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Best sunscreen: Understand sunscreen options

Have conflicting media reports left you confused about the best sunscreen? Or wondering whether you should use sunscreen at all? read more >>

Belly fat in women: Taking — and keeping — it off

An expanding waistline is sometimes considered the price of getting older. For women, this might be especially true after menopause, when body fat tends to shift from the arms, legs and hips to the abdomen. Yet an increase in belly fat can do more than make it hard to zip up your jeans. Research indicates that belly fat also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, certain cancers — even premature death. The good news? The threats posed by belly fat can be cut down to size. read more >>

Male menopause: Myth or reality?

Hormone changes are a natural part of aging. Unlike the more dramatic hormone plunge that occurs in women during menopause, however, hormone changes in men occur gradually — over a period of many years. Here's what to expect, and what you can do about it. read more >>

Aging: What to expect as you get older

Do you expect to find a few more wrinkles and gray hairs each time you look in the mirror? These are just some of the changes you're likely to notice as you get older. You're not necessarily at the mercy of Mother Nature, however. Here's a list of common aging-related changes — and what you can do to promote good health at any age. read more >>

Aging parents: 5 warning signs of health problems

As your parents get older, you may want to make sure they're successfully taking care of themselves and staying healthy. When you visit your aging parents, ask yourself the following five questions. Then, if necessary, take steps to help your aging parents maintain their independence. read more >>

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to Live+Well

Genworth Financial has a strong commitment to health and wellness. To demonstrate that commitment, Genworth has joined with Mayo Clinic to promote healthy aging and independent living and provide consumers with healthy living options.

Triclosan: Is it safe?

There currently isn't enough evidence to recommend avoiding use of products that contain triclosan — an ingredient added to certain soaps, cosmetics, clothing, cookware, furniture and toys to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination. Recent studies, however, have raised questions about whether triclosan might be hazardous to human health.

Eye injury: Tips to protect vision

An eye injury can happen just about anywhere — in the kitchen, on the job or even at the playground. All it takes is a flying champagne cork or a shooting rubber band. Take simple steps to reduce the risk of an eye injury and understand when to see a doctor.

Bone health: Tips to keep your bones healthy

Bones play many roles in the body — providing structure, protecting organs, anchoring muscles and storing calcium. While it's particularly important to take steps to build strong and healthy bones during childhood and adolescence, you can take steps during adulthood to protect bone health, too.

Napping: Do's and don'ts for healthy adults

If you're sleep deprived or just looking for a way to relax, you may be thinking about taking a nap. Napping at the wrong time of day or for too long can backfire, though. Understand how to get the most out of a nap.

Heart disease prevention: A link to oral health?

Poor oral health — not regularly brushing or flossing — is unlikely to be the primary cause of heart disease. But poor oral health combined with other risk factors may contribute to heart disease.

Best sunscreen: Understand sunscreen options

Have conflicting media reports left you confused about the best sunscreen? Or wondering whether you should use sunscreen at all?

Is sitting really bad for my health?

Researchers have linked sitting for prolonged periods with a number of health problems and premature death from cardiovascular disease. In one study, adults who spent more than four hours a day sitting in front of the television had an 80 percent increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease compared with adults who spent less than two hours a day in front of the TV. This risk was independent of other risk factors such as smoking or diet.

Vaccines for adults: Which do you need?

Wonder which vaccines you need? It can be confusing, especially if you thought vaccines were just for kids. Use the list below to find out which vaccines you need now and which vaccines may be coming up — based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Will an air purifier remove cigarette smoke?

If you're considering buying an air purifier, you have a multitude of choices. But if you want an air purifier that will eliminate cigarette smoke, you're out of luck. Tobacco smoke particles are so energized that even the most efficient ventilation systems will not reduce the exposure. Further, most air purifiers, also called air cleaners, are not designed to remove gaseous pollutants, which are a major component of cigarette smoke.

