Bay Shore NY
6-16-2026 11:49am

Health is Wealth

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

We've all heard the saying, health is wealth. I understand that now. I'm about to retire, and I'm getting vertigo. I've had it before, but it seems to be more frequent. I have a neurologist and an ENT, and I've been checked out thoroughly by both of them. I see my GP on a regular basis and get blood work on a routine basis. I'm in good health. So why is vertigo becoming chronic?

I have read a lot about this condition which they say is a result of other lifestyle habit. Stress. Not enough sleep. Dehydration. Weather changes. It can also be inherited. I also read that if you have a history of motion sickness, as I do, then you can develop vertigo as you get older, especially over 60. That's why I write about this age. A lot can change as we age.

When I was much younger, we would take rides to Rockaway Beach from Long Island to visit my parent's parents. The smell from the gas fumes could make you sick. And they did. It took about an hour, give or take, to drive from Bay Shore where I grew up to Rockaway. I recall arriving at my Mom's parent's home on one particular visit. As soon as we pulled up, my grandmother's neighbor, Ida, which was also my grandma's name, would come running out with Alka Seltzer and glasses of water. We'd guzzle it down. Especially me. I would get car sick every time we drove there. I also couldn't go on rides as a kid. I'd puke afterwards.

It's no surprise that as an adult over 60, I'm having issues with vertigo. But lately, it's becoming more severe. A couple of weeks ago, I had an aura. I knew something was brewing. It was very hot last Thursday and Friday, and the A/C at work was not working. Thursday was unbearable, and by Friday, I felt sick. Suddenly, I everything began to spin. I got up from my desk and went to a nearby classroom where there was some air conditioning and slept for two hours. I was knocked out. It felt serious. I couldn't get a ride home, so I eventually felt brave enough to drive myself home. It was risky, but all I wanted to do was get in my bed. I slept through the night into most of Saturday. When I awoke, I was irritable. The aftermath. Something is changing.

So, what is vertigo, its causes, and its symptoms?  

Vertigo is not a condition itself, but a symptom characterized by a false sensation of spinning or moving. Most episodes stem from inner ear or brain issues. Symptoms often include nausea, balance loss, and ringing in the ears. Vertigo attacks can range from seconds to days and may trigger: 

  • The Spinning Sensation: A false feeling that you or your surroundings are moving, tilting, or whirling.
  • Nausea and Vomiting: Frequently caused by the intense sensory conflict.
  • Balance Issues: Unsteadiness on your feet or difficulty walking.
  • Ear Issues: Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), a feeling of fullness, or hearing loss in one ear.
  • Eye Movements: Involuntary or abnormal eye jerks, known as nystagmus.
  • Sweating: Often accompanying a severe vertigo attack. 

Primary Causes

Vertigo is broadly classified into two categories based on its origin: 

1. Peripheral Vertigo (Most Common)
This accounts for the majority of cases and is caused by problems in the inner ear or the vestibular nerve, which controls balance. Specific triggers include: 

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Triggered by specific head movements, it occurs when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged.
  • Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves connected to it, often caused by an infection.
  • Ménière's Disease: A chronic inner ear disorder that causes episodes of vertigo, ringing in the ears, and hearing loss.

2. Central Vertigo
This type is less common and results from an issue in the brain, typically the cerebellum or brainstem. Causes include: 

  • Neurological Conditions: Such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or brain tumors.
  • Migraines: Vestibular migraines can cause vertigo even without a severe headache.
  • Head Injuries: Trauma to the head or neck.

Other Causes

  • Certain prescription medications.
  • Severe vitamin deficiencies (like Iron, B₁₂, or D).
  • Sudden drops in blood pressure. 

When to Seek Medical Attention

While many cases are benign, you should seek immediate or professional medical help if your vertigo is sudden, severe, or accompanied by red flags like sudden numbness, difficulty speaking, double vision, or chest pain. My vertigo came on suddenly, but I did not have any of these red flag symptoms. 

I've been diagnosed with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). But I also think perhaps I'm deficient in something. Maybe vitamins. I am anemic, so maybe that's where I should start. If you are having symptoms of vertigo and want to discuss it with me, email me at christineskylark@aol.com. I'd be glad to help.

La salute è ricchezza. Heath is wealth.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, our health is central to our happiness. Make sure to get plenty of fresh air and exercise, get regular medical checkups, drink lots of water, and stay positive about life. We only get one. Let's make the most of it. Cin! Cin! Salute!

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK

My pick of the week is the Summer Solstice coming up this Sunday, June 21, at 4:24am. It's the longest day of light and the darkest night. It's a special event and marks the beginning of Summer. 

SKYLARK'S HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

The highlight of the week is the longer days of sunlight. I get to spend more time tending to my garden. Here are some Peony's I grew. What a wonderful time of year.

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S ITALIAN PHRASE OF THE WEEK

English: The Summer Solstice is a sacred time of reflection as the seasons change.

Italian: Il olstizio estivo è un momento sacro di riflessione quando i cicli stagionali cambiano.

SKYLARK'S INTERIOR DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK

Colored walls are the thing now. Don't be afraid to be daring with paint.

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What are you most looking forward to about summer?

Please put your answer in the Comment section under my post. I'd love to hear from you.

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK

Theme from A Summer Place

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MY BRAND - SKYLARK LIVE

I created my brand, Skylark Live, when I turned 60 years old and noticed a profound shift in this age. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in mature ageing through knowledge and self-awareness. I am open to conducting in-person conversations called The Skylark Sessions. These can be held in someone’s home or at a local library or senior center. To be continued.

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