News from Alert-1

Social factors after hospital stay can mean return trip

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

After staying in a hospital, many seniors face challenges at home that could necessitate another trip there.

Study finds biking benefits Parkinson's disease patients

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The medical community continues to focus on ways to elongate independent living in patients with Parkinson's disease by slowing the progression of the disease.

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Flu season already in full swing, CDC says

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Flu season only began several weeks ago, but officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say they can already tell this year may be one of the worst in recent memory. More Info

High risk heart disease patients can benefit from changes to diet

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

It's no secret that a healthy diet is a key component to avoiding cardiovascular problems, but what's a little less known is whether what a person eats can prevent a second heart attack or stroke from occurring. More Info

Stem cell study shows promise in treating Parkinson's

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Parkinson's disease stands out as one of the biggest threats to the independence of seniors and scientists have long been working toward effective treatments to reduce the often debilitating symptoms of the condition. More Info

Report: many elders do get a good night's sleep

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Sleeping is a crucial part of people feeling rested and ready to take on the day ahead of them. Over the years it's been reported that elders typically go to sleep early and rise early, making them more susceptible to feeling groggy or less alert the next day. More Info

Mild vibrations may pose benefits to obese individuals

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Being overweight or obese can be detrimental to one's health. More Info

RA sufferers may benefit from omega-3 fatty acids

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Medication is commonly used to help patients curb the side effects of various forms of arthritis. More Info

Risk of hip fracture increases with new blood pressure medicine, study finds

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

For many seniors, having medication to lower their blood pressure (BP) in their electronic pill organizer is a common occurrence, especially since high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a risk factor for developing heart disease. More Info

Poll finds UK seniors don't ask for help from neighbors

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

For many seniors, remaining independent in the homes they love is a top priority, whether they get help from a family caregiver or live alone with the aid of an elderly alert. More Info

Research shows men with belly fat at higher risk of osteoporosis

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Osteoporosis has long been known to afflict women more so than men, but it does not mean that men do not get the disease. More Info

Staying active maintains knee health

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Knee replacements continue to plague aging adults across the country, and many are trying to take care of their knees before surgery is a necessity. More Info

Diabetes may put seniors at risk for hearing loss

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Diabetes puts seniors at risk for a number of other conditions that could threaten their chances for independent living, and results of a new study add another one to the list. More Info

Certain foods have surprisingly high levels of sodium

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Keeping blood pressure at healthy level is an important part of senior health, and one of the best ways to do that is to eat a diet that is low in sodium. More Info

Low-risk prostate cancer can be managed through active surveillance

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Next to skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common form of the disease among American men, but in some situations patients may be able to avoid radiation and surgery as well as the side effects that come with these treatments. More Info

Could acupuncture help seniors manage arthritis?

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Chronic pain can impact a person at any age, but due to conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis, it can be especially prevalent in older adults. More Info

New study warns against blanket treatments for osteoporosis

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, as many as 10 million Americans currently have osteoporosis, with an additional 34 million experiencing low bone mass, a condition called osteopenia. More Info

Eat tomatoes to lower stroke risk, study suggests

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A nutritious diet is undoubtedly a key component to healthy aging and independent living. Eating the right foods can help stave off or manage a number of conditions, and results of a recent study add another food to the list - tomatoes. More Info

New social media website aimed at senior health

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Technology has improved countless areas of life, including senior health, and one of the most recent developments is especially accessible. More Info

Beta-blockers may not benefit heart attack survivors as much as once thought

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A common drug used to treat heart disease may not offer as many benefits as originally thought, and in some cases doctors may be prescribing it to patients who may not need it, researchers say. More Info

FDA highlights dangers of online pharmacies

Sat, 06 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Taking the correct medications at the right time plays an integral role in seniors' health. In fact, approximately 30 percent of all prescribed medications are consumed by adults 60 and older.

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Avoiding caregiver burnout: It's crucial to find time to relax

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Most family caregivers recognize that they need some time to themselves, but that is often easier said than done. It can be difficult for them to pull themselves away from their caregiving duties, especially when they are concerned about their loved one's well being. More Info

Daily apple tied to cardiovascular health

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

As the old adage says, an apple a day keeps the doctor away, and results of a new study suggest that might be more accurate than one might think. More Info

Helping seniors maintain mobility

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Mobility problems can be one of the largest obstacles in the way of independent living. If seniors aren't able to get around the home easily, it can make caring for themselves especially difficult and threaten their quality of life. More Info

