Q What are the benefits of vitamins? AIt?s very important to talk with your doctor before you take any vitamin and mineral pills, especially if you take prescription medicines, have any health problems or are elderly. Taking too much of a vitamin or mineral can cause problems with some medical tests or interfere with drugs you?re taking. Vitamins and minerals […]

Mike Ryan (left), chief executive officer at Hillsboro Community Hospital, hands a plate of biscuits and gravy to Ken Johnson, respiratory therapist. Ryan was serving breakfast to employees early Monday morning as a kickoff event for the observance of National Hospital Week. From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, hospital staff and the public are invited to a tailgate in […]

Developing healthy food habits isn?t always as simple as it sounds. Even during summer, a season with fresh fruits and vegetables in abundance, many people still grab a bag of potato chips before choosing that crunchy red apple as a snack. Recently, the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index issued a health report revealing that well over half of Americans ?as many as […]

After more than a decade of service to the Hillsboro Senior Center, Kermit Ratzlaff, president of the board, retired in early January. Replacing him as president was Ray Matz with Charles Rempel serving as vice-president. To honor his contributions to the center, a celebration is planned from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, April 19, at the center, 212 N. […]

QI?m getting heartburn a lot since I turned 60. Is more heartburn something that comes with more years? ? AMore than 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month, and more than 15 million Americans experience heartburn daily. Heartburn is more common among the elderly. Heartburn two or more times weekly may be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease […]

With the arrival of spring, millions of Americans are looking forward to getting outdoors?from the garden to the golf course. But for many, the forecast isn?t always sunny as chronic knee pain limits the mobility and quality of life for the 27 million sufferers of osteoarthritis. Arthritis affects people of all ages. Fifty percent of people 65 years and older […]

Q I?m getting heartburn a lot since I turned 60. Is more heartburn something that comes with more years? ? AMore than 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month and more than 15 million Americans experience heartburn daily. Heartburn is more common among the elderly. Heartburn two or more times weekly may be caused by gastroesophageal reflux […]

We all know the feeling that comes with the first great day of spring. When the sun is shining, the air smells sweet and fresh and the temperatures are warm, we all feel the urge to get outside and throw off the confinement of the winter months. Whether you?re an avid athlete, a dedicated gardener or someone who?s been meaning […]

In many areas of the country, the snow and wintry conditions will linger into spring. And yes, the risk of contracting colds, especially those ?change-of-season? colds, will arise. When cold weather hits, you prepare your house by checking the furnace and making sure your car has the proper fluids. ?Winterization? applies to your car, your house and your body. To […]

Q I?ve been noticing this thing in my eye. At first I thought it was an eyelash. Then I realized the thing was actually in my eye. One of my friends told me it?s a ?floater? and not to worry. What exactly is a ?floater? and should I see a doctor? ? ATo allay any fears you may have, I […]