Here's information from Kid's Healthgate with some of the latest, including information about mercury preservatives used in the vaccine.
Seniors at high risk for H1N1 (swine flu)
5 months ago
Friday, October 9, 2009
Seniors at high risk for H1N1 (swine flu)
Seniors and people under 65 who have pre-existing conditions are both in high risk catagories for H1N1 (swine flu). There's lots of discussion about whether or not the vaccine is safe and tested.
Here's information from Kid's Healthgate with some of the latest, including information about mercury preservatives used in the vaccine.
Here's information from Kid's Healthgate with some of the latest, including information about mercury preservatives used in the vaccine.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
U.S. Life Expectancy Hits a New High of 78
U.S. life expectancy is the highest it has ever been at 77.9 years, according to government statistics released on Wednesday.
Both men and women gained, but women still live on average more than five years longer than men, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.
Death rates also fell, with the age-adjusted death rate dropping to 760.3 deaths per 100,000 people.
"The 2007 increase in life expectancy, up from 77.7 in 2006, represents a continuation of a trend," the CDC said in a statement. "Over a decade, life expectancy has increased 1.4 years from 76.5 years in 1997 to 77.9 in 2007."
Newborn baby boys can expect to live to be 75 on average and girls can expect to be 80. "For the first time, life expectancy for black males reached 70 years," the CDC said.
Overall, 2,423,995 people died in the United States in 2007, 2,269 fewer than in 2006.
Most Americans die of heart disease or cancer -- they accounted for 48.5 percent of all deaths in 2007. Death rates fell slightly for influenza and pneumonia, murder and accidents.
But the death rate for the fourth-leading cause of death, chronic lower respiratory diseases such as emphysema, increased by 1.7 percent.
An estimated 11,061 people died from AIDS in 2007.
Infant mortality rates were statistically unchanged at 6.77 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, the study found.
The United States has lower life expectancies overall than comparable developed countries.
Life expectancy for babies born in Japan and Singapore has reached 82. French babies will live to be 80.9 on average, while those born in Sweden, Italy, Australia and Canada can expect to live to be more than 80.
Newborn Tunisians can expect to live on average to be 75, and Guatemalans to 70. AIDS-ravaged Zimbabwe has an average life expectancy of only 39.7.
Sources: Reuters, CDC
Both men and women gained, but women still live on average more than five years longer than men, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.
Death rates also fell, with the age-adjusted death rate dropping to 760.3 deaths per 100,000 people.
"The 2007 increase in life expectancy, up from 77.7 in 2006, represents a continuation of a trend," the CDC said in a statement. "Over a decade, life expectancy has increased 1.4 years from 76.5 years in 1997 to 77.9 in 2007."
Newborn baby boys can expect to live to be 75 on average and girls can expect to be 80. "For the first time, life expectancy for black males reached 70 years," the CDC said.
Overall, 2,423,995 people died in the United States in 2007, 2,269 fewer than in 2006.
Most Americans die of heart disease or cancer -- they accounted for 48.5 percent of all deaths in 2007. Death rates fell slightly for influenza and pneumonia, murder and accidents.
But the death rate for the fourth-leading cause of death, chronic lower respiratory diseases such as emphysema, increased by 1.7 percent.
An estimated 11,061 people died from AIDS in 2007.
Infant mortality rates were statistically unchanged at 6.77 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, the study found.
The United States has lower life expectancies overall than comparable developed countries.
Life expectancy for babies born in Japan and Singapore has reached 82. French babies will live to be 80.9 on average, while those born in Sweden, Italy, Australia and Canada can expect to live to be more than 80.
Newborn Tunisians can expect to live on average to be 75, and Guatemalans to 70. AIDS-ravaged Zimbabwe has an average life expectancy of only 39.7.
Sources: Reuters, CDC
Monday, July 13, 2009
Fish Oil Supplements May Boost Memory
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, a.k.a. Fish Oil, may boost memory in healthy aging adults, according to information presented at the Alzheimer's Association 2009 International Conference.