Silent heart attacks pose great senior health risk

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Older adults sometimes experience lingering symptoms that are hard to tie to one condition in particular, and while it may be easy to ignore them, new research suggests they could be indicative of so-called "silent heart attacks." More Info

Sleep apnea increases risk of stroke, panel says

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

There are many risk factors associated with strokes, but one of the most significant may occur while older adults are asleep. Researchers say sleep apnea can not only significantly raise one's risk of suffering a stroke but it is also a risk factor of suffering complications. More Info

AARP report finds many family caregivers providing medical assistance

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

With more than 65 million Americans providing care to an elderly, chronically ill or disabled family member, the issue of caregiver burnout is a significant concern facing the health community. More Info

Scientists discover yet another health benefit of cherries

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Conditions such as gout can make independent living difficult, but results of a new study highlight one food in particular that can help reduce pain caused by the common condition. More Info

Arizona advocacy group highlights need for caregiver, senior support

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The sandwich generation, the name applied to adults caring for both older and younger relatives, faces a great deal of stress. More Info

End-of-life medical costs hit seniors hard

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Medical costs are undoubtedly a significant financial concern for seniors and their families, and a recent study highlights just how serious those worries are. More Info

Seniors may listen to doctors when it's time to stop driving

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Senior drivers have attracted a lot of attention as of late, which once again raises the issue of deciding when it's time for them to give up the keys. More Info

Competition highlights technology's role in caregiving

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

As technology evolves, it has played an increasingly important role in how family members care for elderly relatives. More Info

Knee replacements up considerably since 1991

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Older adults with mobility problems are certainly aware of the benefits knee replacement surgery can offer, and new research found the helpful surgery has been on the rise in recent years. More Info

YouTube drama series highlights challenges of caregiving

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

As the senior population grows, more middle-age adults find themselves squarely in the sandwich generation, tasked with caring for both their children and elderly parents. More Info

Research investigates overprescription of antibiotics

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Adults over 65 consumer are responsible for about 30 percent of medications prescribed, and while certain drugs often serve a vital purpose, sometimes there are adverse effects. More Info

Study: Low levels of Vitamin D bad for heart health

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A growing amount of research suggests that vitamin D may be one of the most beneficial nutrients for older adults, especially as it relates to bone health and strength. More Info

Caregiver websites begin popping up

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Anybody who is a member of the sandwich generation can attest that being a family caregiver is often a stressful enterprise. Though it can be rewarding, having to look after elderly parents while supporting a family is certainly difficult. More Info

Caregivers often face challenges with senior drivers

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Family caregivers often face the prospect of having many difficult conversations with their elderly loved ones. However, one of the most challenging to have is the talk about whether a senior should still be behind the wheel. More Info

Study: Physiotherapy may benefit Parkinson's patients

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Most family members caring for a loved one with Parkinson's disease are familiar with the many pharmaceutical treatment methods available. More Info

Balancing work, caregiving responsibilities

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Maintaining a manageable balance of work and personal life can be difficult, but it can be especially challenging for family caregivers. More Info

Nursing homes often tied to sleep problems

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

For most seniors, aging in place is one of the most common things they take into consideration as they get older, and it's often for reasons other than independent living. More Info

Children likely to move close to elderly parents

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

There has long been a common belief that older adults relocate for retirement to warmer climates. Though some seniors still head off to Florida or move closer to their family, a recent study suggests the opposite to be true for many others. More Info

Just one aging cell can harm rest of the brain

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Seniors often look for ways to keep their brain sharp as they get older, and new research suggests doing so may be a bit more difficult than one might think. More Info

Winter brings a host of senior health issues

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Although the fall months are just starting, many people providing care for elderly relatives may be looking ahead to winter. More Info

Study gauges senior interest in robot assistance

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Aging in place is a priority for older adults, and there are many devices created specifically to help them achieve that goal. More Info

Interventions often hold fall prevention benefits

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Fall prevention is a priority among many older adults and their family members, and with approximately one-third of people over 65 experiencing a fall each year it's easy to see why. More Info

Study: Painkillers can raise death risk after heart attack

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), commonly used as painkillers, may hold some dangerous side effects for men and women who have had a heart attack. More Info

More than 20 percent of seniors inappropriately prescribed meds

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Prescription medications can help seniors stay healthy, but a recent study found that many older adults are being prescribed the wrong drugs. More Info

Researchers seek to raise awareness of MCI

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is one of the most significant mental health concerns facing the aging population, yet it does not get much attention. More Info

Sandwich generation stuffed with responsibility

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Caring for an elderly loved one can be the source of a great deal of stress, which is only made worse if caregivers have to look after children as well. More Info