Health & Wellness

Hospital-acquired infections are among the most common hospital-related complications affecting one in 25 patients. These infections are largely preventable. If simple oral care can reduce non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia, and improve comfort and quality of life, then we must advocate for ourselves and/or our loved ones to ensure that this simple task be completed daily. ...

Now that COVID-19 booster shots are on the horizon for older adults and those with underlying medical conditions, it's a good time to remind folks that local health officials can bring the vaccinations to homebound people in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. ...

Staying engaged socially, physically and mentally can enhance cognitive performance. But did you know that changing things up rather than just doing the familiar activities is an essential part of the process? “Use it or lose it” certainly applies, but variety counts, too. Try these word math games to mix up your routine today. ...

One-fourth of Americans over 65 fall each year and over half of those falls take place in the home, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Many people believe falling and aging go hand-in-hand, but that’s not true. Falls are caused by many avoidable things. Read on for tips on staying on your feet and off the floor. ...

I imagined a relaxing float-down-a-river version of whitewater rafting, a guide maneuvering us through occasional, tumbling rapids with gimmicky names — nothing too crazy, just enough to get my sunglasses wet. Whitewater rafting lite. For $49, how many rapids could there be? It turns out, a lot; you get a lot of rapids for under 50 bucks. The river was high and the rapids were Class III and IV. I’m guessing Class V is for stuntmen and Olympic athletes. Sixty seconds into the trip, my single goal was to stay in the raft and protect my knee replacements.  ...

The Department of Aging invites Ohioans to help take 10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls during September's Falls Prevention Awareness Month. The statewide campaign touts walking as one of the many strategies to prevent older adults from falling. ...

It's not over. Masks and social distancing will be with us for some time. And it can be difficult to communicate with people when our mouths are covered and we're standing farther apart than we did in pre-pandemic times. Clear communication is especially challenging for those with hearing loss. September is National Deaf Awareness Month. Try these practical tips and strategies that help when talking with everyone; especially with those with hearing loss.  ...