Category archive for ‘Health & Wellness’ 
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How the perception of loneliness takes its toll
“All the lonely people, where do they all come from?” Since these lyrics were written by Beatle Paul McCartney, the elderly population has seen huge increases in its population of individuals living alone.
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Pool safety tips for when the grandkids come for a swim
Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death to children ages one to 14. For every child who drowns, four more are hospitalized for nearly drowning. Sixty-one percent of all childhood drowning deaths that occur among the one-to-14 age group occur among children ages four and under. And past studies have found male children have a drowning rate two to four times that of female children.
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Put on a happy face: Fighting clinical depression
In 2006, the recently deceased veteran television reporter and commentator, Mike Wallace, then 88 years of age, spoke publicly on “60 Minutes” about his attempt to commit suicide. He highlighted a mental illness that many of our senior population have difficulty admitting to: clinical depression. Although twice as many women suffer from this depression, men with the affliction end their lives more often.
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Let a smile be your umbrella on a rainy April day and all through the year
Good dental health habits showcase a beautiful mouth of teeth and a resulting “movie-star” smile. Because dental needs change as we age, seniors have to be especially mindful to take care of their oral health. Below are facts pertaining to seniors and the health of their mouth/teeth.
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Staying healthy while cruising the ocean blue
Usually, taking a cruise vacation brings up thoughts of great socialization and total relaxation. For those who have cruised, however, it may also produce memories of gluttonist eating and drinking, limited exercise, and sun-baked bodies, which you witnessed once, or perhaps many times, as you sailed the ocean blue. This latter concept of a cruise doesn’t sound too healthy, does it? However, there are wonderfully healthy ways of enjoying these super times away from home. It just takes a little mental pre-planning and willpower on your part. Let’s do some exploring of our own on the subject.
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March Marks Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
It is critical that we become Sun City-informed citizenry about the cancer that affects the colon and rectum because early detection through regular screenings can beat this cancer. Indeed it is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. (only behind lung cancer). Globally, cancer of the colon and rectum is the third-leading cause of cancer in males and the fourth leading cause of cancer in females.
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Eat, drink, and be Green
Our “Irish” March holiday can mean Sun Citians wearing green socks and hats, quenching their thirst with green beer or with McDonald’s shamrock shakes, or even enjoying the view of a dyed green Chicago River. Since March is National Nutrition Month, how about our seniors enjoying some green on their plates as well?
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Your health just a heartbeat away: Pumping heart health numbers Part II
Cardiovascular diseases remain the biggest cause of deaths worldwide. Heart or cardiac disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women in the United States. It accounts for 40 percent of all U.S. deaths, more than all forms of cancer combined. More than 2500 Americans die from heart diseases each day, equaling one death every 34 seconds. Heart disease cost the United States $316.4 billion annually.
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In-home and out
Keeping seniors living independently at home is the goal of two local organizations. Though both share the above interest, they do so in two very different ways.
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Understanding the Heart’s Tremendous Capabilities
This cardiovascular system organ, grapefruit-sized and cone-shaped, is located more centered in the body than most people realize. It is found under the breast bone and between your lungs and is protected by your ribs.
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Sunny D
As I searched for a source of gaining the benefits of more sunshine for our bodies in the short days of winter, I discovered the new superhero among vitamins, Vitamin D.
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11 Resolutions for a healthier 2012
According to ISI Translation Services, only 17% of seniors above the age of 65 are still making New Year’s Resolutions. But when they do, aside from weight control, improving the mind is a top priority. Here’s my list of researched items found in the top 11 needs for providing you with optimum health or anti-aging resolutions for the year of 2012.
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Centegra Health System offers freedom from smoking
The 2010 McHenry County Healthy Community Study reported that lung cancer is the leading cause of death in McHenry County among men and women ages 45 to 75. Centegra Health System and the McHenry County Department of Health partner to provide “Freedom from Smoking” classes that teach practical ways to end nicotine addiction.
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Giving back has good rewards
Yes, Sun City, there is a Santa Claus! He exists in the “spirit of giving” not only during the holidays but all year round. Monetary donations to charity are always appreciated by the recipients. The GIFT OF YOUR TIME is also highly regarded by those in need of it. Seniors can enrich their lives through VOLUNTEERING and aid their health at the same time. Give yourself that “helper’s high!”
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Despite community support, Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board declines Centegra Hospital-Huntley … by 1 vote
We are disappointed that Centegra Hospital-Huntley fell one vote short of approval at the December 7 Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board meeting.
