Seniors Like Us

A new study highlighted by FOX News has raised concerns about the safety of cannabis edibles, specifically gummies. As more seniors turn to cannabis for relief from pain, anxiety, and sleep troubles, it’s important to understand the differences—and potential dangers—of how it’s consumed. 👵 Why Seniors Are Turning to Cannabis Cannabis has become a popular alternative therapy among older adults. Many report improvements in chronic pain, arthritis, insomnia, and anxiety. Edibles, like gummies, are often preferred by seniors because they’re discreet, easy to consume, and don’t involve smoking. 🧪 What the New Study Says According to FOX News, recent findings suggest that eating cannabis may carry similar risks to smoking it , albeit in different ways: ⏳ Delayed Onset and Overconsumption : Gummies can take 30–90 minutes to take effect. Seniors may take more during that window, thinking it’s not working—leading to overdose-like symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, and nausea....

As we age, many of us search for natural solutions to manage pain, anxiety, depression, and other daily challenges. One herbal supplement that’s been gaining attention in wellness communities is kratom —a plant native to Southeast Asia with centuries of traditional use. 🧠 What Is Kratom? Kratom is derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree. It comes in several strains and colors —most commonly green, red, and white—each offering unique benefits: 🍃 Green Vein : A balanced strain known for boosting mood, focus, and mild pain relief. 🌹 Red Vein : Most often used for relaxation, sedation, and stronger pain relief. ⚡ White Vein : A stimulating strain, useful for energy and motivation, especially at lower doses. 💪 Potential Benefits of Kratom While not FDA-approved, many users report a variety of potential benefits: 🩹 Pain relief – especially with red strains 😌 Anxiety and depression support 😊 Improved mood and motivation 🚽 Relief from...

  As we age, many of us face chronic conditions that don’t always respond well to traditional treatments—autoimmune diseases, inflammation, chronic pain, depression, even some cancers. That’s where Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is gaining traction as a potential game-changer, especially for seniors looking for safe, affordable alternatives. Naltrexone, at standard doses, has long been used to treat addiction. But at very low doses—typically just 1.5 to 4.5 mg daily—this medication is being repurposed to help with conditions like multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, Crohn’s disease, and even long COVID symptoms. Some users report reduced pain, improved sleep, better mood, and even restored energy. And for many, the best part is that LDN is low-cost and has very few side effects . So why isn’t everyone using it? Here’s the catch: LDN is being prescribed “off-label,” meaning it’s not FDA-approved for these uses yet. While there are dozens of small studies and thousands of glowing tes...

By Seniors Like Us Baking soda — it’s probablay sitting in your kitchen right now, doing its quiet job deodorizing the fridge or making your cookies rise. But lately, there’s been a wave of interest in this humble powder as a health booster. Some folks claim it can do everything from easing joint pain to improving your sleep. Let’s take a look at a few of the most talked-about benefits — and what science (and common sense) says. 1. Could It Lower Cancer Risk? Some researchers have explored whether baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) can create a more alkaline environment in the body. The theory is that cancer thrives in acidic conditions — so raising your body’s pH might slow cancer growth. While this idea has been studied in lab settings, it’s far from proven in people, and the body tightly regulates its pH no matter what you eat or drink. Promising, maybe — but not a magic bullet. 2. Thyroid Support There's also some buzz that baking soda might support thyroid function by reducing i...

You may have heard about a diet that claims to be custom-made just for your blood type. It was popularized by a book called "Eat Right 4 Your Type" by Dr. Peter D’Adamo, and it promises better health, more energy, and even a longer life — all by eating (or avoiding) certain foods based on whether you're blood type A, B, AB, or O. Sounds pretty tailored, right? But does it actually work? Here’s how it breaks down: Type O: Supposedly thrives on a high-protein, meat-heavy diet. Think Paleo — lots of red meat, no dairy or grains. Type A: Does better on a vegetarian or plant-based diet. Red meat? Off the menu. Type B: Gets the green light for dairy, meat, and veggies, but should avoid chicken and corn. Type AB: A mix of A and B — a bit confusing, but the diet is meant to be balanced and light on caffeine and alcohol. It all sounds scientific, but here’s the truth: there’s no strong research proving this diet works based on your blood type. Some peopl...

