Atlantic Coast Health Tips!
Midlife Hypertension Adds to Dementia Risk
Research studies have provided clear evidence that high blood pressure (hypertension) significantly increases an individual’s risk of developing dementia. And since nearly one-third of adults in the United States has high blood pressure, and 5 million Americans currently suffer from dementia, these studies have highlighted the importance of gaining a greater understanding of the relationship…
Read More5 Ways the Effects of Medicines Change as You Age
If you’ve been taking medication for a chronic condition, you might find that once you pass age 65, it doesn’t work the same way it did when you first started it. You might also find that you suddenly develop side effects from a medication that never gave you problems before. Why would this happen? The…
Read MoreUlcerative Colitis in the Elderly
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the large intestine, also known as the colon. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease comprise Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). While most people with ulcerative colitis first have symptoms in their 20s, the second most common time to be diagnosed is between the ages of 50 and…
Read MoreThe Dangers of Polypharmacy
Polypharmacy is the use of five or more medications, and is associated with a number of health risks, including adverse drug reactions, falls, and poor compliance with medical advice. Polypharmacy is a special risk in the older population, since seniors account for a disproportionate use 3of prescription and over-the-counter medication. As people live longer, they…
Read More6 Reasons for Swollen Legs
The medical term for swelling caused by fluid retention is edema. Other symptoms of edema include: Discomfort in the swollen area Reduced mobility of the swollen area Shiny, stretched skin over the swollen area Skin that does not quickly return to normal after it has been pressed (see picture) If your feet or legs are…
Read MoreIf you have a chronic health condition, you need these vaccines.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all seniors receive the following four vaccines: The seasonal flu vaccine (all ages, every year) The pneumococcal vaccine (adults 65 and older, every year) The shingles vaccine (adults 60 and older, every five years) A Td booster shot (all ages, every ten years) These vaccines…
Read MoreCaregiving through the Stages of Alzheimer’s
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can be devastating, both for the patient and for their caregiver. Both will need time to adjust to the reality of the diagnosis. It is important for everyone to know that the illness will not diminish the importance of the person with Alzheimer’s in lives of their loved ones. In order…
Read MoreThese 7 Conditions Can Make Your Fingers or Toes Turn Blue
Do your hands or feet sometimes look like they’re turning blue? You may have Peripheral Cyanosis, which is caused by inadequate circulation of oxygenated blood. Peripheral Cyanosis may be caused by such easily remedied issues as tight jewelry or cold temperature, but it might also be a sign of one of the following 7 medical…
Read More5 Controllable Risk Factors for Dementia
A large-scale study found 5 risk factors that can cut dementia risk by as much as one-third.
Read MorePrediabetic? Go to Sleep Earlier!
One in three people in the United States are living with a condition known as prediabetes, a level of insulin resistance often leads to full-blown diabetes. Diabetes wreaks havoc on almost every part of the body, and the complications associated with it include some of the most serious and illnesses, including heart disease and stroke.…
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