Two studies recently researched omega-3 with people 55 and older. One study indicated that healthy individuals had learning and memory skills of someone approximately 3 years younger. The second study however for individuals with mild to moderate symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. In these individuals it did not appear to slow the progression of the disease.
Docosahexanoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid that’s abundant in fatty fish and algae, had been credited in previous studies to have links to memory.
In one recent study among healthy adults 900 mg of DHA daily seem to improve memory and learning. However, in the second study, participants with Alzheimer's disease were given 2000 mg of DHA daily without improvement compared to placebo. Both studies took place over six months time periods.
The Alzheimer's Association stopped short of recommending DHA as a preventative to those who show no symptoms of Alzheimer's.
For more detail on the studies, read the following article on WebMD, Fish Oil Supplements Boost Memory.
Two studies recently researched omega-3 with people 55 and older. One study indicated that healthy individuals had learning and memory skills of someone approximately 3 years younger. The second study however for individuals with mild to moderate symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. In these individuals it did not appear to slow the progression of the disease.
Docosahexanoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid that’s abundant in fatty fish and algae, had been credited in previous studies to have links to memory.
In one recent study among healthy adults 900 mg of DHA daily seem to improve memory and learning. However, in the second study, participants with Alzheimer's disease were given 2000 mg of DHA daily without improvement compared to placebo. Both studies took place over six months time periods.
The Alzheimer's Association stopped short of recommending DHA as a preventative to those who show no symptoms of Alzheimer's.
For more detail on the studies, read the following article on WebMD, Fish Oil Supplements Boost Memory.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Protecting Seniors from Becoming Targets of Criminals
Elder abuse can come in many forms. One of these abuses is when individuals take advantage of an older person financially or through identity theft. Other times elder abuse can be more physical or violent.
Many elders are left feeling vulnerable. Here's how to protect yourself or a senior citizen whom you love from crime.
Remember, criminals only target the most powerless and vulnerable. It's not necessary that seniors be the strongest, fastest, or most confident. They just need to overrate appearing as the weakest. If the criminals sees an easier target, they will move on.
Many elders are left feeling vulnerable. Here's how to protect yourself or a senior citizen whom you love from crime.
Tip #1: Criminals Are Lazy -- Generally speaking most criminals are looking for the easy way out. Because of this they tend to target the least powerful in society. Having a high level of self-esteem prevents people from seeming desperate. Find ways to interact with seniors and keep them involved. Social interaction helps maintain self-esteem. Additionally, find groups of individuals who already have self-esteem and it tends to rub off.
Tip #2: Criminals Are Friendly -- Be somewhat wary of new friends or helpers. Often someone who commits to the most significant abuses are people who have purposely taken the place of long-term friends or family members. Under the guise of helpfulness they become trusted with finances and other important information.
Tip #3: Criminals Lack Confidence -- Creating confidence is important to preventing targeting by criminals. Encourage seniors to walk with their heads held high. They need not appear vulnerable just because of disability, illness or age. Maintaining a calm state of mind and giving the appearance of purpose will project confidence.
Remember, criminals only target the most powerless and vulnerable. It's not necessary that seniors be the strongest, fastest, or most confident. They just need to overrate appearing as the weakest. If the criminals sees an easier target, they will move on.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Fall Related Injuries Prevalent, Even with Walkers and Canes
CDC Research: 16,000 Fall Related Hospitalizations Annually
Fall prevention is critical for aging people. Falls frequently lead to bone fractures. Approximately 47,000 older Americans are treated for falls and approximately 40% of those falls resulted in broken bones. Hip and pelvis breaks account for about a third of fractures among this group. Approximately 3/4 of walker injuries and 2/3 of cane injuries involved women.Risks increase with age. In this study the highest fall injury risk was for those 85 and older.
Additionally, approximately one third of the emergency room injuries required hospitalization, or about 16,000 hospitalizations annually.
The findings were published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, and included data from 2001 through 2006.
While walking aids are important, caregivers should spend a significant amount of time educating clients on their safe use as well as being certain that the individual walking aid is well-suited to the client.
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has published a useful page, How to Use Crutches, Canes and Walkers.
