All of the recent articles about our aging population, not only here in Minnesota but across the country, bring to mind the joys that come with aging. Today the A's of getting old:

1) Aging

2) Aches

3) Alzheimers

4) Amnesia

5) Arthritis

6) Abdominal swelling

7) Alopecia (hair loss)

8) Altered mental status (confusion)

9) Alcohol abuse

10) Abscess (collection of pus)

11) Amenorrhea (no menstruation)

12) Anemia (low red blood count)

13) Ankle pain

14) Anxiety (nervousness)

15) Aphasia (trouble speaking)

16) Arm cut (laceration)

17) Arm itching

18) Arm numbness (paresthesias)

19) Arm pain

20) Arm redness

21) Arm swelling

22) Armpit pain

23) Auxiliary pain

24) Ataxia (in coordination)

25) Asexual behavior

Tomorrow, the B's ...


DAVE RAND, MINNEAPOLIS