Vitamin E on the brain
By Judith Thalheimer, R.D., L.D.N., Environmental Nutrition Newsletter Along with its potential brain-boosting power, natural vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that may decrease the risk of heart attack, help prevent cataracts and boost immune function. It even has been studied for preventing and treating cancer. Instead of taking supplements, focus on eating vitamin E […]
Strong link between depression and migraine headaches
By Howard LeWine, M.D. Ask the Harvard Experts Q: Is there a link between depression and headaches? A: Yes, they are connected. People with depression tend to have more frequent and more severe headaches compared to those without depression. And as headaches occur more often and become more intense, it’s likely that the person will […]
Nonsurgical treatments may decrease pain from spinal stenosis
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis about 12 years ago. I haven’t had many symptoms over the years, but about six months ago I started noticing increasing discomfort in my legs. Is surgery an option to treat spinal stenosis? If not, what else can I do? The leg pain is making it […]
How to support a caregiver
By Jane Bennett Clark, Kiplinger’s Retirement Report It’s an act of love, a lesson in crisis management, a stress on finances and often a years-long slog. Over a recent 12-month period, more than 43 million adults provided care for a vulnerable family member or friend, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving and the AARP […]
Life insurance needs change as you age
By Kimberly Lankford, Kiplinger Personal Finance Life insurance is an essential part of every family’s financial plan, but people often underestimate the amount of coverage they need and pay too much for what they get. What’s more, your needs change as you age. The policy you bought when your kids were born may not have […]
Is it a health problem, or is it just aging?
Harvard Health Letters As we age, we all notice changes in our bodies, from our reflexes to our libido. But some physical changes aren’t a normal part of the aging process. “It’s important to know about them so we can do all we can to keep ourselves as healthy and active as possible,” says geriatrician […]
Carbonated beverages not a health hazard, but don’t overdo caffeine
By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: Do all carbonated beverages rob the bones of calcium? How about club soda or sparkling mineral water? A: Warnings about the harmful effects of carbonated beverages on bone emerge from time to time. The theory is that the phosphoric acid (phosphate) used to enhance flavor in some carbonated beverages can […]
Yoga in pregnancy: Many poses are safer than once thought
By Marlynn Wei, M.D., J.D. Prenatal yoga is typically gentle, with certain poses modified or avoided depending on the stage of pregnancy. But a new study, published recently in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, provides encouraging results that many yoga poses can be safe even during late stages of pregnancy. Testing the safety of various […]
Reflux drugs generally safe when used as directed
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I regularly have heartburn and my doctor is recommending I try a proton pump inhibitor. Can you tell me more about this medication? Are there any risks to taking it? ANSWER: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most effective medications for the treatment of chronic acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD) […]