Nearly 130 elderly Americans are treated daily in a hospital emergency departments for injuries related to walkers and canes, according to a new study from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Fall prevention is critical for aging people. Falls frequently lead to bone fractures. Approximately 47,000 older Americans are treated for falls and approximately 40% of those falls resulted in broken bones. Hip and pelvis breaks account for about a third of fractures among this group. Approximately 3/4 of walker injuries and 2/3 of cane injuries involved women.Additionally, approximately one third of the emergency room injuries required hospitalization, or about 16,000 hospitalizations annually.
The findings were published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, and included data from 2001 through 2006.
While walking aids are important, caregivers should spend a significant amount of time educating clients on their safe use as well as being certain that the individual walking aid is well-suited to the client.
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has published a useful page, How to Use Crutches, Canes and Walkers.
Monday, June 29, 2009
What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis develops very slowly over a period of many years. The condition may creep up on the patient without any obvious symptoms initially - it can take several months, and even several years to become noticeable. Early symptoms of osteoporosis may include:
Seniors suffer greatly if they fracture a bone, because the bone cannot repair itself properly. Bones that do not effectively repair themselves are more likely to trigger arthritis, eventually leaving the patient seriously disabled. A large percentage of elderly patients who break a bone are not able to live independently afterwards.
Although osteoporosis is not painful in itself, the condition causes bones to break more easily, and broken bones are very painful. The most common cause of chronic pain linked to osteoporosis is a spinal fracture.
Related HealthGate Articles:
What Is Osteoporosis?
- Joint pains
- Difficulty standing
- Difficulty sitting up straight. The stooping position often seen among elderly people is a visible sign of possible osteoporosis.
As the person's bone density or bone mass continues to go down fractures of the hip, wrist or bones in the spine become more common. Even a cough or a sneeze may fracture a rib or cause partial collapse of one of the spinal bones.
Seniors suffer greatly if they fracture a bone, because the bone cannot repair itself properly. Bones that do not effectively repair themselves are more likely to trigger arthritis, eventually leaving the patient seriously disabled. A large percentage of elderly patients who break a bone are not able to live independently afterwards.
Although osteoporosis is not painful in itself, the condition causes bones to break more easily, and broken bones are very painful. The most common cause of chronic pain linked to osteoporosis is a spinal fracture.
Related HealthGate Articles:
What Is Osteoporosis?
Sunday, June 28, 2009
What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a "reduction in the quantity of bone or atrophy of skeletal tissue; an age-related disorder characterized by decreased bone mass and loss of normal skeletal microarchitecture, leading to increased susceptibility to fractures."
The bones of people with osteoporosis become thin and weak. The word "osteo" comes from the Greek osteon meaning "bone", while "porosis" comes from the Greek poros meaning "hole, passage".
Osteoporosis is a public health threat for an estimated 44 million people in the USA, 55% of people aged 50 or over, says the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF). The NOF says that 10 million people currently have osteoporosis, while 34 million are thought to have low bone mass; which places them at significantly increased risk for the condition.
If osteoporosis is not prevented, or if it is left untreated, it can progress without causing any pain until a bone breaks - most likely the hip bone, a bone in the spine, or the wrist. A hip fracture invariably requires hospitalization and major surgery. Hip fractures generally lead to serious walking disability and sometimes death if left untreated. Fractures of the spine or vertebrae can sometimes result in loss of height, severe back pain, and deformity.
The bones of people with osteoporosis become thin and weak. The word "osteo" comes from the Greek osteon meaning "bone", while "porosis" comes from the Greek poros meaning "hole, passage".
Osteoporosis is a public health threat for an estimated 44 million people in the USA, 55% of people aged 50 or over, says the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF). The NOF says that 10 million people currently have osteoporosis, while 34 million are thought to have low bone mass; which places them at significantly increased risk for the condition.
If osteoporosis is not prevented, or if it is left untreated, it can progress without causing any pain until a bone breaks - most likely the hip bone, a bone in the spine, or the wrist. A hip fracture invariably requires hospitalization and major surgery. Hip fractures generally lead to serious walking disability and sometimes death if left untreated. Fractures of the spine or vertebrae can sometimes result in loss of height, severe back pain, and deformity.
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