Answers provided by Alexandra R. Borders, Au.D., CCC-A at St. Cloud ENT Alexandra R. Borders, Au.D., CCC-A at St. Cloud ENT. Contributed photo What can I do to stay connected despite hearing loss? Communication is a two-way street. But when someone has hearing loss, that road can become much more difficult to navigate, even with hearing aids. A hearing aid does not fix hearing loss or restore normal hearing. Instead, it helps a person hear more of the sounds around them and

Written by Dr. Randy Hamling, Accelerated Chiropractic, Morris Dr. Randy Hamling (right) talks with a patient about knee pain and potential treatment options at Accelerated Chiropractic in Morris. Contributed photo What are your knees trying to tell you before winter? You already know which chairs are too low. You know which pew at church is going to make you wince when you stand. And you’re already doing the math on winter — the sidewalk, the driveway, the parking lot at the

Answers by Mitchell Gossman, MD, an ophthalmologist at Eye Associates of Central Minnesota, located in St. Cloud If you see new flashing lights, new floaters, or new peripheral vision loss, it could be signs of a retinal detachment and you should be seen by a ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Stock photo I’m seeing flashing lights in my vision, and Googling suggests I might have a retinal detachment. Is this true? The retina is the light sensitive tissue in the back of the

Answers by Mitchell Gossman, MD, an ophthalmologist at Eye Associates of Central Minnesota, located in St. Cloud How will I know if I develop glaucoma? Unless the pressure rises rapidly to very high levels, high enough to cause pain, it is unlikely that you will know you have glaucoma without an eye exam. In mild to moderate glaucoma, there are no symptoms. Once this advances to severe glaucoma there will be symptoms including blurred vision and decreased peripheral vision. T

Answers by Mitchell Gossman, MD, an ophthalmologist at Eye Associates of Central Minnesota, located in St. Cloud My friend had such good vision after cataract surgery. Why is my vision still blurry after my surgery? Cataract surgery can be blurry after cataract surgery due 1) healing that may still be occurring, 2) a need for glasses, 3) pre-existing conditions other than cataract, and 4) complications after surgery. Healing that may still be ongoing: It’s common for the visi

Accelerated Chiropractic Dr. Randy Hamling, D.C. on the warning signs seniors shouldn’t ignore You used to get out of bed and just... go. Now you sit on the edge of the mattress for a moment, waiting for your feet to wake up. They’re tingling again. Or maybe they’re numb—you can’t quite tell anymore. You make it to the kitchen, but your knee catches halfway there. It’s not a fall, not this time, but it’s that wobble that makes your stomach drop. You grab the counter and wonde

Signs families shouldn't ignore By Brenna Vachal, COO at Arise Cares By caregivers, for caregivers — Arise Cares brings real-life experience and trusted guidance to families navigating care at home. Contributed photo Many families assume home care is only needed after a serious health event, such as a fall, hospitalization, or major diagnosis. In reality, the best time to consider home care is often before a crisis happens. Early support can help older adults remain independe

This article was written and provided by Brooke Steckelberg, Au.D., CCC-A, at St. Cloud ENT. Why am I dizzy, and what should I do about it? Brooke Steckelberg, Au.D., CCC-A Contributed photo Our balance system is very complex and involves three main systems working together: the visual system, the vestibular (inner ear) system and the proprioceptive system (sensors in muscles, joints and tendons). Our brain integrates information from these systems to keep us upright and

Answers by Mitchell Gossman, MD, an ophthalmologist at Eye Associates of Central Minnesota, located in St. Cloud Can wearing glasses make my eyes seem worse? Usually not, in the sense that the health of the eyes cannot be harmed by wearing glasses. You could wear aunt’s thick prescription and it wouldn’t damage your eyes. However… For adults, your vision can not get worse because of the glasses you wear. But if you don’t get used to a new prescription within a couple of wee

