Shaking Hands: What Are My Treatment Options?

What causes shaky hands?

Shaky hands are commonly referred to as a hand tremor. A hand tremor isn’t life-threatening, but it can make daily tasks difficult. It can also be an early warning sign of some neurological and degenerative conditions. You should speak with your doctor if you experience hand tremors.

Many people associate shaky hands with Parkinson’s disease, but the most common cause of shaking hands is actually essential tremor.

Essential tremor is also the most common neurologic disorder affecting adults, but it’s not well-understood. It’s likely caused by a disruption in the normal functioning of the cerebellum. Researchers aren’t entirely sure what causes the interruption nor how to stop it. They’re also unclear about whether it’s a degenerative process.



People with essential tremor experience frequent shaking. The shaking can’t be controlled and most often occurs in the hands, arms, head, and vocal cords.

Keep reading: Essential tremor »

By comparison, people with Parkinson’s disease typically experience a hand tremor when their muscles are at rest and see a reduction in the tremor when their muscles are in use. Shaky hands can also be caused by:
seizure
overactive thyroid
cerebellar disease
Huntington’s disease
medication side effects
caffeine overdose
alcohol abuse or addiction
anxiety
low blood sugar

What medications treat shaky hands?

Not everyone with shaky hands will need treatment, but if your doctor decides you’re a good candidate, you may first begin by taking prescription medication.
Commonly prescribed medications

The most commonly prescribed medications for essential tremors or shaky hands are:

propranolol (Inderal)
primidone (Mysoline)
long-acting propranolol (Inderal LA)

Propranolol is a beta-blocker designed to treat arrhythmia and hypertension, while primidone is an anti-seizure medication.

If these do not work for you, your doctor may recommend other medications.

Other beta-blockers

Sotalol (Betapace) and atenolol (Tenormin) are also beta-blockers that may be used to treat essential tremor. Your doctor may prescribe one of these medications if other medications don’t help your tremor.
Other antiseizure medications

Gabapentin (Neurontin) and topiramate (Topamax) are other medications primarily used to treat seizures. They may be helpful for people with essential tremor.
Anxiety medication

Alprazolam (Xanax) is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, but research indicates that it may be an effective treatment for essential tremor. This drug should be taken with great caution because it’s known to be habit-forming.
Botox

Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) shows promise as a treatment for essential tremor in the hands. This medicine may cause permanent muscle weakness where injected, so be sure to talk with your doctor about the potential risks and benefits. The benefits from a successful injection can last up to three months. Subsequent injections may be needed.

5 Most Common Allergens in the Philippines

Allergies are one of the most common chronic conditions worldwide. It may be common but it should be taken care of for allergies can be risky and lethal.

According to the leading experts in the field of allergy, asthma, and immunology, a person's allergy starts on the immune system. The immune system fights and protects our bodies to organisms that causes illness. The substance which causes the allergies is called an allergen. It is when the immune system mistakes an otherwise harmful substance as an invader. The immune system overreacts to the allergen by producing antibodies called Immunoglobulin E(IgE) which will help the antibodies to travel to cells which will eventually release histamine and other chemicals that's causing the allergic reaction.

It is easy to spot the warning signs of a building allergy. Such symptoms typically triggers in the nose, lungs, throat, sinuses, ears, lining of the stomach, or on the skin. Do take note that such symptoms if not treated may lead to asthma, and eventually build to a serious case that has a life-threatening reaction called Anaphylaxis. Anaphylactic reactions mostly come from foods, insect stings, medications and latex. The most common allergens include:

Pollen
Dust
Food
Insect stings
Animal dander
Mold
Medications
Latex

The allergens stated above may or may not be present depending on someone's area. The most common allergens that can detected in the Philippines are as follows:

Molds - Molds can be found in moist, dim, damp and warm places. It can grow specifically on bathrooms, basements, logs, and leaves as well. It usually occur in warmer months specifically during the summer. But, if your house is mold-infested, it can persist all-year round. Clearing up mold and preventing mold growth is effective to avoid it.

Dust mites - Microscopic critters, which loves warmth and humidity just like molds, are usually found on cushiony household articles like beds, fabrics, plush toys, pet fur, and carpets. Dust mites usually multiply fast and die slow in the following areas so it's important to soak sheets in hot water every week and keep all nooks and crannies dust-free.

