Reasons and solutions for sleeplessness
Posted on February 28, 2015 by bob in In Every Life
The arrival of March signals increases of blooms and birds to our area, but also brings Daylight Saving Time changes. The need to “Spring Forward” to be congruent with others can actually alter our sleep patterns. Many people find it difficult to awaken for a week or more after the time change. Several types of […]
To Keep Your Resolutions, Be ACCOUNTABLE!
Posted on January 31, 2015 by bob in In Every Life
Did you make a New Year’s resolution or goal? If so, what is the status at one month? Has it been achieved, still in process, or forgotten? A new year prompts people to consider how to better themselves. However, a survey sponsored by Google found only 20 to 40 percent of people keep resolutions. Research […]
Risks of Over-the-counter Meds
Posted on November 30, 2014 by bob in In Every Life
Over the past few months, the importance of evaluating health information in the media has been discussed in this column. Manufacturers of over-the-counter (OTC) products present potential benefits, but it is often difficult to evaluate if you should purchase these to meet your needs, or if possible risks outweigh potential benefits. The plethora of advertisements […]
On-Line Health Info: Valid? Or Junk?
Posted on October 4, 2014 by bob in In Every Life
Last month’s issue included segments about online healthcare information. One piece cautioned against self-diagnosis based on online information, while another encouraged careful consideration of information presented in media, including advertisements. The vast amount of information available about health research is the foundation for these suggestions. Anyone can post anything on the internet. Junk science is […]
Improve Your Health Literacy
Posted on August 30, 2014 by bob in In Every Life
The U. S. healthcare delivery system is rapidly changing, with increased specialization resulting in treatment by multiple healthcare providers. Now more than ever it’s important to be actively involved in your own health promotion and management. With students back in school for a new year of learning, it’s a great time to improve your own […]
Emergency Preparedness Begins at Home
Posted on August 1, 2014 by bob in In Every Life
As August arrives, I think about Alabama’s history during tornado season, recalling my grandmother frequently stating, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!” Public health experts recommend preparation for potential disasters, and have created checklist formats to help determine what is needed and how to create a plan. (Resources are listed at […]
Financial Exploitation of Seniors
Posted on June 30, 2014 by bob in In Every Life
Families often visit out of town relatives during summer months, and when you do, it’s important to observe changes in personalities and abilities as compared to a prior visit. Noticing any of these changes may be a subtle sign of increasing risk for elder abuse in the form of financial exploitation. As noted in last […]
Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Posted on May 29, 2014 by bob in In Every Life
Look around June 15 to see who’s wearing purple. Since 2006, June 15 has been designated World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, the World Health Organization, and the United Nations. The goal is to increase awareness of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older persons, and […]
Skin Cancer Awareness/Prevention Month
Posted on May 1, 2014 by bob in In Every Life
We are delighted spring weather is finally here, but it reminds us that May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection/Prevention Month. Anyone of any race can develop skin cancer at any age. Three types of skin cancer are: 1) melanoma; 2) basal cell skin cancer; 3) squamous cell skin cancer. Of these, melanoma is most aggressive and […]
Life Activities; Occupational Therapy
Posted on April 1, 2014 by bob in In Every Life
The Institute of Medicine within the National Institutes of Health recommends coordinated “person-centered” healthcare, provided by a variety of healthcare team members. Team members can include nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, pharmacists, respiratory, speech, physical or occupation therapists, alternative health practitioners, social workers, psychologists, nutritionists, or others based on specific needs of the individual. Although some […]