BUSINESS PROFILE: Windmill Ponds, Alexandria Joyful, worry-free, and safe living at Windmill Ponds By Julie Parent Shirley Jacobs said we “Can’t get along without Chris” Mattson who has been the activities director for approximately 15 years. Photo by Julie Parent When you walk into Windmill Ponds, you won’t want to leave. The inviting atmosphere inside is warm and welcoming, and outside, the quiet neighborhood setting near Lake Connie is a peaceful place to relax and watch

Answers provided by Lance Bergstrom, M.D. of Bergstrom Eye and Laser Clinic in Fargo, N.D. What is Macular Degeneration and is there anything I can do for it? Macular degeneration is a condition that affects more than 20 million people globally and is a leading cause of blindness in the US. There are two forms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Dry AMD and Wet AMD. In cases of Wet AMD blood vessels grow in the wrong place and leak, making the macula wet and inflame

Answers by Crystal Marvan, Director of Nursing at Guardian In Home Health in Glencoe, Minn. Crystal Marvan, Director of Nursing at Guardian. Contributed photo As more seniors choose to remain in their own homes, home care has become an essential support for maintaining independence, safety, and quality of life. Still, many older adults and their families have questions about what home care includes and how it works in Minnesota. Below, a home care expert answers the most fre

Answers by Mitchell Gossman, MD, an ophthalmologist at Eye Associates of Central Minnesota, located in St. Cloud How do I know if I have dry eyes? Let’s start with some background info. The eyes are bathed by tears constantly, but with two systems for the body to deliver tears to your eyes. The most important system is the “accessory lacrimal glands.” There are several of them in the eyelids, and their purpose is to deliver tears continually, all day and all night. The surfac

It is important to have regular screenings for macular degeneration so detection can be caught early. Stock photo Answers by Dr. Mitchell Gossman, an ophthalmologist at Eye Associates of Central Minnesota, located in St. Cloud What are the types of macular degeneration, why are some treated with injections, and why are some not? There are many distinct types of macular degeneration, much like there are dozens of breeds of cats. However, there are two main categories. The firs

Answers by Brooke Steckelberg, Au.D., CCC-A Legendary comedian George Burns once said, “You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.” Brooke Steckelberg, Au.D., CCC-A Contributed photo Some days, of course, that’s easier said than done. I often see patients who are determined to stay healthy and independent, and one key—but often overlooked—factor in aging well is the inner ear, which plays a crucial role in both balance and overall health. As people age,

BUSINESS PROFILE: Breitenfeldt Group Over 150,000 Minnesotans on Medicare will lose their coverage By Jim Palmer After a few fairly stable and uneventful years, many members on Medicare can expect some significant changes to their plans as the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) approaches this fall. “Unfortunately, there are big changes on the way, for both health insurance and drug plans,” said Dennis Breitenfeldt, founder of Breitenfeldt Group. “In the Minnesota Medicare market

BUSINESS PROFILE: The Medicare Duo & Brekke Insurance Group Medicare Insurance Advisors help those eligible find the health plan that best fits their needs By Jim Palmer If you are 65 years or older, you are eligible for Medicare. Whether you are eligible for the first time or currently enrolled in Medicare, you should be aware of a couple important things. First, you should be aware that the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) will be Oct. 15-Dec. 7 this year. This is the time fr

BUSINESS PROFILE: Medicare Insurance Advisors Medicare Insurance Advisors help those eligible find the health plan that best fits their needs By Scott Thoma One of the more confusing and stressful times for seniors is when they approach Medicare eligibility, or those who are already enrolled and need to change their plan. Medicare options are continually changing from year to year. Fortunately, Paul and Patricia Hamilton of Medicare Insurance Advisors in Sartell have extensiv

Answers provided by Megan May, Breitenfeldt Group licensed agent What is the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), and why is it important? A: The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the time each year when Medicare beneficiaries can review and make changes to their coverage. It runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, and any updates made during this time go into effect on Jan. 1 of the following year. It’s especially important if your health needs, prescriptions, budget, or current plan selec

Answers by Casandra C. Wahl, Au.D., CCC-A at St. Cloud ENT Question: How has Artificial Intelligence (AI) improved hearing aids? ...