Author Archive | Rebecca Boerner

January is Fall Prevention Month Every 18 seconds, and older adult goes to the emergency room because of a fall. The weather outside is frightful. We cannot change winter weather, but we can take measures to prepare and be safe. Fall prevention in the elderly is an ongoing throughout the year. But in winter months, […]

Holiday Time Is Often “Stress” Time The holidays are an extra busy time of year filled with baking, shopping, and visiting with friends and family…and stress. Although these are all very fun activities for seniors, these activities may bring additional stress. Here are some helpful tips to reduce holiday stress. The holidays don’t have to […]

Do I have Depression? There’s no one cause of depression. Sometimes it’s genetic. Other times depression may be caused by past physical, sexual or emotional abuse. Depression may be the result of a reaction to death or loss. Serious illness, personal problems and substance abuse can all lead to depression. If feelings of sadness persist […]

What Is Type 2 Diabetes? When you eat, your food is broken down into a sugar called glucose. Glucose gives your body the energy it needs to work. But to use glucose as energy, your body makes insulin, which “unlocks” your body’s cells so they can receive the glucose they need. When you have type […]

September is Healthy Aging Month Aging has frustrations. Don’t compound your aging problems by tolerating a poor memory. If you don’t have Alzheimer’s, then you can improve your memory. Avoid more problems by keeping good bone health and reducing stress in every day living. Here are some ways to boost your memory. Get better organized! […]

Vaccine and Immunization Awareness Each year, many adults become seriously ill and are hospitalized because of disease. Many of these diseases can be prevented with vaccinations. Vaccination rates are generally low in the United States partly because many seniors are not aware that they need a vaccine. Health conditions like asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart disease […]

Summer Heat is Here! Keep Cool. A healthy body temperature is maintained by sweating. Older adults do not sweat easily due to some health conditions. So they are at greater risk for heat-related illnesses like these when the temperatures rise: Heat rash or muscle cramps Swelling in the legs and hands Hyperventilation, heat stress and fainting […]

What Is Pain? Pain is an uncomfortable feeling that tells you something may be wrong. It can be steady, throbbing, stabbing, aching, pinching or described in many other ways. Sometimes it’s just a nuisance like a mild headache. Other times it can be debilitating. Pain can bring about other physical symptoms, like nausea, dizziness, weakness […]

Nutrition and Fluid Needs Change with Age Eating right and staying hydrated becomes more important with age. Older adults do not burn as many calories as do younger people. People’s appetite and digestive process slows down. But that does not mean that older adults do not need a good diet. Dietary needs become more important with […]

Arthritis Pain – YOU CAN MANAGE IT! Good Everyday Ideas to Help Lessen Arthritis Pain During the day, if you’ve been sitting, adjust your position frequently. Periodically tilt your neck from side to side. Bend and stretch your legs. Pace yourself. Take breaks so that you don’t over use a single joint and cause more […]