Colon cancer screening: Weighing the options

If your doctor has recommended colon cancer screening, you may be able to choose from various colon cancer screening tests. If you're reluctant to make a decision, remember that any discomfort or embarrassment from colon cancer screening is temporary — and detecting problems early may save your life. To help choose the colon cancer screening test that's best for you, consider the following questions.

Does sunscreen expire?

Sunscreens are designed to remain stable and at original strength for up to three years. This means that you can use leftover sunscreen from one year to the next.

OTC sleep aids and supplements: What's best and safe?

You've followed all the tips for getting enough sleep — sleeping on a regular schedule, avoiding caffeine and daytime naps, exercising regularly and managing stress. Still, a good night's rest remains out of reach. You may be thinking about over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids or other sleep supplements. If your problem has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, make an appointment with your doctor. It's important to know what's causing your insomnia.

Melatonin side effects: What are the risks?

The hormone melatonin helps control your natural sleep-wake cycle. Your natural levels of melatonin in the blood are highest just before bedtime. But if you're thinking of taking melatonin supplements to treat insomnia, there's little evidence that taking melatonin supplements will help you fall asleep significantly faster or help you stay asleep longer. However, melatonin may be helpful in treating jet lag.

Eye exam: Do I need a laser retina scan?

"Optomap" is a brand name for a type of eye exam that uses a laser to scan and photograph your retinas at a wider angle than can be achieved in a traditional eye exam performed by your eye doctor. While this type of exam has some benefits, it's not currently considered standard care, and is usually not covered by insurance. If you choose to have a laser retina exam, it should be a complement to, not a substitute for, your annual eye exam.

10 symptoms not to ignore

You already know that obvious symptoms, such as chest pain and severe abdominal pain, require immediate medical attention. But the not-so-obvious symptoms may leave you wondering whether you need to seek care. Here's a list of symptoms that merit at least a call to your doctor. While some of them are more urgent than others, none should be ignored.

Friendships: Enrich your life and improve your health

Friendships can have a major impact on your health and well-being, but it's not always easy to build or maintain friendships. Understand the importance of friendships in your life and what you can do to develop and nurture friendships.

How many hours of sleep are enough?

The amount of sleep you need depends on various factors — especially your age. Consider these general guidelines for different age groups:

Mental health: What's normal, what's not

What's the difference between mental health and mental illness? Sometimes the answer seems clear. For instance, a person who hears voices in his or her head could have schizophrenia. A person who goes on a frenzied shopping spree or starts an ambitious project — such as remodeling the bathroom — without any plans might be having a manic episode caused by bipolar disorder.

Cosmetic surgery: What to know beforehand

Cosmetic surgery, or plastic surgery, might seem like the easiest way to shave years off your appearance or improve your physique. If you're not satisfied with your appearance, cosmetic surgery may help you not only to look better, but also to feel better. As with any surgery, though, cosmetic surgery has risks and limitations. Here's what you need to know if you're considering cosmetic surgery.

Choosing sunglasses: Is UV protection important?

Yes, ultraviolet (UV) eye protection matters. UV radiation from the sun can damage not only the skin of your eyelid but also the cornea, lens and other parts of the eye. UV exposure also contributes to the development of certain types of cataracts.

Domestic violence against women: Recognize patterns, seek help

Your partner apologizes and says the hurtful behavior won't happen again — but you fear it will. At times you wonder whether you're imagining the abuse, yet the emotional or physical pain you feel is real. If this sounds familiar, you might be experiencing domestic violence.

Cancer prevention: 7 tips to reduce your risk

You've probably heard conflicting reports about cancer prevention. Sometimes the specific cancer-prevention tip recommended in one study or news report is advised against in another. If you're concerned about cancer prevention, take comfort in the fact that small changes in your daily life can make a big difference. Consider seven real-life cancer prevention tips.

10 tips for better sleep

Feeling crabby lately? It could be you aren't getting enough sleep. Work, household responsibilities and child care can make sleep difficult to come by. Factor in other unexpected challenges, such as financial worries, layoffs, relationship issues or an illness, and quality sleep may be even more elusive.

