Coronavirus Pushes Hospitals to Share Information About Stocks of Protective Gear
Above photo: Tom Cooper, Nashville General Hospital’s supply chain director, inspects a box of N95 respirators. The hospital is among a small group of pilot sites now sharing data about the inventory of its protective equipment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Blake Farmer/WPLN) Masks, gloves and other equipment are crucial as healthcare […]
How to Avoid Coronavirus? Lessons from People Whose Lives Depend on It
Andrea Amelse knows hand-washing. For the past eight years, she’s been washing her hands pretty much every time she passes a sink. When she’s near a bottle of antibacterial gel, she uses it. She makes a point of avoiding people with contagious illnesses, even though it can be uncomfortable to ask to work from home […]
Beating Strong
Brain health relies on heart health On a Sunday evening in September 2019, George Hristov headed for bed when he suddenly felt a tremendous pain grip his chest. His doctor had warned him about his high blood pressure and high cholesterol, but Hristov had largely written it off. Now, though, he took the warning signs […]
Rising Myopia in Children
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) reports that 40% of kids in the U.S. today have myopia, a dramatic uptick over the 20% who had it just 30 years ago.
How Chicagoans Can Protect Themselves and Others from the Coronavirus
Tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce your risk of infection and keep others safe, at home, at work and at school.
Transforming Kidney Care
New initiatives encourage transplantation instead of costly dialysis Nancy Nora, MD, had long considered donating one of her kidneys. As a nephrologist with NorthShore University HealthSystem in Highland Park, she specializes in kidney disease and knows better than most about the need for organ donors. About 15% of U.S. adults have chronic kidney disease, often brought on by […]
Reducing the Risk
When tests reveal cancer probability, organ removal surgery can beat the odds Hedda Hart-DeLara sat in her gynecologist’s office, checking boxes on a family history questionnaire. In her mid-30s, she hadn’t thought much about cancer, but the questions drew out memories of her mother, who died of cancer at age 50, and an aunt who had […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: Is Surgery for Cervical Spinal Stenosis Best Option for Treatment?
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I was diagnosed with cervical spinal stenosis after several months of neck pain, along with weakness, numbness and tingling in one arm and hand that kept getting worse. My healthcare provider recommends surgery, including spinal decompression and fusion. Is there a less-invasive treatment I could try before surgery? ANSWER: Although it is […]
Stressed Out and Heartbroken
By week 15 of training for the 2019 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, I had run hundreds of miles, reshaped my body, reinvigorated my mind and bettered my snacking and hydration habits. I had reintroduced myself to a sport with which I had once been in love. And then I broke my leg. Sort of. […]
Can Gullible Beget Healable?
Don’t be a fool. Suggestibility, our capacity to believe the story we or someone else tells, is key to our health mastery, especially for conditions such as pain, depression, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome and Parkinson’s disease. Suggestion begets expectation, which begets reality. Just as suggestion in the form of story sells services, goods, even national […]
Reverse Engineering
Move over hip and knee replacements, shoulder replacements are gaining ground Two years ago, Oak Park resident David Tartakoff was walking his dog when he tripped, fell and injured his right shoulder. Tartakoff, who was 76 years old at the time, had standard surgery to repair the damaged tendons and muscles in his rotator cuff […]
Boxing for Fitness
A complete workout for strength, cardio and brain The images of boxing in popular culture — from icons like Muhammad Ali and George Foreman to classic movies like Raging Bull and Rocky — are strong, powerful and, often, brutal and bloody. But outside of the ring, fitness boxing is an increasingly popular form of exercise. […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: Makeup of Kidney Stones Offers Clues to What’s Causing Them
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Is diet always the cause of kidney stones, or are some people just more susceptible than others? ANSWER: Diet can play a significant role in the formation of kidney stones, but it’s not the only reason a person may develop these stones. A family or personal history of kidney stones raises your […]
Healthy Little Food Swaps that Taste so Good
We could probably all stand to eat a little more healthfully, but traditional nutrition swaps are kind of a bummer (no, rice cakes are not an acceptable substitute for rice pudding, thank you very much). And, really, the key to sustainably cleaning up your diet is adding in more healthy foods that you actually enjoy […]
The 6 Don’ts of Caring for Your Child’s Teeth
Did you know that tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood? And that 40% of children have tooth decay by kindergarten? This is a big deal, not only because of the pain and infection it can cause, but also because children with tooth decay are more likely to miss school and have […]
Headaches: What to Know, When to Worry
Everyone gets the occasional when-will-this-day-end headache. These headaches may even follow a certain pattern. (Mine usually strike like clockwork if I miss my morning cup of French press coffee.) But when is a headache cause for concern? “Most bouts of regular headaches are not serious and can be treated on their own,” says Elizabeth Loder, […]
The Science Behind Snacking
The traditional three square meals a day eating pattern has given way to lots of noshing. In fact, 50% of all eating occasions are snacks. And it’s not just millennials and young adults who are eating between meals. Even 43% of baby boomers say they can’t get through a day without a snack. All this […]
Ask the Harvard Experts: Should HDL Still Be Called the Good Cholesterol?
