Month: August 2013

Autumn is a good time to review vaccination histories. A flu shot is recommended annually. Shots for pneumonia, tetanus, and shingles may also be in order.

It appears people with stroke-like symptoms are more likely to develop cognitive problems than people who do not have stroke symptoms.

It appears older adults with diabetes who experience at least one severe bout of low blood sugar may have double the risk for developing dementia. It also appears that low blood sugar occurs more often in people with dementia.

Aging brings physical changes that can jeopardize driving skills. It’s important to address potential driving issues as soon as possible to stay safe on the road.

Learning to focus attention on the present moment can have benefits that affect attention span as well as health. That’s why a practice called mindfulness has become a popular meditation.

Statins to lower cholesterol are available in generic and brand-name versions. The cost differences can be significant, with some generics costing about $12 a month, compared with brand-name statins that can run $500 a month.

Exposure to secondhand smoke raises the risk of lung cancer and heart disease. The science on this is as solid as a rock.

Shortness of breath can indicate serious heart or lung disease. Sudden or rapidly worsening shortness of breath should be reported to the doctor immediately.