Author Archives: Tabby Alford
Six Simple Ways to Give Back This Holiday
Christmas has a way of creeping up on even the most prepared person. So while you may have all of your gifts wrapped, cards sent, and meals planned for the big holiday season, other things may have gotten ignored on your list.
The holidays are a popular time for volunteering and contributing to communities, but many charities have already done the heavy lifting this close to Christmas. The Pittsburgh Marine Corps Toys for Tots program handed out gifts last Friday and Saturday so that area children could have the joy and excitement of opening gifts on Christmas morning.
If you want to give back this season but feel like you’ve missed your deadline, don’t worry! There are still many small things that you can do to make a big impact on someone’s day.
Unexpected Greetings
You remembered to send Christmas cards to your sister in Florida and your grandchildren, but did you remember to send one to your favorite bus driver? How about the sweet woman who has been handling your banking for the past five years? These people who touch your life will be thrilled to receive a hand-written card thanking them for helping you to make it a happy one.
“This one’s on me!”
The next time you’re in line at your favorite coffee shop, pay for the beverage of the person behind or in front of you in line. It only takes a few seconds and a few dollars to buy someone a drink to warm their hands and heart.
A Helping Paw
Are you an animal lover? While there are many happy children who get puppies for Christmas, there are still plenty of animals that spend the holidays in shelters. Provide them with a good Christmas dinner by donating food and treats to a local shelter. And if you know of anyone who is thinking of picking an animal as a last-minute gift, encourage them to go to a shelter rather than a breeder.
Make Some Change
Instead of avoiding change as you do your Christmas shopping at the mall, welcome it with open pockets. Then, before you leave, find a donation area to drop it off. Many charities collect money up to Christmas, so you’ll be sure to find a wonderful way to give your money to someone other than the cashier in the food court.
That’s a Wrap
Simple holiday tasks can be difficult for friends or neighbors. Ask around and see if any of yours need help preparing for the holidays, whether that means wrapping gifts or accompanying them to the grocery store to do some shopping. You’ll get to spend quality time with a loved one and check off items on their to-do list!
Shop Responsibly
As you hunt for last-minute gifts, consider buying a few gifts that ARE good and DO good. Does your niece want new shoes? Maybe she would like Toms, where every purchase also means a new pair of shoes for a child in need. Or you can browse (RED) products for a gift for everyone on your list. You can also support the local economy by purchasing locally-made items.
‘Tis the season of giving, and it’s easy to give in small ways to help those around you have a happier holiday.
From our family at Sherwood Oaks Retirement community, we hope that you and your family have a holiday filled with love, laughter, and magic. Cheers to a happy and healthy 2014!
Coffee Means Healthy Sipping for Seniors
Coffee is a way that many Americans start their day, and a favorite drink for senior citizens, including many residents of Sherwood Oaks Retirement Community. Some have hailed coffee as a superfood, pointing out its many health and anti-aging benefits. It is a great source of antioxidants and helps keep those who drink it alert. But are there also risks involved with coffee consumption, and is it a healthy beverage for seniors?
The answer is yes.
The Good
Coffee has been shown to reduce the risk of many ailments that are common in seniors, according to Mayo Clinic specialists. These include:
- Certain cancers
- Parkinson’s disease
- Type 2 diabetes
MedCentral Health System states those who drink alcohol but also more than three cups of coffee a day have half the chance of developing cirrhosis than those who just drink coffee.
Coffee can also help with asthma symptoms, headaches, and even cavities because of its antibacterial properties. But how pure coffee is makes a difference. According to a study reported by the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, the antibacterial properties were only beneficial when sugar and other additives were not included in participants’ cups of joe.
So what is the perfect number of cups to drink in a day? The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease reported that consuming three cups a day was the perfect number to help reduce the chance of developing the disease.
The Bad
Of course, there are a few small risks involved with coffee consumption. Possible negative side effects include:
- Increase in cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Loss of calcium
As with many things, coffee is good for you in moderation. More than six cups of coffee a day can lead a coffee-addict to become overly anxious and jittery. However, these are symptoms that can come with even moderate consumption. Other common negative side effects are nausea, insomnia, and an increase in heart rate.
If you’re at retirement age and you’ve got a “few cups a day” habit when it comes to coffee drinking, keep up the habit! Seniors can reap many benefits from a jolt of java.
