Daily Health News Blog

  One problem with prescriptions: many bottles just tell the name of the medication and how many pills to take. Busy primary care doctors may not have explained how to take them, or in the stress of the visit, the patient might have forgotten the instructions. Here are two examples: A woman who was prescribed a once-a-week bone-building pill took it whenever it was convenient. Her pharmacist explained that it should be taken in the morning and she shouldn't eat anything or lie down for an hour afterward. A man taking a medication for reflux disease thought he would need surgery because his medication wasn't doing enough. After a pharmacist explained when and how to take it, the man felt much better. Walgreens is gradually remodeling their stores to put pharmacists at open desks so customers can easily discuss their prescriptions with them. The company says many patients are talking to their pharmacists more often than to their primary-care physicians.

Take a few minutes each day to stop and reflect on your life. You can spend some time practicing gratitude. This helps give you some perspective and improves your ability to handle life's challenges. Remember that you have the power to control your thoughts. Researchers studying weight loss have found that most people will state that they need to lose 50 or more pounds to be "successful" at losing weight. This often sets them up for failure by making this goal seem out of reach. A better strategy is to set a reasonable goal, such as losing 10 pounds. Studies have shown that even a 10 pound weight loss has measurable effect on your blood sugar level and overall well-being. Once you've hit that first goal, simply set another until you've gotten as healthy as you can. To get the best protection from sunscreen, you don't have to buy the highest SPF you can find. Unless you have a skin condition, have had skin cancer, or are very fair, you can use a product wit

Grudges are easy to hold onto-it is forgiving that can be tough, but the benefits are enormous. Anger and resentment can not only harm you mentally, but studies have shown that there are increases in heart disease, cancer, and other deadly diseases when a person has pent-up anger. Go through these steps to help on your way to forgiving someone in your life. 1.  Try to understand the pain in you. Recognizing how you really feel-your anger, fear, or grief-is important. Know that you are the only one who can change the situation you are in. No one else can. 2.  Don't expect to understand why it happened in the first place. Knowing this probably won't lessen the pain and sometimes even the person who hurt you doesn't know why it occurred. Also, know that forgiving is entirely up to you and cannot always wait until the other person has admitted the wrong-this may never happen. But for your own sake, you should pursue forgiveness as a good for you. 3.  Acknowledge your part. No o

Gas prices are rising every day, and it seems that there is little you can do to keep from spending more and more. But there are simple steps you can take each time you stop to fill up your tank that could save you money. It used to be that each time you pulled into a service station for a fill-up, the attendant would open the hood and do a series of checks. In these days of self-service, these mini-check ups are no longer done on a regular basis. You can, however, do these checks yourself. Make sure that you only check under your hood if your engine is off. If you are at a busy station, you can simply pull to the side after fueling your car. While it may seem like these checks can not do much to save you money on gasoline, it will pay off in the long run. An engine that is not running properly or improperly inflated tires will decrease your gas mileage and cost you money over the long run. The following are some of the components you'll want to check each time. Coolant overflow ta

According to the U.S. National Institute on Aging, seniors are at greater risk for heat stroke and heat exhaustion. As people age, they are less able to adapt to increasing temperatures. Heat can also exacerbate medical conditions that they may already have. If an older person has heart disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or dementia, they are at increased risk of body overheating, also called hyperthermia.  Trouble walking can also contribute. There is an increased risk due to dehydration, often caused by medications that older people take. In fact, in some older persons, the sweat glands may not work as effectively, leading to overheating. What should you look for to check for heat exhaustion or heat stroke? Symptoms can include a rapid pulse, lack of sweating, dry flushed skin, lightheadedness, confusion, or disorientation. If you find someone you believe is suffering from the effects of the heat, you should immediately move them to a cool place and call 911. U

Want to keep more of your hard earned money? Who doesn't? Sometimes people avoid some simple things because they can't see the benefit immediately. But you can save yourself some money in the long run. Begin today with these simple ideas to benefit your future. Buy insurance Car, renters, homeowners, and disability insurance generally don't pay off unless you really need them. However, in the case of an accident or catastrophe, these types of insurance policies become invaluable. Don't neglect to spend a little now to ensure that you are protected. Pay off your debt The benefits of debt-free living are clear to everyone. But that debt that you are carrying could be costing you more than you think. Say you have a balance of $5000 on a credit card at 18% interest. If you make the minimum payment only each month, it will take you almost four years to pay off this debt. You will also pay $1,983.61 in interest on top of the $5000 balance! Paying off balances on credit cards

Summer is a great time to travel. If you or a loved one is a senior, you should be aware of some extra precautions to take before hitting the road. Check with your doctor before you leave. Ask if you should take any special precautions while away. Your doctor may ask you to come in for a check-up and will be able to suggest any vaccinations you may need if you are leaving the country. On your trip, you should bring a list of your current medications, copies of your prescriptions, and details of any medical conditions you have. You should also pack a list of contact information for not only family, but also all of your physicians. All of your medications should be placed in your carry-on bag and should be kept in their original containers. This can help you get through customs more easily and is helpful in the event you need a refill while you are away. Finally, enjoy some of the perks of being a senior. Ask about special shuttle services, early boarding procedures, and discounts for se