My doctor has prescribed medication for my blood pressure and for my cholesterol. Will I have to take these pills for the rest of my life? Is there any hope of getting off of them?
Possibly. The “Consumer Reports on Health” newsletter included a recent article that suggests many of us can make lifestyle choices that can either eliminate our need for certain heart medications or at least allow us to safely reduce the dosage.
Mr. Pedometer, you have urged us to get our flu shots this month. Well, I did that last year, and I still got the flu! Why should I bother to go stand in line again?
You likely had a milder case than if you hadn’t gotten the flu shot. More than 12,000 Americans age 65 and older died from the flu last year. The very young are a risk as well.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month This is the month to gently remind each of the women you care about (especially those who are over age 40) to be sure to get their annual mammogram, which remains the best way to detect cancer at its earliest stage when it is most curable.
Mr. Pedometer, some mornings, I just don’t feel like even getting out of bed. Any advice for shaking off inexplicable depression?
This month’s “Spry Living” newspaper insert may have an easy-to-remember remedy for you: S.T.O.P. stands for
Stand up
Take a walk
Observe your surroundings
Pick a positive thought
Mr. Pedometer, you have encouraged us to stay hydrated for our group walks. I’m wondering, how does one know if one is dehydrated?
That’s a very timely question, as we are enduring hot summer weather. Here’s what Nancy George wrote in an article for everydayhealth.com:
“Dehydration, which occurs when the body has insufficient water and other fluids to function properly, can lead to blood clots, seizures, and other potentially fatal complications. Studies have shown that even mild dehydration can have adverse effects on mood and energy.