Everyone has heard of Spanish explorer, Ponce De Leon, and his search for the Fountain of Youth. As the story goes, De Leon went on an expedition in 1513, voyaging overseas to current day Florida where he believed he would find the Fountain of Youth. He struggled across the land for months on his search. Finally, after being shot in the leg by a native’s arrow and struggling to continue, he abandoned his quest. Ponce De Leon and every other dreamer looking for a way to “turn back the years” slowly accepted the fact that time is inevitable and aging, unstoppable. But is it? Is it possible to turn back the clock or at least slow it down? In order to consider this, the questions of how and why we age must be answered. Scientists have worked for centuries to decipher the mystery of aging in order to answer those very questions. Here, we provide the scientific community’s most common theories on aging with a brief synopsis of each.
Most people are familiar with how physical therapy can treat a sports injury or help patients recover from surgeries. Few realize that it can also be beneficial in treating pelvic pain and improving bowel or bladder function in both men and women. This specialized therapy approach, called pelvic floor physical therapy, can help with diagnoses ranging from incontinence and difficulty with urination and/or constipation, to painful sexual intercourse, pelvic and back pain and endometriosis, among other conditions.
According to the National Institute on Aging, Alzheimer’s disease is currently ranked as the sixth leading cause of death for the elderly in the U.S., but recent estimates indicate that the disorder may rank third, just behind heart disease and cancer. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. Sunita Tummala, MD, Medical Director of Stroke for McLaren hospitals, shares her expertise about the disease and the latest advancements in treatment.
Though there were no birth records in England until the 19th century to prove his old age, Thomas Parr is said to have lived to the incredible age of 152! His simple diet consisted of potatoes, fruit and oatmeal. A couple of weeks after being invited to the court of King Charles I and eating the king’s delicacies, he died on November 13, 1635.
A study by the Pew Internet Center states that smartphone ownership among people age 50 and older has nearly doubled in the last five years. As seniors become more comfortable with smartphones, access to health and fitness apps increases, meaning the possibilities for improved senior health are limitless.
Today, we have more information than ever at our fingertips. Google can be our best friend, offering immediate answers to burning questions about our health. Or, it can be our worst enemy, leaving us with vague info that indicates worst-case scenarios. This is where experts can help dispel myths and save sleepless nights and anxiety about our health.
The U.S. Census Bureau projects that by 2050, people age 65 and older will make up 21% of the nation’s population. Our life expectancy compared to past generations is increasing, thanks in part to medical advances in treatments and prevention of diseases. At Hurley Medical Center, the goal is to make sure that our community is living not only longer but fuller lives, free of the disability that can be caused when a stroke occurs.
As we age and our bodies change, we need to be seen by our physicians on a regular basis. It’s important to visit the doctor even if you’re feeling well, as it allows your physician to see changes in your body and your health.
Over the past 15 years, technology has grown by leaps and bounds. We no longer head off to Blockbuster on Friday nights to rent movies, we simply search Netflix and stream that movie right over the internet. We no longer have to listen to the fax machine dial up the modem … EEEEEEEEYYYYYYYY … UUUURRRRRRRR when logging onto the internet. Heck, cord hook-ups have become a thing of the past as everyone has such easy and free access to WiFi. I barely printed any pictures over the last decade, as they’re all stored in that magnificent “cloud.” When you think about it, it’s all quite mind-boggling. How in the world does an entire movie “fly through the air” and download to my phone in a matter of minutes?
Through efforts designed to improve the overall health, wellness and quality of life for local residents, Hurley Medical Center is making a significant impact on Flint and Genesee County.
