According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 35 million Americans are 65 years and older, with almost half older than 75. An aging population comes with benefits and challenges. Many older Americans are in good health, are still participating in their communities, and are choosing to “age in place,” which for many translates to living at home and being cared for by their adult children. With the rise of this home caregiving and other assisted-living options for seniors, a new wealth of living options has allowed seniors to choose between living independently with family, a professional caregiver or both.
Stay Healthy
Improve your tennis game with these 5 yoga poses
According to the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, Hilton Head boasts eight of the world’s top 100 tennis resorts and camps. And whether you’re a singles player or doubles champ, or whether you play for fun or are working up the USTA ranks, you know tennis serves up a workout that requires mobility, mental focus, flexibility and strength — all of which can be improved by these five yoga poses and techniques.
Longtime island resident’s battle with AML inspires new fight
Russ Brown, a resident of Hilton Head Island since 1974 and president and CEO of RBC Enterprises, lost his 27-month fight with acute myeloid leukemia on August 12, 2014.
Shortly after his diagnosis, Brown became determined to start a foundation to help beat this disease that greatly impacts so many lives. Unfortunately, Brown wasn’t able to see his final wish come to life — but others have stepped in to help.
4 Habits That Destroy Your Smile
1. NOT FLOSSING
Brushing your teeth twice a day is important, but many patients don’t realize that flossing at least once a day is just as critical to achieving — and maintaining — a healthy smile. Flossing removes the cavity-causing bacteria left behind from food particles that get stuck between teeth.
Specific cancer symptoms
The following are specific symptoms typically associated with certain cancer types:
DIGESTIVE / GASTROINTESTINAL
Some common gastrointestinal cancer symptoms include: cramps, bloating, gas pain, changes in bowel/bladder habits, constipation, diarrhea, bloody stools, rectal bleeding, anemia, and/or jaundice. Learn more about symptoms of colorectal cancer.
GYNECOLOGIC
Some common gynecologic cancer symptoms include: abnormal vaginal bleeding (after menopause, between periods, following sexual intercourse), pain during intercourse, pelvic/back pain, pain on urination, and/or watery, white or pinkish vaginal discharge. Learn more about symptoms of ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, or cervical cancer.
Recognizing medical emergencies
According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, the following are warning signs of a medical emergency:
– BLEEDING THAT WILL NOT STOP
– BREATHING PROBLEMS (DIFFICULTY BREATHING, SHORTNESS OF BREATH)
A window to your overall health
Did you know that your oral health can offer clues about your overall health — or that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body? Understand the intimate connection between oral health and overall health and what you can do to protect yourself.
Like many areas of the body, your mouth is teeming with bacteria — most of them harmless. Normally the body's natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, can keep these bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Simple Changes For Lifelong Health
The journey to lifelong health starts with but one small step – and then one leads to another. A positive change here, an unhealthy habit dropped there, and before you know it, you're travelling down a healthier path.
That's how it should be. Radical overhaul is overwhelming, but small, simple changes are oh-so doable. These are a few of our favorite ways to ease into health. Start with one. When you see what a big impact a humble change can make, you might be ready to tackle the whole list. After all, it's the little things, right?
3 Ways to Maintain Your Brain
Many people want to build up some “insurance” against dementia and other memory problems. But there’s no need to invest in pricey brain-training programs. Instead, do-it-yourself lifestyle changes have been shown to help ward off memory loss and dementia, reports the February 2015 Harvard Women’s Health Watch. The following strategies lead the list:
Five tips to take care of your eyes
As the U.S. population ages, the number of Americans with major eye diseases is increasing, and vision loss is becoming a major public health problem, according to the National Eye Institute.
By the year 2020, the number of people who are blind or have low vision is projected to increase substantially, according to the Archives of Ophthalmology. Blindness or low vision affects 3.3 million Americans age 40 and over, or one in 28, according to study authors. This figure is projected to reach 5.5 million by the year 2020.