The Fitness Column: Fitness Fads Aren’t for the Real You
We’ve become obsessed with fitness fads. Trends like Crossfit, Orangetheory, Shred415, P90X and hot yoga are great methods for being fit and active, but they’re not always effective for achieving whole body health. To get your body looking and feeling like you want it to, you must commit to working hard and providing your body […]
Research shows clear benefits to colon cancer screening no later than age 50
Mayo Clinic Q&A DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Is a colonoscopy still recommended for everyone when they turn 50? Are there other options? I am 54 and have no health issues and no family history of colon cancer, so have not yet been screened. ANSWER: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that everyone between the ages […]
Guide to Medicare open enrollment for 2017
Get ready to be bombarded with mailings and TV ads for Medicare plans. Open enrollment for Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans runs from until December 7, so this is your opportunity to reassess your coverage for 2017. Even if you’re happy with your plan, you may be taking a new drug or your […]
Health Mastery: To Your Own Self Be Aware
“You are here at a Conscious Parenting Summit,” award-winning author and international speaker Shefali Tsabary, PhD, told a gathering at Chicago’s Bodhi Center in October. “If you don’t want to be conscious of how you parent, you aren’t in the right place.” To be or not to be: conscious. Am I more concerned about my […]
The Kid’s Doctor: Middle ear issues can be remedied without surgery
I read an intriguing study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal about children who have persistent middle ear fluid (otitis media with effusion). The problem is fairly common and is often a reason that children will undergo a day surgical procedure to insert tympanostomy tubes (ear tubes). In fact, my 11-month-old granddaughter just had tubes […]
Menstrual irregularities not uncommon in decade prior to menopause
Mayo Clinic Q&A DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I am 41 and have had regular periods (every 28 days) my entire life, until recently, when I didn’t have a period for more than two months. It was then extremely heavy and lasted much longer than is typical for me. Should I be concerned? Do I need to […]
Are you too young to have a stroke?
If you’re a young or middle-aged adult, you may think strokes only happen to senior citizens. But experts say you’re never too young for a stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked or bursts. “Although stroke incidence is lower for younger people, strokes can happen at any age,” says stroke […]
Choosing an OTC pain reliever for osteoarthritis
The Medicine Cabinet: Ask the Harvard Experts Q: I have osteoarthritis in both knees. What’s the best over-the-counter pain reliever? A: Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability and reduced quality of life around the globe. Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint. But it strikes the knees, hips, spine and hands most often. The chance […]
7 strategies to deal with weight-loss plateaus
You’re losing weight at a nice, steady pace, and then, all of a sudden, the scale doesn’t budge, even though you’re following your eating and exercise program. Time to panic? Not at all. You’ve probably just reached a plateau, part of nearly everyone’s weight-loss odyssey. Generally, you’re able to shed pounds more easily at first […]
Six tips for a healthier Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is all about abundance — or, often, overabundance. Your Uncle Tom wants to bring his favorite butter-laden mashed potatoes, your sister has convinced you to make a creamy green bean casserole, and your mother-in-law insists there be both pumpkin and apple pie (with ice cream on the side, of course). With all the rich […]
Annuities that pay off for the sick
The vast majority of seniors don’t have long-term-care insurance. For all but the wealthiest, deteriorating health or an imminent need for care can raise real concerns about running out of money. One solution: a medically underwritten single-premium immediate annuity. Like traditional immediate annuities, these contracts offer a lifetime of monthly payments in exchange for a […]
How to get insurance if you can’t work
As you approach your final 10 or so years of work, did you ever think how you’d pay the bills if you became seriously ill for an extended period? Whether you are self-employed or work for a company, perhaps you should consider a long-term disability insurance policy. Such a policy protected Steve Silverman’s income when […]
How to Save in Both an HSA and an FSA
