Boomers should be making late-in-life health decisions

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 09 June 2009 14:34

SR-LIVINGboomers.jpg Without explicit, documented directions about how you want your health care and end-of-life issues handled, decisions about your care will fall to someone else if you become ill and are unable to make your wishes known. Baby boomers rocked Woodstock, protested wars, rallied for civil rights and today have a solid reputation as professionals who work hard and play harder.

But as boomers continue to age, their health problems rise in direct proportion.

If you’re a member of this generation and haven’t yet made decisions about your late-in-life health care, someone else could make them for you.

Without explicit, documented directions about how you want your health care and end-of-life issues handled...

Read more: Boomers should be making late-in-life health decisions

Lower your risk for heart disease

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 09 June 2009 14:33

SR-LIVINGBbloodpressure.jpg When you exercise, you make your heart more efficient and that lowers your blood pressure. And don’t worry about going to the gym—shoveling snow, walking or bike riding are just as effective.

During a typical day, your blood pressure goes up and down, and that’s healthy. For about 65 million Americans, however, blood pressure remains high over time. Are you one of them?

When you have high blood pressure, your heart has to work too hard. That can lead to heart disease and stroke. You’re also at greater risk for type 2 diabetes. In fact, one recent study suggests that you’re three times as likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you have high blood pressure.

Here’s the problem—it can be hard to...

Read more: Lower your risk for heart disease

Healthy Geezer-Aging is relentless, but good health adds life

Written by Fred Cicetti Tuesday, 09 June 2009 14:31

Do not go gentle into that good night,

Old age should burn and rage at close of day;

Rage, rage, against the dying of the light.

—Dylan Thomas



Q I’m tired of taking this sitting down. What can I do to fight the aging process?



A There’s nothing that will stop aging, but you know that. The most you can hope for is longevity with health. Here are some pointers from health professionals for a high quality of life. You may find these boring, but they work:

n Eat a varied diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables;

n Maintain a healthy weight;

n Exercise daily;

n Go to the doctor when you’re sick;

n Go to the doctor when you’re well to get screened for disease;

n Don’t smoke;

n Use sunscreen;

n Stay close to your...

Read more: Healthy Geezer-Aging is relentless, but good health adds life

Moundridge doctor offers obstetrics in Marion County

Written by Don Ratzlaff Tuesday, 12 May 2009 13:33

Ullom-Minnich585.jpg Phyisican Paul Ullom-Minnich poses with three of his Marion County patients and nurse Leah Schmidt (seated on the floor holding Kaitlynn Bina, 2). Seated on chairs to his left are Ashton Smith of Pilsen (holding daughter Sydney, 16 months), Jenni Frederickson of Marion (currently pregnant, and whose 18-month-old son Eldon was delivered by Ullom-Minnich) and Terri Bina (holding son Addison, 10 months).

 

In a specialized sense, he’s a modern version of the country physician who traveled rural roads during pioneer days to bring personal, quality medical care to women who otherwise don’t have easy access to it.

Paul Ullom-Minnich, a family-practice physician with the Partners in Family...

Read more: Moundridge doctor offers obstetrics in Marion County

Healthy Geezer-Angina a sign of increased heart risk

Written by Fred Cicetti Tuesday, 12 May 2009 13:32

Q My understanding is that angina is not as serious as heart disease. Is this true?



A Angina pectoris—or simply angina—is the medical term for chest pain or discomfort usually caused by coronary artery disease. Angina is a sign that someone is at increased risk of heart attack, cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death. If you get angina, you should get medical attention immediately.

Angina (pronounced “an-JI-nuh” or “AN-juh-nuh”) hits when the heart doesn’t get enough blood. This usually happens when there is a narrowing or blockage in one or more of the vessels that supply blood to the heart.

Angina can come from exertion. It may make you sweat or lose your breath. The pain can strike your arm or neck, too.

“Stable...

Read more: Healthy Geezer-Angina a sign of increased heart risk