Chances are everyone has been touched during their lives by someone who has had breast cancer. Perhaps it was a mother, sister, aunt, a close friend or yourself.  Breast cancer is a disease that forms in the tissues of the breast. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths for American women.  Over the past 50 years, the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer has increased each year which is likely due to better public education about the disease and better as well as earlier detection. Today the statistics are that 1 in nearly 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, or 12.3% of US women in their lifetime. This year an estimated 180,000 Americans will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Although rare, an estimated 1,500 men will be part of that number.  Effective breast cancer testing procedures such as the mammogram diagnose breast cancer before it has a chance to spread to other areas of the body.  Such early detection also a... [More]

As we all know it can be difficult to talk to your doctor during a scheduled appointment. Oftentimes, the doctor appears so rushed we neglect to ask questions that are important to us. This time with your physician is important to give him/her an understanding of what you may be experiencing health wise.  So we have compiled some tips to help better communicate with your doctor. Before you go…• Write down your symptoms – describe it, when it started, when is it worse, how long does it last, what relieves it and does it keep you from doing any of your activities.• Write down all of your prescription medicines, non-prescription medicines,herbal supplements and vitamins that you take – if only sometimes OR put them all in bag and bring them along.• What equipment are you using at home and why?• Any important life changes that make you feel sad or stressed?What to Bring with You:• Glasses or hearing aid(s)• Your list of symptoms &ndash... [More]

The unexpected nature of the aging process often makes us feel nervous and scared. One in every eight Americans is over the age of 65. Preventing health problems is one of the fewknown ways you can remain independent for as long as possible and avoid the debilitytraditionally associated with aging. Here are some of the common myths about aging and the real information.Myth: To Be Old is to Be SickReality: Older people are in remarkably good health, with fewer illnesses and disabilities;89% of those age 65-74 report no disability at all. Myth: You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New TricksReality: Research shows that older people can and do learn new things. Many seniors todayare keeping up in a number of ways. 13% of total online users are 55 and over. Myth: The Horse is Out of the Barn (meaning that the behaviors and habits of our youth and early life have already caused irreversible damage to our health)Reality: New habits such as healthy eating, regular exercise, mental activity and... [More]

The more we learn about aging, the more we know that keeping the brain active is an integral part of this process. Brain researchers have learned that our brains are just as capable of learning in the second half of life as in the first. In fact, a team of Princeton University psychologists found that adults continue to grow new brain cells throughout life. These late-generated cells may allow older people to bolster their learning and memory capabilities, or even stop declines. It’s true that when we think of fitness, we often don’t think of the brain — but brain fitness is important. Years of aging studies prove that if we keep our minds alert and engage in challenging brain activities, we have a greater chance of remaining more independent for a longer period of time. What does this mean as we grow older? Choosing to do some brain activities several times a week can keep our minds sharp and enable us to function at a higher level. Typically, we get in a pattern an... [More]

Skin care tips to care for your skin during the summer and all year long [More]