Health

The thyroid is a small endocrine gland located at the base of the neck. Despite its diminutive size, the health of the thyroid plays a massive role in how the body functions. As a part of the endocrine system, the thyroid is partially responsible for controlling the body's metabolic rate. When the endocrine system functions at a sub-optimal level, a variety of health problems can arise.   Thyroid Problems in Older Adults   In most developed countries, millions of adults suffer from thyroid disorders. Though thyroid problems affect both genders, women are between five and ten ... more ...

Anyone who suffers from arthritis knows it is painful and unpredictable. You may expect a flare-up after a hard workout or when the weather changes. But some days, your arthritis may seem worse with no apparent reason. A careful diet has helped patients with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that mostly affects women 40-60 years old. The body's immune system, designed to attack infection and illness, misfires with rheumatoid arthritis. Certain foods may mistakenly trigger the immune system, causing it to attack the body's own tissues and result in painful, swollen areas such... more ...

Many of us take a handful of pills in the morning, ranging from blood pressure medication to allergy tablets. Some of us also take vitamin and mineral supplements, while others take no pills at all. Regardless of the supplements we take, many of us remain confused as to which nutrients we need and why we need them. Which vitamins should you be taking? Which pills should you take cautiously? Here are our top supplement recommendations for adults 50 and over.   Should I Take Vitamins?   There is some debate in the medical field as to whether vitamin and mineral supplements are nec... more ...

As 2016 begins, many of us are writing down our New Year's resolutions for the months ahead. Among the most popular goals are those related to health and wellness. Almost all of us could afford to sleep more, eat better, and exercise more diligently than we did in 2015!   Whether you're looking to wake up more refreshed or remember your pills and vitamins every day, these apps will help you become happier and healthier in the year to come.     1.) Sworkit - Workout Trainer   Hailed as the "personal trainer" of fitness applications, Sworkit is among ... more ...

Ah, the holiday season. Visions of tables covered in yummy food and desserts gets our mouths watering with the thought. I'll bet you are unaware that it is not uncommon for most people to gain an average of 8 pounds over the holiday season. With all the fatty, delicious foods and multiple house dinners, it's no wonder! Just because you want to avoid putting on the pounds this holiday season doesn't mean you have to sacrifice taste, or skip out on parties. There are many things you can do to keep those extra calories from turning to fat. Continuing your regular exercise routine and... more ...

  According to research, almost 80 percent of Americans gain weight during the festive season. This is because during this period, people party a lot and consume more calories than they realize. If you would like to avoid adding extra pounds during the holidays, be sure to use the following 10 smart tips:     1. Never Go to a Party Hungry   One of the worst things you can do is arrive at a holiday party hungry in a misguided effort to save up your calories. The hungrier you are, the more likely you are to eat a lot of food. So as to stay in control, take a nutritious ... more ...

Seniors around the world are living for years longer than their predecessors. In just the past century, the life expectancy in the developed world has practically doubled, from 47 in 1900 to 80 in 2015! With adults living longer than ever before, maintaining good health is increasingly important. Despite eating well and exercising regularly, age inevitably takes a toll on both the body and the mind. Though some of these changes are natural signs of aging, others may be indicative of more serious medical conditions. By recognizing the symptoms of health conditions that affect many seniors, you... more ...

Staying in shape can be a challenge, particularly as we age. Though we know that working out is good for us, it's easy to make excuses for why we aren't physically active. Studies show that only 22% of senior adults engage in regular exercise. It's time to change this statistic! Investing in your health is an investment in your future. Skim this list of simple fitness tips to get yourself motivated for a fit and fulfilling life!     1.) Engage in relaxed aerobic exercise! Aerobic exercise benefits the body in numerous ways. In addition to strengthening the heart and ... more ...

Our bodies need water in order to function properly and stay active throughout the day. It keeps us hydrated, helps us avoid headaches and enables our muscles to work effectively. As we go about our lives we continuously lose water, this is through our waste products, evaporation from the skin and even breathing. Ensuring your intake exceeds this loss is vital to maintain a healthily balanced body, one that looks good and feels great. Here are ten reasons why we should all consider upping our intake of this refreshingly natural drink.   1. It is the healthiest choice Although every dri... more ...

Though many of us worry about staying fit in our senior years, few of us really consider the importance of keeping our brains "fit" as well. Maintaining your cognitive health doesn't require sitting around answering riddles all day! Instead, follow these easy tricks for keeping your mind razor-sharp. Your brain will be thanking you for years to come!       1.) Eat your greens! Recent research has proven that a number of healthy greens improve memory recall and overall brain health. Spinach, kale, collard greens, and broccoli are four of the best vegetables fo... more ...