Pollen - These are found in trees and plants. It is easily windswept and inhaled. Pollens are responsible for seasonal allergies or hay fever. Such evergreen trees like elm, oak, maple, cypress and also pine trees shed the most amount of pollen.

Fish - It is a common food allergy in the Philippines. Fish comprises a significant number of allergies across the world. The Philippines has rich expanse of coastal lines which makes it more prone to this allergen. In one study of food allergies, it was found out that about 81 percent of Filipino subjects are allergic to seafood.

Pet dander - Dander is considered one of the common allergies coming from furry pets like cats and dogs. It is where animal saliva, urine and skin can be found. It is easily transferred to each home, even from some households which aren't pet owners. When you've gone from somewhere who has a pet make sure to shower and change as once. Regularly clean fabric covered items, it may be traced there.

If you want to know what type of allergen causes your allergies, you can immediately reach an allergist, also called as an immunologist. An allergist has the expertise to properly diagnose the condition and prescribe an allergy treatment and management plan to help you feel better and live better. You can do also essential first aid for yourself to make sure about what happened to you.

DOH Insulin Access Program - Get The Cheapest Insulin In The Philippines!

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DOH Insulin Access Program - Get The Cheapest Insulin In The Philippines!

Insulin Access Program

How Nutritional Needs Change for Seniors and What You Can Eat For Good Health

The Secret to Eating Well for Healthy Longevity

Nutrition is a never-ending concern since what you eat impacts the quality of your life whether you are a child, adult or senior. Food is vital to life. You know it is important to “eat right” but as you age it can become harder to know which foods are good for you. Nutritional needs change for seniors. Even the taste, smell and texture of food can change making it hard to eat for good health.

That doesn’t mean you can’t eat healthy in your golden years though! Good nutrition is delicious and satisfying. You might even find that the foods recommended for good health are ones you remember from your childhood and will fill you with not only the fuel you need but those warm, nostalgic feelings that add to overall wellness.

How Nutrition Needs Change in Seniors

Good nutrition is the cornerstone of good health. Unfortunately, healthy eating habits can decline as you or your parent ages. One-third of seniors in North America admitted to the hospital will be suffering from some form of malnourishment.1

Loss of Smell

Malnourishment can often arise as a result of not understanding how your nutritional needs change as you age. Seniors will often report a loss of taste and smell. 75% of people over the age of 80 report losing their sense of smell 2. Without smell, you also lose the majority of your taste sensation. Food becomes boring when you can’t taste it!
It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about testing for a loss of smell if you find food bland and tasteless. A loss of smell can be treated and allow you to enjoy your food once again.

Also, don’t be afraid to be heavy handed with the spices. Your taste and smell sensations can be tantalized by adding healthy and nutritious spices and herbs to almost any food. Unlike sugar, spices and herbs don’t add empty calories while increasing your enjoyment of food again.

Dental Issues

Changes in the health of your mouth can make chewing and swallowing difficult. If you are suffering from dental pain, eating will seem like a chore instead of something you enjoy. Loss of teeth and gum disease can also make it impossible to chew meat. This makes it harder to meet protein requirements, which is horrible! As you age, you need more protein due to a decrease in stomach acid production, which inhibits the ability to absorb protein 3.

Digestive Needs

Your kidneys and lungs are responsible for maintaining a blood pH of 7.34-7.45. As you age, your kidney and lung function will be decreased. It becomes more difficult for your body to neutralize the acids that a diet high in refined carbohydrates, meat and salt produces. Providing your small intestine with more alkaline producing foods can protect your bones and muscles.

Your large intestine needs to have a healthy colony of bacteria to digest your food and reward you with regular bowel movements. Research shows that seniors have less than half the intestinal bacteria that they had in their 30s and 40s.

What You Should Eat for Healthy Longevity

Eating for healthy longevity can be a simple and rewarding challenge. As you eat healthier foods you will find your body feels stronger and you get more enjoyment out of life.

Eat Your Veggies

Mom was right. Eating fruits and vegetables is good for your health. Almost every diet will include a recommendation to eat more fruits and vegetables. They are like nature’s multivitamins. Some of the most powerful sources of nutrition will be fruits and berries like grapes, pomegranates, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries and goji berries.

Make sure you find room on your plate for all types of fruits and veggies. The MIND diet reports that an increase in leafy greens was able to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, protect against heart disease, prevent strokes and decrease hip fractures.

