Tower Lodge Health Tips!
Healthy Eating, Alzheimer’s Patients, And The Holidays
Eating healthy during this Holiday season is difficult for all of us. All that delicious food, all of the parties, and in a flash, we can easily have put on 5 to 15 pounds. Wow! Now just try to imagine what a difficult time an Alzheimer’s patient, who needs a familiar routine and a…
Read MoreAvoiding Prednisone Withdrawal
Doctors prescribe prednisone, a corticosteroid, to treat conditions that involve swelling and inflammation. A variety of conditions are treated with prednisone, including skin conditions that involve swelling and itching, such as poison ivy; asthma; severe allergies; arthritis; kidney problems; digestive problems; multiple sclerosis flareups; and lupus. In general, prednisone is prescribed for certain amount of…
Read MoreThe Flu Shot: Just Do It
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the flu affects up to 35 million Americans each year, of whom approximately 500,000 will require hospitalization, and up to 50,000 will die from complications of the virus. But that was only until last year. Last year’s US flu season was a record-breaker: 49 million…
Read MoreCommon Complications of Diabetes
Because diabetes is a disease that affects the blood, many people are unaware that its complications are not limited to such blood-related issues as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). The blood nourishes every cell of the body, and therefore diabetes can disrupt the proper functioning of virtually every organ. In honor of World Diabetes Day, which…
Read MoreCalcium: Just the FAQs
Everyone knows you need calcium for good bone health. But the benefits of calcium extend beyond strong bones. Your heart, muscles, and nerves also relying on calcium to function optimally. Some studies even suggest that calcium, in conjunction with vitamin D, protect the body against high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer. How Much Calcium Do…
Read MoreWhat Is a Blood Gas Test?
A person is brought to the emergency room with difficulty breathing. Hospital personnel have only moments to determine the cause. Difficulty breathing can be caused by a wide variety of conditions, including heart disease, kidney failure, uncontrolled diabetes, or even chemical poisoning. In an emergency situation, a doctor will order a number of tests, including…
Read MoreUlcerative Colitis in the Elderly
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the colon, also known as the large intestine. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease comprise what is known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). While most people with ulcerative colitis first have symptoms in their 20s, the second most common time to be diagnosed is between the…
Read MoreInfluenza: Not Just a Fancy Cold
Influenza is not just a fancy name for a cold. While the common cold and the flu are both caused by viruses, a cold is usually harmless while the flu is potentially life-threatening. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that between 9 and 35 million people get the flu every year in…
Read More6 Causes of Edema
Are your feet or legs swollen? The swelling might be caused by something as simple as standing for too long, or as serious as a health condition that requires emergency medical attention. The medical term for swelling caused by fluid retention is edema. Other symptoms of edema include: Discomfort in the swollen area Reduced mobility…
Read More“Social Capital” is the Key to Cognitive Function in Seniors
People often spend their working lives building up their savings. But as they grow older, their “social” capital becomes increasingly important for their emotional and physical well-being. This is particularly true when it comes to preserving their cognitive function. Social capital refers to the amount of socialization a person has with people who support them…
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