September, 2017

Be an Active Participant in Your Healthcare Decisions

When you make a big purchase or have an important decision to make, you're likely to seek others' opinions. You might ask, "What are the pros and cons of this choice or that?" Or you might read up on the topic so that you feel informed. The same process is important when it comes to your healthcare. When people are involved in their healthcare decisions and talk them through with their doctor, the benefits can be big. Research shows, for example, that people often feel less anxious when they are...

Common facts about the common cold

We’ve all experienced the aggravations of the common cold: the stuffy nose, the sore throat and the pestering cough. Here are some characteristics of a cold that you should consider: Over-the-counter cold medicines can’t get rid of your cold faster, but they may be able to ease its symptoms. These same over-the-counter cold medicines should not be given to children under the age of 6. A cold will typically last anywhere from 7 to 10 days. If you have a weakened immune system or lung ...

Spread hope in your world

We can each make the world a kinder, brighter place with our everyday actions. Here are some ideas to inspire you to make a difference, even in the smallest ways. Share something hopeful. Tell someone about a charitable cause that's doing good work. Post or share an upbeat news story. Say "I believe in you." Encourage someone who's working toward a goal. Let them know that you see them succeeding. Reach out to someone who seems to be struggling. Ask, "What can I do now to help and support you?" ...

Is it simply aging or is it Alzheimer's?

You've misplaced your car keys—again. Or you can't remember a word you've used many times, yet it's right there on the tip of your tongue. The older you get, the more likely you're apt to wonder: Are memory slips like this early signs of Alzheimer's disease? The first thing to know is that mild forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging. The concern is when memory problems become serious—you can't retrace your steps and find those car keys, for instance. Or you don't eventually come...