Q: For a long time, I thought a high “good” cholesterol level balanced out the negative health effects of a high “bad” cholesterol level. Is that no longer true? A: First, some definitions. Since cholesterol is a fat, it can’t travel alone in the bloodstream. To get around this problem, the body packages cholesterol and […]
The Coronavirus: What Chicagoans Need to Know
Update March 9, 2020: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that widespread transmission of the novel coronavirus in the U.S. will likely occur. “Current circumstances suggest it is likely that this virus will cause a pandemic,” the CDC says. While data so far suggests that most COVID-19 illness is mild, the CDC […]
Matcha: The Trending Green Tea
Matcha is a finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves. Like other types of green tea, it is derived from Camellia sinensis, a plant that is native to Asia but cultivated around the globe. Unlike traditional green tea, matcha tea plants are grown in the shade for about three weeks before […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: Correcting Hearing Loss Can Help Keep Older Adults Engaged in Life
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My father is 80. He recently started having trouble with his hearing, but he doesn’t think he needs to have it checked. He says that it’s just part of being old. But I’m worried about the impact not being able to hear is having on him. He struggles to take part in […]
Brain Food: Eat Smart, Stay Sharp
Brain food is very real, helping to shape your ability to remember simple things (well, allegedly simple things) like where you put your darn keys, as well as fighting serious memory-related disorders. Here are four food tips that may help boost your brain. Sip tea Whether green or black, this brew is rich in micronutrients […]
Bleeding After Menopause: Get It Checked Out
Bleeding after menopause can be disconcerting, but the good news is, more than 90% of the time it’s not caused by a serious condition, according to a study in JAMA Internal Medicine. That said, the study also reinforces the idea that postmenopausal bleeding should always be checked out by your doctor to rule out endometrial […]
Ask the Harvard Experts: Persistent Salty Taste May Be Related to Saliva Levels
Q: I have a persistent salty taste in my mouth. What is causing this, and what should I do? A: A salty taste in the mouth is most often related to a change in the amount of saliva your body is producing, the chemical composition of your saliva or both. Saliva contains substances that chemically […]
Cancer Researcher Becomes Cancer Patient
Scientist Gregory Karczmar, PhD, has dedicated much of his career to developing better and more affordable screening methods for early detection of breast and prostate cancer.
Still, he never imagined a screening test would lead to his own diagnosis of cancer. During a routine colonoscopy in November 2017, Karczmar’s gastroenterologist found colorectal cancer.
“Now as a cancer survivor, I have become a passionate advocate for cancer screening,” said Karczmar, 64. “I tell everyone: ‘get screened.’ Screening can find cancer earlier when it’s more treatable and cure rates are higher.”After getting his diagnosis, Karczmar turned to the cancer specialists at the University of Chicago Medicine. As a researcher for UChicago Medicine’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, he knew many of the doctors who would be treating him and about their team approach to care.