Dr. Terry Wahls recommends eating 9 cups of fruits and vegetables a day4, including 3 cups of leafy greens kale, collards, chard, spinach and lettuce; 3 cups of sulfur rich veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, asparagus, onions and Brussel sprouts; as well as 3 cups of the beautiful, colorful vegetables and fruits like berries, peaches, citrus, beets, carrots and peppers.

According to Dr. Wahls this specific blend of fruits and vegetables will provide your body and brain with the 31 micronutrients essential to optimal functioning. As well a diet high in fruit and vegetables provide high levels of vitamin C and will alkalize the small intestine and provide protection for muscles and bones.

Don’t Be Afraid of Fat

Did you know that all those healthy nutrients found in vegetables are better able to be absorbed when you eat them with healthy fat 5? That’s right! Your body needs fat to be healthy. Fats can make your brain more resilientand make less tasty foods like vegetables more enjoyable to eat.

Some of the best fats to include are found in fish, almonds, walnuts, brazil nuts, pecans, flax seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds. Don’t forget the heart friendly olive and coconut oil!

Fats that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids protect your heart, help you maintain normal cholesterol levels and boost your brain health 6.

Embrace Healthy Bacteria

Just like fat isn’t necessarily bad for you neither is gut bacteria. Eating foods that are fermented provide your intestines with strong and healthy bacteria that will fight off the true invaders like cold and flu viruses and infections. Probiotics (good bacteria) also help to digest your food and are good for your mental health.

Fermented foods are high in flavor which helps when your taste buds are tired. Try to include foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi each day. Start in small amounts if you aren’t used to fermented foods and soon your gut will thank you with better digestion and improved bowel function.

For probiotics to flourish they need to be matched with prebiotics. Prebiotics are foods that are high in fiber and feed the probiotics in your gut. Good sources of prebiotics are bananas, berries, legumes, garlic, onions and nuts.

See? We are back to more fruits and veggies!

Beef Up Your Diet

Protein continues to be foundational for physical functioning. You might remember that reduced levels of stomach acid make it more difficult to absorb protein as you age. Making it even more important to be eating adequate amounts of protein in a day to keep your muscles strong.

Protein can be found in meats, eggs, beans and nuts. Although meat and nuts can become difficult to chew with dental issues you can try slow cooking your meat in sauces to make it more tender. Or a scoop of nut butter on a slice of toast.

Drink Your Water

Hydration is a serious issue for seniors and a vital part of healthy nutrition in old age 7. As you age it can become more difficult to feel cues of thirst and to forget to drink. Some good ideas would be to drink water flavored with lime juice and to enjoy foods regularly that are naturally high in water like soup and melons.

A pot of soup prepared with a generous helping of sulfur containing veggies, leafy greens, carrots, onions and some slow cooked meats served with a side of yogurt and berries would meet most of your nutritional needs in a day.

How to Promote Good Senior Health Through Nutrition

Good nutrition is not about how much you eat but focuses more on the quality of food that you eat. As you age, most people will report a decreased appetite. A normal part of aging caused by a quieter life with fewer physical demands.

Large meals can often be daunting. Try instead to focus on meals for seniors that provide high nutrition while in a small amount. Aim to include a few of the foods from this article in your day. Even a small change can benefit you and promote good health. Home Care Assistance caregivers are trained in healthy nutrition and can help you or a loved one by preparing a diet rich in essential nutrients. They can even do the grocery shopping and meal preparation making it even easier to eat for healthy longevity.



Sources:



http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-b-blancato/senior-malnutrition-a-nat_b_6832238.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2579627/

http://time.com/3694094/nutrition-health-advice-senior-citizens/

http://www.phoenixhelix.com/2013/04/08/wahls-veggie-protocol-qa/

https://chriskresser.com/have-some-butter-with-your-veggies/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/your-brain-food/201205/dietary-fats-improve-brain-function

http://dailycaring.com/dehydration-in-elderly-is-dangerous/

Pneumonia Prevention - Expat World PH Health Project

Pneumonia Prevention
By Mary Gallagher, RN, MSN, CCRN - January 26, 2018


PNEUMONIA, AN INFECTION that inflames the air sacs of one or both lungs, affects millions of Americans each year. The air sacs, or alveoli, are where the oxygenation of the blood occurs. The alveoli may fill with fluid or pus, causing a cough with phlegm or pus. Pneumonia can range from mild to life-threatening and is most serious in infants, young children, people older than 65 and people with health problems or weakened immune systems.

