The COVID-19 pandemic has raised stress levels for many people. Research studies are showing increases in sleep problems, anger, and lack of motivation during the pandemic. Prescriptions for anti-anxiety medicines reached a new high in 2020. People are also reporting more physical impacts of stress, such as teeth grinding. When stress lasts a long time,… Read More
Our teeth and gums change as we grow older. Years of wear and tear take a toll, often causing thinning enamel and broken or lost teeth. Teeth with repairs such as crowns, fillings and root canals are less hardy. As gums recede, sensitive areas of the teeth not covered by enamel may be exposed. Some… Read More
Nov. 19, 2020, is the annual Great American Smokeout. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, this event encourages smokers to quit for one day … and to take steps to extend that to the next day and beyond. No matter your age, there are plenty of reasons to quit smoking! You probably know that smoking… Read More
Podiatrists report that autumn brings an increase in patients coming in with foot pain—specifically, the pain caused by bunions. Why? According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), it’s because people, especially women, often wear sandals and other lighter shoes, or go barefoot a lot, all summer. When the temperature drops, out… Read More
“Where words fail, music speaks,” said the 19th century Danish storyteller Hans Christian Andersen. Human expression would certainly be poorer without music. But the benefits of music go well beyond enjoyment. Scientists are finding more and more health benefits we gain from music, beginning at birth and lasting through the end of our lives. Here… Read More
More and more older people are finding themselves alone as they age, without a spouse or children who can help them as their care needs change. You may have heard the term “elder orphans” to describe this phenomenon. It’s estimated that 22 percent of older adults today fall in this category, and the number will… Read More
The idea of thinking positive thoughts while dealing with the impacts of COVID-19 may seem a bit too much to ask. But consider this: There is a connection between long-term persistent negative thinking and dementia. “Depression and anxiety in mid-life and old age are already known to be risk factors for dementia,” says Dr. Natalie… Read More
So many events have been affected by this year’s coronavirus outbreak. The 2020 election will be more complicated, the 2020 Olympic Games were postponed for a year, and countless planned events were cancelled. The 2020 Census has also been impacted by the pandemic. Some of the dates have been extended, with the U.S. Census Bureau… Read More
June is Men’s Health Month. Why not take advantage of Father’s Day to remind Dad and Grandpa about ways they can protect their health? Of course, Father’s Day 2020 will be a little different. For many families, traditional Father’s Day visits have been postponed or are taking place as virtual visits on Zoom and FaceTime.… Read More
By now, you are well aware of basic steps to prevent exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. You wash your hands, use hand sanitizer when you can’t, avoid touching your face, wear a mask when advised to do so, and keep your distance from others. Our Webster at Rye team want to remind you… Read More