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Cataracts are a common vision problem faced by seniors, but left untreated, cataracts have the potential to lead to total blindness. Many seniors don’t notice cataract symptoms at first. This is because they typically come on gradually and only really begin to affect vision once a cataract has progressed to a more serious state. What is a cataract? The formation of a cataract is due to the breakdown of certain proteins and other microscopic tissue in the lens of the eye. As this process continues,…

Erectile dysfunction is a condition that affects men of all ages, and it can have a variety of causes. As men age, however, the odds of suffering from some form of erectile dysfunction go up, and until relatively recently, there weren’t many options for treating this condition. This all changed in 1996 when pharmaceutical company Pfizer created Viagra (sildenafil citrate). The drug was cleared by the Food and Drug Administration in 1998, and since then, it has been widely prescribed to assist men who experience…

For millions of people in the United States, obesity is a serious health problem. For many, dieting and exercise don’t result in the weight loss they need to live a healthier life.  If you are obese and diet and exercise aren’t helping you lose weight, and you’ve exhausted other weight loss methods, your health care provider may suggest that you have some type of bariatric surgery. Weight loss surgery, such as a gastric bypass, can change your digestive system and boost your ability to lose…

Getting an annual physical is a great idea for everyone, but even more so for seniors. Yearly visits to your physician can help identify and treat health issues and keep track of your overall well-being.  During an annual exam, your primary care provider can assess your overall health through blood tests and screenings like those for blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, and osteoporosis. Your physician can also make sure your vaccines are up to date, screen for different types of cancer, make any necessary changes…

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…