What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis? As an autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system. With RA, the immune system attacks the body’s small joints. The precise reasons why this happens are unknown. Still, research suggests that the cause of rheumatoid arthritis is related to hormones, genes, and environmental factors, including female hormones […]Read More
Pulled Muscle Muscle strain is another name for a pulled muscle. It occurs when a muscle is overstretched and tears. Symptoms of a pulled muscle may include: pain, swelling, weakness, and difficulty or inability to use the muscle. Muscles in the quadriceps, the calves, hamstrings, groin, low back, and shoulder are the most common sites […]Read More
Get Warmed Up Take time to loosen your muscles first. It will help you avoid injury. Start with your feet and work your way up. Make slow, circular motions (clockwise and counter-clockwise) with all your joints until they move easily. If it hurts, stop. Stretch More, Hurt Less Daily stretches can help your joints move […]Read More
Pushup This might be the most well-known body-weight exercise. You’ll use your triceps and chest muscles the most, since you’re pushing up your body weight. At the same time, your deltoids — the muscles in your shoulder — support your arms’ movement, and your abdominal muscles work to keep your core tight. Don’t let your […]Read More
Aging & Foot Care When we are in love we may be “swept off our feet.” When we don’t want to do something, we are said to have “cold feet.” A sensible person “has both feet on the ground.” Sometimes we even “vote with our feet.” Years of wear and tear can be hard on […]Read More
Forgetfulness: It’s Not Always What You Think Many older people worry about becoming more forgetful. They think forgetfulness is the first sign of Alzheimer’s disease. In the past, memory loss and confusion were considered a normal part of aging. However, scientists now know that most people remain both alert and able as they age, although […]Read More
Strength Exercises for Older Adults Even very small changes in muscle size can make a big difference in strength, especially in people who already have lost a lot of muscle. An increase in muscle that’s not even visible to the eye can be all it takes to improve your ability to do things like get […]Read More
Falls and Fractures In Seniors With age may come wisdom and, all too frequently, a fall. Falls are common causes of serious injuries. One out of every three people over 65 falls every year in the U.S. And that fall may be the last. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there are […]Read More
At age 78, Sheila thinks she’s a good driver, but, this year, she’s had a minor accident and several near misses. She’s noticed a few new dents on her car and doesn’t know how they got there. Sheila wonders how she can stay safe behind the wheel. Have you been worried about your driving? Have […]Read More
Train for a Fun Run or 5K Take part in a local fun run, walk, or 5K with the kids. Talk to your doctor to make sure running or walking is OK for you. Then find out the best way to get started based on your flexibility, strength, and ability. Try Tabletop Games Knee osteoarthritis […]Read More