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Pain is an unfortunate fact of life for many seniors, and chronic pain can really take its toll on quality-of-life for people dealing with ongoing injuries and illnesses. Seniors who experience chronic pain are often prescribed medications to treat symptoms, but as effective as these medications can be, they also come with some potentially serious side effects. Some pain medications carry a risk of dependence, and the potential for accidental overdose exists with virtually all pain medications. Additionally, prescription pain medications may cause drowsiness and…

Opioid addiction is a huge problem in the United States. This form of addiction does not discriminate based on age, gender, income level or region. In fact, seniors often find themselves the victims of opioid addiction as a result of being prescribed pain medications after an injury or illness. Some seniors are not provided with proper warnings regarding the potential for addiction when being prescribed opioid pain medications. Others may find that forgetting a dose leads to doubling up on pills, a practice that can…

Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration, occurs more commonly in people who are older than 60. And in the United States, over 20 million adults have been diagnosed with it.   If you have a family history of macular degeneration, you might have a higher risk of developing the disease. But there are other common risk factors for developing macular degeneration outside of heredity that include: Age Obesity Smoking  Hypertension Diet high in saturated fat Being Caucasian  Macular degeneration happens when the macula of…

A man’s prostate is the gland that produces seminal fluid which helps to move sperm along the urethra during ejaculation. Prostatic fluid also nourishes sperm to keep them healthy for fertilization of a woman’s egg. The prostate is located in the pelvic region above the rectum, and it surrounds the urethra. With age, many men experience prostate enlargement naturally, but prostate enlargement can occur due to conditions like prostate cancer or benign hyperplasia (BPH). Why prostate enlargement matters When the prostate becomes enlarged, it can…

Most people associate eating a nutritious diet with childhood, but it is just as important for adults and seniors. As people age, it becomes harder to maintain a healthy diet because of life changes such as:  Problems chewing food A reduced sense of taste or smell Economic issues that make purchasing healthy food more difficult Living alone or having mobility issues that prevent proper food preparation or feeding difficulties Certain medications that affect appetite Even if healthy eating is difficult, it’s important to get the…

If you or someone you’re taking care of have mobility or health issues, you might be searching for a safer way to take a bath. Getting in and out of a slippery bathtub can be dangerous, awkward, and even impossible for many seniors. Using a walk-in tub can make bath time easier and safer.  Walk-in tubs are taller than conventional bathtubs because they have a door with a low threshold that you can step in and out of easily. Most walk-in tubs have special features…

Thousands of people undergo root canals every year in the United States. This dental procedure removes the pulp from a tooth that’s been infected by bacteria. Having a root canal rather than an extraction, allows you to preserve the structure of the tooth and avoid needing a dental bridge to fill in the gap left by the missing tooth.   Your dentist may prescribe a root canal if you have any of the following symptoms:  Persistent tooth pain usually stemming from deep in the tooth that…

It’s normal to experience anxiety now and then, fretting over day-to-day concerns like health, finances, work and family. But if you suffer from high-level anxiety that does not go away and worsens over time, you may have an anxiety disorder. This condition can disrupt relationships, work performance and school success. Anxiety disorder is an overarching term that encompasses social and generalized anxiety disorders, phobias and panic disorders. Treatment for anxiety disorders If you are diagnosed with anxiety disorder, your doctor may refer you to psychotherapy,…

The field of adaptive equipment has grown with the help of technological advancements. That’s good news for people needing vehicle modifications to maintain independent transport and living in areas with limited public transportation. A modified vehicle can be a car, truck or van equipped with tailored features that enable people with motor challenges to drive safely and comfortably. Adaptive devices can include everything from seat-back cushions for a clear view to lifts and ramps for ease of entry and exit. There are numerous features like…

Insulin is one of the most important hormones your body produces. When you eat foods containing glucose (sugar), insulin allows cells to convert this glucose into energy. If your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or is unable to process insulin correctly, you may experience high levels of blood glucose. This can lead to organ damage, coma and death. Insulin challenges may lead to diabetes Seniors who experience trouble producing or processing glucose may be diagnosed with diabetes. This disease often requires insulin injections as well…