10 Reasons to Love Winter in Pittsburgh
It’s beginning to look (and feel) a lot like winter in Pittsburgh and at Sherwood Oaks Retirement Community. And while winter doesn’t officially kick in until December 21, winter activities in and around the city are already happening!
We’ve already made some suggestions for a few wonderful holiday shows, but our city has plenty more to offer. So we’ve made a list, checked it twice, and decided to share our top 10 Pittsburgh winter activities with you!
1. Gingerbread Houses
The PPG Place Wintergarden is one of the best places to get some holiday cheer in Pittsburgh. Each year, dozens of Gingerbread Houses call the building home for the Gingerbread House Display Competition. Many groups, from elementary schools, professional organizations, families, and nonprofits, will decorate gingerbread houses in hopes of getting named the number one gingerbread house in the city! You can see all of the winners for free every day through the New Year.
2. Ice Skating!
Whether you are a fan of ice skating or enjoy seeing family and loved ones on the ice, you have plenty of options right near home! The Rink at PPG Place allows skaters to circle a beautiful Christmas tree while skating with Santa and taking in a great view of the city. Plus, it’s close to some other fun winter activities in Market Square that are also on our list! To avoid some of the holiday rush, you could also visit the Schenley Skating rink.
3. Giving Back
It’s the season of giving, and volunteer opportunities are an easy but meaningful way to bring joy to yourself and your neighbors during the holidays. Browse resources like Pittsburgh Cares to search for a volunteer opportunity close to your heart.
4. Light Displays
What makes the holidays so bright and cheery? The lights certainly help! You and your family can enjoy the lights at both Kennywood and Phipps Conservatory.
5. First Night
Ring in 2014 in downtown Pittsburgh at First Night on Dec. 31 beginning at 6 p.m. The evening’s festivities include a parade, children’s activities, live music, fireworks, and more!
6. Winter Sports
Football and hockey will be going strong this season. While we love catching a game at Heinz Field and Consol Energy Center, it’s also fun to curl up on the couch and watch a game from home!
7. The Holiday Market
Located next to The Rink at PPG Place, The Holiday Market is a spectacular display of cultural gifts, food, shows, and more! Pick up a fir tree or a handcrafted ornament while snacking on European sweets.
8. Joy of Cookies!
Sugar, gingerbread, chocolate chip… which is your favorite holiday cookie? No need to narrow it down, because you can get your fill of holiday sweetness with the Joy of Cookies Cookie Tour in Lawrenceville from December 5 to December 8 for free! More than 30 businesses are taking part in the event, where shoppers can enjoy shopkeepers’ favorite cookies at stores throughout Lawrenceville.
9. Pittsburgh Twists
We love holiday traditions, but we especially love when holiday traditions have a Pittsburgh twist. It’s hard not to sing along to the yinzer-inspired carol, “Santa Claus is Coming Dahntahn.”
10. Nationality Rooms at Pitt
Experience holiday traditions from around the world with the Nationality Rooms Holiday Tours. Not only are the tours fun, but you can give yourself the gift of learning something new.
17 Ways Retirees Can Save Money
Retirement means exploring new hobbies, making new friends, and taking time to do the things you truly love. But retiring also means that you are living on a budget, no matter how large or small that budget may be. Everyone likes to save money here or there, so we’ve compiled this list of 17 things you can do (most of them right NOW) to save some money to be spent on the people and things you love.
- Save Loose Change – A dime here, a quarter there. That loose change can really add up! Instead of letting loose change slip out of coat pockets and under couch cushions, make a habit to empty your pockets at the end of each day and put loose change in a jar. At the end of the month, you might be surprised at the extra spending money you’ve collected!
- Plan Out Your Shopping Trips – While a day of shopping might be a nice way to relax, it can also lead to spending more than you budgeted! Try to keep your leisurely browsing to a minimum to avoid impulse buys. And when you are ready to head out shopping, remember that Sherwood Oaks provides transportation to local malls. Don’t spend the extra gas money!
- Think About Big Purchases Beforehand – Speaking of impulse buys, when you are considering a large purchase, be sure to think hard about whether you really need or want it. Some sources suggest you wait 24 hours to make a decision, while others think you should contemplate it for a month. Judge how long you think about it based on the cost of purchase, but don’t run out the door as soon as you consider a high-ticket item.
