Taming the pain of sciatica
For most people, time heals and less is more Despite being a less common cause of low back pain, sciatica is still something I regularly see as a general internist. Primary care doctors can and should manage sciatica, because for most individuals the body can fix the problem. My job is to help manage the […]
Many top selling sunscreens don’t offer adequate protection
About 40 percent of the top selling sunscreens on Amazon.com don’t meet the American Academy of Dermatology’s guidelines for sunscreens. This was largely due to a lack of water or sweat resistance, according to a new Northwestern Medicine study. The study also found consumers spend up to 3,000 percent more for products that provide […]
The difference between food intolerance and food allergy
Q: I react badly to milk products and thought I had a milk allergy. But my doctor said it was a type of food intolerance, not a true food allergy. What’s the difference? A: When you’re intolerant to a particular food, it’s often because your body lacks an enzyme needed to break down a […]
Study discusses a link between artificial sweeteners and brain risks
A: Sometimes it seems like people trying to choose a healthy diet and watch their weight can’t catch a break. Past studies have linked the consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and obesity. So it’s easy to understand the appeal of diet soft drinks and other artificially sweetened beverages. If […]
Occasional skipped beats are common, rarely worrisome
Q: I have occasional skipped beats. It feels like my heart jumps when it happens. I exercise regularly and consider myself healthy. Does this mean I have a heart problem? A: Occasionally feeling your heart beat and having it skip is very common. It can be uncomfortable and cause worry that it may be […]
Chronic pain: The ‘invisible’ disability
Sometime back in 2010, a good friend of mine from college who had since become a pediatrician posted a complaint on Facebook about “made up” health conditions. “Fibromyalgia, I’m looking at you,” she wrote. At this time, pain was more of an occasional visitor in my body rather than the permanent tenant it has since […]
Foods to help relieve allergies
Achoo! Gesundheit! When you suffer from allergies, your body launches an immune response against an irritant — pollen, grass, mold — triggering itchy, watery eyes, congestion, a runny nose and general misery. Here are three foods to help keep the wheezing and sneezing under control, plus your allergy questions answered. Broccoli These little green trees […]
What is prediabetes and why does it matter?
Harvard Health Blog By Monique Tello, M.D., M.P.H. When I’m seeing a new patient, I am especially alert to certain pieces of their history. Do they have a strong family history of diabetes? Are they of Latino, Asian, Native-American or African-American ethnicity? Did they have diabetes in pregnancy? Are they overweight or obese? Do they […]
How sleep improves memory, performance
The Medicine Cabinet: Ask the Harvard Experts By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: I don’t think I get enough quality sleep. I keep reading about how you need sleep to improve learning and memory. Why does that make a difference? A: Scientists have long known that getting a good night’s sleep helps us learn and remember. […]
Abdominal hernias common, but not necessarily dangerous
Mayo Clinic Q&A DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Six months ago I was diagnosed with a groin hernia. At the time, my doctor said that eventually I’ll need surgery, but it doesn’t bother me, so I have not been back. Is surgery always necessary, or do some hernias go away on their own? Is it dangerous to […]
Your guide to heart-healthy cooking oils
If you always reach for the same bottle of oil in the kitchen, it may be time to switch things up. Try any of these healthy oils, which are packed with good-for-you nutrients and offer a range of subtle flavors that can liven up salads, sides and stir-fries. Sesame Sesame oil has a rich sesame […]
