Preventive Care

You don't want to spend this winter battling a runny nose, a nagging cough or a fever. Here's what to do.

Treating common illnesses at home isn't complicated. Even so, doing it safely requires knowledge and a willingness to follow the rules.

You run two miles every other day and lift weights twice a week. You've been trying to eat more fruits and vegetables and less meat. You don't smoke. When it comes to your health, you figure you've got everything covered. But when was the last time you saw your doctor for a health screening?

Many older Americans lead healthy, interesting, and productive lives well into their later years. But that’s not what we usually hear about.

Here are ways to help you fine-tune your lifestyle to promote optimum health.

To find out what your family risks are, ask people on both sides of your family. Start with your parents, siblings and children.

Some symptoms may indicate the possibility of a serious condition and should be evaluated immediately by a health care provider.

Cold and flu season is hard on everyone, but for older adults who may have chronic health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, it’s especially challenging.

The way we gauge the peril a given disorder poses is called risk perception.

Specific vaccine recommendations vary depending on age, geographic location, and other risk factors.

Review your immunization history with your health care provider and be sure that children over the age of 2 are on schedule with their vaccine series.

Get regular checkups, preventive examinations, and immunizations. Learn about disease prevention and ask your physician for specific information regarding your needs.

Each year, two out of every three deaths in the United States are caused by cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or stroke. That figure could be significantly reduced if Americans made healthier food choices, got more exercise, and stopped smoking.