Elder Care Cafe

Medication Side Effects – How Savvy Are You?

Edie — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:42:08 +0000

Whenever I am prescribed a drug for the first time, I always review the information that is enclosed. Then I promptly forget what I read. After all, the prescribing doctor gave the medication to me for a reason, and I know I need to follow the dosage for as long as the medication is needed. [...]

Rebound Headaches

Edie — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:30:38 +0000

Rebound headaches occur because of frequent use of headache medication. Also called medication-overuse headaches, the headaches recur as pain relievers begin to wear off. Pain relievers are helpful for occasional headaches, but should not be taken more than a couple of days a week. Excessive use of over-the-counter or prescription drugs can trigger the painful [...]

The Importance of Dental Care for Seniors

Edie — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:42:17 +0000

As we age, we are placed at greater risk for a number of oral health problems. The causes can very, but the result tends to be the same such as loss of teeth, poor looking teeth, systemic health problems, and other health complications. Here are a few of the oral health problems senior may encounter over [...]

What Your Dentist Knows About You May Surprise You

Edie — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:29:33 +0000

Dentists know a lot more about your health than you realize. They can look into your mouth and predict whether you will someday have heart disease or diabetes. They can also determine whether you have a vitamin deficiency or eating disorder. Just looking at your gums and teeth tells observant dentists more about you than [...]

More Senior Citizens Smoking Marijuana

Edie — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:07:03 +0000

Recent reports indicate more seniors are smoking marijuana as baby boomers age. Are we really surprised by this? After all, who started the peace movement of the 1960s and early 1970s? Long considered a drug for young people, more people in their 50s and 60s, and even some in their 70s and 80s, are enjoying a [...]

7 Ways to Combat SAD

Edie — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:00:31 +0000

There are a number of ways to safely combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and relieve the symptoms of depression and darkness that descend every fall for many of you who live in the Northern Hemisphere. SAD symptoms include a sadness that rests upon someone during the months from November through February, irritability, cravings for carbohydrates, [...]

Seasonal Affective Disorder Strikes Again!

Edie — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:15:39 +0000

This is the time of year that anyone who struggles with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may start to see the light, so to speak. It’s March, and the winter blahs will soon pass away until the next round of darkness strikes. In the Northern climates, around November, SAD sufferers begin to feel a weight come [...]

Switching Doctors? Here’s how.

Edie — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:22:30 +0000

As the world continues to become more mobile, there are many reasons why people find the need to change doctors. Some people move out of the area and need to find a doctor at their new location. Others may not like the way they are treated, have issues with the office staff, or disagree with [...]

Baby Boomers Embracing Social Media

Edie — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 18:17:58 +0000

Baby boomers have always been a social group. After all, they grew up with Elvis Presley, the Beetles, and Rock and Roll. Sports, dances, and clubs were de rigeur in high school and college. Sock hops and dances were the place to be on Friday and Saturday nights. In the winter months sock hops were held in [...]

Chocolate Lovers Rejoice at New Research Findings

Edie — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 12:59:31 +0000

As we approach Valentine’s Day, great news arrives for chocolate lovers around the world. Recent studies reveal that chocolate is good for the body as well as good for the soul. A new study that analyzed three previous studies reveals eating moderate amounts of dark chocolate can provide numerous health benefits, including the possibility of [...]