Preventing Injuries at Home
This post was written by Valerie Hagan, former Health Programs Coordinator at the Alliance.
Seniors age 85 and older are five times more likely to die in a fire than those younger mostly because of physical impairments. In addition, falls in the home can cause fractures, which can lead to loss of independence and health complications. During home safety month seniors and their caregivers should take steps to create a safer home environment.
This post was written by Valerie Hagan, former Health Programs Coordinator at the Alliance.
Results from a new study show that a home-based occupational and physical therapy program extended the lives of those who received the therapy compared to those who did not.
Prevent Colorectal Cancer
This post was written by Valerie Hagan, former Health Programs Coordinator at the Alliance.
Colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented. Through a routine colonoscopy, physicians can remove pre-cancerous polyps which grow along the colon wall. Take the time during March, colorectal cancer awareness month, to learn more about risk factors and preventative measures for this disease.
Wear Red for Heart Disease Awareness
This post was written by Valerie Hagan, former Health Programs Coordinator at the Alliance.
During the past couple years, you may have noticed red dress pins being worn by women across the country. Maybe you also noticed the red dresses printed on some food labels in your local grocery store. This red dress has become the national symbol for heart disease awareness in women. On February 6, National Wear Red Day, wear red and encourage those around you to talk about heart disease—the number one cause of death for women in the U.S.
Eyeing a Healthy 2009
This post was written by Valerie Hagan, former Health Programs Coordinator at the Alliance.
January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month--perfect timing to add an eye exam to your list of New Year’s resolutions.
While most people in a recent survey said they would encourage a loved one to seek early diagnosis if they suspected Alzheimer’s disease, when faced with the reality, only a small number sought out early diagnosis.
Voters for the American Express Members Project recently chose the Alzheimer’s Disease: Early Detection Matters campaign as the project they would most like to see funded. Close to 90,000 card members cast a vote—choosing from more than 1,000 potential projects. In the end, the winner was a campaign that will educate people about the importance of early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s—receiving $1.5 million in funding.
Chronic Disease and Depression
This post was written by Valerie Hagan, former Health Programs Coordinator at the Alliance.
Two studies have been published recently that talk about depression—but not as a stand-alone diagnosis. They discuss both heart disease and diabetes and the high comorbidity of depression.
