My granddaughter, age 5, has it. Her parents were told it will last at least two weeks, and they should just let her rest. She is also taking medication but I do not know what it is. Can you tell me anything about pneumonia and is it contagious? Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs [...]
Treatment For Heel Pain In Elderly
My heels ache when I wake up in the morning. They usually start feeling better during the day, but then get worse again at night. I’m 71 years old. What’s wrong with my feet? Walking, running, shuffling, marching or trampling — the typical American does a lot of it. By age 50, most people will [...]
Muscle Loss – Getting Weaker With Age
My 70-year-old father seems to be getting weaker, and I’m concerned about his independence. Things that used to be easy for him, such as bathing and preparing meals, now seem much harder. He appears to be eating enough, and he isn’t losing any weight. But what can I do to help him? It sounds as [...]
What Causes Age Spots And How Can You Prevent Them?
What causes age (or liver) spots and what can I do about them? Age spots are caused by the action of the sun over a long time on our unprotected skin. The cumulative effect of our exposure to the sun causes color changes in the pigment. You may have noticed that age spots appear most [...]
Dental Problems And Easy To Chew Foods
I’m trying to get my grandmother to eat more vegetables and fruits, but she can’t chew hard food. What can I do? Like your grandmother, many older adults find it difficult to chew due to missing teeth, poorly fitting dentures, or gingivitis (gum disease). So they limit themselves to soft foods such as cakes, puddings, [...]
How To Treat Dorsal Kyphosis And Osteoporosis
Are there any exercises that an 84-year-old man with a hunchback can do to make the back stronger? The development of a dorsal kyphosis ("hunchback") in an older person most likely signifies the presence of osteoporosis, an age-related loss of mineral content (calcium phosphate) from the vertebrae of the upper and middle (dorsal) spine. Osteoporosis [...]
Causes Of Dry Mouth And Dry Eyes In Seniors
My grandmother is experiencing a dry mouth and dry eyes. Is there anything she can do about it? Yes, there are products available, such as artificial saliva, artificial tears, and ointments, that can be prescribed to remedy these problems. First, however, it is crucial to determine why the condition exists, and to evaluate whether the [...]