Author: FRANK JOST

A research team at the University of Colorado Anschutz has reported intriguing new evidence that markers of neuron injury and neuron death rise steadily across the lifespan—and that a long-approved drug might be able to temporarily slow that damage in people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The findings are early, but they point to a future where clinicians may track brain health with blood tests sooner—and possibly intervene earlier, too. Bottom line up front: The drug (sargramostim, also called Leukine) is not FDA-approved for Alzheimer’s. The results so far are considered preliminary, and ongoing clinical trials are needed before anyone should…

The holiday season is supposed to be joyful—but it’s also a perfect storm for the heart: heavier meals, more salt, more alcohol, less sleep, disrupted routines, travel stress, cold weather in many regions, and emotional triggers like grief or loneliness. For older adults in particular, these factors can raise the odds of a cardiac event right when people are least likely to seek help quickly. Doctors even have a name for one of the most common holiday-related heart issues: “holiday heart syndrome”—a short-term abnormal heart rhythm (often atrial fibrillation) that can appear after drinking more alcohol than usual, especially when…

Flu season is picking up speed across the U.S., and the latest national surveillance shows a clear jump in activity. For older adults, this matters: the flu can move from “just a bad cold” to pneumonia, dehydration, dangerous falls, and hospital stays faster than you’d expect — especially during the holiday travel and gathering rush. What the CDC’s latest update is really saying In the CDC’s Week 50 report (week ending December 13, 2025), several key signals rose at once: test positivity increased, outpatient visits for respiratory illness were elevated above the national baseline, and the season is now clearly…

Implementing Smart Strategies for Healthy Habits During the Holiday Season The holiday season often brings a mix of joy and challenges, from celebratory dinners to increased social obligations. Maintaining healthy habits during this time requires deliberate effort and smart strategies. Experts like Dr. Poorvanshi Alag of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center emphasize fostering a positive mindset to support both mental and physical wellness. Rather than striving for unattainable perfection, embracing flexibility and focusing on small, consistent actions can help individuals sustain their wellbeing amid busy holiday schedules. For example, although celebrations may prompt indulgent eating, practicing mindful living—such as…

Setting Realistic Health Goals for Sustainable Wellness This New Year Every New Year brings a fresh opportunity to reset our lives and focus on wellness through effective goal setting. However, the challenge lies not just in creating goals, but in making them sustainable and aligned with one’s lifestyle to foster a healthy lifestyle. Many people make resolutions to improve their wellness, yet find themselves slipping back to old habits within weeks. This common struggle highlights the importance of setting achievable objectives that lead to lasting change. Dr. Ghinwa Hassan, a renowned family medicine physician, emphasizes the importance of focusing on…

Understanding the Role of Healthy Habits in Preventing Illness While Traveling Traveling brings excitement and new experiences, but it also increases the risk of encountering various illnesses. According to Dr. Tracy Grotrian, associate medical director at Carle Convenient Care in Champaign-Urbana, cycles of respiratory illnesses such as influenza A, COVID-19, and strep throat tend to surge during the holiday season when many travelers visit family and friends. These illnesses share common symptoms like high fever, sore throat, cough, and body aches, highlighting the importance of adopting healthy habits to prevent the spread of illness. While it might be tempting to…

Understanding the Impact of Healthy Lifestyles on Suicide Risk in Veterans The connection between healthy lifestyles and mental well-being has garnered increasing attention in recent research, especially concerning vulnerable groups like veterans. A groundbreaking study published in the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction spotlights how veterans who embrace positive lifestyle choices significantly reduce their suicide risk. This population, often wrestling with challenges unique to their service experiences, benefits heavily from holistic approaches that address physical and mental health in tandem. Healthy behaviors including regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and consistent engagement with prescribed treatments are vital protective factors.…

Strategies for Staying Healthy During the Holiday Season with Emily Powell The holiday season is often a whirlwind of celebrations, family gatherings, and indulgent meals, making it challenging to prioritize personal health. Emily Powell, a seasoned personal trainer at Infirmary Health, offers valuable holiday health tips that can help individuals maintain their wellness amidst the festivities. According to Powell, a key aspect of staying healthy throughout the holidays lies in balancing enjoyment with mindful choices that support long-term wellbeing. To start, Emily emphasizes the importance of establishing and maintaining healthy habits. This includes setting realistic goals for physical activity, nutrition,…

Medicare is a cornerstone of health coverage for older adults in the United States. For most people, eligibility begins at age 65, but certain individuals may qualify earlier due to disability or serious medical conditions. Understanding when you qualify, what requirements apply, and how enrollment works can help you avoid gaps in coverage and costly late penalties. This guide explains Medicare eligibility in plain language, with a focus on age requirements, early eligibility pathways, and the enrollment timeline. At what age do you become eligible for Medicare? Most Americans become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65 years old. Eligibility…

Setting Realistic New Year’s Resolutions for Long-Term Wellness Success Each year, millions commit to New Year’s resolutions centered on improving wellness, yet many struggle to maintain these goals beyond January. To create a lasting impact, it’s essential to understand the art of setting realistic and achievable resolutions that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. The foundation lies in goal setting that balances ambition with practicality. Often, resolutions fail because they are too vague or overwhelming. Saying “I’ll get fit” leaves too much room for interpretation, while “I will walk for 30 minutes three times a week” defines a clear, actionable target.…