Author: FRANK JOST

Flu season is picking up speed across the U.S., and the latest national surveillance shows a clear jump in activity. For older adults, this matters: the flu can move from “just a bad cold” to pneumonia, dehydration, dangerous falls, and hospital stays faster than you’d expect — especially during the holiday travel and gathering rush. What the CDC’s latest update is really saying In the CDC’s Week 50 report (week ending December 13, 2025), several key signals rose at once: test positivity increased, outpatient visits for respiratory illness were elevated above the national baseline, and the season is now clearly…

Implementing Smart Strategies for Healthy Habits During the Holiday Season The holiday season often brings a mix of joy and challenges, from celebratory dinners to increased social obligations. Maintaining healthy habits during this time requires deliberate effort and smart strategies. Experts like Dr. Poorvanshi Alag of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center emphasize fostering a positive mindset to support both mental and physical wellness. Rather than striving for unattainable perfection, embracing flexibility and focusing on small, consistent actions can help individuals sustain their wellbeing amid busy holiday schedules. For example, although celebrations may prompt indulgent eating, practicing mindful living—such as…

Setting Realistic Health Goals for Sustainable Wellness This New Year Every New Year brings a fresh opportunity to reset our lives and focus on wellness through effective goal setting. However, the challenge lies not just in creating goals, but in making them sustainable and aligned with one’s lifestyle to foster a healthy lifestyle. Many people make resolutions to improve their wellness, yet find themselves slipping back to old habits within weeks. This common struggle highlights the importance of setting achievable objectives that lead to lasting change. Dr. Ghinwa Hassan, a renowned family medicine physician, emphasizes the importance of focusing on…

Understanding the Role of Healthy Habits in Preventing Illness While Traveling Traveling brings excitement and new experiences, but it also increases the risk of encountering various illnesses. According to Dr. Tracy Grotrian, associate medical director at Carle Convenient Care in Champaign-Urbana, cycles of respiratory illnesses such as influenza A, COVID-19, and strep throat tend to surge during the holiday season when many travelers visit family and friends. These illnesses share common symptoms like high fever, sore throat, cough, and body aches, highlighting the importance of adopting healthy habits to prevent the spread of illness. While it might be tempting to…

Understanding the Impact of Healthy Lifestyles on Suicide Risk in Veterans The connection between healthy lifestyles and mental well-being has garnered increasing attention in recent research, especially concerning vulnerable groups like veterans. A groundbreaking study published in the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction spotlights how veterans who embrace positive lifestyle choices significantly reduce their suicide risk. This population, often wrestling with challenges unique to their service experiences, benefits heavily from holistic approaches that address physical and mental health in tandem. Healthy behaviors including regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and consistent engagement with prescribed treatments are vital protective factors.…

Strategies for Staying Healthy During the Holiday Season with Emily Powell The holiday season is often a whirlwind of celebrations, family gatherings, and indulgent meals, making it challenging to prioritize personal health. Emily Powell, a seasoned personal trainer at Infirmary Health, offers valuable holiday health tips that can help individuals maintain their wellness amidst the festivities. According to Powell, a key aspect of staying healthy throughout the holidays lies in balancing enjoyment with mindful choices that support long-term wellbeing. To start, Emily emphasizes the importance of establishing and maintaining healthy habits. This includes setting realistic goals for physical activity, nutrition,…

Medicare is a cornerstone of health coverage for older adults in the United States. For most people, eligibility begins at age 65, but certain individuals may qualify earlier due to disability or serious medical conditions. Understanding when you qualify, what requirements apply, and how enrollment works can help you avoid gaps in coverage and costly late penalties. This guide explains Medicare eligibility in plain language, with a focus on age requirements, early eligibility pathways, and the enrollment timeline. At what age do you become eligible for Medicare? Most Americans become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65 years old. Eligibility…

Setting Realistic New Year’s Resolutions for Long-Term Wellness Success Each year, millions commit to New Year’s resolutions centered on improving wellness, yet many struggle to maintain these goals beyond January. To create a lasting impact, it’s essential to understand the art of setting realistic and achievable resolutions that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. The foundation lies in goal setting that balances ambition with practicality. Often, resolutions fail because they are too vague or overwhelming. Saying “I’ll get fit” leaves too much room for interpretation, while “I will walk for 30 minutes three times a week” defines a clear, actionable target.…

Fostering Balanced Eating Habits During the Holiday Season The holiday season often disrupts typical eating patterns as families dive into days filled with celebrations, indulgent treats, and spontaneous snacking. While it can be tempting to overindulge, embracing balanced eating is key to maintaining both physical health and energy levels throughout the festivities. Families face challenges such as irregular meal times, increased consumption of sugary snacks, and the allure of comfort foods, all of which can contribute to digestive discomfort and weight gain if unmoderated. One effective strategy is to make meals a family affair. Even amidst hectic schedules, prioritizing at…

Creating a Peaceful and Productive Environment: The Role of Your Space in Healthy Habits Before Winter Break As the colder months approach, preparing for the winter break is not only about making travel plans or holiday shopping; it’s also a crucial time to nurture healthy habits that support overall wellness. One often overlooked aspect of this preparation lies in the immediate environment around us—the spaces we inhabit daily. Your room or living area acts as a reflection of your mental state, affecting both your mood and productivity. Imagine walking into a cluttered room after a long, exhausting day — clothes…