Bacteria, viruses and fungi can cause pneumonia. This is why foreigners in the Philippines are so vulnerable.

 In adults, bacteria are the most common cause. Bacteria and viruses living in your nose, sinuses or mouth may spread to your lungs. You may breathe some of these germs directly into your lungs, or you may inhale food, vomit or fluids from the mouth into your lungs (aspiration pneumonia).

The most common type of pneumonia-causing bacteria is Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). Walking pneumonia, often called atypical pneumonia, is caused by other bacteria. The fungus Pneumocystis jiroveci can cause pneumonia in people whose immune systems are not working well, such as those with advanced HIV infection. Viruses such as the flu are also a common cause of pneumonia.

Risk factors that increase your chances of getting pneumonia include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; bronchiectasis; cystic fibrosis; dementia; stroke; brain injury; cerebral palsy or other brain disorders; and immune system problems due to cancer treatment, HIV/AIDS, organ transplant or other diseases. Other risk factors include serious illnesses such as heart disease, liver cirrhosis or diabetes mellitus; recent surgery or trauma; or surgery to treat cancer of the mouth, throat or neck. Smoking cigarettes, excessive use of alcohol or being undernourished also increases your risk of pneumonia.

The most common symptoms of pneumonia are cough (you may cough up greenish or yellow mucus or bloody mucus), mild or high fever, shaking chills and shortness of breath. The shortness of breath may only occur when you climb stairs or exert yourself. Other symptoms include confusion, especially in older people; excess sweating and clammy skin; headache; loss of appetite; low energy and fatigue; not feeling well; or sharp or stabbing chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough.

See your health care provider as soon as possible. Your provider will examine your lungs with a stethoscope, listening for decreased breath sounds and crackles in your lungs. A pulse oximetry will check your oxygen saturation on room air. You may have a chest X-ray, blood work such as a complete blood count and arterial blood gases, blood and sputum cultures to look for the organism causing the infection, a CT scan or a bronchoscopy to examine your lungs and take sputum samples.

If the assessment points to early pneumonia, you will likely be told to force fluids and be placed on a broad-spectrum antibiotic, Mucinex or its generic form (600 mg two to three times a day) to assist in coughing up secretions, and mini nebulizer treatments every eight hours while at home.

If your pneumonia has progressed, you may be hospitalized to be monitored closely. You may be placed on IV antibiotics, oxygen and breathing mini nebulizer treatments plus an incentive spirometer to help open your airways. If you are diagnosed with viral pneumonia, you may receive other medications, such as an antiviral if the cause is the flu. Antibiotics do not kill viruses. Get plenty of sleep. If you cannot sleep at night, take naps during the day. With treatment, most people improve in two weeks; recovery may take six weeks. Adults older than 65 or very sick individuals may take longer to recover.

Possible complications of pneumonia include the need for a mechanical ventilator; bacteremia, in which the infection spreads into the blood; septic shock, an overwhelming infection attacking the body; lung abscess; other pulmonary problems such as respiratory failure, pleurisy or pleural effusion, in which fluid collects in the lungs; and kidney failure.

You can prevent pneumonia by washing your hands or using alcohol-based sanitizers often, especially before preparing or eating food and after blowing your nose, going to the bathroom, changing a baby’s or adult’s diaper or coming in contact with people who are sick. Do not smoke. Tobacco damages your lungs’ ability to fight infections.

Vaccines may prevent some types of pneumonia. The flu vaccine can help prevent pneumonia caused by the flu virus. The pneumococcal vaccine lowers your chances of getting pneumonia from Streptococcus pneumoniae and helps protect against some of the 90-plus types of pneumococcal bacteria. Vaccines are even more important for older adults and people with diabetes, asthma, emphysema, HIV, cancer, organ transplants and other chronic diseases and conditions.

Get your children vaccinated with the child strength of pneumococcal, flu, pertussis and Hib vaccines. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a bacterium that can cause pneumonia and meningitis. The vaccine is recommended in the United States for all children younger than 5 years of age. It is often given to infants starting at 2 months old.