- Reduce How Often You Eat at Restaurants – Limit the times you eat out to only special occasions, monthly outings with friends, or bi-weekly date nights. You can spend more time cooking at home with friends and family.
- Split Shopping Trips With Your Neighbor – Split a membership to a warehouse store like Sam’s Club with a neighbor, then split the food you purchase! You’ll be able to take advantage of buying bulk without letting food go to waste.
- Go On Group or Couples Trips – Splitting the cost of hotels and gas money lets you have a weekend getaway without your budget getting away from you.
- Take Advantage of Free Events – Pittsburgh always has a ton of fun, free events. Not just for retirees, but for the whole family! You can browse event listings at sites like Living Pittsburgh.
- Use Those Senior Discounts! – We previously wrote about the many senior citizen discounts available in Pittsburgh. Take advantage of them!
- Use Coupons and Do Competitive Research – It’s no wonder that extreme couponing is a recent trend – they can save you a ton! Browse the local paper for coupons regularly and see who is offering the products you need at the lowest price. Pay attention to which stores offer price matching to avoid going out of your way.
- Avoid Late Payments – Pay things such as credit card payments on time to avoid costly late fees.
- Regularly Check Your Budget – Looking at your expenses and seeing what you can cut out or reduce is key when it comes to healthy budgeting.
- Use Customer Rewards Programs – Many businesses, like Sheetz, Panera, and Giant Eagle, offer customer rewards cards that let you earn perks for spending money at places where you already shop.
- DIY Gifts – Are you crafty? Consider DIY gifts rather than costly gifts from the store. They will be both affordable and meaningful.
- Go to the Grocery Store with a List – And stick to it! Going to the grocery store with a shopping list will help keep you from picking up items you don’t need. Remember to eat before a trip to the grocery store, too!
- Buy Generic – Many generic items are just as good as the original. Try out some generic brands and see if you’re just as happy with a cheaper product. And if you’re not on generic medication, talk to your doctor and see if you can go generic with them, too!
- Keep Inventory So You Don’t Double Up – Not keeping inventory of your belongings is a great way to end up with five cheese graters! You’ll save money by not spending money on items you already own.
- Make the Move to a Retirement Community – Sherwood Oaks Retirement Community includes a wide variety of amenities that, paid for separately, would cost you a fortune! Review our amenities to get a peek at just SOME of the perks you get when you join the Sherwood Oaks family!
Add Some Play to Your Day and Beat the Winter Blues!
While winter is a time that many spend with friends and family, it can also get you down. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, more than 6.5 million Americans suffer from depression, and many Americans of all ages feel particularly glum in the winter due to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
SAD is a type of depression that hits during one particular season. Lesser versions of SAD are referred to as the “Winter Blues.” Women and people who live in areas with infrequent or weak sun are more likely to suffer from SAD, according to the National Institutes of Health. Luckily, your chances of having SAD reduce as you age, but that doesn’t mean that everyone can always feel the happiness of the holiday season.
So how can you fight off seasonal sadness? By incorporating a little bit of play into your every day! Here are a few ideas to help you beat the blues:
- Cook dinner with your family or spouse instead of cooking solo. If you want to add an extra element of fun, have a themed dinner night once a week. From a French twist to a meal honoring your favorite movie, the planning and implementation of the meal can be fun for everyone!
- Take a day trip! There are plenty of things to do in and around Pittsburgh, and we will even provide the transportation. Our buses take residents to cultural events downtown and regularly go to local malls, grocery stores, hospitals and doctor’s offices.
- Spend the day with a child. They may take a lot of your energy, but spending time with grandchildren or family friends can remind you what it’s like to see the world from a child’s eyes. Take some time to enjoy coloring books and puzzles to bring out your inner kid!
- Also playful are animals! Visit a nearby animal shelter and spend some time playing with the animals. It will give you the fun of spending a day with man’s best friend, without all of the responsibility!
- Add a special ritual to your day or week. Do you LOVE spending time enjoying your morning cup of coffee? Make it even better by trying out new flavors or by finding a coffee shop drink that you can go out and enjoy once a week. If you love a particular TV show, start hosting screening parties at your home for friends. Whatever makes you happy, be sure to do more of it!
- Smile! Studies have shown that even forcing a smile can actually relieve stress.