Can Eye Exam Reveal Alzheimer’s Risk?
Looking for clues about the health of your brain? You might want to pay a visit to your eye doctor. Research increasingly links common eye conditions — glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy — to risk for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. What’s interesting about the study results, says Albert Hofman, MD, PhD, […]
4 Ways to Improve Your Cholesterol
Every cell in your body contains cholesterol — it’s an important building block for tissues that make up your organs — but if your levels are out of whack, it can spell all kinds of health trouble. Too much LDL cholesterol gloms up the walls of your blood vessels and can lead to heart disease. […]
Boost Metabolism with These Safe Tips
So many fad diets, medications and supplements promise the dieter’s holy grail: boosting your metabolism so you can burn energy faster and lose weight quicker. But, unfortunately, it’s not that simple. There’s no way to miraculously boost metabolism. However, some food, fitness and daily activity modifications can help to an extent. “At present, there are […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: Full Recovery After Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Can Take up to a Year
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Three months ago, I had surgery on my left wrist to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Since then, I am in much more pain than before surgery, and two of my fingers are completely numb. I cannot even button a button, and tying my shoes is a chore. What would cause the pain […]
Does Weather Affect Arthritis Pain?
Medical myths die hard. Maybe that’s because there’s no agreement on whether a common belief is indeed a myth. For example, there’s the longstanding belief that weather affects arthritis pain. Many of my patients notice a clear connection; some are so convinced of the link, they believe they can predict the weather better than the […]
Ask the Harvard Experts: Scouting Out Whole Grains in Food
Q: What makes whole grain foods healthier than other carbs? And how can you tell which products are really whole grain? A: Whole grains reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. But they do even more. People who eat a diet rich in whole grain foods live longer compared to people […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: Signs, Symptoms of Adrenal Insufficiency Often Worsen Over Many Months
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: What is adrenal insufficiency? Is it the same as Addison’s disease? ANSWER: There are a few forms of adrenal insufficiency, which is an uncommon disorder caused by the adrenal glands not making enough of certain hormones. Primary adrenal insufficiency, also known as Addison’s disease, is one form. Your adrenal glands are located […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: Treatment for Patent Foramen Ovale Usually Isn’t Necessary
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: After a recent echocardiogram, I was told I have a patent foramen ovale. I’m 36, and I don’t have any other medical concerns. My cardiologist said I don’t need treatment for it, but I’m still worried. Does this heart defect put me at risk for health problems? When is treatment for a […]
Going Mediterranean to Prevent Heart Disease
There is a mountain of high-quality research supporting a Mediterranean-style diet as the best diet for our cardiovascular health. But what does this diet actually look like, why does it work and how can we adopt it into our real lives? What is a Mediterranean diet? The Mediterranean diet is not a fad. It is […]
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Is Debilitating but Often Dismissed
Think back to the worst flu you’ve ever had: the body aches, weakness and exhaustion to the point where even simple tasks like brushing your teeth hurt. Now imagine trying to constantly live your life — going to work, spending time with friends and family, participating in hobbies — with that feeling. For people with […]
Can a Common Food Additive Raise the Risk for Obesity and Diabetes?
Some researchers have been speculating for years that certain commonly used food additives may be contributing to the uptick in obesity and diabetes. Now, research from Harvard University shows that a commonly used food preservative, and one generally recognized as safe (GRAS), appears to contribute to both insulin resistance and high blood sugar. That has […]
6 Things You Can Do Right Now to Boost Your Health and Well-Being
In our culture, we expect results fast. And while it may not be possible to wake up tomorrow 10 pounds lighter or with an insatiable love of salads, there are small changes you can make that deliver immediate health payoffs — the kind that will encourage you to make another small change, and another and, […]
Bad Breath: What Causes It and What to Do About It
Almost everyone experiences bad breath once in a while. But for some people, bad breath is a daily problem, and they struggle to find a solution. Approximately 30% of the population complains of some sort of bad breath. Halitosis (Latin for “bad breath”) often occurs after a garlicky meal or in the morning after waking. […]
How Sweet (Potato) It Is!