When infants are too young to be immunized, parents, family members, relatives and caregivers should be vaccinated. Keep yourself healthy: Limit your intake of alcohol, keep your immune system strong, get enough sleep, exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.

The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Finally, a blood test to screen for early-stage cancer

    Scientists at Johns Hopkins University have developed a blood test that will detect early signs of the eight most common cancers normally diagnosed in their late stages, according to research published in the journal Science. This means early detection will finally be available for patients who have cancer of the ovary, liver, pancreas, esophagus, bowel, lungs or breast.

The screening test, then known as “liquid biopsy” and now called CancerSEEK, works by looking for mutated DNA that dying cells shed into the blood, and protein biomarkers associated with bowel, breast, liver, lung, esophageal, ovarian, pancreatic and stomach cancer. The test looks for mutations in 16 genes that regularly occur in cancer, and eight proteins that are often released.

The test detected 70 percent of the cancers in more than 1,000 patients with cancers in the ovary, liver, stomach, pancreas, esophagus, colon, lung or breast. More importantly, it did so before the cancers had spread, giving patients a fighting chance at beating the disease.

About 800 volunteers who had not yet been diagnosed with cancer were also tested. According to ABC News, US researchers are currently conducting the test on 10,000 more people to examine its effectivity as well as to help determine its cost to patients in the future.

“This field of early detection is critical, and the results are very exciting. I think this can have an enormous impact on cancer mortality,” Dr. Cristian Tomasetti of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine told BBC.

Current screening tests available for some cancers reduce the risk of death by up to 50 percent. CancerSEEK allows early detection of five cancers that previously had no screening program for early detection.

Pancreatic cancer, for example, has so few symptoms and is usually detected so late that four in five patients die in the year they are diagnosed. Women with ovarian cancer detected early on could have 92 percent chance of surviving, but only 15 percent of all ovarian cancers are found at an early stage.

CancerSEEK could change all that. The journal Science reported that CancerSEEK is novel because it hunts for both the mutated DNA and the proteins. The blood test could complement other cancer screening tools as well.

An Australian researcher involved in the study, professor Peter Gibbs from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, told ABC News, ”For the first time we’re seeing potential for a blood test that can screen for many types of nasty cancers that until now we’ve had to wait until symptoms are diagnosed quite late.”

While not everyone might be too keen on getting a colonoscopy to rule out cancer of the colon, Gibbs said pretty much everyone “would be happy to have a blood test.”

“This is of massive potential. This is the Holy Grail—a blood test to diagnose cancer without all the other procedures like scans or colonoscopy,” Dr. Gert Attard, team leader in the Center for Evolution and Cancer at the Institute of Cancer Research, London, and consultant medical oncologist at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, told the BBC.

CancerSEEK is designed for people 50 and above as well as younger people with a family history of cancer. Gibbs told ABC he hopes the test would become part of an annual regular checkup.

What is MSG? Is it bad for you?

What is MSG? Is it bad for you?


Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer commonly added to Chinese food, canned vegetables, soups and processed meats. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified MSG as a food ingredient that's "generally recognized as safe," but its use remains controversial. For this reason, when MSG is added to food, the FDA requires that it be listed on the label.


MSG has been used as a food additive for decades. Over the years, the FDA has received many anecdotal reports of adverse reactions to foods containing MSG. These reactions — known as MSG symptom complex — include:

Headache
Flushing
Sweating
Facial pressure or tightness
Numbness, tingling or burning in the face, neck and other areas
Rapid, fluttering heartbeats (heart palpitations)
Chest pain
Nausea
Weakness

However, researchers have found no definitive evidence of a link between MSG and these symptoms. Researchers acknowledge, though, that a small percentage of people may have short-term reactions to MSG. Symptoms are usually mild and don't require treatment. The only way to prevent a reaction is to avoid foods containing MSG.

Healthy Aging for Expats In The Philippines- Live Longer- Be Stronger

      People in the west are living longer than ever before but people who transplant themselves from the west to the philippines need to take particular care, for many reasons. 

Many seniors live active and healthy lives. But there's no getting around one thing: as we age, our bodies and minds change. There are things you can do to stay healthy and active as you age. It is important to understand what to expect. 

Some changes may just be part of normal aging, while others may be a warning sign of a medical problem. It is important to know the difference, and to let your health care provider know if you have any concerns.