As we age, our bodies speak to us in quiet whispers before they scream. And sometimes, the message is simple: you need more electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals that keep our bodies balanced, our hearts beating, and our muscles moving. But when we’re low, our bodies let us know — and seniors are especially at risk. Whether it’s from medications, dehydration, or diet changes, an electrolyte imbalance can sneak up on you and cause real problems. Here are the warning signs you might be low on a specific electrolyte: 1. Sodium Headaches Fatigue Muscle weakness Dizziness Low blood pressure Why it matters: Sodium helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance. Seniors on low-sodium diets or certain medications (like diuretics) may become deficient. 2. Magnesium Constipation Brain fog Muscle cramps Anxiety Poor sleep Irregular heartbeat Why it matters: Magnesium supports nerve and muscle function and is essential for heart health. It'...

Exploring Natural and Alternative Health Remedies: A Senior’s Guide As we age, many of us begin to look beyond prescriptions for ways to support our health and longevity. The list in a recent social media image includes a variety of supplements, medications, and practices gaining popularity in natural and integrative medicine circles. Here's what current research says about each one—especially for seniors. 1. Ivermectin Originally developed as an anti-parasitic, Ivermectin is FDA-approved for certain parasitic infections. It gained controversial attention during COVID-19, but the FDA does not recommend it for viral infections in humans unless prescribed. ✅ Benefit: Proven anti-parasitic ⚠️ Caution: Not approved for viral use without medical supervision 2. Fenbendazole & 3. Mebendazole These are anti-parasitic drugs used in veterinary and human medicine. Some anecdotal reports suggest anti-cancer properties, but research is very li...

When it comes to the health of our families—especially in our golden years—we try to pay attention to what we eat and drink. But what happens when the very water we drink is potentially contaminated by a chemical that’s been linked to hormone disruption and environmental harm? One such chemical is Atrazine —a pesticide widely used on corn, sugarcane, and other crops across the United States. It’s been on the market since the late 1950s and remains one of the most commonly used herbicides in the country. The Frog Experiment That Raised Eyebrows In the early 2000s, biologist Dr. Tyrone Hayes from the University of California, Berkeley, conducted a groundbreaking study that rocked the scientific world. He exposed African clawed frogs to levels of Atrazine considered "safe" by the EPA. What happened shocked him—and later, the public. Many of the male frogs developed female reproductive organs , and some even changed sex entirely , becoming functionally female and able to...

  As we age, we become more vigilant about our health—from managing medications to monitoring blood pressure. But there's one odd and often overlooked condition that can affect anyone, including seniors: tonsil stones . What Are Tonsil Stones? Tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths , are small, hard deposits that form in the crevices of your tonsils. They’re usually made of bacteria, food particles, dead cells, and mucus that get trapped and harden over time. These stones can vary in size—from tiny grains to large, pebble-like chunks—and they can cause discomfort, bad breath, and even pain. According to Best Folk Medicine , tonsil stones are more common than people think, and they often go unnoticed until they grow large or become irritating. Signs and Symptoms Many seniors don’t realize they have tonsil stones until they spot one in the mirror or feel something strange in the back of the throat. Common symptoms include: Chronic bad breath (halitosis) A sore throat o...

Domestic abuse doesn’t always look like bruises or black eyes. It can take many forms—emotional manipulation, verbal attacks, financial control, or isolation from loved ones. It happens in all kinds of relationships, and yes, it can happen to older adults too. Abuse doesn't retire, and it doesn’t discriminate. It can happen to men as well. It doesn't matter if you are straight, gay, poly, whatever, abuse can happen in any relationship. How These Relationships Happen Abusive relationships often start with charm. The abuser may seem kind, attentive, and even too good to be true. Over time, red flags emerge—jealousy, criticism, controlling behaviors—but by then, the victim may already feel emotionally invested or even dependent. Some seniors, especially those who are widowed or newly retired, may be especially vulnerable. Loneliness, health issues, and financial dependency can make it easier for abusers to gain control. In some cases, the abuser is a spouse. In others, it ma...

