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What is a Geriatrician?

Posted Jan 28th, 2020 in Caring for Yourself, Caring for Others, Prevention, Planning Ahead, Aging Successfully, Is This Normal?

A geriatrician is a specialist medical doctor with certification in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, who provides specialized, comprehensive assessment and care of seniors.

Watch your Ageist Language!

Posted Sep 19th, 2019 in Caring for Others, Aging Successfully, Is This Normal?

Language is important and we avoid certain terms that are considered offensive or disrespectful, but what about ageist language?

Is This Normal - Sleep

Posted Sep 19th, 2019 in Is This Normal?

In the "Is this normal?" series, we start off with a discussion about sleep. Just because we are retired doesn't mean we can retire from an active lifestyle!

Is This Normal - Bowel Movements

Posted Sep 19th, 2019 in Is This Normal?

How often is it normal to go? Why am I constipated in my senior years? When should I visit the doctor or nurse practitioner?

Is This Normal - Bristol Stool Chart

Posted Sep 19th, 2019 in Is This Normal?

Dr. Didyk explains the "Bristol Stool Chart" used by nurses, doctors and researchers to describe the appearance of stool.

Is This Normal - Memory

Posted Sep 19th, 2019 in Is This Normal?

Are those little lapses of memory a normal part of aging or should you be worried? Dr. Didyk addresses the significance of what some call "senior moments".

Talking to an Expert about the Coronavirus

Mar 22nd, 2020

We talk to an expert in infectious diseases about Coronavirus, a new virus that originated in China and has spread to Canada. Social distancing and good hygiene can help to limit the spread and protect older adults and their families.

Coronavirus - The Basics for Older Adults

Mar 22nd, 2020

Coronavirus is transmitted through respiratory droplets, and causes mild symptoms in about 80% of cases, but appears to be more likely to cause serious illness or death in older adults. Avoiding contact with others and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are important strategies to get through the pandemic safely.

What you need to know about your medications - are they anticholinergic?

Mar 2nd, 2020

Acetylcholine is a chemical that acts as a neurotransmitter in the body. It has multiple actions, and many medications can block acetylcholine activity. A medication with this property is called "anticholinergic" . It's important to know if you are taking one or more anticholinergic medications if you are an older adult.

The aging kidney - Part One - Dialysis

Dec 16th, 2019

Chronic kidney disease is more common in older adults and can be caused by high blood pressure, diabetes, or medications. A nephrologist is a doctor who looks after persons with kidney disease and is also responsible for caring for those on dialysis. Dialysis can be a bridge to kidney transplant and even older adults can undergo transplant as a way to cure their chronic kidney disease.