Meet Patty Tsou, RN Case Manager at Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley.

Welcome to the team, Patty!

With over 5 million cases diagnosed in the United States each year, skin cancer is America’s most common cancer. Fortunately, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable cancers. By sharing facts about the dangers of unprotected sun exposure and encouraging people to check their skin for warning signs, we can and will save lives.

Skin Cancer Awareness Month is a time for us to speak up about the dangers of skin cancer, share the facts about sun protection and early detection to help save lives. This year, we are spreading awareness around the fact that #SkinCancerIsPersonal and affects people in many ways, both physically and emotionally. We’re also sharing that #SkinCancerIsSerious and IS a big deal! Thank you for helping to amplify these important messages.

Scientists may have discovered the key to healthy aging. 

It's called immune resilience, the ability to stay healthy and bounce back after infections like the flu. People with good immune resilience have a 15-year survival advantage over those whose resilience starts to falter, a new study suggests. This is particularly true throughout middle age, but by around 70 years old, everyone's body pretty much becomes less resilient.

"We have similar aging rates, but very different health outcomes, which is what you call healthspan," said study author Sunil K. Ahuja, MD, a professor at UT Health San Antonio and director of the Veterans Affairs Center for Personalized Medicine, South Texas Veterans Health Care System. "The principle of immune resilience is basically the idea that there are some people who have the power to live longer and they get sick less often." 

Taking steps to improve your immune resilience during midlife – between ages 40 and 70 – could be crucial for living longer and healthier, the findings suggest.

The condition becomes more common as you get older, but often, the symptoms are subtle or easy to attribute to other age-related changes.

It’s not just your back, legs and joints that become less limber as you age. Tissues in the heart can also endure some wear and tear over the years, causing them to become stiffer.

In some people, these changes can lead to a common cardiac condition known as a leaky heart valve, and if left unchecked, it can become serious, even leading to heart failure.

A growing number of older Americans are showing a strong preference for aging in place, which requires some bathroom modifications.

It's not uncommon for retirees to relocate in retirement, whether to enjoy a lower cost of living or a more moderate climate. But a growing number of older Americans are showing a strong preference for aging in place.

A 2024 AARP survey found that 75% of Americans 50 and older want to stay in their current homes as they age, while 73% hope to stay in their communities. Aging in place often requires a good deal of home modifications, especially when it comes to bathrooms.

"The bathroom is the most hazardous room in the house, " says Neal K. Shah, CEO of CareYaya Health Technologies in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area of North Carolina. With the right updates, you can transform your bathroom into a much safer environment. Here are eight to consider.

Here are some tips on how seniors can make the most of spring:

• Get Moving Outdoors: Spring weather provides a perfect backdrop for walking, gardening, or birdwatching. 
• Hydrate and Protect Skin: Stay hydrated and protect skin from the sun with sunscreen and protective clothing. 
• Connect with Others: Join local clubs, visit senior centers, or attend community events. 
• Embrace the Season: Enjoy the beauty of spring by taking walks in nature or spending time in a garden. 
• Spring Clean: A good spring cleaning can improve health by removing clutter and dust. 
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, throughout the day. 

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 Questions? Call Us! 860-767-0186