Soft drink consumption has increased rapidly in the general population in recent years. Intake of carbonated beverages was associated with reduced bone mass and increased fracture risk both later in life and in children and adolescents. Colas were more strongly associated than other carbonated beverages.
Osteoporosis is a very common problem. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 55% of people over 50 years of age have osteoporosis. It accounts for 1.5 million fractures per year at an annual cost of more than 18 billion dollars.
A bad marriage, an unhealthy relationship, a cruel boss, and a troubled economy are all potential causes of stress because they can produce feelings of anger and depression. There are physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral signs associated with stress.
Medical researchers are not sure how stress increases the risk of heart disease but more and more evidence suggests a relationship between the two.
May is National Women’s Health Month! No topic may be more important to woman’s health than menopause.
You are never too old to exercise! This is the second of two columns dedicated to appropriate exercise for the elderly. Last week I discussed basic strengthening exercises. This column will address three additional components necessary for independence in the elderly: flexibility, balance and endurance.
A reader who described herself as “elderly” asked me if she was too old to exercise. Without knowing her age, I replied that she was not. I did qualify my response with the fact that exercise must be adjusted to meet the individual needs of a person based on age, health status and goals.
I have been advising my patients to exercise, keep active, and walk as long as they can in order to stay mobile and healthy. However, seniors often tell me activities that require prolonged walking is limited by knee pain from arthritis. They often ask, “What is arthritis of the knee? How does it happen? What can I do about it?
Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, is an inflammation of the lateral (outside) bony protuberance at the elbow. The trauma is especially irritating when working the muscles in an awkward position with poor leverage such as hitting a backhand in tennis.
The outcomes for active people continue to improve with advances in technology, prosthetic materials and new techniques. As a result, many active people are eager to use there new joint to continue their active lifestyle. The ability to remain active while not compromising the integrity of the new joint continues to be the source of some controversy. It will be the purpose of this column to review the literature and make recommendations to safely return to golf with a hip and knee replacement.
