Articles

LASIK stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileuses. It’s a fancy name for laser refractive surgery, a procedure used to improve eyesight and replace the need for wearing corrective lenses.  A special laser changes the shape of the eye’s cornea to improve vision during the LASIK surgical procedure. Eyes that have normal vision have corneas that refract light properly to the back of the eye. People who are nearsighted, farsighted, or who have astigmatism have corneas that bend light incorrectly, making vision blurry.  For those with…

Restful sleep is one of the most important aspects of maintaining overall health. Unfortunately, some people experience difficulty breathing during sleep, and this condition, known as sleep apnea, can lead to more serious health concerns. In fact, sleep apnea may even lead to cardiovascular disease and the potential for fatal outcomes. The symptoms of sleep apnea Sleep apnea is a medical condition that causes your body to temporarily stop breathing during sleep. While the major symptom of sleep apnea is a low blood oxygen level,…

The cost of Medicare often becomes a hot topic when you’re already enrolled, but learning about Medicare costs and benefits before you enroll can be helpful, as well. Original Medicare is designed as affordable health insurance for seniors 65 and older, and individuals under 65 due to certain disabilities. It can cover things like doctor visits, hospital care, preventive care, and more.  Understanding the potential costs related to Medicare can help you explore your options and compare plans when you’re ready to enroll. You deserve…

If your knee pain seems to be getting worse lately and you’ve exhausted other options, you might have knee replacement surgery at the back of your mind. It’s probably not something to look forward to, but if having it makes your quality of life better, perhaps it’s a good option.  Your doctor may suggest that you try losing weight, getting more exercise, and taking medication for pain relief. But if you can’t sleep at night due to pain, can’t walk up the stairs, stand up…

As seniors age it’s common for many to experience a reduction in mobility, often caused by conditions like osteoarthritis, decreased muscle mass, osteoporosis, reduced vision, and balance issues. Statistics show that seniors who lose mobility typically don’t continue living at home, but they move into assisted living or nursing facilities. They also have an increased risk for illness, disability, hospitalization, and a lower quality of life in general. Thankfully, innovations in mobility devices, such as scooters, have made aging in place an option for many seniors facing…

Your eyesight is one of your most important senses, but it is also one of the commonly affected senses as you age. Many seniors find that their eyesight isn’t what it used to be, but for many seniors, corrective lenses or contacts can usually remedy the problem and restore 20/20 vision. There are, however, some eye conditions that require more intensive treatment. Glaucoma is a common concern among seniors as are cataracts. In the latter condition, eyesight diminishes over time, and it may not become…

Today in the United States, type two diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In fact, around 25 percent of people who are older than 65 are impacted by it, and even more have pre-diabetes.  Having type two diabetes means that your body isn’t using the insulin it produces correctly, and that results in blood sugar rising above normal levels. Some people who have been diagnosed are able to control their blood sugar by eating right and getting exercise. Studies show that people with…

If you’re dealing with a diagnosis of cancer, you shouldn’t have to worry about how you are going to pay for your treatment. This is a time when all your focus should be on getting stronger and into recovery.  Today, cancer treatments have made great advances, but some are still very costly. That’s why it’s important to know how your Medicare benefits will help you. Medicare may help cover medically necessary treatments, supplies, services, and prescription drugs to help you get through this difficult time. …

Today in the United States, more seniors are staying at home and taking advantage of home health care services. Staying in the home with outside care coming in, helps them feel more comfortable, independent, and emotionally well.  Studies show that when surgery patients receive home health care instead of a hospital or skilled nursing care, they recover faster. This is probably because they are in a familiar environment and surrounded by family members and friends. These studies also show that recovery at home helps prevent…

If you are experiencing foot, ankle, or back pain, your health care provider may suggest wearing an orthotic to treat or correct a physical problem that is causing your discomfort. Physicians often prescribe orthotics to treat many medical conditions such as the following: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis that cause foot discomfort or abnormal bone positioning Back pain that is caused by abnormal foot positioning Bunions that are causing foot deformities Bursitis which is inflammation of the heel or toe Diabetic neuropathy Flat feet Hammer toes  Heel spurs High arches …