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‘Tis the season to be healthy
It’s that time of the year when your wallets shrink and your waist measurements increase. As much as we look forward to holiday parties, many of us fear enjoying them too much, leading to the packing on of pounds. Indeed, the average American just consumed approximately 2000 to 4500 calories and up to 229 grams of fat from eating a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Hannukah, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day still await us! Studies show that most of us will gain at least 1 to 2 pounds during the six-week holiday season. This is a weight gain most of us cannot handle with our weight-bearing hinges already under stress.
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Turn the page … and keep motivated through life
Writing is difficult. For some it is an impossibility. For others it can take a lifetime to master. According to Daniel Levitin, in his book, “This is Your Brain on Music,” it takes 10,000 hours, or about 10 years to become an expert at something. Thus, it is no surprise that Sun City resident JoAnn T. Neis of N.11 has written a well-received novel entitled, “The Other Half of a Broken Heart.”
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Balance by Numbers
Maintaining your balance, Part II (continued from November 3 edition).
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Maintaining your balance, Part I
Sun City’s tennis courts in recent months have seen some serious injuries due to off balance movements. A few broken bones have occurred with one female participant landing face forward on the court leaving her with a broken jaw and a broken wrist. As another community tennis player commented “Not being able to keep balance doesn’t allow seniors to have fun at what they like to do. These were experienced players!”
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Whooping cough prevention
Whooping cough can be serious, even fatal, in certain populations. In response to McHenry County’s recent increase in pertussis cases, Centegra Health System reminds adults and children about the necessity of vaccinations to avoid serious illnesses or death.
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Don’t let the flu bug bite
Beware of that handrail, sink faucet, and doorknob. No amount of hand sanitizer will prepare you for contact with the new movie “Contagion.” This fictional story is about an out-of-control virus that causes a pandemic and leads to a rapid breakdown of society. Although this happens rarely, if a virus gets the right mode of spread, it could go anywhere! This is why flu vaccination is so critical to almost all Americans, especially seniors.
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The running man
If you are among the many lucky Sun Citians who have seen Otto Volkmann jogging around the bike paths, be advised that you are not just watching any ordinary fitness buff.
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T2D
T2D A.K.A. Type 2 Diabetes A.K.A. Metabolic Syndrome. No matter how it’s referred to, this disease is a serious concern and health risk for the aging individual, especially those over 60.
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You’re not alone
“You’re not alone” is a familiar phrase, but to the Breast Cancer Support Group in the Del Webb community, it means a whole lot to several people, both women and men.
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Tomato, Tomotto?
“Mary, Mary, how does your garden grow?” This is surely a tough question to answer, especially this summer with its extreme temperatures and rainfall. Perhaps an even tougher question to answer for Sun City’s own “truck farmers” would be, What crop that are you growing will give you and your acquaintances the most nutritional value: cucumbers, peppers, beans, tomatoes? If you guessed tomatoes, you are right on.
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Beauty might not be skin deep, but skin cancer is
With the long, hot days of summer finally upon us at Sun City, a word of caution is needed for those amongst us who spend many hours daily enjoying the “great outdoors.” If you’re like me, you love the warmth of the sun and the tan that makes you “look so good.” What you probably don’t realize, however, is the fact that the sun’s ultraviolet radiation (UV rays) is even more damaging to aged skin. Phototoxicity, Photoallergy, and Skin-Induced Eczema are just three conditions that can produce this skin damage.
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Huntley High School plans medical academy
Huntley High School will take the first step to a planned medical academy this fall, when it introduces the “Medical Skills and Services” course to students.
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Familiarity with senior services groups save time, stress
Most people know that calling 9-1-1 is one of the very first things that should be done during an emergency. The steps to take afterward, however, can be a bit more complicated.
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Take the A out of Aches and pAins and put it back in Activity
Warmer weather has Sun City residents heading outside to enjoy their favorite summer activities. Gardeners are planting vegetables and pruning colorful flowerbeds while golfers are hitting the links to enjoy a leisurely round. Seniors suffering from arthritis oftentimes had to give up these activities, believing it would only make matters worse.
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Wellness place 2nd annual community cancer event a huge success
Nearly 700 cancer survivors and supporters joined forces to champion the 2nd Annual Wellness Place Community Cancer 3K Walk/5K Run on May 14 at Harper College. Even unseasonably cold, windy and rainy weather could not dampen the spirits of those who walked and ran to build awareness, celebrate survivors and raise funds for Wellness Place, cancer education and support, in Palatine, IL.
