- The Color Purple
- Baby Boomers December 2014 Reading List
- Will Aloe Vera Juice Snuff Out Heartburn?
- Money: Master The Game – 7 Steps To Financial Freedom by Tony Robbins
- 63 Simple Ways to Reduce Stress
- Chasing Dreams After 50 – Life Coach
- 6 Steps To Keeping Peace In The Family When Adult Children Return Home
- 3 Steps To A Perfect Night’s Sleep
Baby Boomer Health News Digest
From Around The Web…
Baby Boomer Health News
How to Prevent Fractures if You Have Osteoporosis
From WebMD
View this slide show with 10 tips on how to live better and stronger with osteoporosis. MORE
Brain Health Important to 93% of Americans, But Few Know the 5 Ways to Help Maintain or Improve It
New AARP Survey
The Five Ways to Support Brain Health
AARP Staying Sharp recognizes that many people are proactively working to keep their minds sharp so that they can continue to live active, fulfilling and independent lives. AARP’s analysis of current research suggests that people interested in maintaining and improving their brain health should focus on five areas:
- Keeping Fit: Studies show that even small amounts of regular exercise like walking can positively impact brain health.
- Learning More: Everything from learning a new language or skill to participating in online exercises designed to challenge and test the brain.
- Managing Stress: Several studies indicate sleep and stress management improve brain health.
- Eating Right: Scientific research shows that certain elements in food – from omega-3 fatty acids to vitamin E – can positively impact brain health.
- Being Social: Research shows that staying socially connected to other people supports a healthy brain. MORE
The Senior’s Guide to Exercise
By Amir Khan for U.S. News
Exercise is important at any age, but as you get older, regularly exercising could mean the difference between living independently and needing someone to care for you. However, exercising in your golden years isn’t the same as exercising in your youth, and fitness experts say there are types you need to do and precautions you need to take once you’re over 65. MORE
Are You Concerned You May Be Developing Alzheimer’s?
By Marie Marley for Huffington Post
With all the public interest in Alzheimer’s disease these days it wouldn’t be unusual for you to fear you are getting it. When you have what we refer to as ‘a senior moment’ you may laugh about it with your friends, but you may also be among the numerous people who are secretly afraid it may be an early sign of dementia. MORE
Breast Cancer Month: 6 Ways You Can Adjust Your Lifestyle To Reduce Your Risk Of Disease
By Susan Scutti for Medical Daily
Lifestyle diseases are a result of an inappropriate relationship of people with the environment. They are diseases that occur based on daily habits and behavior. While cancer is not strictly a lifestyle disease, many forms of it can be attributed, in part, to the choices we make in our daily lives. In particular, breast cancer risk has been shown to increase for those who slip into bad habits. MORE
World Alzheimer Report: Preventing Dementia through Lifestyle Changes
With predictions of a coming global avalanche of dementia cases, researchers are turning their attention to prevention strategies. Based on current data, at least four lifestyle factors robustly affect dementia risk, according to the World Alzheimer Report 2014, released September 16 by the umbrella group Alzheimer’s Disease International and Bupa, the largest private health insurance company in the UK. Researchers led by Martin Prince at King’s College London analyzed previous studies that examined the effects of developmental, psychological, lifestyle, and cardiovascular factors on dementia risk. They found that diabetes heightened risk by 50 percent, while smoking increased the odds of Alzheimer’s disease by the same amount. Hypertension in midlife pumped up the risk for vascular dementia by 60 percent, while education lowered dementia risk by about 40 percent. MORE
Takeaway:
These recent studies and reports bring encouraging news–we can lower our risk, and possibly even prevent dementia through lifestyle choices.
Chiropractic care may ease back-related leg pain
BY SHEREEN LEHMAN via Reuters
(Reuters Health) – People with leg pain related to back problems had more short-term relief if they received chiropractic care along with exercise and advice, rather than exercise and advice alone, a new study has found. MORE
Takeaway:
It’s amazing we need a study to tell us chiropractic care coupled with exercise and physical therapy is a viable treatment option for back related pain.
