Sarasota Edition

During this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, boosting your immunity is more important than ever. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), people who have a well-balanced, nutritious diet tend to be healthier and have a stronger immune system with a lower risk of chronic illnesses and infectious diseases. Studies have even shown that a healthy diet can reduce …

By James Ferrara, Lymphedema Therapist Do You Have lymphedema? Lymphedema is a build-up of lymphatic fluid throughout the body, and it is usually a secondary issue that arises after cancer treatment or lymph node removal; it can also be a critical indicator for individuals that an illness or adverse reaction is occurring in their bodies. Lymphedema is a threatening disorder …

In the past, extended families often shared the job of tending to their senior loved ones. These days, families may live farther apart, and the responsibility for care can fall on one overwhelmed family member. The good news is that Care Managers can help. These professionals, sometimes called “aging life care managers,” are usually licensed nurses or social workers trained …

By Heidi Smith, Contributor It was a Thursday in November 2020. Joy and Ken Chard were at a Venice ice cream store when Joy nearly collapsed. Her right side, from head to toe, was numb and tingling. She was unable to walk. Ken had to carry her to the car. “I had been having these episodes for a few weeks, …

Anxiety, stress, sun exposure, and the general effects of aging can wreak havoc on our skin and overall appearance. Dehydration, a poor diet, and a lack of sleep are also key contributors to making us look older, washed out, and tired. The good news is you have options. Did you know that when we look better, we feel better? In …

How does PAD affect walking ability? When you walk, your leg muscles require more oxygen from the blood than when sitting or standing. The arteries of someone with PAD, are narrowed by plaque build up from cholesterol and other substances, which prevents the delivery of this additional oxygen. The most common symptom of PAD is pain or discomfort in the …

When it comes to aging, it’s essential to take care of your health on multiple levels such as, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, keeping stress low, drinking plenty of water, and staying active! If you make small changes, your body will start to become healthier and stronger. When it comes to staying active, this not only means exercise, …

Many people are experiencing what they’re now calling Post-COVID Stress Disorder. PTSD is affecting many frontline workers and communities at large. PTSD & COVID-19 PTSD causes extreme side effects. Many individuals have severe nightmares, flashbacks, hyper startle responses, and loss of interest, severe anxiety and are often suicidal. Numerous military veterans with PTSD have issues with employment, violence, and relationships, …

Gerry Letendre, RPh, MBA, CHt Pain is the single most common condition that makes individuals seek medical care. Millions of people here in the U.S. suffer with pain conditions and staggering numbers of those are partially or totally disabled due to the debilitating effects that pain has on our physical bodies as well as our mental wellbeing. The pain signaling …

I really like the word “moving” rather than exercise (a 4 letter word in the minds of many – including me). Now more than ever before (due to COVID restrictions) you have to move and be active even it is just around your home or neighborhood. Sitting around watching depressing news that you have no control over, can affect you …