As a child, I was always told I needed calcium for strong bones. So, I drank lots of milk and made sure to eat foods rich in this mineral. As an adult, I took calcium supplements. I figured I was doing what I was supposed to be doing from a nutritional standpoint in order to protect my bones…

As boomers, we’re used to having our blood glucose levels measured during our annual physicals. After all, our risk for developing diabetes increases with age. Many of us now know our A1C levels as well as our cholesterol, iron and…

Many of us are feeling the squeeze rampant inflation puts on food budgets. Those of us on fixed incomes may feel it more acutely than others. To give you an idea of the pressures we are facing, food prices have spiked more than 13 percent over the past year…

I come from a family of medical professionals. So, it’s no surprise that my belief and trust in the medical profession, and those who practice, it has always been high. As a result, it may have been a little easier for me to see the human side of physicians…

The food pyramid for those over 70 usually emphasize a diet which is primarily plant-based and includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, and grains. But how much do we really know about them? What are the various health benefits and how can we…

There are some nutrients that we all tend to worry about not getting enough of as we age. I would put calcium in this group. We are usually so concerned about not including enough calcium in our diet that we take any number of supplements…

Every year or so, it seems that popular culture updates the idea of the “new 40” to reflect our increasing longevity. For example, I remember when “50 is the new 40” was being touted. Today, we hear that “60 is the new 40…”

When was the last time your primary care physician recommended that you get a cognitive test as part of your annual physical? Even though this type of test is available as part of Medicare’s Annual Wellness Visit, 80 percent of us report not having had…

When it comes to nutrition, it seems that certain vitamins and minerals get all the attention and glory. Others are relegated to playing behind-the-scenes and unheralded roles that are just as important in keeping us healthy…

I grew up seeing some of my older relatives remove their ‘teeth’ before going to bed. Sometimes, they expressed discomfort with chewing or dentures that were either too tight or too loose. I decided early on in my life that I was not going to go down…