Apple Cider Vinegar – The Wonder ‘Drug’ of Yesterday and Today
By FoodMatters.tv
Natural Apple Cider Vinegar is a wonderful natural cure for a number of ailments which usually require antibiotics and other medications that have a number of side effects. In particular, Apple Cider Vinegar has been known to: MORE
9 Types of Medications That Can Lead to Chronic Fatigue
by: Dr. Armon B. Neel Jr., from: AARP
Could one or more of the medications you’re taking be making you feel listless or lethargic? Read below to learn about the major classes of drugs that can cause chronic fatigue. If you suspect that your symptoms might be linked to a medication you’re taking, talk to your doctor or health care provider right away. It’s important that you do not discontinue them on your own. MORE
Takeaway: It pays to know the possible side effects caused by prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
Walking lowers breast cancer risk by 42%
By K. Aleisha Fetters for MSN Healthy Living
Researchers found that the women who met the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention‘s current aerobic exercise guidelines (that’s two and a half hours of moderate activity or an hour and 15 minutes of vigorous activity a week) were 42% less likely to die of breast cancer during the study than those whose exercise fell short of the guidelines MORE
The New Science of Living Longer
A handful of exotic and familiar foods can influence how quickly your cells age, according to breakthrough research
by Arlene Weintraub for More.com
The path to a long life may be as short as the walk to your refrigerator or the local gym. That’s the message from scientists who are working on the cutting edge of aging research. Focused on diseases such as dementia, cancer and heart disease, this area of study has uncovered clues to how certain nutrients and specific exercise regimens can change the biological destinies of your cells. MORE
Takeaway:
Science is telling us what we have know all along. What we eat and how we live determines our health and longevity. We are in control!
Five lifestyle changes ‘could reduce dementia risk’
By Laura Donnelly, Health Editor, The Telegraph
Last month a landmark study by Cambridge University suggested that just one hour’s exercise a week can reduce the chance of Alzheimer’s disease by almost half. MORE
Takeaway:
Evidence is accumulating that a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The five suggestions in this article are sound advice.
10 Things That Boost Sex Life
By Dr. Meenakshi Attrey for A.D.A.M.
The world is crazy about food and the health benefits of it. But have you ever thought that apart from maintaining your body’s weight and shape, a thoughtful eating behavior may also have a direct influence on your sex life. Many foods are found to have a positive effect of your sex drive, and here are the best ones: MORE
Takeaway:
A healthier sex life by way of healthy foods–sounds like a terrific alternative to prescriptions!
Foods to manage blood sugar levels
By Dr. Meenakshi Attrey for A.D.A.M.
When it comes to a debate on diet for diabetes management, trust me, there is nothing that can beat a healthy and well-balanced diet. Avoiding food rich in starches and free sugar is a well-established approach but adding certain foods to your existing diet plan may also help keep the blood sugar levels in check. MORE
Takeaway:
By 2030 it is estimated that one out of four baby boomers will have diabetes. A healthy diet and active lifestyle is key to prevention and treatment.
25 Ways To Stay Sharp For Life
By Nina Elias for Prevention.com
These 25 brain-boosters prove that caring for your brain is easier (and more fun!) than you thought. MORE
Boomers redefining fitness in retirement
By
Fitness trainers and health professionals are developing programs to cater to this aging yet on-the-go generation with programs that include everything from mild, non-impact aerobics, to strength training, to yoga as well as the more extreme triathlon training. This range of training programs can extend longevity and help boomers maintain mobility while slowing the onset of age-related illnesses. MORE
Study links higher caffeine consumption with lower tinnitus risk
BY SHEREEN LEHMAN for Reuters
Tinnitus, an annoying ringing or buzzing in the ears, was less likely to occur in women who consumed the most caffeine, in a large study of nurses.
