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Healthy Geezer- Taste buds can diminish in later years

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Written by Fred Cicetti Tuesday, 06 January 2009 13:48

Q I have a bet with a friend that you start losing your sense of taste as you get older. She says that her taste is as strong as ever and thinks I’m wrong. Who wins the bet?

A In general, sensitivity to taste gradually decreases with age. But there are some whose taste isn’t affected by getting older. Who wins the bet? I won’t touch that one.

The ability to taste food and beverages means a lot to seniors. Let’s face it—we lose a lot of the pleasures of our youth, but eating well isn’t usually one of them.

Taste also has a major impact upon our physical and mental health. Our sense of taste is especially important if we have to stay on a diet. If food loses its appeal, we may eat improperly and put ourselves at risk for...

Healthy Geezer- Enlarged prostate not necessarily an indicator of cancer for seniors

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Written by Fred Cicetti Tuesday, 09 December 2008 14:16

Q I know I have an enlarged prostate. Is this a sign of cancer?

A Most men with enlarged prostates don’t develop prostate cancer, but there’s a lot more to this question.

The prostate is a walnut-size organ that surrounds the tube (urethra) that carries urine from the bladder. The urethra also transmits semen, which is a combination of sperm plus a fluid the prostate adds.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the term used to describe an enlarged prostate, which is common in men 50 and older. An enlarged prostate may squeeze the urethra, making it hard to urinate. It may cause dribbling after you urinate or a frequent urge to urinate, especially at night.

Some men with prostate cancer also have BPH, but that doesn’t mean that...

Parkside administrator returns to central Kansas roots

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Written by Don Ratzlaff Tuesday, 09 December 2008 14:14

GretchenWagnerPC081186.jpg Gretchen Wagner says she fell in love with seniors as a young girl. “It just came kind of naturally,” she said.

Family drew her to Kansas, and quality of care attracted her to the role of administrator at Parkside Homes in Hillsboro.

Gretchen Wagner began her job at Parkside Oct. 1. As administrator, she is in charge of the long-term care facility.

“I love the people,” Wagner said. “They have a great staff here and the residents are incredible. I was amazed by how many residents committed to pray for me within my first week here, and how welcoming the people were.”

Wagner, whose grandparents lived in Hillsboro, said she fell in love with seniors as a young girl. She grew up in Wichita but...

10 tips to make you healthier and happier this year

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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...

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

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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...