Having a healthy lifestyle, whether you are an expat or not, can help you to deal with normal aging changes and make the most of your life.

Healthy Lifestyle

Healthy aging

Wonder what's considered a normal part of the aging process? Here's what to expect as you get older — and what to do about it.

You know that aging will likely cause you to develop wrinkles and gray hair. But do you know how the aging process will affect your teeth, heart and sexuality? 

It is helpful to understand the  changes you can expect in your body as you continue aging — and what you can do to promote good health at any age.

What's happening?

As you age, your heart rate becomes slightly slower, and your heart might become bigger. Your blood vessels and your arteries also become stiffer, causing your heart to work harder to pump blood through them. This can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension) and other cardiovascular problems.

What you can do

To promote heart health:

Include physical activity in your daily routine. Try walking, swimming or other activities you enjoy. Regular moderate physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure and lessen the extent of arterial stiffening.

1. Eat a healthy diet. Choose vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fiber foods and lean sources of protein, such as fish. Limit foods high in saturated fat and sodium. A healthy diet can help you keep your heart and arteries healthy.
2. Don't smoke. Smoking contributes to the hardening of your arteries and increases your blood pressure and heart rate. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, ask your doctor to help you quit.
3. Manage stress. Stress can take a toll on your heart. Take steps to reduce stress — or learn to deal with stress in healthy ways.
4. Get enough sleep. Quality sleep plays an important role in healing and repair of your heart and blood vessels. People's needs vary, but generally aim for 7 to 8 hours a night.

What's happening?

With age, bones tend to shrink in size and density — which weakens them and makes them more susceptible to fracture. You might even become a bit shorter. Muscles generally lose strength and flexibility, and you might become less coordinated or have trouble balancing.

What you can do

To promote bone, joint and muscle health:

1. Get adequate amounts of calcium. For adults ages 19 to 50 and men ages 51 to 70, the Institute of Medicine recommends 1,000 milligrams (mg) of calcium a day. The recommendation increases to 1,200 mg a day for women age 51 and older and men age 71 and older. Dietary sources of calcium include dairy products, almonds, broccoli, kale, canned salmon with bones, sardines and soy products, such as tofu. If you find it difficult to get enough calcium from your diet, ask your doctor about calcium supplements.
2. Get adequate amounts of vitamin D. For adults ages 19 to 70, the Institute of Medicine recommends 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D a day. The recommendation increases to 800 IU a day for adults age 71 and older. Although many people get adequate amounts of vitamin D from sunlight, this might not be a good source for everyone. Other sources of vitamin D include oily fish, such as tuna and sardines, egg yolks, fortified milk, and vitamin D supplements.
3. Include physical activity in your daily routine. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, tennis, climbing stairs and strength training can help you build strong bones and slow bone loss.
4. Avoid substance abuse. Avoid smoking and don't drink more than one or two alcoholic drinks a day, depending on your sex and age.

What's happening?

Constipation is more common in older adults. Many factors can contribute to constipation, including a low-fiber diet, not drinking enough fluids and lack of exercise. Medications — such as diuretics and iron supplements — and certain medical conditions — such as diabetes and irritable bowel syndrome — also might contribute to constipation.

What you can do

To prevent constipation:

Eat a healthy diet. Make sure your diet includes high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit meats that are high in fat, dairy products and sweets, which might cause constipation. Drink plenty of water and other fluids.

Include physical activity in your daily routine. Regular physical activity can help prevent constipation, and is important for your overall health.
Don't ignore the urge to have a bowel movement. Holding in a bowel movement for too long can cause constipation.

What's happening ?

Loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence) is common with aging. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, might contribute to incontinence — as can menopause, for women, and an enlarged prostate, for men.

What you can do

To promote bladder and urinary tract health:

1. Go to the toilet regularly. Consider urinating on a regular schedule, such as every hour. Slowly, extend the amount of time between your toilet trips.
2. Maintain a healthy weight. If you're overweight, lose excess pounds.
3. Don't smoke. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, ask your doctor to help you quit.
4. Do Kegel exercises. Tighten your pelvic floor muscles, hold the contraction for five seconds, and then relax for five seconds. Try it four or five times in a row. Work up to keeping the muscles contracted for 10 seconds at a time, relaxing for 10 seconds between contractions.
5. Avoid bladder irritants. Caffeine, acidic foods, alcohol and carbonated beverages can make incontinence worse.
6. Avoid constipation. Eat more fiber and take necessary steps to avoid constipation, which can worsen incontinence.

