Obesity is a condition that is on the rise in all parts of the world. An estimated 5 million teens are obese (>35 body mass Index BMI) in the US (2004). Because of obesity, many people are experiencing some significant health issues. Obesity is in many (not all) teenagers is a food-addiction illness.

Food addiction is difficult to treat but can be an underlying reason for the weight problem. Drug addiction programs with intensive therapy and supervision have proven to be effective models in obesity treatment.  A cycle of poor self…

As the rates of diabetes increase in both children and adults, it is time to discuss a very important part of being a diabetic — your diet. You diet is a vitally important to your heath. There are many resources online and in print (books,articles etc) but there are reasons to be cautious when recommendations for dieting seems extreme. Crash diets are not an option if you  are a diabetic. Here are some key points in monitoring your nutrition:

• Consume breads that are highest in fiber.
• Protein is important and make it…

Graeme Weatherston / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Many people are able to stay active outdoors with the assistance of canes, walkers, rollators and wheelchairs. However these devices are a safety hazard when certain parts start wearing out. Please take a moment to check the condition of your assistive device before going outdoors.

Brakes

Wheelchairs and rollators with worn brakes are a safety hazard. Your local surgical supply store or medical supply vendor can assist with repairing or replacing worn brakes.

Rollator Brake

Rubber Tips

Walkers and canes have rubber tips that provides traction and absorbs impact. Over time these…

Parenting is not easy.

No one ever said it will be easy. And no one ever said things will just be the same as they were. If you or someone you know is having or has recently had an infant, they are often exuberant in this new role. It is a wonderful thing, but there are a few wise rules that make you see just how it will be in reality. Here are some popular points (I am sure there are many others!)  to ponder as you partake on the parenting…

As the heat of summer continues many children and adults take to our many beaches, pools and rivers to swim. There is nothing more refreshing than a dip in calm water to cool off. But the waters surrounding NYC are not calm. Drowning has been the second highest cause of death in children from the year 2000 to 2006. Many of these deaths are in children who can swim. Nothing is more frightening than to be caught in a riptide on one of our beaches or a current in a…

Photo by healingdream at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

We can all agree that routine walking is a great form of exercise especially for the elderly. However improper fitting or uncomfortable shoes can not only lead to foot problems but can cause pain or injury to the knee and the back.

Before you head to your local shoe store take a look at some of the helpful guidelines I found from the online AARP article “When Comfort Counts: Choosing a Walking Shoe”.

• Buy the right size. Don’t choose shoes by the size marked inside. Go by how they…

Image by Jean Ryder

In a recent blog, Dr. Kevin Pho noted that up to 20% of first-time prescriptions written for patients are not filled. Reasons for this can include the expense of the medicine, concern regarding side effects, or even a fear of addiction. Another reason mentioned is the inability for some people to physically get to the pharmacy and have the prescription filled. This can be serious for some illnesses such as diabetes or high blood pressure, where getting your medicine in a timely fashion is important in the management of the…

Grab bars are valuable in helping the elderly prevent falls in the bathroom. A few questions I normally ask before I recommend the installation of a set of grab bars are:

1. Do you have difficulty getting in and out of the tub or shower?
2. Do you use the towel rack or sink for support?
3. If you use a shower seat, do you have trouble getting on and off it?
4. Have you recently fallen while taking a shower?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, installing grab bars may be a good idea.

Grab Bar…

Well I guess the 95 degree weather outside is proof that summer is here, and it is going to be a hot one. As we are coming out of June with record temperatures and now into July with more of the same, it is important to remember that children and adults can suffer from heat stroke and sunburns. Use caution.

Here are some quick suggestions:

• Avoid being outside between 10AM–3PM as the sun is at its’ peak.
• Hydrate well, you and your children need to keep water on hand and drink it!
• Newborns should…

Are you expecting your first child or just given birth? Congratulations on becoming a parent!

Wanting to give the best to your baby is natural and making your home environment safe is a must, but childproofing your home may seem daunting. Never fear, it may be daunting, but it is doable!

Home safety can start before the baby arrives but if you haven’t given it much thought, it is OK to start now. The first thing you want to do is get down on your hands and knees to see what they see.…