A new take on yogurt
Yogurt has gone from a natural foods niche to a staple in the refrigerators of most Americans. A few years ago we were introduced to Greek yogurt, in which the watery whey is removed by straining, leaving a creamier, thicker yogurt with higher protein and lower sugar content. After that, Icelandic and Australian yogurts became […]
Gestational diabetes increases risk for postpartum depression
Researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the Karolinska Institute have found that gestational diabetes raises the risk of postpartum depression (PPD) in first-time mothers. This is the largest study of its kind to date, including more than 700,000 women. The results were published online in the journal Depression and Anxiety. […]
To exercise more, get your game on
Harvard Health Blog Does exercise sometimes feel like an annoying chore? Adding a little friendly competition and other “gamification” strategies just might help you exercise more, according to a recent study. The six-month-long study included 94 families who tracked their daily step counts with a wearable device or a smartphone. Just over half of the […]
Gray Hair: Age Isn’t the Only Reason it Starts to Happen
For many men and women, spotting a few strands of gray hair is a reminder that as you age, your body begins to change. Although the thought of aging and going gray may be daunting, an expert at Baylor College of Medicine says there are several factors that play a role in developing gray hair. […]
The Sunnier Side of Vitamin D
When was the last time you had your vitamin D level checked? Vitamin D is a powerhouse nutrient for health. Known as the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D is made when your skin is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. It can be challenging to get a daily dose if you work indoors or live […]
Serving Up Hope
Chicago’s food pantries nourish the whole person The first week Lakeview Pantry opened the doors to its new building in 2016, one of its regular clients walked in to receive food assistance. He looked around the space and slowly took everything in. He began to get teary-eyed, walked up to a staff member and said, […]
Early treatment for rheumatoid arthritis prevents joint damage
The Medicine Cabinet: Ask the Harvard Experts Q: I was just diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. The doctor wants to me start medication now. What is the harm in waiting to see if it gets better on its own? A: For someone newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, waiting to start treatment is usually not a good […]
Healing Power of Aromatherapy
Harnessing the power of Mother Nature, fragrant essential oils from plants are being used in medical settings to enhance a person’s physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Blends of essential oils, such as lavender and lemon, are diffused in Swedish Covenant Hospital’s inpatient rehab unit to improve the mood of patients, says Judi Gavlick, RN, a […]
Retrain Your Bladder
Don’t let urinary incontinence dampen your life If you’ve experienced some form of urinary incontinence — the accidental release of urine — you are not alone. It’s an issue that affects 25 million people in the U.S., according to the National Association for Continence. And if you’re a woman, it’s twice as likely to be […]
How Do Doctors Unwind?
Being a physician is demanding. With long days, grueling surgeries and complex patient care, physician stress and burnout are off the charts. We asked Chicago doctors about their favorite ways to find balance and relax. Here’s what they told us. “I started figure skating at the age of 9, did competitive singles skating through college […]
‘Observation’ Hospital Stay Can Cost You Big Money
When you’re in the hospital, a difference in billing classifications can cost you thousands of dollars. Medicare sometimes classifies a hospital stay as an observation stay or an outpatient visit, rather than an admittance — even if you’ve stayed for one night. That difference might sound technical, but the result is not: Patients can wind […]
CDC Reports Record Number of STIs
You might not hear much about syphilis, but the highly contagious disease is on the rise, along with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In 2016, more than 2 million cases of gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia were reported nationwide — the highest number ever — according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). LGBTQ […]
Tattoos and Piercings for Teens?
Check safety first Tattoos and piercings are now more common among young people, but with commonality can come malady. Just ask Cynthia Mears, DO, an adolescent medicine specialist at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn. “One of my patients went to a birthday party, and she came in with an infected tattoo,” Mears says. The […]
Monitoring Prescriptions to Catch Opioid Abuse
Illinois’ efforts to track drug prescriptions have come a long way from the paper and pencil reports of the early 2000s. The Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) is an online tool that lets prescribers view patient history to identify people who are at risk for opioid dependence. It’s designed to flag people who go medication shopping […]
Girls’ Concussion Symptoms Last Twice as Long as Those in Boys
New research finds that girls suffer sports-related concussion symptoms more than twice as long as boys. Adolescent girls with first-time concussions had symptoms for a median duration of 28 days versus 11 days for adolescent boys, according to a study in the October 2017 Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. The researchers believe the prolonged […]
Going Higher
Blood pressure problems among kids are rising High blood pressure is common in adults, and it’s also an increasing concern in children, in part due to rising obesity rates. An estimated 3.5 percent of kids and teens in the U.S. have chronic high blood pressure, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). High blood pressure, […]
Eating Disorders and Men
Fixations on food and body image aren’t just a woman’s problem Media and popular culture have defined unreal standards of beauty. For men, this often means six-pack abs and looking like Michelangelo’s David. But that ideal image can be destructive. For Elgin resident Robert Allanson and many other men with eating disorders, the fixation on […]
America’s Obesity Problem
Tackling our battle with weight America has a big problem — and it’s growing fast. Almost 40 percent of adults and 19 percent of youth are considered obese, and those extra pounds have huge health consequences. Being obese increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and stroke, among other preventable conditions. Obesity is at […]
End-of-Life Care
