 Americans died of stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). “Swimming is a vascular health bonanza,” said Dr. David H. Stone, … [Read more...] about A dip in the pool is a blood pressure lowering bonanza
Don’t be embarrassed to discuss it
Photo courtesy of NewsUSA Do you know the side effects of your prescription medications? (NewsUSA) — Do you or someone you know take a medication to alleviate a condition like chronic pain, or perhaps to treat high cholesterol or high blood pressure? Well, while treating your issue, the medication may also cause a side effect that many of us don’t want to talk about... constipation. That’s right, while your medication can effectively manage your condition, it might also occasionally cause your bowels to “clog up.” … [Read more...] about Don’t be embarrassed to discuss it
Beyond ‘The Number’: simple ways to save for retirement
Photo courtesy of NewsUSA Get expert advice to help reach your retirement goal. (NewsUSA) — Remember when it was sort of fun to talk about The Number? The Number refers to the amount of money you’d need to retire comfortably, and it was borrowed from the title of a 2006 book by former Esquire editor Lee Eisenberg. Everywhere you went in those comparatively giddy precrash days, it seemed, people were tossing around figures — $1 million, $5 million — and often acting like it’d be a cinch to get there if they just gave up one … [Read more...] about Beyond ‘The Number’: simple ways to save for retirement
Medicine causing constipation? Find the right answer for you
(NewsUSA) — We sometimes associate constipation with irritable bowel syndrome or poor diet, but did you know you can become constipated another way? A frequently overlooked cause of constipation is medication. Medications like opioids and certain cholesterol-lowering agents, anti-hypertensives, anti-Parkinson’s agents, anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications, duodenal ulcer medication and over-the-counter products such as iron supplements may all cause constipation. When you experience constipation there are several … [Read more...] about Medicine causing constipation? Find the right answer for you
Medicare is stronger than ever
Photo courtesy of NewsUSA Medicare open enrollment is Oct. 15 -Dec. 7. (NewsUSA) - Medicare is stronger than ever, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, with more benefits, better choices and lower costs to beneficiaries. Expanded Medicare benefits under the health care law — the Affordable Care Act — continue to be available. Whether you choose Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan — take advantage of Open Enrollment (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7) to review cost, coverage or both for 2013. • More … [Read more...] about Medicare is stronger than ever
Preventing senior falls starts in the bathroom
Photo courtesy of NewsUSA Statistics say 80 percent of senior falls occur in the bathroom. (NewsUSA) — More than one in three seniors over age 65 fall each year, and the National Institute on Aging says 80 percent of these falls are in the bathroom. Due to the multitude of unforgiving and slippery surfaces, bathrooms are very hazardous for the home. Knowing how to get in and out of tubs and showers properly and equipping homes with necessary safety precautions can reduce senior falls, keep them out of the emergency room and … [Read more...] about Preventing senior falls starts in the bathroom