Beyond lost luggage, getting sick is another event that can throw a major wrench into a relaxing, enjoyable vacation. As part of your travel preparations, take steps to ensure you’re ready for when the unthinkable, and inconvenient, happens. According to a July Consumer Reports article, the following tips can help…
Laura Kujubu (former DCA staff writer)
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The chances are fairly low. Only about 300 cases of rattlesnake bites in California are reported each year, according to the California Poison Control System (CPCS). However, with the prolific rainfall earlier this year and the warm weather now upon us, we can expect a substantial jump in the number…
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When taking a walk in the woods, tick bites aren’t your only concern. After the heavy rains earlier this year, poison oak is in abundance on the West Coast. To avoid suffering from a case of poison oak, understand how to spot the plant and the different ways you can…
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For those who suffer from it, hearing loss is more than just a nuisance. For older adults, it can lead to additional issues such as depression, anxiety, increased risk of falls, and even dementia. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, about 25 percent of those…
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Buying online prescription drugs for yourself can be a risky proposition. The same applies when ordering pet medications from an online pharmacy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns pet owners to be extremely careful if buying from an online retailer. Similar to some online pharmacies for people, online…
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Rates of Alzheimer’s disease are rising, making it more important than ever to understand what the disease is, what the warning signs are, and the steps to try to stay brain-healthy. Better knowledge regarding the disease is the focus of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, presented by the Alzheimer’s Association.…
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Same-day appointments, phone conversations with your doctor, long visits, and house calls. These health care services, from a seemingly bygone era, may be possible with concierge medicine. Also known as “boutique medicine,” concierge medicine entails patients paying an annual out-of-pocket retainer fee—which can range from a few hundred dollars to…
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Two realities of growing older are possibly suffering from hearing loss or dementia—and at least one study suggests there could be a link between the two. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), about 25 percent of those age 65 to 74 and about 50…
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A facial treatment is considered a luxury designed to improve your skin’s appearance. And, chances are, your skin will look fresher and healthier, especially if the facials are done on a regular basis. However, in the wrong hands, such as those of an unlicensed esthetician or cosmetologist, or if the…
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Nail thickening and yellow discoloration are a couple of the signs. Also known as onychomycosis, nail fungus includes those symptoms, as well as may make your nail brittle, cracked, and misshapen. Anyone can get a toenail fungus infection, but older adults and individuals who have diabetes, a weakened immune system,…