Is your medication making you depressed?

Certain medications can cause depression as a side effect. Common culprits include benzodiazepines, corticosteroids, statins, and beta blockers. The symptoms of drug-induced depression are the same as typical depression symptoms, such as mood swings and trouble concentrating. People who start a new medication should be proactive about tracking symptoms that develop. Keeping a journal, and noting the day, time, and type of new symptoms, will help, People who suspect their medication is making them depressed should talk to their physicians. (Locked) More »

Punch up your exercise routine with fitness boxing

Fitness boxing is a popular physical activity for older adults. There are two main types of these exercise classes. In one, participants follow a leader and do a series of boxing moves choreographed to bouncy music, similar to an aerobics class. In the other, participants may hit a punching bag, stretch, and strength train. Both types of classes are available for people who wish to remain seated while punching at the air or at a punching bag. Fitness boxing is a great aerobic activity. It also helps improve muscle strength, endurance, balance, and possibly eye-hand coordination. More »

Mind the holiday buffet

There are hundreds of germs in food that can make people sick. Ingesting small amounts won’t harm most healthy people. But when food sits out at room temperature for two hours or more, on a buffet table for example, conditions become right for harmful bacteria to multiply. People who eat those foods may get sick. Sometimes food contamination takes place during preparation, when foods are either undercooked or are not handled properly. It’s important when eating buffet food to avoid dishes that have been sitting out for a long period of time.   (Locked) More »

Which blood pressure drug is right for you?

There are hundreds of medications that a doctor may prescribe to treat high blood pressure. The most common drugs include diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs), beta blockers, and calcium-channel blockers. Each medication works differently in the body, and there are many different varieties of those drug types. Choosing one or more is based on a person’s other health conditions. (Locked) More »

Easy ways to stay regular

As people get older, the muscles around the colon become a little less responsive to contractions, so it’s not uncommon to become constipated. Managing fluid and fiber intake can help people stay regular. Treating underlying conditions, such as stress or a slow metabolism, and adjusting medications may also help. Many experts recommend regular exercise as one way of increasing regularity. The minimum recommendation for general health is 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking. Some doctors think that the extra fluids people drink when they exercise may be more important for regularity than the exercise itself.  (Locked) More »

How to ease the transition when you move to assisted living

Making the move to an assisted living facility may bring challenges, and adapting may take time. Suggestions to ease the transition include seeking emotional support through therapy or group support, bringing familiar belongings, and getting to know other people in the assisted living facility. An easy way to meet others is to take part in the many activities that are usually offered, such as painting or outings to museums and concerts. Taking part can help people feel purposeful and engaged. (Locked) More »

Injuries are up among older cyclists

The number of injuries and hospital admissions among older bicycle riders has made a startling jump. This may be because of an increase in older bike riders, more street accidents, and sport cycling. More »