What to do if your medication is recalled

When a medication is recalled, caution is a must. It might be okay to stop taking a recalled medication if it’s an over-the-counter drug such as an allergy, headache, cold, or sleep remedy that’s meant only to relieve occasional symptoms. But one should speak with a pharmacist or doctor before stopping a prescription medication. The pharmacy may be able to get the same medication from a different drug company. If there are no other manufacturers available, either the patient or pharmacy can contact the doctor to switch to another medication. (Locked) More »

Common eye problems and how to fix them

Eyes often develop minor problems, becoming dry, gooey, itchy, or watery. Many symptoms are temporary and can be treated at home. For example, dry or burning eyes can be treated with artificial tears; itchy eyes can be relieved with antihistamines. However, if a symptom is persistent and has been going on for many days or there’s something that’s severe for a shorter period, it may be time to visit a doctor. An ophthalmologist or an optometrist can help. More »

Battling the big toe joint blues

The joint at the base of the big toe is called the metatarsophalangeal or MTP joint. Common conditions that affect the MTP joint include osteoarthritis, the wearing away of cartilage between the bones; bunions, a condition in which the first metatarsal bone juts outward, causing the phalanx bone to point inward toward the other toes; and gout, a type of inflammatory arthritis. Surgery is always a last resort for bunions or MTP arthritis. Gout may require over-the-counter painkillers or prescription medications. (Locked) More »

Keeping your weight stable in older age

To gain weight safely in older age, eat several smaller meals and focus on nutrient-dense foods. Examples include oatmeal with berries and walnuts; a salad with spinach, tomatoes, cheese, beans, shelled sunflower seeds, and avocado dressing; brown rice with raisins, almonds, chicken chunks, and asparagus pieces; or simple meals and snacks such as scrambled eggs with cheese or whole-wheat crackers with peanut butter. A healthy weight gain should happen slowly. Aim for gaining 2 or 3 pounds per month. More »

Tips for better bowel control

Stool can leak out of the rectum accidentally—a condition called fecal incontinence—as a result of aging, an underlying condition, or damage to nerves or muscles. A fiber supplement such as Metamucil or Citrucel can help reduce incidents of loose stool leakage. An over-the-counter antidiarrheal medication such as loperamide (Imodium) can also help. A surgical procedure called sacral nerve stimulation can help curb solid stool incontinence. Pelvic floor exercises can also help reduce leakages, but won’t solve the problem. More »

Using mind over matter to help treat chronic pain

A study published Jan. 31, 2019, in the journal Evidence-Based Mental Health suggests that either mindfulness-based stress reduction or cognitive behavioral therapy can help reduce chronic pain and depression and improve physical functioning. More »