Medical history: Compiling your medical family tree

Your family medical history — also called a medical family tree or pedigree — is a record of illnesses and medical conditions affecting your family members. Similar to a family tree, a family medical history shows the relationships among members of your family, but it also includes relevant health information for each person.

Contact lenses: What to know before you buy

Thinking about trading your glasses for contact lenses? Contact lenses are more versatile than ever before. Specialized contact lenses can even treat certain eye conditions beyond impaired vision. Whatever your reason for choosing contact lenses, proper selection and maintenance can keep you seeing clearly. Start by understanding the pros and cons of common types of contact lenses — and the ground rules for preventing eye infections.

Breast implants and cancer: Any connection?

A recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review found a possible association between breast implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) — a rare cancer of the immune system. However, this connection between breast implants and cancer isn't well defined or clearly supported.

Menstrual cycle: What's normal, what's not

Do you know when your last menstrual period began or how long it lasted? If not, it might be time to start paying attention. Tracking your menstrual cycles can help you understand what's normal for you, time ovulation and identify important changes — such as a missed period or unpredictable menstrual bleeding. While menstrual cycle irregularities usually aren't serious, sometimes they can signal health problems.

Fitness tips for menopause: Why fitness counts

Menopause is an important milestone in a woman's life. Use it as a reminder to take good care of yourself. Start by considering these fitness tips for menopause.

Water retention: Relieve this premenstrual symptom

Premenstrual water retention causes a bloated, heavy feeling the week or two before your period begins. For most women, water retention is just a monthly bother — but in some cases, it can be severe enough to interfere with daily activities. Here's help feeling better.

Belly fat in women: Taking — and keeping — it off

An expanding waistline is sometimes considered the price of getting older. For women, this might be especially true after menopause, when body fat tends to shift from the arms, legs and hips to the abdomen. Yet an increase in belly fat can do more than make it hard to zip up your jeans. Research indicates that belly fat also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, certain cancers — even premature death. The good news? The threats posed by belly fat can be cut down to size.

Kegel exercises: A how-to guide for women

Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the uterus, bladder and bowel. You can do Kegel exercises discreetly just about anytime, whether you're driving in your car, sitting at your desk or relaxing on the couch. You can even do Kegel exercises when you're pregnant. Start by understanding what Kegel exercises can do for you — then follow step-by-step instructions for contracting and relaxing your pelvic floor muscles.

Silicone breast implants: What happens if they rupture?

The major problem associated with ruptured silicone breast implants is the formation of scar tissue in the breast. If the rupture isn't addressed, the scar tissue can lead to pain and changes in the contour or shape of the breast. However, there's no scientific evidence that ruptured silicone breast implants cause serious, long-term health problems — such as breast cancer or connective tissue diseases.

Breast cancer prevention: How to reduce your risk

If you're concerned about breast cancer, you may be wondering if there are steps you can take toward breast cancer prevention. Understand the lifestyle factors that may affect your risk of breast cancer and what you can do to stay healthy.

Breast lump: Early evaluation is essential

If you find a breast lump or other change in your breast, you may be worried about breast cancer — but take comfort in the odds. As many as 4 out of 5 breast lumps that are biopsied are noncancerous (benign). Still, it's important to have any breast lump evaluated by a doctor.

Women's health: Preventing the top 7 threats

Many of the leading threats to women's health can be prevented — if you know how. Consider this top seven list of women's health threats, compiled from statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other leading organizations. Then get serious about reducing your risks.

Menopause weight gain: Stop the middle age spread

As you get older, you may notice that maintaining your usual weight becomes more difficult. In fact, the most profound weight gain in a woman's life tends to happen during the years leading up to menopause (perimenopause). Weight gain after menopause isn't inevitable, however. You can reverse course by paying attention to healthy-eating habits and leading an active lifestyle.

DHEA: Evidence for anti-aging claims is weak

DHEA is often touted as an anti-aging therapy, used to ward off chronic illness and maintain energy and vigor — but research doesn't back up these DHEA claims, and the supplement may cause side effects. Here, K. Sreekumaran Nair, M.D., an endocrinologist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., answers questions about DHEA.

