Our Gadget Corner features two terrific items for those who need some extra assistance.  

CarCaddie: Provides assistance for seniors getting in and out of an automobile. Simply roll down your window and put the end of the CarCaddie strap around the top of the window frame. Then snap the buckle in place, adjust the handle height, and roll up the window. Made of durable, long lasting nylon. The rubber cushion grip provides a comfortable gripping surface. The buckle has an ergonomic design making it easy to open and close. Click here for more information. 

One Touch Can Opener: With just one touch, this can opener automatically opens your cans in seconds. It will work on any size can whether small, medium or large. Opener cuts from sides so it doesn't leave any sharp edges. Great for those with arthritis or carpal tunnel. Click here for product information. 

More than 80 percent of those polled by the Florida Department of Citrus in a new survey said they felt well-informed about ways to maintain heart health. Yet fewer than half choose heart healthy options when they eat out or shop for groceries, and only slightly more than a third (37 percent) stock their pantries with heart healthy foods, the survey revealed.

    Those who failed to make healthy choices cited time pressures and perceived expenses as the most common reasons why they felt challenged to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

    Since many of the risk factors for heart disease may be impacted by diet, supporting heart health may be as simple as learning which foods are heart healthy and how to incorporate them into regular meals.

    For example, the orange juice that starts many Americans' mornings provides nutrients such as potassium, which may help maintain healthy blood pressure and promote heart health.Orange juice can go beyond the breakfast table. One cup added to your favorite salad dressing, smoothie or marinade is an easy and delicious way to incorporate the beverage's nutrients into your meals.

    To learn more about the heart health benefits of orange juice, go to www.FloridaJuice.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

The relationship between a physician and a patient is an important one, especially if a complex diagnosis is involved. But sometimes there are barriers on both ends that can cause confusion and frustration.

    "The cornerstone of medicine is the relationship that patients have with their providers," comments Dr. Edward Creagan, a Mayo Clinic oncologist with over 30 years of experience, and a medical editor of MayoClinic.com.

Suggestions to improve communication:

1) Do some research online. "An informed patient is in a far better position to maximize the expertise of the medical professional," says Dr. Creagan. He advises:

· Avoid sponsored sites.

· Use only factual information.

· Consider the source of the information.

Dr. Creagan suggests MayoClinic.com as a great place to start your research because it is accurate, evidence-based, and the information is vetted by medical professionals at Mayo Clinic.   

2) Be prepared. After doing research, write down or print out any information you would like to discuss with your doctor and bring to your next appointment.  

3) Understand instructions. Ask your doctor if they can provide the instructions in writing and go over them with you before you leave. If not, then write down the information yourself.

4) Mutual respect. A good doctor will understand a patient's health issues and unique needs throughout their ongoing medical relationship and both parties will respect each other.

Courtesy ARA Content