​During my youth, one of the perpetual sayings in our household was, "Your health is the most important thing you have." Of course, hearing that from our elders, was verbiage to which some of us didn't pay much attention. Now, in our senior years, we know what they were saying was one hundred percent true. 
 
By the time we reach a certain age, most of us have probably reached stages when we know what to recognize as signals that something happening to us physically isn't quite right, and it's time to visit a doctor or hospital. Above almost every element for good health, especially for us seniors, DAILY EXERCISE is the major key for keeping fit.
 
Recently, however, I saw the following and wanted to share parts of it with you regarding what might help you think a bit more about some out of the ordinary physical occurrences and signals precipitating the need to check further, to wit:
 
“When you see changes in the body, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have a certain medical condition,” says Robin Evans, MD, a clinical instructor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, about recognizing subtle or unusual symptoms. “However, a bell should go off in your head to get screened or talk to your doctor.” Our body gives us many signs about a certain health condition. So, if you see something unusual occurring, please visit your doctor, because research shows  early screening could prevent many diseases and even premature death. Here are some: 

Diagonal earlobe crease - Research has associated an earlobe fold with a higher risk of coronary disease, as it may be a sign of blockage in the arteries. 

Bumps on eyelids - Yellowish bumps on your eyelids happen when certain fats build up under the skin. They could indicate that you have elevated cholesterol levels.

Smooth tongue - A smooth, swollen tongue may signal a lack of B12 or iron. This condition could also be a result of low estrogen, such as during menopause, or use of dentures. See your doctor if it lasts longer than 10 days or makes breathing, speaking, or eating difficult. 

Belly button discharge - Yellow, green, or dark-colored discharge in your belly button is likely the result of a fungal, yeast, or bacterial infection. 

Orange hands - Beta-carotene is found in yellow-orange vegetables such as carrots, peaches, and oranges. Excessive consumption can actually turn your skin orange! If this is also accompanied by pain or nausea, you should be prepared for something possibly more serious. 

Spooned nails - A dip in the nail that could hold a drop of water – a condition called koilonychia – could be a sign of iron-deficiency-anemia. Spoon nails can also be associated with heart disease and hypothyroidism. 

Bronzed skin - Darkening skin without sun exposure, is a symptom of Addison’s disease, in which the adrenal glands stop functioning. It can also be caused by medications or excess accumulation of iron. 

Lace-like discoloration on legs - A lace-like pattern on your skin when you are cold could be due to abnormal circulation near the skin surface or blood vessel spasms. It may be a sign of an underlying condition like heart disease or a side effect of medication.

Sweaty feet - Excessive sweating of the feet, experts say, is harmless. Sweaty feet could also signal an underlying condition such as hyperthyroidism. 

These are just some of the things you may feel signal a hidden health problem, thanks to Dr. Evans's research-proven suggestions. Please contact your Fairview care provider t if you feel any of the preceding should be addressed. Thanks for reading, as always. 

 Ebenezer Communities Salute National Nurses Week, May 7th through 13th. We wouldn't have care without them. 
 
I could never praise nurses sufficiently. My times as a hospitalized patient have been almost literally countless. Had it not been for extra care provided by nurses, especially during emergency situations, I truly might not have survived. They genuinely care, and to annually set only one week aside to honor them is far too little, in my opinion.
 
As I noted, my times as a hospital patient have been numerous, from my pre-teen years until just this past March, for pneumonia. I'm back to full-strength health now, glad to say and certainly because nurses really cared.
 
I vividly recall an experience almost ten years ago when I had my left hip replaced. The recovery period lasted over four weeks, during which time I had some very painful episodes I won't describe, except to state they seemed to always happen in the overnight hours, when nursing staff was at a premium. I always felt badly about what they had to do to get me back into a recovered mode. It was especially so one morning at about 3 o'clock when a nurse's help was absolutely mandatory to allow me to survive. As I previously mentioned, I won't describe the truly gory details, but suffice it to say, that nurse had obviously many-times experienced what I needed to be accomplished and did so without any signs of squeamishness. She immediately knew what to do, she completed the task and I was on my way back to normalcy, all thanks to that wonderful nurse. I swore I would never forget her name, which should have been enshrined in my memory bank, but, alas I HAVE forgotten her name. Nonetheless, I'm sure she knew at that untimely time her work was more than appreciated. She saved my life.
 
Whether it's awakening a patient during the night to take medication or making the rounds just to make certain every patient is comfortable, nurses are truly the "glue" who hold everything together between doctors and patients. Many times I've often felt the nurses knew more, or as much, as doctors. 
 
In my opinion, any of us who finds ourselves hospitalized, regardless of how serious or relatively minor the reason should take time to thank nurses for executing their noble profession so diligently. As is true with life in general, life becomes better knowing someone REALLY cares enough about others as much as they may care for themselves. From the days of Clara Barton to present-day military nurses who have served in war combat zones, these professionals are truly among the most special of humanity. They are "at the ready" 24/7 in Ebenezer's Communities. MEGA congratulations to them during this year's National Nurses Week and ALWAYS, for all they do to make our lives so much better during trying times. Thank you  once again, for reading.