A guide to aging? Not really, because it is going to happen anyway. A few signs of aging do present themselves. We notice a few more wrinkles compared to the photo from last year, and maybe even the year before. But what else do you notice? A number of us notice the ears are seemingly bigger. Yikes! Those darned ear hairs are growing like rope. Is this normal? Nose hairs are now more unruly than ever and certain parts of the body are prone to sagging. The good news is that these external changes are normal and fortunately none mean that we are unhealthy. All are part of the process of living longer.
Pain can be experienced as a result of old age, physical illness, extensive exercise, overwork, heavy lifting, strained muscles or broken bones. Pain triggers a region of the brain known as the lateral occipital complex, reducing a person’s ability to concentrate and accurately recognize images, i.e. our ability to think and perceive properly. Pain also interferes with our ability to cope with life emotionally, e.g. sadness, irritation and perhaps depression and hopelessness. Supermarkets and pharmacies have aisles and aisles of pills, powders and bandages to help with pain relief. Some common pain relief medication can cause mild side effects like drowsiness or nausea. Other pain relief medications are prescribed and can have even more serious side effects. Drugs like vicodin and percocet are prescription, heavy duty narcotic pain relief pills that are addictive and dangerous if not taken carefully. New studies suggest those drugs that block pain could also be stimulating receptors that cause pain as well. |