Healthy Dining-Out Choices

Dining out, especially for the winter holidays, has become a growing part of Western culture. From troublesome ingredients to portion size, downsides do exist in regularly dining at restaurants. Mayo Clinic’s October, 2018 Health Letter advises us that “Making a few sensible adjustments in how you eat out can help you maintain a healthy diet even outside of your home.”

Flu season is upon us. Time to schedule your vaccination

With 2017-2018’s past flu season having been proclaimed “This Flu Season Is the Worst in Nearly a Decade” by the New York Times, many Americans have begun bunkering down to get their annual influenza shots early this 2018-2019 winter. Television’s Channel 41 issued a rather sobering statement about the past years’ dire flu statistics in America: “Every 12 minutes someone over 65 plus has the possibility of dying of complications of the flu.”

When to take away the keys, part 3

In addition to being a convenience and time-saver, driving can also make social or critically needed medical appointments happen. It is definitely a show of independence as one ages. A feeling of loss of self-worth can often occur when “hanging up the keys.”

Jonathan Adkins, executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association, explains: “Being 75 isn’t what it used to be because people are more active and live longer than previous generations.” He continues, “We want to get away from the idea of taking away mom and dad’s keys and focus on other alternatives to keep them mobile … if they could be driving safely.”

When to take away the car keys, part 2

By 2030, more than 60 million seniors are predicted to be driving on our country’s roads. Already having looked forward to the future of Illinois traffic, a 1990 law was passed by our state legislature on the subject of tighter state driver restrictions for those above the age of 75. In attempting to lower the amount of accidents involving the elderly, Illinois still ranks as one of the U.S. toughest states. Let’s look at its testing rules.

Nevertheless, there are approximately 200,000 American citizens who are under the age of 65 with what is commonly known as Early-Onset Alzheimer’s. It is a progressively worsening disease with mild memory loss found in its early stages. Alzheimer’s changes typically begin in the part of the brain affecting learning.

Thailand cave rescue illuminates world’s humanity

These past few weeks have demonstrated that the world’s humanity can come together, in a show of unselfishness and cooperation, to overcome the enormous odds against rescuing a Thailand youth soccer team, the Wild Boars. Yes, “the human condition of goodness” can indeed thrive amidst an almost impossible life-threatening situation of twelve young boys and their coach entrapped in a huge unchartered and water-filled Thailand cave known as Tham Luang.

How much sunscreen is enough?

For past decades, dermatologists have cautioned individuals to avoid exposure of their skin to the sun. Nevertheless, many of us who swarmed to “the art of sunbathing” in our youths with the desire to look healthier, now find it difficult to break old habits. I, myself, know that outdoor swimming daily can be a most pleasurable experience, in spite of my three scary experiences with skin cancer. For the huge population of Sun City/Huntley, “outdoor water babies,” softball team members, golfers, tennis players, pickleball enthusiasts, hikers, and joggers, I write this article educating all of us as to the researched correct amount and correct strength of sunscreen to one’s body.

10 super foods for better health

Having recently volunteered at “Feed the Hungry Children of the World” in Schaumburg, I realized the value of nutrition to save human beings wracked with starvation. That day I was surrounded by volunteers (of all ages) as we packed the “manna,” or staple food items, consisting of dried (often in powder form) vitamins, vegetables, soy (bean), and rice in an effort to save the one in eight world humans living in poverty countries that only eat every other day.

How to be the healthy you you can be

As seniors, Sun City residents are privy to what seems like a constant barrage of health news. But making simple and easy-to-follow daily choices, which affect our mental and physical wellbeing, doesn’t have to be that complicated.

Choosing the best inpatient rehab facility

When a loved one is in the process of recovering from a serious surgery or another debilitating illness, such as a stroke, important decisions must be made almost immediately.

Striving for a healthy liver, part 2: Diagnosis of Disease, Treating Liver Problems, Transplants and Research

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing in large numbers throughout the world, especially in Western higher developed countries. Affecting an estimated 30 to 40 percent of the U.S. population, it is the most common form of chronic liver disease in our country.

The Liver: What it is, what it does, and how to keep it healthy

Most people are unaware of the range of critical functions performed by the all-important body’s organ, the liver. Unfortunately, liver disease today is increasing due to alcohol use, obesity, viruses, and a range of other factors. In fact, approximately 5.5 million Americans now have chronic liver disease known as severe liver scarring or cirrhosis (alcoholic and non-alcoholic/fatty livers).

