Up to 40 percent of patients in hospitals, care institutions and nursing homes are malnourished. Although poor nutrition can hugely affect recovery, it commonly goes overlooked and untreated.Most patients become malnourished because of an inadequate diet–either due to loss of appetite, chewing or swallowing issues, or medication side-effects. Seniors are particularly affected by nutrition concerns, but those with infections and long-term health conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, dementia and lung disease are also at risk for disease-related digestion concerns.
Studies have shown that self-exams are an important part of breast health awareness and early cancer detection. Since breast cancers are often found by women who notice a change in the look or feel of their breasts, pairing self-exams together with yearly screening mammograms* can help with early detection.
Even if you’re in good health, a yearly lung screening may be a good choice. An annual low-dose CT (LDCT) lung scan is recommended for all current and former smokers between the ages of 50 and 80 years old who also have a 20-pack-year* or more smoking history. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends these tests because they can find cancer early when it is more likely to be cured. Once lung cancer causes noticeable symptoms, it is often too far along for treatment to work.What is a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan?
Flu cases begin picking up in late October, but it’s not too late to get your influenza vaccination now. The shot will still protect you through winter, when flu cases peak, and give you some future immunity too.
Vaccines aren’t just for kids. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends several to help adults prevent serious illness, hospitalization—or worse. Routine vaccines are safe and important, especially for those with a weakened immune system or certain risk factors.They are the healthy choice for every adult and should be considered a standard part of your preventive health care, including a yearly wellness visit and recommended screenings.
He may be the jolliest guy of all, but his doctor probably isn’t feeling very merry.Awash in cookies and candy canes, and participating in a less than adequate once-a-year exercise program, Santa’s potential health concerns are too many to count. If I were his doctor, I would suggest a few lifestyle changes as he prepares for his busiest night of the year.
Yes, it's that time of year again.Time for visiting with family and friends, spreading holiday cheer and filling our bellies with delicious holiday treats. Before we know it, though, those treats will have our bellies shaking like bowls full of jelly. Americans typically gain between five and 10 pounds during the holiday season. Sure, we vow to lose the weight in the New Year, but it is possible to skip the resolution altogether by eating a little healthier during the holidays.
Serotonin is a natural mood enhancer. In the body, serotonin is a chemical that helps nerve cells “talk” to each other by sending signals that can positively impact mood, sleep habits, hunger cues and stress responses. Foods high in tryptophan (an amino acid), vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folate (folic acid) help make serotonin. Foods high in healthy carbohydrates move these serotonin-building nutrients to the brain while providing you with long-lasting energy.
Protein is having a big moment. High protein diets and products seem to be everywhere, and for a good reason. We need protein to build muscle, tissues, create enzymes and support our hormones. Protein also helps to keep you feeling full longer, which may be helpful for weight loss. Eating enough protein also helps you maintain muscle mass while losing weight.
We are all aware of the infamous signs of a looming heart attack: pain, discomfort, pressure or squeezing in the chest. Any of these signs require a trip to the emergency room. But heart attacks don’t always show up when, where or in the way you might expect. The first symptoms can be surprising.