Dementia is common in elderly people, and if you are responsible for taking care of an aging parent with signs of dementia, it is important to be proactive against the dangers associated with this disease. One of the biggest dangers is wandering. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that more than 60 percent of people with Alzheimer’s wander away from their home or caregiver at some point. Whether the person simply can’t remember the way back home or is looking for something familiar, wandering can be scary for everyone. But with some preparation, you  can help your loved one navigate through this disorder safely.

What you eat strongly influences your health and longevity.  Since much of our food is packaged, it’s important to read nutritional labels to get the healthiest food for you and your family.  Sometimes, though, reading food labels can be a bit confusing.  Here are a few tips to help make you more food label savvy when shopping for the week’s groceries.

Start by looking at the label located on the side or bottom of a food item. The nutritional facts featured are typically:

With much of your life spent at work, it’s not uncommon for adults to feel constantly overwhelmed by to-do lists, appointments and just the speed of life in general. High stress levels are dangerous, so although you may think you’re doing a good job keeping your head above water, you could actually be opening a floodgate for future health concerns. It’s never too late to start managing your stress at work.

1.  Take a walk in the morning.

There is more to vitamin D deficiency that just feeling sluggish; it can actually make your bones brittle and increase your risk of heart disease. It can also make it harder to lose weight. A study by researchers at the University of Minnesota shows a correlation between vitamin D and weight loss. The study found that people who were overweight were more successful at shedding pounds after increasing their vitamin D levels.

The study placed 38 overweight men and women on a diet program, some with more emphasis on vitamin D consumption, and found that the participants with increased D levels lost up to half a pound more than those who followed a regular diet plan. The reason for this is simple.

The bad news: Having a stroke is the third leading cause of death behind heart disease and cancer in the United States.  It afflicts about 700,000 Americans per year and is also one of the leading causes of disability and dementia.

The good news: Strokes can be prevented. With good health, nutrition and daily exercise, the risk of stroke is much less.

What is a stroke?

People experience a stroke when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted or severely limited, effectively cutting off oxygen to the brain. This can hamper, slow or even stop bodily functions such as movement, perception, speech and consciousness. A stroke is not to be confused with a heart attack, which is when the blood supply to the heart is reduced or cut off.

Before deciding to undergo any sort of medical procedure, it’s important to weigh the risks and benefits carefully with the aid of a licensed physician. Bariatric, or weight loss surgery, is no exception. Any elective surgery comes with its own pros and cons. Although weight loss surgery has the potential to change your life for the better, serious complications are always a possibility. Obesity-related health conditions are often reduced after losing weight, but surgery may not be the right step. Weigh your options before deciding that bariatric surgery is right for you.

According to the American Diabetes Association , more than 25 million Americans suffer from diabetes, and this epidemic continues to grow every year. Not only can diabetes alone cause complications, but it also contributes to other life-threatening issues like heart disease and stroke.

Want to learn a good way to make sure you and your family don’t become a part of this statistic? Eat healthier. March is National Nutrition Month, so if losing weight was a New Year’s resolution that you haven’t gotten around to yet, now’s the perfect time.

1. Cut out the soda