Health Topics

Health topics

Browse topics to help you live your best life.

Aging

Life expectancy is 75 for males and 80 for females according to the National Center for Health Statistics. We'll help you keep you informed about potential issues with aging, and steps you can take to maintain your health and keep active.

Hometown Health Blog

Household safety checklist for senior citizens

Poor lighting, loose rugs and lack of handrails in the home can lead to injuries for older adults. Follow this checklist to identify possible safety issues in or around your home or that of a loved one.

Shelly Geerdes, O.T. By Michelle Geerdes July 31, 2023

Managing medications for aging parents

Some medications need to be closely monitored, which can be a challenge for some older people. Get tips for helping aging parents with their medications so you both can have peace of mind.

Catherine Lea, R.Ph., BCACP By Catherine Lea July 19, 2023

Common questions about Medicare annual wellness visits

Discover the preventive health benefits available to Medicare recipients through annual wellness visits. Get answers to common questions about this visit that can guide you toward optimal well-being.

July 10, 2023

Finding balance: Tips for managing caregiving and self-care

Caregiving can be a rewarding time for you and your loved one, but it's vital to be mindful of your needs and emotions. Get tips to share the responsibility, and learn how to recharge your well-being.

Sarah Cormell, L.C.S.W. By Sarah Cormell June 30, 2023

Staying healthy as you age: Medicare Annual Wellness Visits explained

Getting older has benefits, like being eligible for a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit. Find out how this snapshot of your health gives you a personalized prevention care plan for a healthy future.

June 16, 2023

Dementia-related pain: What caregivers need to know

Up to 80% of people with dementia experience pain. Learn how to recognize it and advocate for pain management for your loved one.

Jennifer Winegarden, D.O. By Jennifer Winegarden January 26, 2023

6 tips to keep your brain healthy

Changes to your body and brain are normal with age. Yet there are some things you can do to help slow the decline in memory and lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.

Kelsey Kidd, C.N.P. By Kelsey Kidd December 29, 2022

When to seek help for memory loss

Several conditions — not just Alzheimer's disease — can cause memory loss in older adults. Find out why getting a prompt diagnosis and appropriate care is important.

Anne Shandera-Ochsner, Ph.D., L.P. By Anne Shandera-Ochsner December 2, 2022

Now is the right time for advance directives

The best time to make an advance care plan is now. Starting a conversation about advance health care planning can be challenging, but it’s important. Here's what you need to know to get started.

April 15, 2022

Don't leave your health decisions to chance

It’s easy to put off making important decisions in life, especially documenting your health care wishes. But doing so can bring peace of mind and lead to better future health outcomes.

April 14, 2022

Memory lapses: Normal aging or something more?

Memory lapses and modest decline in thinking skills are common with age. How do you know it's a sign of something more? Learn what to watch for and get tips for coping with memory loss.

Kari Mongeon-Wahlen, APRN, CNS By Kari Mongeon-Wahlen January 19, 2022

Don’t be bad to the bone: How to preserve bone mass

By age 30, your bones may have already started to lose mass — one of the first signs of osteoporosis. Learn who's at greatest risk and what you can do to maintain bone mass.

Carol Gardner PT By Carol Gardner November 5, 2021