By Dr. Gerard Muraida Falls among older people are common, often preventable, frequently unreported, and too often the cause of injury and death. In fact, falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among adults age 65 and older, and according to the Centers...
By Dr. Gerard Muraida Primary and secondary insomnia are two common types of sleep disorders that affect the senior population. Insomnia refers to difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing non-restorative sleep. In older people, insomnia can have...
By Dr. Gerard Muraida As we age, our skin becomes more vulnerable to the harmful effects of sun exposure. While everyone should take steps to protect their skin from the sun’s damaging rays, older adults should take extra precaution. One of the main dangers of sun...
By Dr. Gerard Muraida Hypertension has been referred to as the “silent killer.” According to the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention, nearly half of American adults have hypertension. Men are affected more than women – 50 percent vs. 44 percent....
By Dr. Gerard Muraida December may not be the coldest month of the year, but it can still introduce a stark change in climate. This seasonal transition can become more challenging the older we get. As we age, internal temperature regulation becomes more difficult. In...
By Dr. Gerard Muraida November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, when hospice agencies nationwide raise awareness about the highest quality of care for people coping with life-limiting illnesses. Hospice prioritizes comfort and quality of life by reducing...
By Dr. Gerard Muraida The phrase “long-term care” is somewhat vague. This form of care can be provided in a variety of places by different caregivers, depending upon a person's needs. “Activities of daily living,” known as ADLs in the health care industry, may...
By Dr. Gerard Muraida As I have reached Medicare age, I can see that there are changes to my lifestyle that need to be made if I am to age gracefully. Restful sleep is the key to having enough energy to carry out a day’s work. So, let’s begin there. During sleep, the...
By Dr. Gerard Muraida Bill Withers’ 1972 hit song “Lean on Me” had a poignant message. He sang about helping others in their time of need not only as a selfless act of charity but also as an appeal to our own self-interests. Withers wrote the song in the form of a...
By Dr. Gerard Muraida In addition to the heat, hydration issues, and uninvited ants that come with summer, we often don’t hear much about another pest that can have profound lingering health issues. I am referring to ticks. Although New Mexico is not considered a hot...