Talking about death can help you live better at the end Gerry Mathy learned she had late-stage pancreatic cancer in 2009. The 75-year-old Wisconsin woman had witnessed her late husband’s grueling lung cancer treatment and didn’t want the same for herself. No chemo, no radiation, no thank you. At the urging of her sons, she […]
A Nation in Crisis
Understanding the U.S. obesity epidemic In October 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released its updated statistics on obesity in the United States. The numbers were troubling and confirmed what many have been seeing and predicting for decades: obesity is skyrocketing. Like a train that has run off track, we seem to be […]
A Weighty Issue
Healthy behaviors can counter childhood obesity Ana Hernandez, 32, of Cicero, was worried about her son, Luis, who is now 9 years old. For years, his diet was heavy in junk food, he was gaining a lot of weight and he was always tired. Her pediatrician referred them to a pediatric weight management program. After just […]
A Stealth Disease
Type 2 diabetes can wreak havoc before you know it Allison Dickson hoped the feeling would pass. As an on-the-go mother of two juggling a regular job and a burgeoning career as an author, 38-year-old Dickson didn’t have time to be sick. Life was calling and, by her own admission, she sent her health to […]
Healthy Living for People with Disabilities
Adaptive approaches help address high obesity rates While obesity is one of the biggest health concerns in many communities, people with disabilities suffer from obesity more than their peers. Because of physical limitations, they can find it more difficult to eat healthy, control their weight and be physically active. This can start a vicious cycle, […]
8 Positive Skills for Stress Relief
How do we cope with stress from caregiving or health-related issues? Positive feelings can counterbalance stressful experiences, changing the emphasis from struggling to thriving. Some key skills that foster positive emotions can help caregivers and people with health problems get there. Social psychologist Judith Moskowitz, PhD, MPH, director of research at Northwestern Medicine’s Osher Center […]
A Quick and Effective Workout is Possible
Boost your metabolism with high-intensity interval training Above photo Terrence Terrell, personal trainer. Photo by James Foster Toby Fanning’s complacency peaked in June 2017. At that time, the 32-year-old was living in Chicago while his fiancée was abroad. He wasn’t eating all that well. He wasn’t disciplined about exercising. He needed a change. Fanning had always been in relatively good […]
Sugar Addiction
Limiting sweeteners (especially fructose) can reduce chronic disease Sugar fuels your body and brain. But when overconsumed, it can wreak havoc on your health. The average American consumes excessive amounts of added sugar — most of it from candy, baked goods and soft drinks, as well as salad dressings, condiments and sweetened dairy products. And the experts are saying […]
Building a Healthier Salad
Photo by Kyle Edwards Salads sound healthy. But get this: Some have more calories than a double cheeseburger from a fast food joint. With a little know-how, however, you can build a healthy yet delicious salad. Here are the basics. • Use a variety of lettuce, vegetables and fruits. The more variety, the better the nutrition, textures […]
Women in Medicine
Meet four leaders inspiring Chicago’s next generation of female physicians Medicine has greatly evolved since male students at Geneva Medical College in New York first voted to admit a female student as a joke. When she showed up for class, the men were stunned into a “death-like stillness.” But in 1849, that woman, Elizabeth Blackwell, became […]
Building Hope
Steady advances in pancreatic cancer treatment are improving outcomes When Harriet Wulfstat visited the Great Wall of China in 2006, she posed for a picture with her arms outstretched, making V for victory signs with her fingers in a playful nod to President Nixon’s historic trip decades earlier. She did not know it then, but soon […]
The Debate Over Acid-Reflux Drugs
Doctors explain the benefits and risks of proton pump inhibitors At one point, Dana Connell’s physician told her osteoporosis could be a side effect from taking a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to manage her stomach pain, but that was it, says the 56-year-old Oak Park resident and college professor. “I had terrible — at times, […]
Life-Saving Statins
Cholesterol-lowering meds can reduce risk of heart disease Open up a magazine and you’re likely to be bombarded with information, ads and articles about statins. These medications — Crestor, Lipitor, Zocor and others — have been called the latest wonder drugs. For years they’ve been used to reduce cholesterol, and studies have pointed to statins […]
The best diet for managing your diabetes
Many older Americans have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. In fact, even though many have not been diagnosed, one in four adults aged 65 or older have diabetes and nearly 50 percent have prediabetes. And what they eat matters. More than a blood sugar problem Though healthcare providers use blood sugar levels to diagnose diabetes, […]
5 things you should know about bone broth
You might feel like a caveman or cavewoman the first time you try bone broth, but it’s worth giving this nutrient- and mineral-packed broth a try. Here’s what you need to know. Bone broth isn’t exactly stock. What separates a broth from a stock? Mainly, the amount of time it’s simmered. The longer the liquid […]
Your natural ‘love hormone’ helps relieve stress
The Medicine Cabinet: Ask the Harvard Experts Q: Do humans really have a love hormone? A: Yes, we do. It’s called oxytocin. It’s one of the many hormones released into the blood stream from the pituitary gland, a small structure at the base of our brain. It got the name “love hormone” because of its […]
Jump-starting a health savings account with an IRA rollover
Q: How much money can I roll over from my IRA to a health savings account? Also, are contributions from a rollover tax-deductible? A: You can make one rollover from an IRA to a health savings account in your lifetime, which can be a good way to jump-start your HSA if you don’t have new […]
Understanding Shingles
What you need to know about this common neurological disorder Hanna McRostie noticed a rash on her back in September 2017. She was especially worried because she was having severe headaches that lasted day and night. When she also developed swollen lymph glands in her groin, she went to see her doctor. “When he saw my […]
Wide-Awake Surgery
How one technique is changing the game for hand operations When Joanne Falco lost feeling in her left hand in 2017, she knew she’d have to schedule carpal tunnel surgery yet again. A prolific crafter who uses her hands daily, Falco had been plagued by carpal tunnel syndrome for the past decade — and she […]
From Anorexia to Obesity: Can weight be a human rights issue?
