What are eating disorders? Since the 1960s, we’ve watched eating disorder statistics rates double, and it isn’t hard to believe given the propaganda we’ve been subjected to. Roughly every fifty-two minutes, someone passes away from an eating disorder.

It’s February! Before you team up with Cupid and begin counting down to Valentine’s Day, let’s take a moment to discuss heart health and why it’s important to keep your heart’s health in mind.

Low vision affects many older individuals in the United States — millions, in fact. While low vision causes impaired sight, it is different than blindness. During the month of February, the National Eye Institute aims to raise awareness of the causes of this disease and how to recognize the signs if they are present.

This year, World Cancer Day has been dedicated to addressing the needs of individuals with cancer and how hard it can be to have their needs met. Individuals diagnosed with cancer have doctor’s appointments, medicines, treatments, special diets, and so much more.

National Eating Disorder Awareness Week takes place this year from February 21st to the 27th. This week is dedicated to examining and understanding the different types of eating disorders that are prevalent in our society and providing awareness and hope to the families that are affected.

During the month of February, the American Heart Association focuses on raising awareness about heart disease, heart conditions, and congestive heart failure. Heart failure reportedly affects over 6.2 million individuals in the United States.

Movement is so important for our bodies at all ages. As we get older, injury, illness, or mobility constraints may cause some individuals to move less. Ensuring we move our bodies will aid us in the future in so many ways.

The month of January is a time designated to focus on cervical health awareness in the United States. As with so many awareness campaigns, cervical cancer is a preventable disease with the proper measures taken. Through regular screening and vaccination, women can prevent cervical cancer or human papillomavirus (HPV) disease.

During the month of January, we join in spreading awareness about glaucoma. Most people have heard of glaucoma but may not be aware of how it affects your eyes. Typically, glaucoma is not detected without a dilated eye exam from your optometrist. Because glaucoma has no warning signs, it can occur rather unexpectedly.

January 1st is synonymous with New Years’ Resolutions. “New Year, New You” in bright, playful fonts encourage you to become the best version of yourself each year. As different companies seek to grab your attention in hopes of helping you meet the weight loss goals you’ve set for yourself, one area that can derail your progress is establishing the time to exercise.

Ski season is upon us! Most mountains are covered in snow this time of year, and, for some, that means bundling up and hitting the slopes. Lift machines are in full rotation and hot chocolate machines are stocked and running non-stop while a rush of patrons fresh out of the Christmas haze forms a queue to rent ski or snowboarding gear in hopes of returning to their favorite sport or trying something new for the first time.

As we progress into the coming winter months, you may experience an unwelcome lull in your mood toward leaving the house or engaging in social activities. For most people, these feelings are absolutely normal and come as a result of holiday-related stress, cold weather, or shorter days, but some experience a common form of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Planning is a large component of adult life and extends into most facets of our lives. Our abilities and skill in planning might not come naturally or may take development. Many individuals may not take the time to sit down and try to identify their goals in life overall.

During the month of November, the National Lung, Heart, and Blood Institute recognizes, National Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Awareness Month. Their aim is to focus on increasing awareness of this disease because with early diagnosis and beginning treatment, patients with this disease can find ways to improve their overall quality of life.

With the busy holiday season quickly approaching, it is important that we are all focused (especially now) on our mental and physical health. One way to make sure you are taking care of yourself is to get enough rest. But what if you feel like you don’t normally get very good sleep?

Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia. It is a degenerative disease that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. As Alzheimer’s progresses, the individual will lose the ability to care for oneself. The disease presents itself in many different ways that coincide with the common experience, “what did I come in here for…?” which makes it difficult to diagnose early on.

As each year comes to a close, we begin thinking about the possibilities for the new year and what we want to achieve or experience. One fulfilling and helpful practice to start the new year in the best way possible is a mindfulness practice.

Although everyone feels down or sad at different points, time helps and it passes. For those who feel a persistence of sadness or hopelessness for days and weeks at a time are likely experiencing a form of depression. During Depression Awareness Month, we are highlighting some of the facts about depression and promoting understanding and awareness of the difference between typical grief and depression.

Most people are familiar with the term “stuttering” but might not understand what it actually is or why it can happen. Although it is more common in men than women, about one percent of all adults has a stutter. Simply put, stuttering is a communication disorder where your speech is interrupted. It is believed to be related to neurological interruptions that get in the way of clear speech.

As we progress through our lives, we often develop a routine that becomes second nature. With advanced age, many of us require additional prescriptions and medications which are important to take correctly. Although it can seem like a simple task to plan our medication routine, many individuals of any age may struggle to maintain that routine over time.