Most Common Health Concerns in Elderly

National Grandparents Day is Sunday, September 13th. In recognition of this important holiday, Great South Bay Surgical Associates would like to stress how important it is to care for our elderly loved ones. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with signs of some of the most common health concerns out there. 

Arthritis. One of the most widely recognized illnesses in the elderly is Arthritis, which involves damaged joints in the body. Even though there are many different forms of this condition, perhaps the most commonly known form is Osteoarthritis, often caused by infection or injury. Take notice if a loved one complains of chronic pain and suffering in a general area of the body, as this could be an indication of damage joints.

Heart Failure. Another complication that affects many seniors is heart failure. This condition is due to a lack of blood being pumped through the heart, enough to satisfy the body’s needs. Look for signs of obesity, valve problems, and heart attacks, which all have the ability to weaken the effectiveness of the heart muscle. If a senior complains of coughing, shortness of breath, or even swelling of the ankles, make sure you seek a doctor’s help.

Cancer. While cancer affects people of all ages, it is another common problem often seen in the elderly. As you age, it gets easier for cells to become invaded and infections to spread throughout the body. If you know someone who smokes or has been exposed to excess amounts of radiation, it is possible that they can be more susceptible to cancer.

Parkinson’s Disease. Many cases of Parkinson’s disease can affect people who are at least sixty years of age. So, if you find that your loved one suffers from fatigue, tremors, troubles with balance, and joint stiffness, you might be looking at some signs of this disease.

While some health complications are easy to recognize, others are not. With that being said, your best bet is to consult a doctor to make sure that none of the above illnesses are of concern.

Established in 1909, Great South Bay Surgical Associates has been serving the community with the tradition of caring and quality for over 100 years. Every one of our surgeons has countless years of experience in the industry, performing open and minimally invasive general and oncological surgeries with precision.

For more information about our practice and the procedures that we offer, click here or call 631-321-6801.

5 Healthy Habits to Reduce Your Risk of Cancer

The idea that eating healthy foods, keeping active and staying hydrated are the first steps to fighting any sort of illness is nothing new. However, there are a ton of additional helpful habits that you can incorporate into your daily lifestyle to significantly reduce your risk of developing cancer.

1. Always use a water filter. Depending on your area, the tap water you’re drinking may be filled with tons of suspected carcinogens and harmful chemicals, so investing in a fully-functioning water filtration system is key. A quality faucet-mounted filter, like Pur Vertical or Brita, should do the trick.

2. Marinate your meat. The old wives’ tale that cooking anything “burns away the germs” is only half true. Though the germs may be gone, there might still be cancer-causing heterocyclic amines and aromatic hydrocarbons that are created during the cooking process. To be safe, marinate your meat with antioxidant-rich rosemary and thyme for at least an hour prior to grill-time.

3. Drink caffeine daily. A British study in 2010 showed that those who drank at least 5 cups of coffee a day were less likely to develop brain, oral and throat cancer than their decaf counterparts. Not a coffee lover? Drinking tea can have a similar protective effect, though it’s not as potent.

4. Choose your outfits wisely. Skin cancer is arguably one of the most common forms of cancer. Of course it’s always important to cover up when going out into the sun, but did you know that the color you wear can help keep you safe as well? Research has shown that blue and red fabrics offer the most protection from U.V. rays, while white and yellow ones offer the least.

5. Pick an experienced doctor. Your best bet at beating the odds when it comes to developing or fighting cancer is choosing a doctor that’s well-known and knowledgeable. Studies have shown that choosing a doctor with at least 25 years of experience is key.

Established in 1909, Great South Bay Surgical Associates has been serving the community with the tradition of caring and quality for over 100 years. Every one of our surgeons has countless years of experience in the industry, performing open and minimally invasive general and oncological surgeries with precision.

For more information about our practice and the procedures that we offer, click here or call 631-321-6801.