Avoiding Health Risks for Seniors

Scientific Reflections by Dr. Gerry Norton

Even though seniors (65+) represent about 13% of the population, they use more than one third of prescription drugs. It is even more significant when it is realized that the risks associated with both prescribed and over the counter drugs are dramatically higher among seniors than with the general population. Physicians should expect adverse drug reactions (ADR) as much as 50% for seniors using 5 or more prescription drugs per day. Clearly, risks are much more significant when prescribing drugs to seniors. The medical profession recommends slow and frequent monitoring of prescription drugs when treating ailments among seniors as a means of managing senior health matters. Are these so called precautions enough to safeguard the health of aging patients? Read More

How to Boost Your Immune Support During Flu Season

Though the weather in Florida belies the fact that it is winter, the truth is that flu season is still in full force. It is never too late to strengthen your immune system in an effort to avoid the flu, but where should you begin? These three tips will get you started.

Get the Flu Shot

Though the flu shot doesn’t provide a guarantee that you will remain healthy, doctors agree that it can still help boost your body’s ability to fight the influenza virus. The flu shot is composed of dead flu cells, and those dead cells help your immune system fight the real flu when it creeps into your body. By protecting yourself, you are really protecting others as well because you are less likely to pass the flu onto other vulnerable people like children and the elderly. Read More

CellQuest Education Series: Back to the Future

Scientific Reflections by Dr. Gerry Norton

From the beginning of human existence, the immune system has been the primary method of defending against and preventing disease. Its ability to function successfully depended upon diet and physical activity. A little over a century ago, synthetic drugs provided an alternative, more direct way of inhibiting the progress of disease and providing emergency remedies for acute cases. Read More