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Digestive concerns are common among seniors. Your diet, medications, and other medical conditions can affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Side effects of GI problems can range from mildly irritating to life-threatening. For most seniors, GI concerns require a visit with a family physician to be checked out. If your doctor is unable to easily diagnose…

The National Center for Biotechnology Information reports that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and one of the chief causes of death across the globe. Customized cardiac rehabilitation for patients with specific heart problems can improve cardiovascular function, reducing mortality risk and enhancing quality of life.  Medicare cardiac rehabilitation…

There were close to 66 million people enrolled in some form of Medicare insurance in the United States in 2023, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. In 2024, each one of these beneficiaries may be facing cost changes to Medicare Part B.   Most Medicare beneficiaries enroll in Part B when they’re first…

Today in the United States, breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer for women. In fact, it’s estimated that over 297,000 new cases will be diagnosed before the year ends.  The National Cancer Institute reports that women who are 70 years and older have a one in 24 chance of developing breast…

As people get older, urinary problems become more common, and they’re often due to changes in the kidneys and bladder. With age, kidney tissue and blood vessels harden and the kidneys filter blood more slowly. The bladder loses its elasticity, and the muscles weaken, making it more difficult to store urine.  Men older than 60…

Some allergic reactions can be life-threatening, but there are tools available to help you deal with an incident. AUVI-Q is a brand-name epinephrine injection that physicians can prescribe to treat sudden and severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis.  AUVI-Q can be self-administered into your thigh (or you can have someone else administer it for you) by…

Most seniors in the United States have a family physician that they visit when feeling sick or when seeking treatment for an ongoing medical issue. Doctors in the U.S. are required to possess a medical license, have the proper training and hold accreditation from various state boards. Unfortunately, doctors these days are often busy, and…

Alzheimer’s disease can be a scary diagnosis. Today in the United States, there are around 6.5 million people over the age of 65 who are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the disease, but there are medicines that can help slow its progression and improve symptoms.  A progressive brain disorder, Alzheimer’s…

There’s nothing quite like a good night’s sleep. Sleep restores energy, promotes healing and allows the mind to work through stress, all functions that keep you healthy and ready to tackle challenges each day. Sadly, statistics from the National Institutes of Health show that around half of all American seniors suffer from some degree of…

Last year, more than 12.5 million people were enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid. Over 4.1 million of these beneficiaries have enrolled in a Medicare Advantage D-SNP, a special needs plan offered in some states to dual-eligibles.  Dual-eligible beneficiaries have access to Medicare benefits for most of their preventive, primary, and acute health care, as well…

Since 1965, the United States national health insurance program known as Medicare has been providing beneficiaries with health care benefits, and every year since its beginning, Medicare makes certain changes to services and charges, so all recipients continue to have access to affordable health care services.   Whether you enroll in Original Medicare Parts A (hospital…

Medicare Part D plans help enrollees cover expenses for prescription drugs. They are sold by private insurance companies that work with Medicare. Anyone who is already enrolled in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) can enroll in a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan that’s available in your service area.   Because…