What does it take to find long-term happiness? This is a question many people may ask themselves. Is happiness the new car, finally owning our own home, having the perfect job, or having a million dollars in the bank? Harvard has one of the longest studies, the Harvard Study of Adult Development[1]. The study started […]
According to research at UCLA, changes in a section of the brain that is critical for memory are associated with sitting too much.[1] The study involved people ages 45 to 75. An MRI of each person provided a look at the region of the brain involved with the formation of new memories. The study did […]
Various studies suggest a large portion of seniors with dementia have unrecognized, severe pain. A recent study out of the University of Rochester suggests that nearly a third of severe pain cases go unrecognized when seniors have dementia.1-3 Pain in dementia can lead to other problems such as agitation, aggression, hallucinations, delusions, depression, impaired physical […]
As people get older, it is possible to notice more pain or stiffness in the hands and wrist. This does not necessarily mean to stop doing things needing or enjoyable to do. Now, there are more options available to help ease joint pain, strengthen hands, and continue doing things that before were taken for granted. […]
Dr. Cheryl Bushnell, a neurologist and director of the Comprehensive Stroke Center at Wake Forest Baptist Health, states preventions are “not just for preventing stroke, but for preventing dementia as well. You can do the same things to prevent both.” These are five ways to start on prevention: If you smoke, quit. Smoking is one […]
We have long known that patients who receive home health after hospital discharge get better outcomes and spend $15,000 less in healthcare over the following year.1 That’s compared to people who were offered home health but turned it down. Now we know, that even after a short hospital stay – with patients who are presumably […]
A stroke can be a scary thing to experience. Knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke may assist in being able to take quick action and perhaps save a life. The signs of a stroke are: Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, usually on one side of the body. Sudden […]
Loss of muscle mass is part of aging, but we can slow and even reverse it. Age-related muscle loss, also called sarcopenia, is a natural part of the aging process. Less muscle means there is more weakness and less mobility. Both of these factors can increase the risk of falls and fractures. Losing muscle mass […]
Loss of muscle mass is part of aging, but we can slow and even reverse it. Age-related muscle loss, also called sarcopenia, is a natural part of the aging process. Less muscle means there is more weakness and less mobility. Both of these factors can increase the risk of falls and fractures. Losing muscle mass […]
Laughter has physiological effects on the body; it changes brain function and body chemistry.[1] Some examples of the changes are: Increases heart and respiratory rates as well as oxygen consumption. Increases stroke volume of the heart and dilates blood vessels. Lowers levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. Laughter also has the following effects on specific […]
