The changing nature of caregiving
Posted on November 30, 2016 by bob in In Every Life
At some point in life, most people find themselves needing to provide care or support to a family member. A child, spouse, sibling, parent or grandchild is likely to experience an illness, accident or injury, or to develop a chronic condition. Recent data revealed than more than half of Americans have at least one chronic […]
Alzheimer’s Awareness
Posted on October 31, 2016 by bob in In Every Life
November is designated as World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of several types of cognitive decline or dementia (de=without, mentia=mind). The 2016 estimate (using data from the 2010 U. S. Census) is that 5.4 billion Americans of all ages have AD: 5.2 million age 65 and older and about 200,000 under age […]
Cancer Risk & Genetic Testing
Posted on October 2, 2016 by bob in In Every Life
As a component of routine assessments, healthcare providers ask about your three-generation family history of various types of cancers. An individual may be at higher risk for some cancers if that individual received one or more particular genes from family members. Research on the human genome, genetic sequencing/mapping/biomarkers, and changes in gene patent laws have […]
Pulmonary Fibrosis: new treatment but no cure
Posted on September 1, 2016 by bob in Health, In Every Life
September is Global Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month. This rare, incurable, and often difficult to diagnose disease comes in the form of either Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) or Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). The intent of PF Awareness Month, designation by members of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, is to: — increase awareness; — encourage individuals with symptoms to seek […]
Emergency Checklist: things you need
Posted on July 31, 2016 by bob in In Every Life
At this time of year, there is increased awareness of risk for threatening events such as severe weather. However, unanticipated events can occur at any time. For example, power outages during extreme heat or cold, contaminated water supply, or a sudden change in your health or that of a close friend or relative can require a […]
Preventing Chronic Disease
Posted on July 1, 2016 by bob in In Every Life
Chronic diseases are those that last 6 months or longer, and because management and treatment is ongoing, are associated with high healthcare costs over a lifetime. Actually, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in 2010 people with at least one chronic condition incurred 83% of healthcare costs in the U. S. […]
Elder Justice/Caregiver Conference – Montgomery
Posted on June 1, 2016 by bob in Health, In Every Life
Abuse, neglect, or exploitation of older persons can happen to anyone across all cultures and demographics, in their own home, in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities or other institutional settings. The Administration on Aging estimates only about 1/5 of the crimes are discovered. In 1998, the national Elder Abuse Incidence Study by the National […]
Senior Housing Options
Posted on May 2, 2016 by bob in In Every Life
The term “Silver Tsunami” refers to the anticipated increase in older adults as the Baby Boom generation ages (the first Baby Boomers reached 65 in 2010). It is predicted that nearly half of all U. S. households will be headed by someone over the age of 55: empty-nesters, new retirees, grandparents, active seniors. Planning for […]
When Help is Needed
Posted on March 29, 2016 by bob in In Every Life
It can be a joy to interact with family and friends of all ages. Reciprocity can occur when different generations share tasks of living. However, experiencing an illness or injury may require additional assistance. The issue becomes determining what level of assistance is needed, for how long, and where and how to best obtain the […]
Mosquitoes: From Dengue to Zika
Posted on March 1, 2016 by bob in Health, In Every Life, NewsUCanUse
“Women of childbearing age are advised to be informed of areas of known Zika virus, and potential risks when they consider travel.” On Feb. 1, 2016 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Zika virus to be a public health emergency. First identified in humans in 1952 as a mosquito-spread virus, Zika has occurred in Africa, […]
