Fasting before a thyroid blood test is not necessary. However, your doctor will recommend that you take the test under the same conditions each time. This means that if you didn’t fast before, you shouldn’t fast for subsequent tests. Similarly, if the test was taken in the morning, the same timing should be followed for more accurate results.

Gazing too far into the future might not be right. But setting up your goals for your betterment and peaceful life is never a bad idea. Goals give us purpose, helping us stay focused and motivated—not just at the start of the year but anytime.

Let me tell you about the time when Anthea Rowan recalls the heartbreaking moment about her mother. Suffering from dementia, she suddenly forgot who Rowan was. Her mother looked at her with suspicion, convinced she only had one daughter—Rowan’s sibling. Despite the pain, Rowan continued to care for her with love and patience.

You might have noticed your parents becoming stubborn, childlike, or easily irritated. You may even find yourself asking, “They didn’t use to behave this way before; what has changed?”

A person’s risk of developing dementia increases with age and lifestyle factors. However, studies of family health history show that having a close family member with Alzheimer’s adds about 30% to your existing risk.

There is nothing in your body that isn’t controlled by the thyroid. This small gland, located at the base of your neck, is more important than you might think. The biggest challenge is that, in many elders like you, the signs of an affected thyroid are often mistaken for normal aging. As a result, it becomes difficult to differentiate.

Do you feel overwhelmed as a primary caregiver but aren’t sure how to take a break? Respite care is your chance to rest and take some time off from daily stress and exhausting routine. 

Everything will look like Christmas in a few days, with festive decorations going up, kids setting up Christmas trees, and neighbors adding their own festive touch to their homes. But we all know Christmas isn’t just about the decorations—it’s about the time spent together as a family, especially with your aging loved ones.

As important as your responsibility is in taking care of seniors, you are equally responsible for communicating their needs, concerns, and preferences to their healthcare provider. Good communication leads to good relationships and, in your case, better health outcomes.