Chiari malformation — ever heard of it before?
It seemed as if one day 13-year-old Heidi Fox could run like the wind and two weeks later she couldn't. The cause was a rare condition called Chiari malformation.
Conversations About Aging: Lavon Harris, 100
Lavon Harris is grateful to have lived as long as she has — 100 years! She considers herself healthy, happy, and also sad because you can't live without some sadness in your heart. She shares her joys and her sadness in this episode of Conversations About Aging, a Catching Health podcast.
Getting your affairs in order
It's so easy to procrastinate about things, especially when they involve matters you'd rather not think about. Like not being able to speak or act on your own behalf. Or dying. But getting your affairs in order while you still can is a smart thing to do and we've got some useful information on how to get started.
How to make your fascia glide again
Stiff when you wake up, get out of a chair, climb the stairs? You think it's just your age, but maybe your fascia needs some attention. What's that? Let's find out.
Dupuytren’s contracture
If you feel a lump in the palm of your hand, it may be a sign that you have Dupuytren's contracture. As the disease progresses, one or more fingers begin to curl over. Learn more about risk factors and treatment.
Conversations About Aging: Sue Hoyt, 73
Sue Hoyt has spent her entire life helping people. She's retired now but continues working as a volunteer. Listen to our conversation and hear her stories about living in the Maine woods, going back to college, and being a volunteer.
Jackie’s easy tips for cutting carrots
Eat your carrots, they're good for you! What my mother always told me and it's true. I bought a bunch of lovely heirloom carrots and asked Jackie Conn to give us a quick carrot cutting demonstration.
A Journey of Care to the End
Fran Evans was blessed. Her daughters took turns moving into her home to care for her as she grew older. And now, they've written a book about their experiences.
Conversations About Aging: Dr. Bob McAfee, 84
Retired surgeon Dr. Bob McAfee no longer sees patients but he still contributes to the health and wellbeing of his fellow human beings. In our conversation about aging, he reflects on his accomplishments and his life now that he is 84. He also shares a bit of wisdom.
Should you still be driving?
If you're worried about a loved one's ability to drive, it can become a challenging situation — for many reasons. That's when someone like Heather Shields can step in and help. She assesses people's driving skills and not only makes recommendations but also helps families come up with a workable plan.
SilverSneakers. Put ’em on and let’s get moving!
If you're looking for an exercise program that is designed with older people in mind and you live near St. Joseph's College of Maine, you're in luck. Along with several other adult fitness classes, the college's Alfond Center now offers the SilverSneakers program.
Easy ways to add a healthy new vegetable — seaweed — to your diet
Why add seaweed to your diet? It's loaded with nutrients. And don't turn up your nose if you've never tried it. Check out these great tips and recipes. One more thing, help celebrate Seaweed Week!
Conversations About Aging: Peesh, 76
Peesh wants to move and Paul wants to stay right where they are. How is this couple, who are now in their 70s, handling this conundrum? We talked about it and more in this episode of Conversations About Aging, a Catching Health podcast.
Building a new kidney from skin cells
Imagine taking cells from a person's skin and using them to build a new kidney. That's what's happening at MDI Biological Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine. Someday, the process could save people's lives.
The environment and its link to cancer rates in Maine
The environment you live and work in can either enhance your health or put you at risk of certain diseases, such as cancer. Learn the facts about two cancers that have been linked to environmental factors in Maine.
Conversations About Aging: Jack, 74
During a serious episode of depression that landed him in the hospital two years ago, Jack found out just how important friends can be. Good medicine and good friends made all the difference. We talk about that and a lot more in Conversations About Aging, a Catching Health podcast.
So … you’ve never exercised before
Come on now, winter is over. No more excuses for not exercising. And if you've never ever exercised before, you can't use that for an excuse, either. We've got some tips for you.
Recipes for your senses
Sights and tastes to behold. Sharing some highlights from a recent vacation with friends.
Did you know? Adults need their shots, too!
My dad had shingles and ended up with unrelenting nerve pain. That's why I didn't hesitate to get the new shingles vaccine. Neither did my husband. It's not the only vaccine recommended for adults. We've got the whole list for you.
Heart problems made her afraid until she got up and started moving
When Kelly David was diagnosed with two life-threatening heart conditions, she became afraid and depressed. It took a while but she finally decided being afraid was no way to live. When you read her story, you'll not only cheer her on, you might also be motivated to start moving, too.
Updating colorectal cancer screening guidelines and insurance coverage
A Bill in the Maine legislature would update insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screenings. The updates are in line with new guidelines from the American Cancer Society. Get details about both on Catching Health.
Conversations About Aging: Emma, 86
Emma celebrated her 86th birthday in early March. The month before marked the first anniversary of her husband Warren's death. We talk about the beginning and the end of their long life together in the latest episode of Conversations About Aging, a Catching Health podcast.
How to open and eat an avocado
Avocados are so good for you. Did you know that? Find out why and also get some tips on choosing and opening an avocado. Oh, and did I mention recipes, too?
How do we spring into spring?
Spring's not far away, I promise! But right now, there's dirty snow, patches of ice and mud, mud, mud on those warmer days that make us happy. Don't let all that keep you from getting out. Here's some inspiration.
Women. What’s your retirement story?
Take it slowly. Don't overcommit. Words of wisdom from women around the country who are sharing their retirement stories for a new book. Read all about it and get ready to tell YOUR story.
Conversations About Aging: Wayne, 64
Wayne, who’s only 64, confronted some unexpected challenges during a recent job hunt. We talk about that and so much more on Conversations About Aging, a Catching Health podcast.
Contemplating while you exercise is good for your body and your mind
The winter months can be a difficult time for outdoor exercise, and many people lose their motivation. We're here to offer some thoughtful advice.
A recipe for Popeye’s Mac and Cheese compliments of Wayside Food Programs
Wayside Food Programs provides delicious healthy food to Maine people in need. They shared a favorite comfort food recipe — mac and cheese with a healthy twist.
You no longer have cancer. What now?
Thanks to some incredible research and new treatments, more people with cancer are being cured or living much longer. A new program at the Dempsey Center has been designed to answer a question that many of these people are now asking — what now?
Understanding the world of rare diseases
Consider this: It takes an average of eight years for someone with a rare disease to get a diagnosis. Many adults have endured symptoms for decades before finding out what's wrong with them. Even with a diagnosis, their challenges may not be over. The world of rare diseases is often complicated and misunderstood.
Conversations About Aging: Leona, 92
Conversations About Aging is a podcast about .... aging. I am traveling the state of Maine talking to people 60+ about their perspectives on growing older. Leona, who is 92, lives in the largest city — Portland. There's plenty to do there but one major challenge makes it difficult for her to get around. It's not her age.