Archives
There’s Reuben, for example, a spry retired military man who’s taken such good care of himself over the years that he passes for 70 even though he’s pushing 86. He’s active and involved with many things—not the least of which is romance. But still he showed up at a clinic worried about his love life. [...]
There are many causes for dryness and itchiness of the skin. Sometimes the two symptoms occur at the same time; at other times the symptoms occur separately. The skin may become itchy quite suddenly as part of another illness, such as allergic reaction to drugs. Skin may become gradually itchy due to certain ailments of [...]
One common problem that may affect you in your later years is anemia, which means that the amount of red blood cells in the body is reduced and therefore the ability to carry oxygen and carbon dioxide is impaired. Oxygen is essential for normal activities: when the blood carries less of it, the body loses [...]
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) affects many parts of the body, especially the heart. If you already suffer from a heart condition, the increased hormone level, which causes the heart to speed up, can aggravate heart failure and cause irregular heart rhythms. Mood changes, such as agitation, mental confusion, apathy, and depression, can occur, as well [...]
If you suffer from psoriasis (a chronic skin disease) you may develop an arthritis similar to rheumatoid arthritis but less serious. The illness may come and go according to the severity of your skin disease. Gout, due to excess uric acid deposits in the joints, can occur for the first time in the older person [...]
A cataract is a condition in which the lens of the eye becomes opaque, which means vision is impaired because light cannot pass through. Many older people develop cataracts, and the exact cause is not clear. In the early stages there may be some haziness and decrease in vision but you may still be able [...]
We all fear losing our mental and physical independence. A stroke is probably the most frightening nervous system disease. Strokes are more common in older people, and their effects can be devastating. However, a great deal can be done to decrease the risk of strokes and improve the outcome. Stroke means the sudden, spontaneous loss [...]
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women although lung cancer is catching up because of the number of women smokers. Although its exact cause is not clear, it appears to be partially hereditary. Whether hormones such as birth control pills or those taken after menopause play any role in causing breast cancer has [...]
Kidney stones can occur at any time of life, including during your later years. Most people who have had attacks of kidney stones remember them vividly, as the pain is usually described as excruciating. It often starts in the back and may move down to the groin area. You may find that you cannot sit [...]
As with all medications, antibiotics have potential side effects. It is very important for you to tell your physician about any problems you had with antibiotics in the past. Some people are allergic to certain types, and allergies to them can cause skin rashes and swelling of the face, among other symptoms. It is important [...]