Immune System

Apparently, the flu shot for the previous 2021-2022 flu season turned out to be a poor match for combating the actual flu virus. While generally, the yearly flu vaccine can reduce the risk of serious illness (leading to hospitalization) by 40-60%, this past year experts declared the vaccine was “essentially…

The news was already not so good when it comes to your aging immune system. We’ve seen from the Covid pandemic that older adults have been more vulnerable to the ravages of the coronavirus than younger people, and we know that, in fact, your aging immune system is less effective…

There’s long been evidence of a connection between limiting the number of calories consumed and promoting a healthier and longer life span. While there’s been skepticism that specific diets can be “anti-aging,” there is a body of research involving animals that suggests that cutting calories can improve metabolism, extend the…

While many found resilience and a sense of optimism during the pandemic, a sizable number of older adults experienced a serious level of stress- which may continue to linger – either from fear of infection, loss of income, social isolation, or even declining physical or mental health. In fact, in…

The warnings have been forthcoming for quite a while. Even though there are specific and limited diagnoses for taking antibiotics, the trend over many years has been their overprescription, as a way to mollify insistent patients or convey an attitude of “just in case, this may help.” Whether for ear…

Okay, we admit it. Sometimes we can sound like a broken record when it comes to getting a flu shot. Everyone older than 6 months should get the flu shot this year, both because predictions of a looming bad flu season are now popping up everywhere and hospital systems, overwhelmed…