Diabetes is one of the most concerning health issues impacting Americans today – and it’s becoming increasingly more common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 30 million Americans have some form of diabetes, including around 25 percent of seniors ages 65 and older. When you think of diabetes, you …
Do you need to increase your fiber intake? Most likely, yes. Experts recommend a total dietary fiber intake of 25 to 30 grams from food (not supplements), but unfortunately most American adults only consume about 15 grams of fiber a day on average (source). Most people know that fiber is important for the health of …
When the conversation turns to health, people tend to focus on physical health – exercise, nutrition, substance abuse, etc. – and often overlook the importance of mental health. But especially as we age, mental health is critically important. Seniors are very susceptible to mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment (including memory loss). …
The diet industry is often dangerous in the way it demonizes certain things: fats, carbs, calories, gluten, etc. So long as you’re following your doctor’s nutrition advice, just about everything is okay in moderation. Some nutrition advice is truly misleading. Take fats, for example. Many people think of fat as always being a bad thing …
When people reach their sunset years, they sometimes doubt the value of making healthy lifestyle changes. What good will it do, you might wonder, to start exercising daily? Is it really worth my while to trade my french fries for fresh veggies? Is it too late to quit smoking? But no matter how old you …
Have you been waiting for this bright, summer sun all year long? Now that it’s here and you’re enjoying the longer days and warmer temperatures, don’t forget to protect your body from the harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays. Not only are UV rays the #1 cause of skin cancer, but they can also damage your eyes, …
When you’re young, it’s easy to take your balance for granted. Controlling and maintaining your body’s position comfortably is instinctive, whether you’re walking, standing, climbing stairs, or sitting still. However, there are many common balance problems experienced by seniors. In fact, balance problems are amongst the most common reasons older adults visit the doctor (source). …
If you think stretching is just for yoga-loving gym rats, think again. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are three main benefits of stretching daily: improvements to your range of motion, a boost in your athletic performance, and a decrease in your risk of injury. If regular stretching is not already part of your workout …
The next time you find yourself laughing with friends or cracking up during a funny movie, stop and think about all the benefits your body is enjoying. In some ways, laughter really is the best medicine. The benefits of laughter have been studied, measured, and reported and can result in both physical and mental improvements. …
Tossing and turning in the middle of the night isn’t just unpleasant; it’s also bad for your health. According to researchers at Harvard University, multiple studies have revealed that people who sleep poorly are at greater risk for a number of diseases and health problems. A lack of sleep can also affect your judgment and overall …