You don’t have to be somber this season, especially if you’re a Sherwood Oaks Retirement Community resident. Residents always have the option to take part in activities like chorus, handbells, line dancing, ceramics, painting, sewing, book club, bridge, and board games, and we also have scheduled activities such as fitness classes, resident parties, special speakers and musical performances.
Please note that if you do feel that you are suffering from depression, speak with a member of our medical staff.
You’re never too old to add some fun play into your day, so start having more fun now!
Catch a Show This Season!
Although Pittsburgh offers entertaining and unforgettable shows year round, fall and winter are the perfect seasons to visit one of the city’s many theaters for a festive show.
Pittsburgh’s Cultural District, tucked conveniently downtown across the Allegheny River from Heinz Field and PNC Park, consists of six beautiful theaters: the August Wilson Center, the Benedum Center, the Byham Theater, Heinz Hall, the O’Reilly Theater, and the Cabaret at Theater Square.
Located just half an hour from Sherwood Oaks Retirement Community, the Cultural District is perfect for anyone looking to plan a fun-filled day or night out. There are many dining options and retail stores to walk to from the theaters, not to mention a selection of galleries filled with various genres of art.
Sherwood Oaks wants you to enjoy as many events as possible, so we make your trip to the Cultural District and other venues as simple as possible. In fact, we’ll pick you up and drop you off right at the door! We provide transportation to:
- Pittsburgh Symphony concerts at Heinz Hall
- Pops concerts at Heinz Hall
- Operas at Benedum Center
- City Theater in the Southside
- The Pittsburgh Speaker Series at Heinz Hall
- The Pittsburgh Public Theater at O’Reilly Theater
- River City Brass Band concerts at Carson Middle School in North Hills
- Pittsburgh Philharmonic concerts at North Hills Jr. High School
- The Pittsburgh Concert Chorale at Carnegie Hall and Ingomar United Methodist Church
So, which can’t–miss holiday shows and concerts are coming up this winter?
- A musical version of A Christmas Carol is coming to the Byham Theater, beginning December 6
- Also beginning December 6, The Nutcracker springs to life at the Benedum Center
- Elf makes its debut at the Benedum Center, beginning November 26
- And don’t forget to catch Christmas with the Rat Pack, starting on Christmas Eve
- Consol Energy Center will host the Trans-Siberian Orchestra on December 7, then Donny and Marie Osmond on December 12
You can view full schedules and purchase show tickets on the Cultural District website or on Ticketmaster.
Don’t forget that you can get entertainment at home with shows and concerts at Sherwood Oaks! Our next show is “Sammy Davis & Friends,” a Rat Pack tribute and comedy show on November 22, 2013 at 2 p.m.
Healthy for the Holidays
Friends, family, and food! These are the cornerstones of the holiday season. But as we age and develop more of a need for a healthy diet, it can put a damper on our holiday feasting. Whether because of diabetes, heart disease, or just for overall health, the entire family can benefit from healthier substitutions at the holiday dinner table.
Diabetics need to pay close attention to their carbohydrate and sugar intake, while those concerned with heart health should look for foods that help lead to lower LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight. We went on a hunt for some of the healthiest (but most delectable) holiday recipes out there. Would you consider trying one of these good-for-you goodies this year?
Diabetic Dining:
Appetizer: Mix together some unlikely ingredients and whip up some Apple-Nut Blue Cheese Tartlets from this award-winning Taste of Home recipe.
Main Course: Add a twist to a classic roasted turkey with this Citrus-Roasted Turkey from Diabetic Gourmet.
Side: No matter where you’re celebrating this season, you can add some southern charm to your Thanksgiving dinner with these Southern Green Beans.
Dessert: These gluten-free Pumpkin Spice Muffins are also great for diabetics looking to take advantage of seasonal flavors.
Heart-Healthy Options:
Appetizer: Bring the tart taste of cranberry to your pre-dinner snack with this Braided Cranberry Bread.
Main Course: Be unique and trade turkey for pork. Try out these Maple-Thyme Pork Chops.
Side: Better Homes and Gardens offers a Heart-Healthy Cheesy Potatoes recipe sure to please the whole family!
Dessert: It’s not truly the holidays without pumpkin pie, is it? Get a little bit extra with this Maple-Apple Pecan Crunch Pumpkin Pie recipe!
