A recent scientific report elevates social isolation and loneliness to the level of health problems, associating them with a significantly increased risk for early death from all causes. Of course, social isolation and loneliness can become more common with age. And the arrival of the novel coronavirus will almost certainly make the problem worse. Public officials … Read More
With social distancing and self-isolation increasingly becoming the norm (and, in many cases, a government mandate) during the coronavirus pandemic, a lot of Americans are actively avoiding the crowds at Costco and the grocery store in favor of shopping online. But the packages you order on the Internet aren’t exactly sterile. They’ve each likely been … Read More
A simple blood test might soon be all that’s needed to confirm Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia. University of California scientists recently analyzed the blood test administered to more than 300 patients. Their conclusion: Such a test may be available in less than half a decade. “This test could eventually be deployed in a primary … Read More
Each March, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics celebrates National Nutrition Month®. As part of their campaign, they invite the public to focus on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. National Nutrition Month 2020 is themed “Eat Right, Bite by Bite” and the overall message is that quality nutrition … Read More
When an intruder broke into the Rochester, N.Y., home of 82-year-old Willie Murphy a few months ago, he was met with a big surprise. Murphy, a diminutive but powerlifting woman, quickly jumped into action, using her strength to pummel the intruder with a broom and send him running for the door. Not surprisingly, the story … Read More
February is Cancer Prevention Month. In the United States, about one in four new cancer cases and nearly half of all cancer deaths are related to preventable causes. These include tobacco use, obesity, exposure to ultraviolet light, and vaccine-preventable infections with cancer-associated pathogens. Adopting healthy lifestyles that eliminate or reduce the risk of recognized causes … Read More
What brings your life purpose? What activities are you involved in that are meaningful to you? Aging is inevitable, and it’s important that we continue to be active and involved to build resiliency. Aging can mean an increase in chronic conditions, disease, loneliness and cognitive impairment. All of these conditions can lead to despair if … Read More
According to the American Red Cross, winter is “one of the most difficult times of year to collect enough blood products to meet patient needs.” That’s because of busy holiday schedules, bad weather which leads to canceled blood drives, and other things. Plus, seasonal illnesses such as the flu can cause regular donors miss a … Read More
A new study shows that drugs that tamp down inflammation in the brain could slow or even reverse the cognitive decline that comes with age. In a publication appearing in the journal Science Translational Medicine, University of California, Berkeley, and Ben-Gurion University scientists report that senile mice given one such drug had fewer signs of brain … Read More
November is National COPD Awareness Month. According to the CDC-Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, refers to a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems. It includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD makes breathing difficult for the 16 million Americans who have this disease. Millions more people suffer from COPD, but have … Read More