A study led by Frank Lin, an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, suggests that hearing loss may also be a risk factor for a huge public health problem: falls. The study found that people with a 25-decibel hearing loss, classified as mild, were nearly three times more likely to have a history of falling. Every additional 10-decibels of hearing loss increased the chances of falling by 1.4 fold. If you or a family member are concerned about hearing loss, visit your local hearing specialist to take a free online hearing test.

Are you celebrating Valentine’s Day with a gift for your loved one or just planning to treat yourself? There are always the old, boring standbys of flowers and chocolates. Why not give luxurious skincare products that hydrate, nourish, and pamper the skin? When selecting gifts of beauty, look for natural, handcrafted skin products made with the purest organic essential oils, without harmful chemicals and allergens.

When someone is fearful of falling, they start to avoid everyday activities by staying at home and doing less. This lack of activity leads to loss of strength, reduced muscle tone, and loss of coordination and balance. This physical deterioration increases the risk of falling and if a fall does occur, it further heightens the fear. Turn your fear of falling into positive actions; remain active, exercise regularly, use assistive devices such as walkers or grab bars and wear sensible shoes. Consider joining a group session designed especially to teach balance exercises for fall prevention.

Many of us neglect two of the most important body parts, our feet! Nursing Foot Care and Reflexology are great ways to take care of your feet. A reflexologist can recognize many types of foot ailments. Tender reflex spots in your feet can provide information about the condition of the corresponding organ. Nursing Foot Care is specialized care that focuses on education and maintaining mobility and independence. Treatments focus on reduction of nails (thick, malformed, regular care or with fungus), and the reduction or removal of calluses and corns. Reflexology and Nursing Foot Care promote prevention and good health. This helps keep people mobile which can result in longer independent living.

Dry Eye symptoms include dryness, scratching, burning and a “foreign body sensation” caused by a chronic lack of sufficient lubrication of the eye’s front surface. Poor tear quality and/or quantity can also cause blurred vision and less enjoyment of visual tasks such as reading. Treatment options include lubricating eye drops, taking Omega-3 Fatty Acid supplements and applying a warm washcloth to the lids while lightly massaging to release oils from the glands along the eyelid rims. Visit your optometrist who can help identify the cause of your dry eye symptoms and recommend the best therapy options.

The first weeks back after the holiday break can be hard on everyone in the family. If your child seems a little off in the first weeks of January, chances are that it’s a function of holiday comedown and fatigue. Their schedules and their sleep have been thrown off. After all the holiday anticipation, it’s back to reality with a return to routine and regular sleep. January on the Island can be dark and dreary with a distinct lack of sunshine. Exercise, going outside, getting more recess time or doing something after school with peers will help your kids beat ordinary winter doldrums.