Last September, my 24-year-old niece and I happened upon a provocative exhibit called Women’s Rights are Human Rights: International Posters on Gender-Based Inequality, Violence and Discrimination, presented by the National Public Housing Museum and ART WORKS Projects. The exhibit was powerful, and it dovetailed with the imminent departure of my niece to Harlingen, Texas, where […]
Prenatal Paternal Panic
I’m going to be a dad. It’s happening. The thing I’ve been planning for and dreading most of my adult life and certainly since I fell in love with and married Katie. (First comes love, then comes marriage and all that.) I know fatherhood will be an amazing experience, perhaps the best thing I’ll ever […]
Many with Lewy Body Dementia Also Have Alzheimer’s disease
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: What’s the difference between Lewy body dementia and Alzheimer’s? How is Lewy body dementia diagnosed? ANSWER: Doctors diagnose Lewy body dementia based on the range of symptoms a person shows. Generally, the diagnosis requires an ongoing decline in thinking skills, along with two of the following: visual hallucinations, Parkinsonism or fluctuating alertness. […]
Ride the Whole Grain Train
When it comes to your dietary choices, it’s a good idea to be a purist and ride the whole-grain train. In recent years, whole grains of all stripes have been gaining recognition for their nutritional clout and ability to serve as a springboard for a wide range of satisfying meals. What’s a whole grain? By […]
Natural ways to control urinary incontinence
The Medicine Cabinet: Ask the Harvard Experts Q: I often have a problem leaking urine when I cough or sneeze or get the urge to go. I would rather avoid medication. What else can I do? A: You have lots of company. An estimated 45 percent of women experience some form of urinary incontinence at […]
Living Well With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
In a woman’s ideal world, hormones are balanced, menstrual cycles are regular and fertility is not an issue. Unfortunately, that is not the case for the 1 out of 10 reproductive-age women in the United States who live with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). “PCOS is characterized by high levels of male sex hormones [androgens] and […]
Humble hummus is a good snack
Creamy, loaded with protein-rich beans and heart-healthy olive oil, what’s not to like about hummus? For those looking to swap out their chips and dip for something healthier, hummus is the perfect answer. It pairs well with raw veggies or whole grain bread for an ideal snack or sandwich accompaniment. Think hummus is too mild […]
What to consider before stopping antidepressants
The Medicine Cabinet: Ask the Harvard Experts Q: I have been taking an antidepressant daily for the past two years. Most recently I am on 100 mg per day of sertraline. What would happen if I just stopped it? A: The decision to go off antidepressants should be considered thoughtfully and made with the support […]
What you need to know about 4 gynecological cancers
A diagnosis of cancer in a woman’s reproductive organs can lead to fears about losing her femininity and her ability to bear children. But according to gynecologic oncologist Robert DeBernardo, M.D., gynecological cancers aren’t common, and most can be easily treated. “Gynecological cancers are rare in the grand scheme when compared to lung or colon […]
Simple ways to turn your health around
Think you can put off taking care of yourself? Think again. When it comes to our health, “It’s easier to protect well-being than it is to repair damage,” says Gary Small, M.D., director of the UCLA Longevity Center and author of “The Longevity Bible.” To make a U-turn now and head down the road to […]
Warm up to winter fruit
Most supermarkets are stocked with a wide selection of fruit year-round. However, just because it’s available doesn’t mean it’s at its peak. Use this guide to shop smarter and enjoy fresher produce by buying winter fruit that’s in season now. Pomegranate Season: September to February Pomegranates are rich in the same types of disease-fighting nutrients, […]
Researchers may have discovered a cause of multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that causes damage to the substance that covers nerve cells. This interrupts normal communication between nerves, leading to problems with movement, speech, and other functions. We don’t know what causes multiple sclerosis, but we think it is an autoimmune disease. What is an autoimmune disease? Autoimmune diseases develop when […]
Food and Fitness After 50: Never Too Late to Start
It seems that every week brings a new fad diet or a new missive telling you how to eat and how to exercise. Such information can be overwhelming, especially for those who have not been active for decades. But when implementing food and fitness strategies in your 50s, 60s and 70s, even small changes can […]