Diabetic nerve pain is different than a muscle ache or sprained ankle (BPT) - The prevalence of diabetes continues to increase significantly, and is expected to affect 53.1 million Americans by 2025, an increase of 64 percent from 2010. One of the most common complications of diabetes is diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a form of nerve damage. More than one in five people with diabet...
Eye-opening facts and myths about eye health [Infographic] If you live long enough, you will get a cataract. Cataracts can limit the ability to see bright colors, read and, most frighteningly, drive a car – especially at night. Although more than 20 million Americans 40 years and older have a cataract in one or both eyes, there is a surprising lack of knowledge about the condition among U.S. adults. In fact, a recent survey found that 22 percent of Americans did not think that they were at risk for developing cataracts in their lifetime, when in rea...
Learn how to be healthy, active and live well with diabetes (BPT) - Whether you are at risk for, have been recently diagnosed with, or are living with diabetes, it is essential to make sure you have the information necessary to manage your disease. It can also be overwhelming caring for someone with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association strives to make it easier and the or...
Nursing home admissions avoided with simplified prescription packaging (BPT) - Numerous factors impact a senior’s ability to live independently, such as health and memory problems, mobility issues, and care coordination concerns. Often overlooked is the fact that one quarter of all nursing home admissions are the result of poor medication adherence. Representing a loss of independence, be...
Flu by numbers [Infographic] This year’s flu season had the earliest start in 10 years. The flu typically affects five to 20 percent of the U.S. population each year. On average, the flu is associated with more than 200,000 hospitalizations due to flu-related complications. The flu is different from a cold. Both a cold and the flu are respiratory illnesses, yet they are caused by different types of viruses with different symptoms. The flu usually comes on suddenly. To recognize flu symptoms, remember Flu F.A.C.T.S. (Fe...
The right home tools for a healthier lifestyle (BPT) - Even with the best intentions, many of us who resolve to live a healthier lifestyle in 2013 will fall back into old, familiar habits much sooner than we would like. To maintain motivation and create a routine that is both sustainable and effective, it’s important to invest in the right tools for every room in yo...
Digestive tract not on track? [Infographic] A new survey from Dannon found that ninety-three percent of Americans agree that digestive health is closely linked to well-being, but many people don't know how to keep their digestive system on track. Here is some information on steps we can take to improve our digestive health, including easy changes to the foods we buy and eat.
TV tip-overs a hazard for young children (BPT) - Many homes have new TVs decorating the living room, bedroom, den and even the kitchen. These TVs often feature the latest wide, flat screens, which give viewers great definition and clarity. But while they provide a beautiful viewing experience, flat screen TVs are top-heavy on a narrow base, and they can easily...
Boomers and beyond: A 5-step action plan for keeping your heart healthy (BPT) - More baby boomers and older adults are taking a proactive approach to heart health. Living a heart-healthy lifestyle in your golden years and dealing with any type of diagnosis head-on is the smart way to keep your heart pumping strong for many years to come. Following these five easy steps can help you take con...
Active resolutions: How to go from sore to more Every year, about two-thirds of Americans resolve to get fit or lose weight. Unfortunately, 73 percent give up within six weeks, according to a survey by Harris Interactive. While time and commitment are often to blame, many fitness experts suggest sore and fatigued muscles have a lot to do with why we lose steam in a n...
You are unique - your nutrition should be too (BPT) - Remember when you were a child and the world was big – full of adventure and possibility? You ate your favorite cereal for breakfast, lunch and dinner and at the end of every day, your mom would make you take those little multi-flavored vitamins usually shaped like a popular cartoon character. You didn’t necessa...
Chronic pain sufferers urged to seek safe relief from pain physicians (BPT) - When a person is in pain, he or she will seek options to attempt to reduce or eliminate the pain. For minor pains like headaches, muscle aches and small wounds, often over-the-counter drugs can help reduce suffering. But people with chronic pain may have to search for other solutions. More than 100 million Amer...