In search of a permanent influenza vaccine

Trying to fight the flu is difficult for a number of reasons. Human beings are infected by Influenza A or B viruses. But mutations can create different strains among the main types of A viruses that infect man: H1N1 and H3N2. Because of the time it takes to make the vaccine, the virus’ mutation can result in a mismatch between the circulating virus and the vaccine.

Good posture for better health

As I was growing up, I remember my father repeatedly tweaking the area between my shoulder blades with his fingers as he yelled, “Stand up straight.” At the time, it seemed like a mild annoyance, but I guess “Father knew best.” It isn’t just how you look, however, but how you position your body as you move throughout your life that counts!

Time does matter, part 2: How to count time, not calories

Wall Street Journal (WSJ) in their January 2, 2018 publication informs us to stop counting calories because it is the clock that counts. Written by WSJ’s Life & Arts Department author, Sumathi Reddy, the article discusses Time-Restricted Feeding (TRF). This strategy is increasingly being studied in a multitude of trials. Researchers are hoping that it will be used as a tool for diabetes prevention, weight-loss, and even longevity.

Time does matter

The Wall Street Journal’s 2018 book review of WHEN: THE SCIENTIFIC SECRETS OF PERFECT TIMING, authored by Daniel H. Pink, reveals fascinating statistics ranging from medicine to economics. Reviewed by Emily Bobrow, the book gives us all sorts of data on science.

Encouraging Our Better Selves Into Action

Wall Street Journal’s January 6-7, 2018 publication of “We Can Encourage Our Better Angels” is full of moral reminders that can aid in our very own promotion of helping others and doing the right thing morally to make this a better world.

Best kept promises: New Year’s resolutions

Without trying to be too redundant, I would like to follow-up on Christine Such’s January 11 column on New Year’s Resolutions.

Predictions for health breakthroughs for 2018

Cleveland Clinic’s Medical Innovation Summit held from October 23 to 25 in 2017 revealed the following predicted therapeutic and technological advancements for our new year of 2018.

The Wall Street Journal’s December 26, 2017 publication also agrees with the first four topics listed below.

A U.S. Opioid Health Epidemic, Part 2

According to our nation’s leaders, opioid abuse has now reached an epidemic level in our country, especially among younger Americans. However, most of us are unaware of the opioid abuse and dependence (often unintentionally) being discovered among older U.S. adults, as well.

A U.S. Opioid Health Epidemic, Part 1: How It All Began

I apologize for this two part series on drug addiction because of its sobering theme at our holiday season. I do, however, know that it is a subject, increasing in public awareness, that needs to be discussed at any time of the year.

Optimism may be the best flu vaccine

With the holidays now upon us, the influenza season will be in full throttle with social get-togethers everywhere helping to spread the germs. One predictor of how bad the season (October through May) will be is the continent of Australia which just suffered through an ugly influenza outbreak. Differing from the U.S., however, is the fact that Aussies only encourage high risk-groups to get their flu shots. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over 6 months be vaccinated.

Sleep deprivation: How aging affects quality of sleep and increases health issues

On this third story on sleep deprivation, I would like to issue the question: “Are you aware that besides diet and exercise, sleep habits also contribute to your health, even more as you grow older?” According to WebMD’s September 2017 Issue, one recent research program studied the sleep habits of 1,344 middle-aged and older adults who already had the following health issues: obesity, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure.

Sleep apnea, part 2

While obstructive sleep apnea can affect all ages, central sleep apnea affects only older folks.

My daughter, 43 years old, and my daughter-in-law, 52 years old, were recently diagnosed with the sleeping problem. My son, 46 years old, is about to be tested for the illness. So why is it so important to be checked for the disorder? Well, Mayo Clinic provides us with this list of complications that can arise from untreated sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea Part 1: explanation and symptoms

Twenty-two million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, but 80% of moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea cases appear to go undiagnosed. Those of us who sleep solo nightly/daily may not be aware of our snoring or breathing habits. And with the epidemic of overweight U. S. citizens increasing in number, so too are the case statistics for this health disorder.

Reduce that sodium intake!

Besides the major problems of senior kidney and cognitive functioning, Kay Alberg, a Mayo Clinic Health System registered dietitian in the Community Shopper, explains that “Sodium intake is associated with increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.”

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