Category: Chronic Diseases
High Blood Pressure Linked to Dementia
When people find out they have high blood pressure, they often worry about having a heart attack. Many don’t realize they could also develop dementia. Here are three ways in which this can happen: High blood pressure puts a lot of pressure on the walls of the arteries, which carry blood to the brain. This can damage […]
Best Foot Forward with Diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes can damage blood vessels, especially in the feet. When blood vessels get blocked, nerves in the feet begin to die. When this happens, a feeling of “pins and needles”, pain or numbness results. Numbness may not sound like a bad thing, but it can be very dangerous. Pain lets us know when we’re […]
Living With Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a poorly understood and life-altering illness that can be difficult to diagnose and treat. One of the biggest obstacles for patients is that they do not “look sick” and many diagnostic tests (including imaging or laboratory values) give normal results. From outward appearances, patients often look perfectly fine. Diagnosis is primarily based on the […]
Low-Glycemic Sweeteners for Diabetic Foodies
Finding out you have diabetes doesn’t suddenly give you a taste for all things low-carb. It also doesn’t remove your craving for treats. In fact, if you have diabetes, chances are your taste for treats is pretty highly developed. If you tell yourself that having diabetes means you have to deny yourself all your favorite […]
Diabetes and Exercise
Pre-diabetics who want to avoid or delay the onset of diabetes should know that exercise has been show to play a major role in its prevention and control. Both aerobic and strength training help improve insulin action so that, in the short term, your body is able to use insulin more effectively. In addition, physical […]
Diabetes Lab Tests 101
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes or if you suspect that you may have it, you may wonder what tests are used to diagnose and manage diabetes. Here is a brief introduction: Tests Used to Diagnose Type 2 Diabetes Your healthcare provider can use 1 or more of the following blood tests to diagnose […]
My Spelling is Slipping – Healthy Aging Brain or Sign of Dementia?
As we age, it’s sometimes difficult to know which changes are normal and which aren’t. We expect the wrinkles and weaker muscles. We don’t like them, but we expect them. Mental changes, however, can be much more alarming. In case you’re worried, these three age-related symptoms are perfectly normal: Some loss of the ability to […]
Daily Routine: 6 Tips for Alzheimer Caregivers
When caregiving for an Alzheimer’s patient, having a daily routine can make things easier for both you and your patient. Here are 6 tips to help you create a simple plan for your day. It helps if your routine can be based on how your patient used to organize his or her day. Familiarity will […]
Arthritis-the Right Tool for the Task
Gripping, reaching and fine motor skills can be a challenge for people who suffer from arthritis. Fortunately, there are many adaptive tools on the market that help make these tasks a little easier. Items from toothbrushes to saucepans are easier to hold with larger, softer handles. Some tools can be purchased with adaptive handles already […]
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes the bones to become weaker and more likely to break. It was once thought to be a “woman’s disease” since it affects about 1 in 4 women aged 65 and over. It’s now recognized that about 1 in 20 men aged 65 and over also have osteoporosis. With bones […]