Alcohol and Cancer Risk Our year was off to a sobering start with the advisory on alcohol and cancer risk issued by the Surgeon General in January. The key points, which were concerning, and for at least half of Americans, seemingly unknown until now, included: A direct link was reported between alcohol consumption and higher risk for cancers of the … Read More
Heart Health Update: All Roads Lead to Prevention
Whether you’re a healthy 40-something with a family history of premature cardiac events, a 50-year-old mother who experienced a complicated pregnancy decades ago, or a 65-year-old man whose statin treatment has failed to lower high cholesterol levels, take heart in the growing arsenal of tests and therapies aimed at preventing disease. A long-time advocate for proactive, preventive cardiac care, Dara … Read More
Ageism, the Last Unacceptable Bias
“I’m having a senior moment. I’m too old to try that. I look good for my age. It’s time to put her/him out to pasture. These are just aches and pains from old age. Sweetie, you don’t look a day over 29. Ok boomer. There will be a tsunami of aging dependents in the coming decade.” These oft-used phrases may … Read More
A New Look at Moving through Menopause
Defined simply as the final menstrual period, when it is no longer possible for a woman to get pregnant, the current approach to menopause has become increasingly nuanced, recognizing that each individual’s experience varies widely. Many women transition into this stage smoothly with minimal discomfort, but others experience severe vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, vaginal … Read More
How Not to Age: A Scientific Approach to Getting Healthier as You Get Older
It’s not yet possible to stop the passage of years, but it might well be within our sights to combat the effects of aging, according to Michael Greger, MD, internationally recognized lifestyle medicine physician, author and nutritionist. Synthesizing years of research on the essential pathways of aging, Dr. Greger believes the process can be slowed down with lifestyle changes, and … Read More
Joint Assets: An Osteoarthritis Update
The aching, swollen, stiff joints associated with osteoarthritis (OA) have long been considered a “wear and tear” condition, associated with aging. It was thought that cartilage, the smooth connective tissue on the end of bones that cushion the joints, simply breaks down over a lifetime of walking, exercising and moving. New research shows that it is a disease of the … Read More
Bone Up: What Is Osteoporosis?
Except for dedicated thespians, saying “break a leg” is most definitely not a harbinger of good luck. More than 10 million Americans are living with osteoporosis, a condition of low bone mass that results in increased risk of bone fracture, sometimes even from a minor fall or pressure from a big hug. Over 1.5 million osteoporotic fractures occur annually, and … Read More
Studying the Secrets of Super Agers
The growing group of people able to enjoy 100 years of life may well be one of the most remarkable achievements of the 21st century. A generation ago, the number of centenarians worldwide was just 110,000; today they are 600,000 strong. Notably, a sizable segment of this long-lived group, aptly called Super Agers, reach 100 in good health with no … Read More
Dementia and Alzheimer’s: Updates from a Leading Geriatrician
Senior Moments Or Something More? As Baby Boomers continue the inexorable journey deep into their senior years, preserving cognitive function understandably tops the list of worries. While Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias are seen in just 5% of people over 65, that number jumps to 30% for people age 85 and over. Questions abound: is forgetting a name a sign … Read More
In a Pickle and Looking for a New Summer Activity?
Try Pickleball, the Country’s Fastest-Growing Sport Tired of the same ‘ole routine every summer but find yourself in a pickle and looking for a new summer activity? Well, according to American Council on Exercise (ACE), you might want to consider pickleball. As everyone from your next-door neighbor to ACE will attest, pickleball is extraordinarily popular. Its rapid rise to ubiquity … Read More