Baby boomers are emerging as one of the largest generations, and nearly 10,000 baby boomers will turn 65 years old every single day over the next 19 years. As a generation that refuses to compromise, baby boomers are reshaping everyone’s view of aging because they are living healthier, more active lifestyles and have no intention of slowing down. Continue reading
“After walking on a treadmill at the local community center, I knew I’d be happier outside. So, I got a step counter and started walking in my neighborhood. Since then, I’ve seen yellow tulips bloom in spring and red dogwood leaves drop in fall. I always come home with more energy and happy to go on with the rest of the day,” states Marian (age 77). Continue reading
A professional Geriatric Care Manager (GCM) is a health and human services specialist who helps families who are caring for older relatives. The GCM is trained and experienced in any of several fields related to long-term care, including, but not limited to nursing, gerontology, social work, or psychology, with a specialized focus on issues related to aging and elder care.
The professional GCM assists older adults and persons with disabilities in attaining their maximum functional potential. In addition, the GCM is an experienced guide and resource for families of older adults and others with chronic needs. Continue reading
Blending Podiatry and Pedicures
When you have diabetes, any injury to your feet is a major concern, and an open invitation for wounds and infections. Wounds often come from decreased sensation in the extremities, known as diabetic neuropathy. Due to the lack of pain, these open wounds often go unnoticed and untreated. This greatly increases the risk infection.
An infection can lead to higher blood sugars and higher blood sugars can interfere with the healing process, leading to potential poor healing wounds and even amputation if you are a diabetic. People with poor circulation arthritis and skin issues are also at risk for similar issues with their feet. This means you need to take extra care of your feet and avoid injury. Continue reading
Edema and Its Causes
Edema is swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in your body’s tissues. Although edema can affect any part of your body, it’s most commonly noticed in the hands, arms, feet, ankles and legs.
Edema can be the result of medication, pregnancy or an underlying disease — often heart failure, kidney disease or cirrhosis of the liver. Taking medication to remove excess fluid and reducing the amount of salt in your food often relieves edema. When edema is a sign of an underlying disease, the disease itself requires separate treatment. Continue reading
Medicare A, B, C, & D – Coverage
What’s the Difference in Coverage?
Medicare is a confusing alphabet soup of information, and insurance can be tough to understand – especially when you start making decisions regarding your health. If you are confused, you are not alone!
Medicare Parts A, B, C and D. Each part includes its own deductibles, co–pays, coinsurance and/or restrictions. While a general understanding can help you, it is always recommended to speak to a licensed, qualified insurance representative to develop the best plan for you. Continue reading
Did you know once you sign up for Medicare at age 65, you are entitled to a variety of preventive tests and services. Screenings are provided with no out-of-pocket costs for men and women age 65 and older.
“Welcome to Medicare” Preventive Visit. A one-time doctor’s office appointment is covered with no out-of-pocket costs during the first 12 months that you are enrolled in Medicare Part B medical insurance. Continue reading
What is a general practice physician? A general practitioner conducts annual physical examinations to monitor patients’ blood pressure, cholesterol levels and glucose levels, and ensures other baseline tests are within normal levels for the patient’s age and gender. This specialist also treats acute and chronic illnesses, and provides health education and preventative care for all ages and genders. Part of the skill set of the general practitioner includes treating patients with multiple health problems. General practitioners are also called family doctors, internists, or family practitioners. Continue reading
Thick Toenails
Trimming, Treatment, & Causes
Our toenails thicken and harden naturally as we grow older, but this can occur at any age. When toenail thickening occurs in younger people it is most commonly due to infection or injury. If the thickening is caused by toenail fungus, the nail may turn a yellow or brown color before it begins to thicken. Fungal infections often have a foul odor, and may cause fluid to collect under the nail Continue reading