Long term care: Early planning pays off

Long term care is a general term used to describe various home and community-based services for people who need help taking care of themselves. If you're considering long term care options for yourself, a parent or another loved one, start the research and discussions early. If you wait, an injury or illness might force your hand — leading to a hasty decision that everyone may later regret. Instead, get familiar with long term care options now.

Older drivers: 7 tips for driver safety

Driver safety requires more than understanding road signs and traffic laws. As you get older, you'll likely notice physical changes that can make certain actions — such as turning your head to look for oncoming traffic or driving at night — more challenging. Still, older drivers can remain safe on the road. Consider seven tips for older drivers.

Aging: What to expect as you get older

Do you expect to find a few more wrinkles and gray hairs each time you look in the mirror? These are just some of the changes you're likely to notice as you get older. You're not necessarily at the mercy of Mother Nature, however. Here's a list of common aging-related changes — and what you can do to promote good health at any age.

Human growth hormone (HGH): Does it slow aging?

Growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland — a pea-sized structure at the base of the brain — to fuel childhood growth and help maintain tissues and organs throughout life. Beginning in middle age, however, the pituitary gland slowly reduces the amount of growth hormone it produces. This natural slowdown has prompted an interest in the use of synthetic human growth hormone (HGH) to stave off the realities of old age.

Memory loss: 7 tips to improve your memory

Can't find your car keys? Forget what's on your grocery list? Can't remember the name of the personal trainer you liked at the gym? You're not alone. Everyone forgets things occasionally. Still, memory loss is nothing to take lightly. Although there are no guarantees when it comes to preventing memory loss or dementia, memory tricks can be helpful. Consider seven simple ways to sharpen your memory — and know when to seek help for memory loss.

Home care services: Questions to ask

If you're recovering from surgery or need long term care for a chronic illness — or you have a loved one facing a similar situation — you may be interested in home care services. Home care services range from skilled care provided by nurses or therapists to household support, such as cleaning, cooking and running errands.

Fall prevention: 6 tips to prevent falls

Fall prevention may not seem like a lively topic, but it's important. As you get older, physical changes and health conditions — and sometimes the medications used to treat those conditions — make falls more likely. In fact, falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. Still, fear of falling doesn't need to rule your life. Instead, consider six simple fall-prevention strategies.

Easy bruising: Common as you age

Yet another bruise. What caused that dark, unsightly mark on your leg? You don't recall bumping into anything. Lately, however, you seem to be bruising frequently. Is this cause for concern?

Caring for the elderly: Dealing with resistance

One of the toughest challenges you can face when caring for the elderly is resistance to care. How do you help a loved one who doesn't want help? Understand how resistance to care can develop and strategies for fostering cooperation when caring for the elderly.

Caregiver depression: Prevention counts

Caregiving is often physically and emotionally stressful. In an effort to provide the best care possible, you might put your loved one's needs before your own. In turn, you may develop feelings of sadness, anger and guilt. Sometimes, these emotions can trigger caregiver depression.

Aging parents: 5 warning signs of health problems

As your parents get older, you may want to make sure they're successfully taking care of themselves and staying healthy. When you visit your aging parents, ask yourself the following five questions. Then, if necessary, take steps to help your aging parents maintain their independence.

Senior health: How to detect and prevent malnutrition

Good nutrition is critical to senior health — yet many older adults are at risk of inadequate nutrition. Know the causes and signs of nutrition problems in older adults, as well as steps you can take to ensure a nutrient-rich diet for an older loved one.

Alzheimer's: Smoothing the transition on moving day

Moving from one home to another can trigger anxiety for anyone. For a person who has Alzheimer's disease, however, a changed routine and an unfamiliar environment can be extremely stressful. If you're helping a loved one who has Alzheimer's move to a new home or into a care facility, make the transition as comfortable as possible.

Alzheimer's: Dealing with daily challenges

People who have Alzheimer's disease often need help handling routine daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, eating and using the bathroom. If your loved one needs this type of care, balance the loss of privacy and independence with gentleness and tact.