Here are some general rules to follow for a healthier holiday season:
- Look for any chance to reduce the amount of butter or oil you are using in recipes. According to Fit Sugar, avocado, prunes, Greek yogurt or applesauce can replace butter in many baked good recipes. Smart Balance Heart Right Light Buttery Spread is also a heart-healthy alternative to use in cooking and on dinner rolls.
- Pay attention to serving sizes. The American Heart Association provides a guide for eating in moderation. One serving of cooked meat is 3 ounces, about the size of a computer mouse, while one serving of low-fat cheese is 1.5 ounces, about the size of six dice.
- Substitute whole grain bread for white bread in your holiday stuffing.
- More sodium = higher blood pressure. Look for ways to cut salt when possible.
Whether you plan to have friends over, visit family, or spend Thanksgiving and other upcoming holidays at Sherwood Oaks, it is very possible to have a delicious and healthy holiday meal. We serve dinner for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, with plenty of room for residents to invite friends and family. Year-round, we provide nutritious dietary options, including the option of fish as well as diabetic and gluten-free selections.
So eat up!
Plan Out Your Winter Reading List
Cold weather means snowy streets, turning up the heat, and knitting yourself a seasonal sweater. But while you may find yourself stuck indoors, it is a great opportunity to work on a winter reading list. Making a physical list of things you would like to achieve helps many people accomplish their goals easier. As you work on your own list, keep in mind these books on retirement and living a happy life that come highly recommended:
1. How to Retire Happy, Wild & Free by Ernie J. Zelinski
One of the most highly recommended book on retirement, “How to Retire Happy, Wild & Free” provides insight into living a happy life after retirement. The book is financially focused, helping readers gain a new view of money in retirement. It also discusses setting goals, following your heart, and living a life that you love!
2. A Couple’s Guide to Retirement by Sara Yogev Ph.D.
Retirement can put a lot of unexpected stress on a relationship. Between money issues, moving to a retirement community and selling a house, making decisions about family and belongings, and actually discussing retirement options with family, the process can be draining even to the most stable couple. This book explores what it takes to maintain a loving relationship through the stress.
3. 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families by Stephen R. Covey
Retirement gives you more time to devote to having a happy and healthy family. Stephen Covey, author of “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” also has a book dedicated to the family dynamic, exploring topics such as how to hold a useful family meeting and how to communicate more effectively to reach goals as a family.
4. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
While riding the bus one day, author Gretchen Rubin decided that she wanted to be happy in her life, and that she wanted to have a better understanding of what made her happy. The outcome of this thought was “The Happiness Project” where Rubin explores happiness in every aspect of her life, whether it be marriage, parenthood, or career. The book has encouraged many people to do their own Happiness Project. Will it inspire you?
5. Tuesdays With Morrie
If you’re looking to read something with plenty of life lessons, read the popular “Tuesdays With Morrie,” which gives you gems like:
“The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.”
While this book is a work of fiction, it gives plenty advice that you can apply in real life.
A Book Lover’s Dream
Still not sure what you should be reading? There are plenty of resources out there to help you find your new favorite read. What Should I Read Next? instructs you to enter in the last book you read and then gives suggestions for the next one. For instance, if you last read “The Great Gatsby,” the site suggests Ernest Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms,” among other titles. You can also do a search based on author to find another author whose work you may enjoy.
Book lovers will also enjoy browsing Goodreads. Along with many other features, such as reading forums and an easy way to track which books you’ve read and want to read, Goodreads has a “Recommendations” feature, which gets more precise as you rate books on the site.
Sherwood Oaks Retirement Community residents don’t need to worry about not having the right book on hand when they need it. We have a 6,000+ volume library, affiliated with the Carnegie, which includes large print books, books on tape, DVD’s, reference books, and new releases. If there is a book that you can’t find as you browse, Sherwood Oaks can get the book for you! And for those of you who enjoy book clubs, we have one that meets once a month. Book lovers should feel right at home at Sherwood Oaks!
No matter which book you crack open next, use your reading time as a way to relax, learn, and truly enjoy your retirement!
Beat Winter Woes with These Healthy Tips
Winter might be the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be a quite dangerous time for retirees. As we age, our bodies have a more difficult time defending from sickness and recovering from injury. But you can take preventative measures to be sure that you can spend this winter snuggling up to loved ones, not sniffling in bed.