Q: I signed up for a high-deductible insurance policy at my new job, but my employer offers a flexible spending account rather than a health savings account. I had an HSA with my previous employer. Can I keep my HSA if I want to contribute on my own and also contribute to the FSA? A: […]
How to take supplements safely
Environmental Nutrition Newsletter More than half of Americans use dietary supplements, including multivitamins and botanical supplements, in tablet, capsule, liquid and powder form, says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While dietary supplements–products intended to add further nutritional value to the diet–may seem like a “natural” solution to health protection, as well as […]
How to pick healthy condiments at a barbecue
When you’ve been handed a burger at a backyard barbecue, chances are you make a beeline for the condiment table. But how well do you know the nutrition status of your favorite burger and hot dog toppings? While they may seem harmless, the usual suspects — mustard, ketchup, mayo and relish — can actually be […]
Deciding when to get that first mammogram
whatdoctorsknow.com The American Cancer Society’s breast cancer screening guidelines could cause many women to wonder when they should have their first mammogram. The society recommends that all women begin having yearly mammograms at age 45, and switch to having mammograms every other year starting at age 55. The guidelines were published last October in the […]
Staying active during your period
Harvard Health Blog This past August, her exuberance, emotion and enthusiasm had already made Fu Yuanhui the most famous Chinese athlete at the Olympics. After winning a bronze medal in the women’s 100-meter backstroke with a personal best, she nearly exploded with excitement: “I was so fast! I’m really pleased! I’ve already … expended my […]
Stress raising your blood pressure? Take a deep breath
Harvard Health Blog Stress is rampant, and high blood pressure (what doctors call hypertension) is on the rise. So it’s no wonder patients often ask if stress is causing their hypertension. We have no proof that stress alone can cause persistently elevated blood pressure. (Part of the reason is that high-quality studies quantifying stress are […]
What’s New in Colon Cancer Testing?
No one looks forward to a colonoscopy, or the bowel prep that goes with it. But colon screening — testing to look for cancer before symptoms start — helps saves lives. Screening can find colon cancer early when it’s small and easier to treat, or even prevent it altogether. Colonoscopy, however, is just one of […]
Restrictive diet usually not necessary to control symptoms of GERD
Mayo Clinic Q&A DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I’m 62 years old and am having difficulty keeping healthy weight on due to GERD and reflux. I am really confused about what foods and beverages I should avoid, and what foods will not make my reflux act up. What do you recommend mature adults who have this condition […]
Anti-depressants can help break itch-scratch-itch cycle
The Medicine Cabinet-Ask the Harvard Experts Q: I’ve been suffering from a skin rash for many years. Patches of my skin constantly itch. And the skin has become thick and leathery. I’ve tried everything, but nothing helps. Recently, I saw a new doctor and he diagnosed this problem as neurodermatitis. He suggested an anti-depressant. How […]
Diagnostic approaches to female infertility
The Medicine Cabinet: Ask the Harvard Experts Q: What kind of tests will help me find out why I am having trouble getting pregnant? A: Infertility affects about 15% of couples attempting pregnancy. The cause is found in the male about 20% of the time and in the female about 40% of the time. Factors […]
Ten ways to raise a healthy eater
Harvard Health Blog As a pediatrician, I talk about healthy eating a lot — and I talk to a lot of families whose children do not have the best eating habits. It’s not that the parents are bad parents. Many, many good parents have children who like potato chips more than Brussels sprouts — and […]
Shed Extra Pounds for Healthier Joints
The Medicine Cabinet: Ask the Harvard Experts Q: I am starting to have knee pain when I climb stairs. I read that being overweight increases the risk of developing arthritis. What’s the reason? A: Carrying excess body weight definitely affects your chance of getting osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the deterioration […]
Medication Non-Adherence: Simple Steps Help You Stay on Track
The Medicine Cabinet: Ask the Harvard Experts Q: I had a mild heart attack a few months ago. Right after, I was very faithful with my medications. But more recently I find myself missing doses and making excuses for not taking my pills. Thoughts? Suggestions? A: You have a lot of company. They haven’t been […]
Three ways to protect your vision
