Tips
Many seniors are familiar with the saying “use it or lose it,” which emphasizes the importance of regularly engaging in and practicing skills to prevent losing them. As we age, both mental and physical abilities can decline. The brain is one of the most vital organs in the body, making
Tips
Healthy eating is crucial for aging well. A balanced diet provides the essential energy and nutrients needed to maintain health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes, and prevent bone and muscle loss, which helps lower the risk of falls and fractures. Seniors often experience a
Aging
Loneliness poses a significant health risk for seniors. Statistics Canada reports that nearly 25% of seniors live alone. This social isolation has been linked to various health issues, including heart disease, cognitive decline, depression, and elevated stress levels. Loneliness can also contribute to a higher risk of premature death, poor
Health and Fitness
Exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. As we age, reduced physical activity can lead to a decline in strength, agility, and mobility. While there are concerns about seniors engaging in exercise, the benefits of an active lifestyle far outweigh the risks. Regular physical activity boosts
Featured
Opioids are a class of drugs that are isolated from the seedhead of poppy-dried juices. They work in the brain to produce a variety of effects, most notably pain relief. Opioids are the gold standard for the treatment of moderate to severe pain but are also the most commonly abused
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Schizophrenia is a complex and multifaceted disease characterized by distorted thoughts, perceptions, and emotions. People often struggle with other comorbidities such as drug abuse, suicidal ideation, and neurovascular abnormalities. Schizophrenia is defined by abnormalities in 1 or more of the following: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, disorganized motor behavior, and negative
Featured
Chronic inflammation is a prolonged and dysregulated immune response that can persist for weeks, months, or even years. Acute inflammation is a normal and necessary part of the body’s defense mechanism against infection and injury. Meanwhile, chronic inflammation occurs when the immune system's response becomes persistent and
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Acute inflammation is a defensive response to get rid of damaged cells, microorganisms, and/or foreign particles to regain normal structure and function. There are three phases: amplification, destruction and repair, and termination. In the amplification phase, enzymes recruit macrophages and neutrophils, which are white blood cells responsible for removing
Featured
This is the tenth and final blog in a new series discussing pathologies that can be found in seniors. The tenth blog will focus on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is an invasive pancreatic epithelial malignant neoplasm with glandular differentiation. It is the 4th leading cause of cancer-related deaths
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This is the ninth blog in a new series discussing pathologies that can be found in seniors. The ninth blog will focus on hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or liver cancer, accounts for approximately 5.4% of all cancers worldwide. It is one of the most common cancers in geographic
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This is the eighth blog in a new series discussing pathologies that can be found in seniors. The eighth blog will focus on cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is marked by the presence of nodules surrounded by dense bands of fibrosis throughout the liver. This converts the normally smooth liver capsule into a
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This is the seventh blog in a new series discussing pathologies that can be found in seniors. The seventh blog will focus on steatohepatitis. Steatohepatitis is defined by steatosis (fatty liver) and hepatocyte (liver cell) injury. Three pathological features are required for a diagnosis of steatohepatitis: steatosis, hepatocyte swelling, and