Alzheimer's caregiving: How to ask for help

Alzheimer's caregiving is a tough job, and it's too much for one person to handle alone. No one is equipped to care for another person 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you're caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer's disease, understand the stress you're facing — and know how to ask for help.

Aging parents: During emergency, details count

If your aging parents were to have a medical emergency, could you provide the information doctors would need to care for them? For example, do you know the names of their doctors? Is your mother taking any medications? Has your father ever had surgery? It only takes a few minutes to collect and write down this vital information — and it can save precious time in an emergency.

Alzheimer's: When to stop driving

Driving is a powerful symbol of competence and independence, besides being a routine part of adult life. But the focused concentration and quick reaction time needed for safe driving tend to decline with age. Alzheimer's disease accelerates this process dramatically. If you're caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer's, you may need to limit your loved one's driving — or stop his or her driving completely.

Alzheimer's disease: Anticipating end-of-life needs

In the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, you may focus on keeping your loved one safe and comfortable. As the disease progresses, however, you may face difficult end-of-life questions. When is it time to choose comfort care over lifesaving care? When does medical care merely prolong a person's dying? Here's help considering these and other end-of-life questions.

Alzheimer's: Understand and control wandering

Alzheimer's disease can erase a person's memory of once-familiar surroundings, as well as make it extremely difficult to adapt to new surroundings. As a result, people who have Alzheimer's may wander away from their homes or care centers and turn up lost, frightened and disoriented — sometimes far from where they started.

Welcometo Live+Well

Triclosan: Is it safe?

Eye injury: Tips to protect vision

Bone health: Tips to keep your bones healthy

Napping: Do's and don'ts for healthy adults

Heart disease prevention: A link to oral health?

Best sunscreen: Understand sunscreen options

Is sitting really bad for my health?

Vaccines for adults: Which do you need?

Will an air purifier remove cigarette smoke?

Colon cancer screening: Weighing the options

Does sunscreen expire?

OTC sleep aids and supplements: What's best and safe?

Melatonin side effects: What are the risks?

Eye exam: Do I need a laser retina scan?

10 symptoms not to ignore

Friendships: Enrich your life and improve your health

How many hours of sleep are enough?

Mental health: What's normal, what's not

Cosmetic surgery: What to know beforehand

Choosing sunglasses: Is UV protection important?

Domestic violence against women: Recognize patterns, seek help

Cancer prevention: 7 tips to reduce your risk

10 tips for better sleep

Medical history: Compiling your medical family tree

Contact lenses: What to know before you buy

Breast implants and cancer: Any connection?

Menstrual cycle: What's normal, what's not

Fitness tips for menopause: Why fitness counts

Water retention: Relieve this premenstrual symptom

Belly fat in women: Taking — and keeping — it off

Kegel exercises: A how-to guide for women

Silicone breast implants: What happens if they rupture?

Breast cancer prevention: How to reduce your risk

Breast lump: Early evaluation is essential

Women's health: Preventing the top 7 threats

Menopause weight gain: Stop the middle age spread

Kegel exercises for men: Understand the benefits

Male menopause: Myth or reality?

Belly fat in men: Why weight loss matters

Men's health: Preventing the top 7 threats

DHEA: Evidence for anti-aging claims is weak

Long term care: Early planning pays off

Older drivers: 7 tips for driver safety

Aging: What to expect as you get older

Human growth hormone (HGH): Does it slow aging?

Memory loss: 7 tips to improve your memory

Home care services: Questions to ask

Fall prevention: 6 tips to prevent falls

Easy bruising: Common as you age

Caring for the elderly: Dealing with resistance

Caregiver depression: Prevention counts

Aging parents: 5 warning signs of health problems

Senior health: How to detect and prevent malnutrition

Alzheimer's: Smoothing the transition on moving day

Alzheimer's: Dealing with daily challenges

Alzheimer's caregiving: How to ask for help

Aging parents: During emergency, details count

Alzheimer's: When to stop driving

Alzheimer's disease: Anticipating end-of-life needs

Alzheimer's: Understand and control wandering

Welcome
to Live+Well