Health

By Kiersten Willis, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Troy Warren for CNT #Health It’s commonly believed that older adults need fewer hours of sleep. But that’s actually a myth. “The amount of sleep needed doesn’t change, but the perception of sleep changes,” Dr. Leila Kheirandish-Gozal, Pediatric Sleep Medicine Specialist at the University of Missouri, told Time magazine. One common reason for lack of sleep in older adults is insomnia. “Insomnia is more common for seniors, partly because of health issues, partly because of the anxiety and the concerns of aging, and sometimes because of medication,” Dr. Jack Gardner told WebMD. He is a board-certified neurologist…

By Kiersten Willis, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Troy Warren for CNT #Health Some habits are bad at any age, but experts say certain ones should particularly be avoided for older adults. Eat This, Not That spoke to experts about what they say people over 50 should avoid. Here are a few of them. Avoid weight gains It’s not just in your head: It’s common for you to hold on to weight as you get older. “Obesity incidence starts increasing in one’s twenties and peaks at 40 to 59, and then decreases slightly after age 60,” Dr. Craig Primack, an obesity medicine physician at…

By Dana Sparks Troy Warren for CNT #Health Risk factors for varicose veins include age, sex, pregnancy, family history and trauma to the leg Have you noticed large, tender veins in your legs? Do you experience aching or swelling in your legs at the end of the day? Do suffer from restless legs? Have you noticed changes in the color or texture of the skin near your ankles? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, you may have varicose veins or venous insufficiency. As the heart pumps blood, your body depends on thin-walled veins to return it. In…

By Kiersten Willis, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Troy Warren for CNT #Health It’s important to monitor your health at any age, but after 50, it can be especially imperative. “If you want a future that’s disease-free and enjoyable, it’s vital to start taking steps to protect your health and longevity,” Roger Landry, preventive medicine physician and author of Live Long, Die Short, told Prevention. Eat This, Not That outlined several signs your health may be in danger if you’re over 50. Here are a few of them. Not checking your blood pressure recently Even if you don’t believe you have an issue, it’s important…

By Nancy Clanton, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Troy Warren for CNT #Health No one plans to become obese, but for many people it’s a subtle transition The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development reported earlier this year that Americans are the heaviest group of people in the world. Being obese can lead to numerous health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. It can also affect how well the COVID-19 vaccine works. No one plans to become obese, and for many people it’s a subtle transition. The website Eat This, Not That talked to three top doctors who contributed to the documentary “Better” about recognizing the signs you’re gaining too much…

By Tom Avril, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS) Troy Warren for CNT #Health So you want to start exercising more after a lifetime of cubicle-dwelling and have settled on the sport of millions: running. Congrats — it is great exercise, and it can be very rewarding. But please — if you’re over 50-something, or even younger and truly out of shape — do not simply lace up an old pair of sneakers and charge out the front door. First, run the idea past your primary care doctor. A physical exam may identify cardiac issues or other limitations that warrant trying a different…

By Nancy Clanton, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Troy Warren for CNT #Health Annual flu vaccination important because hospitals are again struggling to care for coronavirus patients In the early weeks of the coronavirus pandemic, many people believed COVID-19 was no worse than the flu. We now know it’s much worse, but that doesn’t mean we can forget about getting our flu shot. The annual flu vaccination is especially important this year, experts say, because hospitals are again struggling to care for coronavirus patients. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta says the flu vaccination is especially important for adults 65…