Everywhere we look, we’re reading, shopping, banking or being entertained online with digital devices small and large — at work, at school, at play, and on our way in-between. In fact, according to the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) 2014 American Eye-Q survey, 55 percent of adults use computers, smartphones, tablets or other hand-held devices for […]
Kidney stones are on the rise
In the past, medical textbooks described the typical person unlucky enough to develop a kidney stone as a white, middle-aged, obese man who eats an unhealthy diet and doesn’t drink enough fluids. Those books may need an update. A new study has found not only that the incidence of kidney stones is going up, but […]
Wearable fitness tracker can build your motivation to exercise
You see them clamped to the wrists of people everywhere: restaurant servers, office colleagues, fellow gym rats, the teenager next door. Fitness trackers seem to have become de rigeur among the fitness conscious. They’re becoming so popular that companies are even producing ones that look more like fashion jewelry than fitness monitors. As with many […]
Trick yourself into liking exercise
You know that exercise usually makes you feel better, but sometimes life — or excuses — can get in the way. You can spend 20 minutes debating about whether it might rain, or focusing on all of the reasons why right now is not a good time to walk — or you could just lace […]
Decline in dementia rate offers ‘cautious hope’
Harvard Health Blog According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2015 Facts and Figures sheet: “The number of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias will grow each year as the size and proportion of the U.S. population age 65 and older continue to increase. The number will escalate rapidly in coming years as the baby boom […]
The Truth About Tequila and Your Bones
Harvard Health Blog “Tequila could reverse osteoporosis!” “Drinking tequila is good for your bones!” “Have a third margarita — because tequila’s great for your bones!” Talk about misleading headlines! These are prime examples. It’s true that a newly published study found that a substance in tequila (called agave tequilana, or tequila agave) might help maintain […]
Neuroscience can help you live a healthier life
Harvard Health Letter Healthy behaviors clearly make sense from a rational standpoint, but they can be a drag — and difficult to maintain. For example, there are few people who doubt the beneficial effects of exercise, yet one study found that close to 75 percent of people either do not exercise at all or seldom […]
Researchers discover how immune cells resist radiation treatment
whatdoctorsknow.com Researchers at The Tisch Cancer Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have discovered a key mechanism by which radiation treatment (radiotherapy) fails to completely destroy tumors. And, in the journal Nature Immunology, they offer a novel solution to promote successful radiotherapy for the millions of cancer patients who are treated […]
The scoop on protein powders
Stroll through the grocery store and you’ll see a flurry of food products proudly touting their protein content, whether it’s naturally occurring or added to foods like cereals and breads. It makes sense; protein is a powerhouse nutrient. So while it’s better to get protein from real food, it’s not surprising that food companies are […]
Four new rules for staying hydrated
During the heat of summer, staying hydrated is even more important, especially if you’re exercising outdoors. While plain water should still be your everyday go-to, try a few of these strategies as well. Chill before you sweat. If you’re looking to set a new record in that 10K or sprint triathlon, slurp an ice slurry, […]
Eat wisely to protect your kidneys
Environmental Nutrition Newsletter Your kidneys work hard every day to filter out wastes from your bloodstream. Unfortunately, an estimated 20 million Americans have impaired kidney function, and many don’t even know it. Most people won’t progress to complete kidney failure, but kidneys that don’t work well raise the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, […]
Varicose veins common during pregnancy
The Medicine Cabinet: Ask the Harvard Experts Q: Are there any risks for women with varicose veins during pregnancy? A: Varicose veins — veins swollen with blood that appear beneath the skin as swollen purple vessels — are more common during pregnancy. That’s because blood volume increases during pregnancy and the growing uterus places extra […]
The high cost of a healthy life
In retirement, good health is a very costly condition. That’s the conclusion of a new study comparing total health care costs for retirees with various health conditions. While healthy retirees have much lower monthly medical expenses than those with serious conditions such as diabetes or cancer, their longer life expectancies mean that they actually need […]