A sweet potato by any other name is still a rich source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients, most notably, beta carotene. The folklore Sweet potato or yam? Chances are it’s a sweet potato. These tubers (Ipomoea batatas) are not related to the yam (Dioscoreae alata), a rough and starchy root vegetable. When the now familiar […]
Ask the Harvard Experts: Prevent Kidney Stones with Simple Dietary Changes
Q: I recently passed a kidney stone. I never want to go through that pain again! What’s the best diet to avoid another kidney stone? A: First and foremost, be sure you drink plenty of fluids every day and avoid dehydration. Kidney stones form when certain minerals concentrate in the urine and form hard crystals. […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: Congenital Heart Defect Can Affect Health of Mother and Baby
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My husband and I are hoping to start a family soon, but I have a congenital heart defect — a bicuspid aortic valve. I’m concerned how that will affect my pregnancy. What do I need to consider before getting pregnant? What are the risks? ANSWER: A congenital heart defect can affect your […]
Pear Nutrition: 5 Ways this Fruit Can Boost Your Health
If you only think about pears during the holidays when a bunch of them arrive in the mail in a holiday gift basket, you’re missing out. Pears have been enjoyed for centuries for all of their juicy deliciousness. Considering that more than 3,000 varieties are grown worldwide, there’s a pear for every palate — from soft […]
Ask the Harvard Experts: Do I Need an Antiviral Drug to Treat Flu?
Q: If I get flu-like symptoms, how do I know if it’s really influenza or something else? If it really is the flu, I would prefer to take an antiviral medication right away. A: Your question is very timely because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently evaluating whether to make the antiviral […]
The Pros and Cons of Recreational Marijuana in Illinois: A Health Perspective
With recreational marijuana legal in Illinois as of January 1, people have been lining up — in some instances, down the block — at state-licensed dispensaries, which have been selling out of product. The doors are now wide open to the health benefits of cannabis, although it’s no risk-free wonder drug. While taking marijuana recreationally […]
Surprisingly Healthful Wintertime Treats
It turns out that some seemingly decadent wintertime foods are, in fact, quite good for you. Here are a handful of treats that come with hidden health benefits. Do enjoy these goodies in moderation, of course. 1. Cocoa When the mercury dips, a cup of hot cocoa is one of life’s simple pleasures. And giving […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: Identifying Severity of Separated Shoulder Is Key to Effective Treatment
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: A few weeks ago, I was snowboarding and dislodged my collarbone. I was told I have anywhere from a grade 3 to grade 5 separation. I’ve had my arm in a sling for three weeks, as was recommended, but it’s still painful. Does this type of injury ever heal on its own, […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: Fainting Spell Should Be Evaluated by Healthcare Provider
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I had a fainting spell the other day, which had never happened to me before in my 64 years. I don’t feel unwell, but a friend I was with at the time insists I should see my doctor. Is that necessary? What would they be looking for? ANSWER: Yes, make an appointment […]
The Medicine Cabinet: What’s the Origin of the Five-Servings-per-Day Guideline?
Q: Where did the recommendation that we need five servings of fruits and vegetables come from? A: According to one source I found, the five-a-day slogan was conceived by a number of food companies and endorsed by the U.S. National Cancer Institute back in 1991. Over the next couple decades, public health agencies around the […]
Step Up Your Health by Walking
Spending too much time on your tush can lead to numerous health woes. But here’s an easy fix: After an hour of sitting, walk around for two minutes. It could reduce your risk of early death by 33%, according to a report in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. Here are three […]
Can Watching Sports Be Bad for your Health?
Sports fans rejoice! Football, basketball and hockey seasons are in full swing. And there’s even some early talk of spring training for the upcoming Major League Baseball season. While I hate to rain on anyone’s parade, the truth is that there can be health risks associated with watching sports. I’ve seen it firsthand while working […]