January 2008

Failing Eyesight is Not an Inevitable Part of Aging

by Sheila McCormick on January 31st, 2008

Do you remember the first time you laid eyes on your child or your grandchild? Unfortunately, millions of older Americans are being robbed of that experience due to the onset of macular degeneration. Americans are living longer than ever before and as we grow older, age-related health issues occur throughout the body, including the eyes. The older we become, the more prone we are to cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma. More than 10 million Americans are affected by macular degeneration every year and it is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 55. Women have a

Is Winter Your Heart’s Worst Enemy?

by Sheila McCormick on January 17th, 2008

According to medical statistics, winter is your heart’s worst enemy. The National Registry of Myocardial Infarction reports that Americans experience 54 percent more heart attacks in winter than in summer, with January as the leading month for heart attacks. Winter heart attacks also tend to be more serious, with a 9 percent fatality rate. Medical researchers note a variety of reasons why heart attacks are more common during winter months. Cold temperatures cause arteries to tighten, restricting blood flow and reducing the oxygen supply to the heart, all of which can set the stage for a heart attack. Experts say

What Are Your Goals for 2008?

by Sheila McCormick on January 10th, 2008

The concept of making New Year’s resolutions dates back thousands of years to the Roman Empire. The symbolism associated with a fresh start still motivates people to attempt to make positive changes in their lives. Unfortunately, less than half of the people who make resolutions actually manage to keep them. According to a study conducted at the University of Scranton, six months after January 1 only 46 percent of those who make New Year’s resolutions have fulfilled them. So, what can you do to make sure you follow through on your good intentions? One of the most important things you