Kim Valentine

When your loved one receives a diagnosis of dementia, you may assume they will no longer be able to do some of the things they once enjoyed. Take cooking, for example. Many older adults have spent years perfecting the craft of food preparation, cooking, and dining with their families. But our mind may immediately think of the risks of operating a stove or other appliance.

For many years, experts did not see a clear path that connected epilepsy and Parkinson's disease. However, a growing body of evidence shows there could be a link at some level. One research study revealed that people with epilepsy are at a greater risk of developing Parkinson's disease. How does science explain this? Can we seek to recognize and possibly reduce the risk?

Usually, when we think of hormonal weight gain, we think of females and their menstrual cycle. However, did you know that males can also have hormonal weight gain? While they do not have a particular hormonal cycle, some key factors indicate that males can also have increased weight as they age due to hormonal fluctuations.

You’ve just finished that bag of salty chips before bedtime. You look at the calendar, knowing your period (menstrual cycle) is due any day. You’re already feeling bloated and know those few extra pounds will show on the scale in the next day or two. Yet, every month you go through the same thing. Is it normal, or are you just getting used to the habit? Understanding the science behind changes in your system before and during your period may be helpful.

When we have stress at home or work, it can be mentally and physically challenging. When stress occurs over a short period but then resolves, there is time for our body to recover. However, our body does not have a chance to recover when stress is ongoing. So, what are the long-term effects when high stress is chronic?

As we age, we may experience a decrease in the function of some organ systems in our body. For example, our skin may be drier, our hearing may diminish, and we'll notice reduced acuity in our eyesight. Additionally, aging may impact our thyroid function.
Since the thyroid regulates most of our metabolism, its dysfunction affects our whole system. However, what constitutes an underactive thyroid, and what is the treatment?

Some call cortisol the stress hormone, which is part of a more intricate endocrine system that responds to stress. While we need cortisol to protect our bodies during stress, chronically elevated levels can have adverse effects as we age. So what are the risks, and what can we do here and now to reduce those risks as we age?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity has nearly tripled globally since 1975, affecting 1 billion people. Estimates by WHO predict that by 2025, 167 million adults and children will become less healthy due to obesity. Obesity has indeed reached epidemic proportions. But how does the adult who has struggled with diets and obesity cope when their health is at risk? This article explores the surgical options available and their risks and benefits.

Cardiac arrhythmia is when the heart is not beating as it should. It may be beating too quickly, too slowly, or irregularly. It is normal for heart rates to vary based on physical activity. However, older adults are more at risk for developing cardiac arrhythmias for various reasons.
So, if your healthcare provider tells you that you have an irregular heart rhythm, what you should know to understand what that means?
What are arrhythmias?
Any disruption in the heart's conduction system can cau...

Over the last century, researchers have noted that our life expectancy has increased dramatically. People are living longer than ever before, and while that is cause for celebration, have you ever considered how well-lived those “extra” years are? You may have heard the terms “life span” and “health span” and used them interchangeably, but they have different meanings.