Certain compounds in chocolate, called cocoa flavanols, have been shown to boost health. The best way to get cocoa flavanols is from unsweetened cocoa powder that is as natural as possible and has not been processed using the Dutch method.
It appears that people with high blood pressure who take folate along with the blood pressure medicine enalapril (Vasotec) may be less likely to have a stroke than people who take enalapril alone.
Frequent nut eaters may be less likely to die of any cause-especially heart disease-than people who rarely eat nuts.
Nutrients are most potent when they come from food. Supplements may be helpful for people who are unable to get enough nutrients from the diet or who have a genuine deficiency in a particular nutrient, such as vitamin D.
It’s debated whether sunlight directly causes common eye conditions. But there’s good evidence that sun exposure can cause an eye condition called exfoliation syndrome, which often leads to other problems.
Periods of high heat may send older adults to the hospital for heatstroke, fluid and electrolyte disorders, kidney failure, urinary tract infections, and sepsis (a dangerous blood infection).
People with high blood pressure should be sure they’re getting enough of the B vitamin folate in their diets, which may lower the risk of a stroke.
Walkers help give people their independence back. They improve daily function, and they reduce the risk of falling. For most people, it takes a few physical therapy sessions to learn to use a walker correctly.
It appears that people who are regularly physically active are more likely to retain the ability to walk, even if they show signs of long-term blood vessel disease in the brain.
People who provide in-home, long-term care for older adult family members are often overwhelmed by the job.