(HealthDay News) — Severe weather, an earthquake, a fire or flood all present unique challenges for people with Alzheimer’s disease. Their impaired memory and reasoning severely limits their ability to act appropriately during a crisis, the National Institute on Aging says. If you are preparing an emergency kit for someoneContinue Reading
SUNDAY, Jan. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Older adults are at increased risk for hypothermia, a dangerous drop in body temperature, the U.S. National Institute on Aging warns. This can be due to chronic health conditions or the use of certain medicines, including over-the-counter cold remedies. Hypothermia occurs when yourContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — Winter storms are a fact of life in many cold climates. And if conditions are bad enough, the safest place is probably your home. The National Weather Service suggests what to do if you’re stuck inside: If using a fireplace or wood stove, make sure these devicesContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — Anti-lock brakes are designed to restore traction to your vehicle’s tires during icy or slick road conditions. They’re meant to help prevent wheels from locking up, but they won’t shorten stopping distance, the University of Iowa says. While anti-lock brakes are deployed, the brake pedal typically willContinue Reading
SUNDAY, Jan. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Whether you’re training for a marathon or just logging miles, cold-weather running requires some special health and safety precautions, according to a sports medicine expert. That said, it also gives you a chance to get ahead of the competition because people often don’tContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — High winds can occur during a thunderstorm, hurricane or other strong weather system. The National Weather Service suggests how to prepare for high winds: Trim tree branches away from your home and powerlines. Secure loose gutters and shutters. Identify an interior room, such as a basement orContinue Reading
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Two-thirds of the United States is grappling with bitterly cold temperatures as an Arctic front slides across the country, so one emergency doctor offers practical advice for those caught in the frigid weather. Dr. Robert Glatter, a physician from Lenox Hill Hospital inContinue Reading
TUESDAY, Jan. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — If you’re exercising outdoors this winter, take special precautions, a sports medicine expert advises. With winter’s chill upon us, it’s become increasingly important to check the weather conditions — including the forecast and wind chill — before starting out. Then, adjust your clothesContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — If you live in a cold climate, you should keep a complete emergency kit in your car. The National Weather Service suggests including: A mobile phone, charger and batteries. Blankets. A flashlight with extra batteries. A first-aid kit. A knife. High-calorie, non-perishable foods. Extra clothing to keepContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — When the weather gets colder and the winds gustier, it’s time to winterize your home. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests: Install weather stripping, insulation and storm windows. Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls. Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks. HaveContinue Reading
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 13, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Many people insist their joints ache more when it rains. But that popular notion might be all wet, a new study suggests. The study of more than 1.5 million older Americans found that people were no more likely to visit the doctor withContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — Hypothermia — abnormally low body temperature — is an ever-present danger during winter. It occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can be produced. The U.S. National Weather Service says warning signs of the dangerous condition include: Confusion. Shivering. Difficulty speaking. Fatigue. Stiff muscles.Continue Reading
(HealthDay News) — Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), common in the winter months, is a type of depression triggered by decreased exposure to daylight. Symptoms of SAD include feeling down, irritable, lacking energy, sleeping a lot or having cravings FOR sweet or starchy foods. The National Sleep Foundation suggests how toContinue Reading
(HealthDay News) — If you don’t have to drive while it’s snowing, don’t. But if you must be on the road, the National Weather Service suggests: Slow down. Roads may be slippery, even if they do not look wet. Clean all snow and ice off your car before starting aContinue Reading