Tinnitus can happen sporadically, or in some cases may plague a person daily. The cause is unclear, and so is the reason why caffeine would lower one’s risk of developing the condition, researchers say. MORE
Takeaway:
Tinnitus is a big problem among baby boomers, and doctors seem to have no solution for that annoying ringing in your ears. While this study is not conclusive, it’s possible an extra cup or two of coffee each day may help. As a tinnitus sufferer and coffee lover, any reason to enjoy a few more cups gets a ringing endorsement from me!
Heading for middle age? Bring your sneakers to cut breast cancer risk
MELISSA HEALY – Los Angeles Times
For women past childbearing age, a new study finds that a modest amount of exercise — four hours a week of walking or more intensive physical activity such as cycling for just two hours a week — drives down breast cancer risk by roughly 10%. MORE
Takeaway:
The evidence continues to mount, so many of our baby boomer health woes would go away if we simply stay active. A one hour walk each day– say it with me — “I can do that!”
Nutrition tip of the week: Gluten-free: Fad or epidemic?
By Anita Marlay for Lake News Online
Lifelong avoidance of gluten is the only known treatment for celiac disease. Celiac disease can occur at any age and it is thought that it may be triggered by physical or emotional trauma, especially later in life. MORE
Takeaway:
Gluten is at the root of many health issues and causes needless suffering. The article explains the difference between Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity; how to diagnose both; and why gluten-free as a diet fad is a bad idea.
The 2014 “Dirty Dozen” List
Is Your Favorite Produce Packed with Pesticides?
BY LEAH ZERBE, for Men’s Health Magazine
Environmental Working Group releases an updated list of the dirtiest—and cleanest—fruits and veggies on the market. MORE
Takeaway:
While it makes sense to avoid pesticide contaminated food, it’s good to know when to spend more for organic options, and when you are safe to save some cash and buy non-organic labeled fruits and veggies.
12 Natural Ways To Kill Bugs
By Leah Zerbe for Prevention.com
The problem: Chemical bug repellants aren’t only bad for bugs, they’re bad for you, too.
Scientists have linked DEET, the most common active ingredient in bug spray,
to asthma attacks, seizures, and even nerve damage. Household and lawn bug
killers often contain insecticidal chemicals called organophosphates,
which are toxic to the nervous system and have been linked to
developmental problems in children. MORE
Takeaway:
Great tips to keep handy. I’ll be using the cure for fruit flies today! (The little %@!#*)
Ask Dr. K: Lifestyle changes can help ditch BP meds
DEAR DOCTOR K: Is it possible to get off blood pressure-lowering medication through diet and exercise?
DEAR READER: Yes, it is. I’ve seen many patients commit to lifestyle changes and get off blood-pressure medicines entirely. More often, I’ve seen that a commitment to a healthier lifestyle allows people to greatly reduce how much medication they take, even though they still need some medicines to control their blood pressure. MORE
Takeaway:
Regular exercise is the answer to so many of our baby boomer health issues. I especially like the tip on resistance training. Thanks, Dr. K!
The 5 Fruits with the Highest—and Lowest—Sugar Counts
BY ZAHRA BARNES for Women’s Health Magazine
No, they don’t have added sugar—but you should still have a rough idea of how much of the sweet stuff you’re taking in. MORE
Takeaway:
When it comes to healthy eating, not all fruits are created equal. This is baby boomer must know info if you are counting calories or monitoring blood-sugar levels.
Health: Baby Boomers and the Zumba Craze
By Cynthia Barnett for Cary Citizen
It’s no surprise that most participants are twenty or thirty-somethings with some middle-aged moms enjoying the classes, too. But what about the older ladies and men? Is vigorous exercise too much for baby boomer bones? MORE
Takeaway:
The type of exercise our Baby Boomer bodies are willing to endure is often determined more by the organ housed between our ears, than by our aging muscles and joints. Time to Zumba!
