Elderly Care
Older and wiser, yes, but aging also means experiencing more changes to your body. Stay as healthy as can be by learning about everything from new aches and strains to the common flu to chronic conditions.
Editor's picks
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that leads to a slow progressive vision loss. It affects the central part of your vision field. AMD causes the retina to deteriorate and leads to blindness.
Older adults need to pay more attention to whether they’re getting enough essential vitamins and minerals. If not, they may need to change their diet or take a supplement to help reduce their health risks.
Dementia is most commonly caused by Alzheimer’s disease. If a parent has Alzheimer’s, you have a higher than average risk. But it doesn’t mean you’ll get it.
Older adults are at risk of falling at home and being injured. Easy changes to the bathroom, kitchen, living areas, can keep them safe.
Learn what companion care is and how it can improve the quality of life for seniors. Where to find a companion, what they do, questions to ask.
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a serious condition in which your heart no longer pumps enough blood for your body’s needs. CHF makes it hard to breathe, and interferes with kidney function. Changing your lifestyle and taking medications can help slow the disease.
Dehydration occurs when there is more water loss than water gain. Elder adults are more likely to become dehydrated because of decreased thirst and lower fluid content in the body. It can easily be treated with water or sports drinks.
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis affect joints differently, cause different symptoms, and are treated differently. It's important to get the correct diagnosis to improve joint function and reduce pain.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. It is caused by a buildup of proteins in the brain. This leads to problems with memory, comprehension, and attention. There is no cure, but treatment options can help slow its progression.
Hip problems
Pain Down Your Leg? It's Likely Coming From Your Back
Back pain that shoots down through the butt and to your leg is also called sciatica. It can be caused by damage to the disks, a narrowing of the spine, or other issues. Learn how to identify the causes and how to treat it.
Read article
11 Causes of Hand Swelling
Swollen hands can be caused by arthritis, fluid retention or being overheated. It can be painful or make it difficult to hold objects and dot daily activities. Sometimes, it is a sign of underlying health issues.
Read article
7 Reasons Why Both Shoulders Hurt
Poor posture, overuse, and injury can cause pain in both shoulders. You may notice it in your neck, too. Shoulder joints are very versatile, flexible, and mobile. This makes it easy for them to get strained. Pain can even be from another part of your body.
Read article
Asthma vs COPD: Similarities and Differences
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can both make it hard to breathe. They both block the flow of air, but not for the same reason. Understanding the differences between these two lung diseases can improve your treatment and outcome.
Read article
It’s common to have constipation after surgery. Especially after having anesthesia and taking pain meds. To prevent and treat it, be active, drink lots of water, and follow these other tips.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria invade the bladder or kidneys. They can easily be treated with antibiotics. Common symptoms include: burning and frequent urination and the urgent need to urinate.
If you have diabetes, you’re at increased risk for foot complications. Learn the symptoms and causes of foot problems, how to protect your feet, and when to see a doctor.
While occasional floaters or flashing lights are not uncommon, you should see an ophthalmologist who can examine you for underlying eye conditions. This is especially important for people with diabetes.
Fecal impaction is when stool gets stuck in the large intestine. It needs to be treated immediately. It’s often seen in people with prolonged and untreated constipation. It is more common in children, the elderly, people who don’t move very much, and people in long-term care facilities.
A cough and chest pain may be caused by pleurisy—when the tissue lining your lungs and chest is irritated. But pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, and other more serious conditions may cause chest pain and cough.