The COVID-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on intensive care units and critically ill patients. Most of the focus has been on survival, which is the first goal. Someone heading into an intensive care unit is very ill, possibly being kept alive by a ventilator or some other piece of medical equipment. But surviving the […]
Winter weather can lead to devastating slips, trips, and falls. Below are five simple steps that YOU can take this winter to reduce falls. Raise awareness: Read and share our infographic—6 Steps to Prevent a Fall. Ask for a falls risk screening: When you visit your primary care provider, ask your doctor to conduct a screening for falls […]
More than 12 million Americans aged 40 years and older experience vision impairment, and with an aging American population this number is expected to double by 2050.1 Each year, one in four Americans 65 and older experiences a fall, the leading cause of injury among older adults2, and impaired vision more than doubles this risk.3 Falls often result […]
Water isn’t just a refreshing thirst-quencher. It’s essential to almost all bodily functions, from lubricating our joints to pumping blood to our heart. Staying hydrated is a key part of maintaining good health. That’s why the advice to “drink 8 glasses a day” has become a familiar mantra on morning talk shows and in magazines. […]
Key Takeaways With one in four Americans aged 65+ falling each year, NCOA provides facts, tools, and fall prevention strategies to help keep you safe. The financial toll for older adult falls is expected to increase as the population ages and may reach over $101 billion by 2030. Learn more about the Falls Free® Initiative […]
Most people think of heart rate or blood pressure when they think of vital signs. It is common to use numbers to quantify health and risk of disease. The American Heart Association encourages people to “know their numbers” referring to blood pressure, blood cholesterol, blood glucose, and weight. However, research is now showing the importance […]
Healthy bones can help you stay strong and active throughout your life. If good bone health is achieved during childhood and maintained, it can help to avoid bone loss and fracture later in life. For healthy bones, it is important to maintain a physically active lifestyle and eat a balanced diet with plenty of calcium, […]
Do you have stiff, achy, painful joints? You’re not alone. An estimated 54 million adults are living with this chronic condition. It is called arthritis. Arthritis steals movement. It sometimes keeps you from doing the things you love. But with a bit of effort, you can restore some movement and regain your ability to enjoy activities. […]
Pool (aquatic) exercise provides many benefits, including an ideal environment to exercise throughout the year. The buoyancy of the water supports a portion of your body weight making it easier to move in the water and improve your flexibility. The water also provides resistance to movements, which helps to strengthen muscles. Pool exercises can also […]
Aging past 50 years brings with it wisdom and perspective, but it can also mean a slow decline of physical abilities. As we age, strength, balance, and coordination can deteriorate if they are not being challenged and practiced each day. Loss of these abilities can make it difficult or painful to perform your everyday activities. […]