5 Foods High in Probiotics That Aren’t Yogurt
BY LEAH FESSLER for Women’s Health Magazine
New research published in the journal Hypertension finds that people who eat probiotics usually have lower blood pressure readings than those who don’t. Add it to the list of health benefits that come from consuming the live microorganisms (namely, better-functioning digestive and immune systems). But what if you aren’t a big fan of yogurt—or you just want to switch things up? Luckily, it’s not your only option if you want to up your intake of probiotics. Jackie Newgent, R.D., says all of the following foods are also good sources. MORE
16-year study determines lifestyle changes are best for diabetes prevention
By Tannya Joaquin – Hawaii News Now
The study followed 72 high risk participants in Hawaii for 16 years as part of a 27 State clinical trial.
Volunteers had different motivations for sticking with the study. For Leroy Piiohia, it was for his family. He said, “It’s really good what I learned not just for myself. What I learned I incorporated with my wife and my children.”
He was part of the intensive lifestyle group that showed the best results. In the first four years of the study, diabetes was prevented or delayed by 58 percent with exercise, weight loss, and nutrition changes. MORE
Healthy lifestyle may buffer against stress-related cell aging, study says
By Science Codex, Reference UC San Francisco
“This is the first study that supports the idea, at least observationally, that stressful events can accelerate immune cell aging in adults, even in the short period of one year. Exciting, though, is that these results further suggest that keeping active, and eating and sleeping well during periods of high stress are particularly important to attenuate the accelerated aging of our immune cells,” said Puterman. MORE
Scrip Companies Highlights Rising Popularity of Alternative Healthcare Modalities and Greater Emphasis on Preventing Illness Rather Than Simply Treating Symptoms
From Wall Street Journal Market Watch
“The widespread shift toward patient-centric care has triggered a growing demand for chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture, laser therapy and other natural approaches to wellness,” says Kray Kibler… MORE
Takeaway:
“With broader acceptance of CAM therapies, particularly among Boomers who remain active for a longer time period, it is likely that more Americans will seek healthcare services that emphasize non-surgical, non-drug options for maximizing mobility and independence,” Kibler adds.
Coffee vs. Tea: Which Is Better for You?
By YouBeauty Editors for YouBeauty.com
These two morning staples contain a host of nutritional properties. Promote weight loss and prevent yourself from diseases and depression by incorporating tea and coffee in to your daily routine. See a side-by-side Baby Boomer benefits comparison… MORE
Ten Best Foods to Eat Frequently for a Terrific Health Kick
By Dr. Mercola
If optimal health is your goal, there’s no getting around your diet. Your physical health is a direct reflection of what you put into your body, and how you live your life in general. MORE
Takeaway:
The term “superfood” has become something of a marketing buzzword in recent years, and many processed food products will boast such ingredients. But don’t be fooled. Processing tends to denature nutrients, so what you end up with is typically a far inferior version compared to the real thing.
Your best bet is to simply stick with the originals, meaning whole organic foods.
How the Bates Method Can Help You Retrain Your Eyes to See More Clearly Again
By Dr. Mercola
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to see clearly without glasses or contacts? According to Greg Marsh, a certified natural vision coach, clear vision is achievable by virtually everyone, even if you’re already wearing strong corrective lenses. MORE
Takeaway:
The Bates Method is really quite simple, yet it requires patience, and some finesse. Remember, the goal is not to “train” or exercise your eyes to make them stronger. The goal is to relax them. Greg’s program provides thorough instructions that can help you get there. Also remember that your mindset is important. With faith in yourself and your body’s self-regenerative ability, the toughest hurdle is learning to relax, so your eyes can function in accord with their natural design.
Doctor urges baby boomers to get tested for Hepatitis C
By Bob McClay
PHOENIX — A Tucson doctor says baby boomers should get their blood checked. That’s because they’re more at risk for the Hepatitis C virus. MORE
LIFELONG HEALTH: More baby boomers are experiencing sexual dysfunction
A major misconception is that a decline in sexual function with advancing age is inevitable. MORE
Takeaway:
In counseling, any couple who has sexual dysfunction, the critical importance of intimacy, closeness and touch must be emphasized. Concentrating on intimacy, kissing and loving must always be the initial step in solving the problem.