Medicare rules for home health care
Medicare home health coverage can be a crucial benefit for seniors who have just been discharged from the hospital or who struggle with a chronic condition and have difficulty leaving home. But taking advantage of this benefit can be a real challenge. Medicare covers in-home services, including skilled nursing and physical therapy. For eligible patients, […]
A splash of vinegar offers surprising health benefits
EatingWell.com Vinegar’s not a magic elixir — but it may be able to help your waistline, cholesterol and more! Research suggests that a splash of vinegar may give your weight-loss efforts a small boost, as people who added raspberry vinegar or apple-cider vinegar to their diets daily for at least four weeks slimmed down more […]
Get a leg up on varicose veins
Varicose veins–those dark blue or purple leg veins that bulge just beneath the skin’s surface–leave many sufferers feeling self-conscious. But beyond the cosmetic considerations, pooling of excess blood in the lower extremities can cause painful leg swelling and skin ulcers. Varicose veins, which affect about 25 percent of adults, are generally not life-threatening, but the […]
5 smart ways to cut health care costs in retirement
Q: I’m about to sign up for Medicare, and I know there are gaps in the coverage. How much should I expect to spend for medical expenses after I retire? How can I reduce those costs? A: Even though Medicare will take care of a big portion of your medical expenses after you retire, you’ll […]
Environmental Nutrition: Calcium controversy
Americans are encouraged to get more calcium to build and maintain strong healthy bones. But recent headlines suggest that too much calcium could actually be bad for your health and may not, after all, do much to protect your bones. So, what should you do? Until new research provides clear answers, ditch those supplements in […]
Asbestos exposure most significant risk factor for mesothelioma
Mayo Clinic Q&A DEAR MAYO CLINIC: What causes mesothelioma, and how is it different from lung cancer? Are there any treatments or ways to slow its progression? ANSWER: Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, with about 3,000 new cases reported each year in the United States. It is much less common than lung cancer. […]
The Kid’s Doctor: Preschool nutrition can be challenging
Does your child eat three meals a day with healthy snacks along the way? I often find myself talking to parents about establishing healthy eating habits, especially when they have a preschooler. Preschool children, specifically the 2- to 5-year-old set are notoriously picky eaters, and parents need to recognize that this is developmentally appropriate, although […]
Early bone density test may be useful for some women
Mayo Clinic Q&A DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I am 49 and in good health but am concerned about osteoporosis since I went through menopause at an early age (44). Are weight-bearing exercises sufficient to prevent osteoporosis, or should I also take calcium supplements? Should I have a bone density test earlier than the typical recommended age […]
Boost-your-mood foods combat winter blues
Whether wintertime for you means blizzards or drizzle, one thing is certain: short, dark days can take a toll on your mood. But the solution isn’t to hibernate. To turn your mood around, you need to amp up your healthy habits. Exercise, especially outdoors, can help, as can some foods. Get D from fish and […]
Dietary supplements can be hard to swallow
A study in The New England Journal of Medicine casts light on a little-known hazard associated with America’s multibillion-dollar dietary supplement habit: difficulty swallowing among older people who take vitamin and mineral supplements — particularly calcium supplements. Using a decade of records from 63 hospitals, researchers with the CDC and FDA estimated that 23,000 Americans […]
A healthy diet is key to getting the iron you need
Harvard Health Blog A recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) focuses on what happens to iron stores in the body after donating blood. As many as one-third of regular blood donors have too little iron in their bloodstreams. According to the article, it can take up to six months to […]
Is watermelon healthy? Plus more summer myths explained
Some persistent food and health myths just don’t seem to go away. To really be healthy this summer, stick to common sense and don’t get duped by these five summer food myths. Myth No. 1: Garlic is a natural mosquito repellent. The truth: Garlic wards off vampires, but it won’t keep mosquitoes at bay. Researchers […]
