What medical problem does a carpenter, typist, truck driver, jackhammer operator, violinist, pianist and court stenographer have in common? Carpal tunnel syndrome! Over the past 10-15 years, carpal tunnel syndrome has moved to the forefront in medicine and has become water cooler conversation. So what is carpal tunnel syndrome and how is it treated? Carpal […]
NEPA has one of the highest cancer rates in the country, particularly thyroid cancer! The purpose of this column on thyroid cancer is to raise the level of awareness for early detection and successful treatment for this disease. Thyroid Gland The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped structure located in the front of your neck. […]
A Question from a Reader: I am 56 years old and with each passing year I find myself identifying more closely with my senior patients in ways I never imagined. I notice an occasional stiff back and noisy knees in the morning, require frequent visits to the restroom on long trips (especially if I am […]
Summer or Winter…the weather changes can cause joint pain! It is not just a cold weather problem… “Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it,” said Mark Twain. Just ask 93% of the arthritis sufferers who believe that the weather affects their pain level. History tells us that Benjamin Franklin, Leonardo da […]
PREVENTION OF DEHYDRATION IN THE ELDERLY Part 3 of 3 on Dehydration in the Elderly Because of the possibility of the life-threatening, and at best life-altering, consequences of dehydration, prevention is best defense against dehydration. We must take a proactive approach to ensure and/or encourage adequate fluid intake. Consider some of the following practical tips […]
BENEFITS OF ADEQUATE HYDRATION IN THE ELDERLY Part 2 of 3 on Dehydration in the Elderly Water is needed to regulate body temperature, carry nutrients, remove toxins and waste materials, and provide the medium in which all cellular chemical reactions take place. Fluid balance is vital for body functions. A significant decrease in the […]
Summer heat is here and the risk of dehydration continues for one specific group, the elderly. Age, diet, illness and medications are some of the many reasons why elders suffer from dehydration not only in the summer heat, but year round. Next to oxygen, water is the nutrient most needed for life. A person can […]
Part 2 of 2 (Read Part 1 of this article if you missed it last week.) 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: […]
Part 1 of 2 Recently, a very close friend confided in me that he was experiencing intermittent chest pain. Upon further discussion, he shared with me that has been under tremendous stress over the past few months. I urged him to see his family physician and after a series of examinations and tests it was […]
Health and Safety Tips for Gardeners: Gardening with Disabilities Summer is finally here and gardeners in northeast PA are anxious work in their gardens and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Last week, Health & Exercise Forum presented tips for gardeners for preventing hand and arm injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. This week’s column […]