What's happening?

Memory might naturally become less efficient with age. It might take longer to learn new things or remember familiar words or names.

What you can do

To keep your memory sharp:

Include physical activity in your daily routine. Physical activity increases blood flow to your whole body, including your brain. This might help keep your memory sharp.

Eat a healthy diet. A heart-healthy diet might benefit your brain. Focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Choose low-fat protein sources, such as fish, lean meat and skinless poultry. What you drink counts, too. Too much alcohol can lead to confusion and memory loss.

Stay mentally active. Mentally stimulating activities help keep your brain in shape — and might keep memory loss at bay. Do crossword puzzles. Take alternate routes when driving. Learn to play a musical instrument.

Be social. Social interaction helps ward off depression and stress, which can contribute to memory loss. Look for opportunities to get together with loved ones, friends and others.

Lower your blood pressure. Reducing high blood pressure might reduce vascular disease that might in turn reduce the risk for dementia. More research is needed to determine whether treating high blood pressure reduces the risk of dementia.

Quit smoking. Some studies have shown smoking in middle age and older might increase your risk of dementia. Quitting smoking might reduce your risk.

If you're concerned about memory loss, consult your doctor.

What's happening?

With age, you might have difficulty focusing on objects that are close up. You might become more sensitive to glare and have trouble adapting to different levels of light. Aging also can affect your eye's lens, causing clouded vision (cataracts).

Your hearing also might diminish. You might have difficulty hearing high frequencies or following a conversation in a crowded room.

What you can do

To promote eye and ear health:

Schedule regular checkups. Follow your doctor's advice about glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and other corrective devices.

Take precautions. Wear sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat when you're outdoors, and use earplugs when you're around loud machinery or other loud noises.

What's happening

Your gums might pull back (recede) from your teeth. Certain medications, such as those that treat allergies, asthma, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, can also cause dry mouth. As a result, your teeth and gums might become slightly more vulnerable to decay and infection.

What you can do

To promote oral health:

Brush and floss. Brush your teeth twice a day and clean between your teeth — using regular dental floss or an interdental cleaner — once a day.

Schedule regular checkups. Visit your dentist or dental hygienist for regular dental checkups.

What's happening


With age, your skin thins and becomes less elastic and more fragile with a simultaneous decrease of fatty tissue just below the skin. You might notice that you bruise more easily. Decreased production of natural oils might make your skin drier. Wrinkles, age spots and small growths called skin tags are more common.

What you can do

To promote healthy skin:

Be gentle. Bathe in warm — not hot — water. In the Philippines where most folks do not have a bath-tub use warm water and a nice thick washcloth .. Ask your wife to help with your back... Use mild soap and moisturizer.
Take precautions. When you're outdoors, use sunscreen and wear protective clothing. Check your skin regularly and report changes to your doctor.
Don't smoke. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, ask your doctor to help you quit. Smoking contributes to skin damage, such as wrinkling.

What's happening?

Maintaining a healthy weight is more difficult as you get older. As you age, your muscle mass decreases and body fat takes its place. Since fat tissue burns fewer calories than does muscle, you need fewer calories to maintain your current weight.

What you can do

To maintain a healthy weight:

Include physical activity in your daily routine. Regular moderate physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight.

Eat a healthy diet. Choose vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fiber foods and lean sources of protein, such as fish. Limit sugar and foods high in saturated fat.

Watch your portion sizes. You might not need as many calories as you used to.

What's happening?

With age, sexual needs and performance might change. Illness or medication might affect your ability to enjoy sex. For women, vaginal dryness can make sex uncomfortable. For men, impotence might become a concern. It might take longer to get an erection, and erections might not be as firm as they used to be.

What you can do

To promote your sexual health:

Share your needs and concerns with your partner. You might experiment with different positions or sexual activities.

Talk to your doctor. He or she might offer specific treatment suggestions — such as estrogen cream for vaginal dryness or perhaps oral medication to increase libido in women or oral medication for erectile dysfunction in men.

Remember, it's never too late to adopt a healthy lifestyle. You can't stop the aging process, but you might be able to minimize its impact by making healthy choices.