Latest Health News

It's that time of year again - onsite flu shots begin today and run through mid December.

Flu shots will be available for DTE Energy employees, retirees and retiree spouses at a number of company locations. A complete schedule of onsite flu shot clinics is now available. Plan to visit your clinic and receive a FREE flu shot to not only protect yourself, but to protect your family  as well.

For more information, email Energize Your Life or visit their website.

A healthy body is not the only component to healthful aging.

The secret to successful aging is slowing down the body's decline process, and every little change today can make a difference. But improving your health is not the only thing that can help you live to be 100; a supportive environment is equally important.

According to Dr. Mark Lachs, director of Geriatrics at the New York Presbyterian Healthcare System, your environment can be tweaked to enhance your life as you age and help you keep your independence as long as possible. A few issues that can jeopardize an older person's ability to function safely include:

• Windows or doors that are hard to open.
• Poor lighting, especially in crucial areas like the bathroom and kitchen.
• Rugs, irregular floors and other tripping hazards.
• Tubs and showers that are hard to get in and out of.
• Stair widths or heights that are difficult to negotiate.
• Appliances and utensils that are challenging to handle.

Most fixes are simple and inexpensive. By making a few "tweaks" today you can drastically improve your quality of life as you age. Environmental Geriatrics offers a number of resources to help you improve the function and safety of your environment as you age.

Antibiotics are not the answer for the common cold.

Antibiotics are designed to treat bacterial infections, not viruses such as the common cold. When people take antibiotics for conditions that don't require them, their bodies slowly become antibiotic resistant. Every time a person takes antibiotics, sensitive bacteria are killed, but resistant germs may be left to grow and mutate making antibiotics less effective over time. To prevent antibiotic resistance in yourself and your family, be sure to take antibiotics only as prescribed and directed by a doctor. Don't take antibiotics for the flu or a cold. If your doctor does prescribe an antibiotic for a bacterial infection, don't skip any doses and complete the entire course of treatment even if you think the infection is gone. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Get Smart campaign provides more information about preventing antibiotic resistance.

Keep your brain strong and healthy as you age!

Between 2000 and 2006, Alzheimer's Disease-related deaths nearly doubled, increasing by 46 percent. And while Alzheimer's Disease has a genetic component, there are preventive steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing this disease. Eat a healthy diet high in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Try salmon, berries, and dark green leafy vegetables. Stay physically active. Try tracking your daily steps with a pedometer and shoot for 10,000 steps per day. Don't isolate yourself as you age. Try joining groups or social organizations in your community and maintain your current relationships. Finally, stimulate your brain every day. Try learning a second language or solving puzzles. It's never too late to strengthen your brain and improve brain function. Visit the Alzheimer's Foundation of America for more information.

Are you at risk for developing Type II Diabetes?

More than 20 million people suffer from Type II Diabetes nationwide and another 57 million are at risk. Complications from Type II Diabetes include heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, kidney disease, blindness, and amputation of the feet or legs. Luckily, for many people making healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, can greatly reduce the risk of developing Type II Diabetes. Knowing you're at risk is half the battle. Watch the recently released video,  Blood Sugar & Fears, from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn if you're at risk.