By Seniors Like Us Ever wonder what your resting heart rate should be or your post-meal blood sugar? Here's a handy chart of some common health parameters. Not everyone is the same, so be sure to check in with your doctor if any of these seem off. Health Parameter Normal Range Body Temperature 97°F – 99°F Blood Pressure 120/80 mmHg Fasting Blood Sugar 70 – 99 mg/dL After Meal Blood Sugar Less than 140 mg/dL Resting Heart Rate 60 – 100 BPM Oxygen Saturation (SpO 2 ) 95% – 100% BMI (Body Mass Index) 18.5 – 24.9 Respiratory Rate 12 – 20 breaths per minute Total Cholesterol Less than 200 mg/dL HDL (Good Cholesterol) Greater than 40 mg/dL Triglycerides Less than 150 mg/dL Vitamin...

By Seniors Like Us While medications can be essential tools for managing health conditions, they're not always the complete answer—especially for seniors who may be more sensitive to side effects or already taking multiple medications. Non-drug therapies offer powerful alternatives and complements to traditional medical treatment, addressing everything from depression and anxiety to chronic pain and sleep disorders. Today, we're exploring both evidence-based psychological therapies and complementary approaches that can significantly improve quality of life for older adults. Evidence-Based Psychological Therapies Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) CBT is one of the most researched and effective psychological treatments, particularly valuable for seniors dealing with depression, anxiety, and chronic health conditions 1 . This therapy focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress. How CB...

Understanding Sleep Medications: A Comprehensive Guide for Seniors By Seniors Like Us Sleep problems become increasingly common as we age, affecting up to 50% of adults over 65 1 . While good sleep hygiene remains the foundation of healthy rest, sometimes medication becomes necessary. Today, we're exploring the landscape of sleep medications, with special attention to a lesser-known but important class of drugs called melatonin receptor agonists, including tasimelteon. The Unique Case of Tasimelteon and Melatonin Receptor Agonists What Makes Tasimelteon Different Tasimelteon (brand name Hetlioz) represents a newer approach to sleep medicine. Unlike traditional sleep aids that simply make you drowsy, tasimelteon works by targeting your body's internal clock, or circadian rhythm. This medication belongs to a class called melatonin receptor agonists, which mimic the action of your body's natural melatonin hormone. Who Benefits from Tasimelteon Thi...

As we age, mental health becomes just as important as physical health. Depression and anxiety aren’t exclusive to the young—they can affect anyone, including older adults. Fortunately, modern medicine offers a range of treatments, including antidepressants. But how do these medications work? Are they all the same? And what should seniors know before starting one? Let’s take a thoughtful look at antidepressants, their history, how they affect the brain, and how they may help—while also highlighting their risks. 🧠 How Antidepressants Work 1. SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) These are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. SSRIs increase the amount of serotonin—a neurotransmitter linked to mood—in the brain by preventing it from being reabsorbed (reuptaken) by nerve cells. More serotonin in the synaptic gap means better mood regulation. Examples: Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), Citalopram (Celexa) 📚 Source: National Library of Medicine – SSRIs...

From the outside, many families appear strong and loving. But beneath the surface, there are often unspoken wounds—especially those rooted in childhood trauma . These early experiences can ripple throughout life, affecting both mental health and family relationships , sometimes leading to estrangement, addiction, or chronic loneliness. 🌱 The Roots of Trauma: What Children Endure Childhood trauma doesn’t always come from catastrophic events. It can stem from: Neglect – emotional unavailability or lack of basic care Physical or sexual abuse Witnessing domestic violence Divorce or abandonment Emotional abuse – being shamed, criticized, or ignored According to the CDC , these Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are strongly linked to long-term negative outcomes such as depression, addiction, and even heart disease. The higher a person’s ACE score, the greater their risk. 💊 Trauma and the Turn Toward Substances People who’ve endured early trauma often s...

When you hear the word nicotine , you probably think of cigarettes and addiction. But what if we told you that nicotine—delivered in safe, non-smoking forms like patches or gum—has been studied for its potential therapeutic benefits ? While we're not promoting nicotine use without medical supervision, it's important to know what the science says—especially as older adults face unique challenges around cognitive health and mood. Let's take a closer look at what research has uncovered, and what questions you might want to explore with your doctor. 🧓 Can Nicotine Improve Memory and Focus? Some studies suggest that nicotine may enhance cognitive function , including memory, attention, and processing speed—even in healthy adults. These effects have been observed in older populations and those with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease. Source: National Library of Medicine 🧠 Would you consider a treatment that helps memory if it came from a surprising ...