Sunshine, Skin Cancer, and Vitamin D
I’ve heard alot lately about how Vitamin D helps protect us from heart disease and other health problems and that spending time in the sun helps our body produce Vitamin D. I also know that exposure to UV radiation from sunlight (or tanning beds) is the number one risk factor for developing skin cancer.[1] We all love the sunshine. It helps plants grow, lifts our spirits, warms the planet and literally keeps
Preventing Dehydration in the Elderly
If you are a caregiver for an older adult, you probably know that preventing dehydration in the elderly can be a major challenge. Several factors contribute to why older adults may become dehydrated. For example: thirst sense becomes less acute, the body's ability to conserve water diminishes, certain medications (such as diuretics) contribute to water loss, and as we age, we tend to eat and drink less. [1] What can caregivers or
How to Support a Grieving Friend Who has Lost a Loved One
Unfortunately, it’s likely to happen to each of us when we least expect it: we hear the news that a friend or family member has lost a loved one through an unexpected or expected death. We may have an immediate feeling of doubt about how we should respond. What do we say? What do we do? What if we say or do the wrong thing? These are important questions because what
Summer Is Here! Drink Water.
How much water should you drink each day? The answer is 1-2 liters for the average adult. If you aren't familiar with metric measurements, substitute quarts for liters and you'll come close to the same amount. The human body is well equipped to regulate its fluid balance. Many systems contribute to this balance. In healthy adults and children the urinary system does the majority of the work by preserving fluid or producing