These days, everyone seems to be taking fish oil for something. Doctors, chiropractors, and naturopaths are suggesting it for everything from diabetes to knee pain. But is it science or is it quackery? The latest studies point to science. Research examined exactly what happens when DHA from fish oil enters the body. The DHA was taken in by large white blood cells called macrophages. These macrophages go to the site of infection or injury and “eat” whatever bacteria, virus, or dead cells they find to neutralize the situation. When DHA entered macrophages, they changed from macrophages that create inflammation to
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Romeoville saw an influx of seniors last month when U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski hosted a Senior Fair.  Lipinski organized this event to connect people with organizations and associations that help seniors.  It was a success with many seniors in attendance. And what was learned from this event?  That many seniors don’t know the options available to them. It was found that veterans were unaware of the benefits that they could be receiving for their health.  With the dangerous chemicals used in Vietnam, where many served, former soldiers have been diagnosed with serious health conditions.  Many senior veterans are unaware that
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Rent that tuxedo, buy that corsage, and get ready to boogie the night away.  It’s prom season!  And the festivities are no longer exclusively for teens. Aplaceformom.com reports that proms for seniors are becoming popular across the country. With the help of local volunteers, these Senior Proms provide an evening for seniors to mingle with friends, dance to tunes from their youth, and dress in their finest.  The evening usually begins with a cocktail hour – something you won’t find at your average high school prom.  Then the festivities progress to dancing, multi-course dinners, and sometimes even the announcement of the
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As summer is heating up, we become more prone to dehydration.  Although most of us know only the mild dehydration symptoms of headaches and sluggishness, dehydration can become serious quickly, leading to hospitalization or even death.  So how do we avoid dehydration? The easiest way to stay hydrated is to listen to your body.  If you are thirsty, get yourself something to drink. It sounds easy, and it is.  The nerves that signal our thirst are very sensitive, and if our bodies lose even 1% of their water from say sweating on a hot day, they will send a signal
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With the elderly living longer and savings depleted by a bad economy, an ever-increasing number of adults are caring for their senior relatives.  Many seniors are being sent home from the hospital in a medically fragile state, needing care.  With unemployment numbers still up, many family’s savings are running dry and cannot cover the cost of a nursing home.  The result is a family member becoming the caregiver of that senior. As the chronic illness progresses, the family caregiver usually becomes an expert on caring for the senior.  Doctors  rely heavily on the caregiver’s input to make medical decisions.  That
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