10 tips to make you healthier and happier this year

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 04 November 2008 14:26

Health2.jpg Get a grip on safety by adding stylish grab bars, tread strips, and shower chairs.

With busy schedules and lifestyles, keeping your mind, body and soul healthy can be a major challenge. However, don’t let the hectic pace of life keep you from living yours to the fullest.

There are simple steps you can take that will leave you feeling energetic and upbeat. Consider these 10 tips to help you live a happy, healthy, safe and balanced life.

1. Get physical. Exercise not only helps you build muscle and lose weight, giving you more self-confidence, but it’s vital in maintaining a healthy heart. And don’t think you need to spend hours at the gym to achieve a new physical you.

From strength training and...

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Healthy Geezer- Its not to late to get that important flu shot

Written by Fred Cicetti Tuesday, 04 November 2008 14:24

It’s time for a flu shot.Flu season in the northern hemisphere can range from as early as November to as late as May. The peak month usually is February.

The vaccine can be administered anytime during flu season. However, the best time to get inoculated is October-November. The protection provided by the vaccine lasts about a year. Adults over 50 are prime candidates for the vaccine because the flu can be fatal for people in this age group.

The Centers for Disease Con­trol and Prevention estimates that up to 20 percent of the population gets the flu each year. More than 200,000 flu victims are hospitalized annually in the United States; about 36,000 people die from complications of flu.

Flu is a contagious illness of the...

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Down syndrome a common genetic condition among U.S. population

Written by Malinda Just Tuesday, 07 October 2008 14:21

More than 400,000 people have Down syndrome in the United States, according to the National Down Syn­drome Society.

October has been set aside as Down Syndrome Aware­ness Month, a time for the community to be educated on the genetic condition.

Down syndrome occurs when an individual has three copies of the 21st chromosome, instead of the usual two. The condition occurs in people of all races and economic levels.

As the most common chromosomal condition, one of every 733 babies is born with Down syndrome. All people with Down syndrome have cognitive delays, usually mild to moderate. Despite the delays, people with Down syndrome attend school, work and participate in decision making.

Common physical traits of Down syndrome are low...

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Similarities outweigh the differences for young Ella

Written by Malinda Just Tuesday, 07 October 2008 14:20

JostBruceKimberlee.jpg Bruce and Kimberlee enjoy the fall day with their daughters Talia, 11 months, and Ella, 5. “Ella enjoys and loves everything that everyone else does and hates everything that everybody else does,” said Kimberlee Jost, Ella’s mother. “There are more similarities than differences. It just so happens that she wears her differences readily.”

Like most 5-year-olds, Ella Jost is an active child. She loves to run, watch “Sesame Street,” “Veggie Tales” and “Finding Nemo,” play with her younger sister Talia, and read books, her favorite being “Brown Bear, Brown Bear.”

Unlike the typical 5-year-old, Ella has Down syndrome.

“Ella enjoys and loves everything that everyone else does and...

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