Oftentimes, vitamin C (for your immune system) and vitamin B (for nerve health and energy) get the attention. But a dietitian says vitamin K , specifically vitamin K2, may be worth adding to your routine. Before incorporating any supplement to your stack, be sure to connect with your healthcare provider, so you don’t start to exhibit signs you’re taking too many vitamins . What is vitamin K2? As a whole, vitamin K primarily supports blood clotting and bone health. It’s fou

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. As you age, your body’s natural production of collagen declines, which may lead to sagging skin and wrinkles. The integrity of the collagen network found in bones also decreases, leading to a reduction in bone and joint strength. Supplementing with collagen peptides, which are broken down collagen that’s easier for your body

Falls are a leading cause of injury and death in older adults, and research suggests that prescription drugs such as opioids and antidepressants may be fueling the trend. A research review published in JAMA warns that the rising use of medications that impair balance or cause drowsiness may be contributing to a surge in fall-related deaths. Studies show that 65%-93% of the older adults who had a fall-related injury took at least one "fall risk-increasing drug" (FRID) at the

Why Is It Important to Identify Respiratory Problems? Breathing problems can indicate a medical emergency. If ignored, you could possibly suffer from serious medical complications of the respiratory system like pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax, problems with the bronchi, trachea, or other parts of your airway system, or any other conditions that could potentially damage the nerves or muscles of breathing control. The following are signs that should never be ignored when it co

What Is Frailty? Frailty isn't just normal aging. It's when your body becomes less able to handle stress and recover from illness or injury. You might feel weaker, move slower, or get tired more easily. The good news? Catching early signs can help you take steps to stay stronger longer. You're Feeling Weaker Than Before Having trouble opening jars, carrying groceries, or getting up from chairs? Muscle weakness is often the first sign of frailty. You might notice tasks that u

If you’ve ever stepped into a sauna, you know the feeling: warmth wrapping around you, muscles relaxing, and stress melting away. But did you know that saunas may offer real health benefits — especially for older adults? From heart health to joint comfort, that short session in the heat can support your wellness in more ways than one. Let’s take a closer look at how (and when) to make the most of sauna time. What happens to your body in a sauna A traditional sauna raises the

The “Shaking Palsy.” Those are the words Dr. James Parkinson used in an essay more than 200 years ago to group together symptoms and describe a mysterious infirmity afflicting six individuals in London. The British physician was the first to identify and document the condition now known as Parkinson’s disease, a progressive movement disorder. Its hallmark is damage to the dopamine-producing neurons in the brain that can lead to muscle stiffness, slowness, balance issues and a

Treating Age Spots These small, flat, dark areas on your skin won’t hurt you, so you don’t have to treat them. But if you don’t like how they look, you can make the spots less noticeable or even make them disappear. You also can stop new ones from forming and keep the ones you have from getting darker. Skin-Lightening Creams and Lotions You can find lots of skin-lightening products at the drugstore. But before you buy, check the ingredients. Look for creams that contain trane

A cancer diagnosis is overwhelming, not just emotionally, but financially, too. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, three out of four people with cancer worry about how they will pay for the cancer treatment and keep up with their day-to-day costs. Even with health insurance, the out-of-pocket costs can stack up fast depending on the treatments. That’s where cancer insurance comes in. What is cancer insurance? Cancer insurance is supplemental coverage designed

Trust Your Gut One of your most powerful tools is your own observation. Most of us have a sense for when a situation is dangerous. If your instinct or intuition tells you it’s serious, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health. Chest Pain If you have chest pain or pressure that lasts more than a couple of minutes, or if it comes back, it’s time to call 911. You shouldn’t try to drive yourself or

Anybody can leave an online rating and review after a doctor’s appointment. They can provide honest overviews of a person’s experience with a medical professional, which can be helpful if you’re trying to decide on the right doctor for you. However, it is important to take certain factors into consideration when looking at online reviews, such as the authenticity of the feedback. Read on to learn more about what online doctor ratings mean, red flags to look out for, and more.

Early signs of dementia include cognitive symptoms and changes in behavior, mood, and personality. The symptoms can be subtle at first and later progress so that people may not be able to take care of themselves. Symptoms may indicate early dementia if they are out of character, persistent, and getting worse. It's important to see a healthcare provider if you have concerns about dementia to get a correct diagnosis. 1. Memory Loss It's common for people to forget things, espec

An estimated 10 million Americans aged 50 and older have osteoporosis, a condition that causes bone loss and a higher risk of fractures. Your risk of getting the disease increases as you get older, making it important to be aware of early warning signs of osteoporosis. Here’s the thing: Osteoporosis is known as a silent disease , because it doesn’t usually cause symptoms. But while you may not notice obvious outward signs like you would with something like a virus, there are

Staying active in retirement is good for your physical and mental health , and these activities could contribute to your well-being…and add some fun to your day! You should always check with your doctor before beginning a new exercise program, but staying active is important at any age. There are also non-physical activities that can keep you healthy in other ways. Outdoor activities for seniors There are many levels of activity that can provide health benefits, particularly

Certain herbal and dietary supplements can offer health benefits, but some can interact with medications, such as blood thinners. Vitamin E, ginkgo, garlic, ginger, and omega-3s are among those that can increase your risk of bleeding or other side effects. 1. Vitamin E High doses of vitamin E supplements can reduce the body's ability to form blood clots . It can do this by interfering with the metabolism of vitamin K , which is essential for activating several blood-clotting

Staying active is one of the best things you can do for your body and brain as you age. Whether you’re going for daily walks, taking SilverSneakers® classes, or chasing grandkids around the yard, movement helps maintain strength, mobility, heart health, and mental sharpness. But what about supplements? Can certain vitamins or nutrients give your body the extra support it needs to stay in motion? Here’s what the research says and what to keep in mind before adding anything new

Signs of vision loss and blindness can be subtle and increase over time or can appear suddenly. Contact an eye doctor right away if you notice any of the following symptoms: seeing flashes of light seeing floaters or specks seeing halos around light sources decreased vision watery eyes or eye draining eye redness double vision lines look wavy or distorted blind spots in the center of your field of vision often seeing changes in your vision quality losing peripheral visio

Statistically speaking, every six seconds, someone in the world is told that they have Alzheimer’s disease — a brain condition that causes mental decline and erodes your ability to remember, think and learn. Age, genetics and family history — risk factors we can’t change — are considered driving forces behind this form of dementia. But that doesn’t make you powerless when it comes to limiting the possibility of cognitive decline. There are ways to help reduce your risk of Alz

Your prostate is only about the size of a walnut. But this small gland can cause big problems if left unchecked. Warning signs of prostate cancer “Most men with prostate cancer don’t have symptoms at first,” says urologist Christopher Weight, MD. But if you notice certain warning signs, like changes in your pee routine or pain, it’s a good idea to visit a urologist. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. But when it’s found early, it’s also one of the most

Neurologists often describe puzzles, such as crosswords, as “brain food.” They certainly keep the brain active and can lower your risk of cognitive decline. However, in order to ace your New York Times puzzle of choice—and stay healthy, more generally—the brain needs actual , nutrient-dense food. Dr. Ella Akkerman, MD , a neurologist at VSI, says that our body needs nutrients to ensure that biochemical reactions throughout the body, including those in the brain, function nor