Health News

Features

Keeping the golden years fresh

The art of preserving quality of life as we age CATHY THORNHILL always considered herself an active person. She competed in marathons and triathlons in her late 30s and ate what she believed to be a relatively healthy diet. But as she grew older, Thornhill started experiencing the typical aches and pains associated with aging.…
Fall 2016 healthcare coverage update

What you need to know about healthcare plan changes affecting your coverage MEDICAL CARE is expensive. You, or whoever ever pays the bill, may feel like a worm on a fishing hook. Right now, there’s a lot of squirming going on. Major insurers like UnitedHealthcare and Aetna Inc. have scaled back insurance offerings for 2017.…
Mental health on the brain: Recent mental health reform brings more awareness

Plus: Local resources for depression, bipolar disorders, suicide prevention, and more INCARCERATION, VIOLENCE, HOMELESSNESS, suicide; these are the results of untreated mental illness. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, more than 43 million — or 1 in 5 adults — in the U.S. experience mental illness in a given year. And approximately 10…

Foot Care Is Key to Preventing Diabetes-Related Amputations

More than 25% of American seniors have diabetes and 10% to 15% of people with diabetes have leg and or foot ulcers. Simple things like managing your diabetes and performing daily foot care can help prevent ulcers, which can be difficult to treat and may eventually require amputation. More than 80% of amputations begin with…
Smoking Can Lead to Amputations

While most people are familiar with the devastating consequences smoking has on their lungs (COPD, cancer), heart (coronary artery disease), or brain (stroke), its direct relation to limb loss escapes public attention! For far too many smokers, the first time they learn of the connection with limb loss is when a vascular surgeon diagnoses them…
Simple Steps for Healthier Vision

by Chelsea Hollier, O.D. May is Healthy Vision Month! Routine eye exams can help your eye doctor prevent, diagnose, and treat vision problems and eye disease in children and adults. In addition, the National Eye Institute recommends several ways to maintain healthy vision. 1. Get an annual dilated eye exam. Having your annual eye exam…