A surprise finding of study led by researchers at the University of California-San Diego School of Medicine shows that that coronary artery calcium (CAC) density may be protective against cardiovascular events rather than raising the risk of disease as has long been assumed. A release from the university quotes lead author Michael H. Criqui, MD, MPH as saying, "Current scoring systems assume that denser heart plaque (CAC) is more hazardous, but we found the opposite.
Tag: depressive symptoms
States’ Restrictions on ACA Hampering Access
The first study to gauge the impact of state restrictions on the roll-out of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) indicates that community health centers across the country are engaged in an intensive effort to find and enroll eligible and uninsured patients and community residents.
New Drugs Could Help Treat Addiction
Scientists are zeroing in on a new treatment for disorders, including pain and addiction.
Flu Forecasting Website Posts Predictions
Infectious disease experts at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health in New York City have launched a website that reports weekly predictions for rates of seasonal influenza in 94 cities in the United States based on a scientifically validated system. The URL is cpid.iri.columbia.edu. New predictions are posted every Friday afternoon during the flu season.
New BP Guidelines Questioned
On December 19th 2013, ThirdAge.com reported on the new hypertension guidelines from The American Society of Hypertension Inc. and the International Society of Hypertension. The revised recommendation was150/90 for people 60+ before starting treatment, up from the recommendation of 140/80 that has been the standard for 30 years.
Mental Exercises Have Long-Term Effect
The benefits of mental-sharpness exercises for older adults can last for as long as ten years, according to new research.
The research, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, found that even after a decade, participants who underwent cognitive training had less difficulty in performing everyday tasks.
Known as Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly, or ACTIVE, the study is the first to establish that link, according to Frederick W. Unverzagt, Ph.D., professor at Indiana University School of Medicine.
How to Handle A Clingy Elder
By Sheri Samotin
One of the most frequent concerns I hear from caregivers is how to deal with a care recipient who never wants his or her caregiver out of sight. This can be a real challenge for caregivers who need to work, take care of other family members, or just have a little time to him or herself. It is also often hard for caregivers to tell the difference between helping and enablinga loved one.
How to Use Social Media Safely
By Elle Aldridge
Shoulder Replacement Eases RA Pain
Shoulder arthritis is a common problem for rheumatoid arthritis patients. According to a release from the Mayo Clinic, pain and difficulty moving their arms can grow so severe that daily tasks and sleep become difficult. If medication and physical therapy aren't enough, shoulder replacement surgery is a common next step. Despite surgical challenges with some rheumatoid arthritis patients, the procedure improves range of motion and reduces pain in nearly all cases, especially for those with intact rotator cuffs, a Mayo Clinic study shows.
Motion Evaluation Tool for Back Surgery Patients
Patients who have had extensive back surgery typically need repeated X-rays to monitor their progress but a new technology that skips the X-rays and repeated radiation exposure is on the horizon. The method was developed by , opting instead for an innovative, noninvasive, non-X-ray device that evaluates spinal movement. The technology was created and patented by two engineering undergraduate students, Kerri Killen and Samantha Music, at the University of South Florida.
Pen-and-Paper Test to Spot Early Alzheimer’s
The Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination (SAGE test), which takes less than 15 minutes to complete, is a reliable tool for evaluating cognitive abilities. Findings by researchers at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center confirm the feasibility and efficiency of the tool for community screening of large numbers of people. The study is published in the January 2014 issue of The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences.
A Nonsurgical Treatment for Pelvic Pain
Experts say that a nonsurgical option can be as good as medicine or sugery for women suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction, which includes bladder and bowel probems as well as pelvic pain.
Mechanism Affecting Risk of Prostate Ca
A research group at Biocenter Oulu in Finland has identified a mechanism that initiates a genetic program that ups the risk of prostate cancer metastasis. The study was published in the journal Nature Genetics in January 2014.
A release from the Academy of Finland notes that prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men worldwide.
The Ultimate Anti-Aging Protection?
Researchers have identified a substance that can offer total protection against some types of sun damage, and that may lead to skin looking younger for longer.
Scientists from Newcastle University focused on the antioxidant Tiron, which targets mitochondria, known as the “batteries” of the skin cells. Comparing the types of mitochondria-targeting antioxidants with other antioxidants such as resveratrol and circumin, they found that the most powerful mitochondria-targeting antioxidant was Tiron.
Watch: How to Avoid Catching the Flu
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Don’t Fall for Scams Targeted to Seniors
By Hilary Young
It’s been estimated that over $2.6 billion was lost to scams that targeted seniors in 2013. Are you as shocked by that number as I am? In order to help you better protect yourself or your loved ones, I’ve put together a helpful guide to shield you from these rip-offs in 2014.
There are five popular scams that predators use to target seniors:
Safety for Senior Athletes
Aging affects multiple organ systems, from the heart and lungs to your bones and metabolism. Of all the changes, musculoskeletal issues have the most impact on the aging senior’s sport.
These changes include:an overall decrease in muscle and bone mass; stiffening of muscles; weakening of tendons and cartilage.
Heart Patients Get Too Much Radiation
Experts are urging cardiologists to reduce patient radiation because of possible severe risks.
The paper, published in the European Heart Journal, said that cardiology accounts for 40 percent of patient radiology and equals more than 50 chest X-rays per person per year.