Cold & Flu – According to Contac Cold and Flu, Cold and flu season spans October to May, with the peak of cases popping up in February. To avoid the aches and pains that come with cold and flu, you should be sure to wash your hands after coming into contact with others and before meals. Keep hand sanitizer handy when there is no soap and water nearby. Getting enough sleep, drinking the recommended amount of water, and reducing stress also help to keep your immune system strong. It is also recommended that you get the flu shot to avoid illness.
Frostbite and Hypothermia – The older we get, the more difficult it is for our bodies to retain body heat, which means that senior citizens run a higher risk of suffering from frostbite and hypothermia. To reduce your risk, be sure to cover as much skin as possible when you leave the house and to be on the lookout for signs of danger. According to the American Geriatrics Society Foundation for Health in Aging, these symptoms include shivering, pale or ashy skin, a feeling of sleepiness, confusion, slowed heart rate, or trouble walking.
Heartburn – Ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes… the food around the holidays is exceptionally good, but not always so good for you. Bigger meals can lead to heartburn that is less than merry, so you should try to take a preventative heartburn medication and eat slowly and in moderation to avoid paying for your meal later.
Dry Skin – Dry, itchy skin can make winter uncomfortable. To go from scratchy to smooth, be sure to moisturize regularly with an over-the-counter moisturizer, especially after a bath or shower as this removes moisture from the body. Running a humidifier can also help keep skin soft.
Arthritis – Many sufferers report that their arthritis is more painful in the winter. Ease arthritis pain by staying warm, which includes taking warm baths and enjoying some time in the hot tub. It’s also important to stay active in order to keep muscles strong.
Slips and Falls – Suggesting winter boots with traction might sound more like fashion advice than health advice, but slippery sidewalks and parking lots can be a serious issue for senior citizens, who already run a risk of being injured in a fall due to brittle bones. Choose footwear that is as functional as it is stylish. Snow might be falling, but you shouldn’t be, too.
General Unhealthy Feeling – If you’re just feeling a little bit crummy this winter, it might be because you need to make time for fitness in your schedule. We’ve written before about the top-quality exercise programs and amenities that come with being a Sherwood Oaks resident. Be sure to use them! Combined with a full menu of healthy foods, we are your partner in staying active and healthy this winter.
Some great news for the winter season (and every season)? Residents of retirement communities are shown to have a longer lifespan with greater quality of life because of the balanced lifestyle that they are able to take advantage of. With so many opportunities for socialization, exercise, and nutritional food, it’s easy to see why retirement communities like Sherwood Oaks are a healthy decision.
Educate Yourself on Cancer Risks in Patients Over 50
Cancer can affect patients of any age, but cancer risks increase with age. According to Senior Homes, “Approximately 2.15% of all adults over 65 will be newly-diagnosed with cancer each year compared to 0.2% of those under 65.”
With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the word “cancer” seems to be everywhere. And while everyone has been affected by cancer, whether firsthand or by watching a family member or friend fight the disease, those near and above retirement age should take a particular interest in the topic and what it means for them.
Women and men should do monthly self-examinations to check for Breast Cancer, and women over the age of 40 should schedule yearly mammograms. According to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, women who go through menopause later in their life have an increased risk of breast cancer.
But there are also things you can do to lower your risk! According to recent research by the American Cancer Society, taking a brisk walk for an hour a day can help women over 50 reduce their chances of breast cancer by 14%.
Here are some other facts about cancer as you age:
Age-related illnesses, such as arthritis, can make cancer treatments less effective and make healing after cancer treatment more difficult.
The most common fatal cancer in men is prostate cancer, which is why it is important to get a yearly exam.
Men die from cancer more often than women because they fail to visit a doctor and get proper treatment, according to the Daily Mail. Women are also more informed about the signs of cancer.
As is important to patients at any age, a healthy diet, limited exposure to UV rays, not smoking, and living an active lifestyle can all reduce your risk of cancer.
The American Cancer Society clearly lays out guidelines for cancer screenings, and the closer you follow these guidelines, the better chance you will have at detecting a problem early. If the unthinkable would happen and you are diagnosed with cancer, you can find comfort in Sherwood Oaks Retirement Community’s excellent level of medical care.