If you’re in the market for a medical alert system (expect to pay around $30 a month for the basic service), experts for Consumer Reports said the best ones meet all or most of the following criteria: It works for a user’s specific disability. For example, a stroke survivor may need a device he or […] Read more »
The healing properties of honey
The use of honey for wound healing has a history that dates back 4000 years, long before bacteria was discovered. The recorded use of honey has been noted in both the ancient Egyptian and Greek cultures. Modern researchers began investigating the medicinal use of honey in the early 20th century, but the introduction of antibiotics […] Read more »
Managing the descent into dementia
A new book on Managing the descent into dementia ‘A Caregiver’s Guide to Dementia’ by Gitlin and Piersol This book offers advice on managing a loved one whose brain has stopped keeping up with the demands of a daily life. Sometimes, when you feel that life and its complications are completely out of control, you […] Read more »
Which immunizations do adults really need?
Vaccines are recommended throughout your life to help prevent certain illnesses. However, adult adherence to many routine vaccine recommendations remains low. Tdap/Td One of the most important vaccines Tdap/Td, which protects against three bacterial illnesses: tetnus, diphtheria and pertussis. Tetanus affects your nervous system and leads to painful muscle stiffening, especially of the head […] Read more »
Facts About Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks normal, healthy tissue. There are several types of lupus, but the most common and referred to is systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE. 1.5 to 2 million Americans have some form of lupus, with 16,000 new cases reported annually. The prevalence […] Read more »
The coming storm in caregiving
In 1930, the average life expectancy in the US was 59 1/2. Today, it’s about 81 for women and about 76 for men. The fastest-growing part of the population today is the oldest old, those over 100. They say that the person who will live up to 120 has already been born. That is at […] Read more »
Personal data theft is growing. Are you at risk?
Financial identity theft may dominate the headlines, yet there is a bigger threat that goes beyond what’s in your wallet or bank account. It’s medical identity theft, up 20 percent since last year. Crooks use your insurance or personal information to get treatment or medication, or to submit false billings in your name. And unlike […] Read more »
Frailty In Elders
Frailty is often thought of as a normal part of aging, but in reality it isn’t. It is a condition marked by loss of function, strength, and physiologic reserve. The five physical signs and symptoms of frailty include weakness marked by grip strength, weight loss of 5% or more body weight in the last year, […] Read more »
Questions To Ask When Hiring Paid Caregivers
If facing this decision, the following questions will help in making a safe and educated decision: 1. If the hired caregiver becomes ill or otherwise unavailable, what alternate arrangements can be made? 2. Are social security, federal and state taxes, and unemployment insurance paid so the family is not legally responsible? 3. Is there verification […] Read more »
5 Questions to ask when shopping for a Health Plan
Good health may be the most important thing anyone can possess, and good health insurance can play an important role in helping you achieve it. When selecting a health plan, there’s a lot to consider. Cost is certainly one factor, but it shouldn’t be the only one. It’s to your advantage to find coverage that […] Read more »