Doctors’ Healthy Snack Hacks
Packaged convenience foods give snacking a bad rap, but a nutritious snack can help you better manage your food intake during the day so you’re not overly hungry at dinner. “Beware of ‘healthy’ snacks such as baked chips, pretzels, trail mix and granola bars,” says Amish Doshi, MD, an internal medicine physician with Edward Medical […]
Finding Support When Perinatal Depression Strikes
I was a reluctant mom; the carrier of an unplanned pregnancy that, for the most part, I took head down. Even before I had the baby, I was familiar with the possibility of facing some form of postpartum symptoms from the sheet handed out to me at the doctor’s office: lack of interest in your […]
Why (and How) to Cut Saturated Fats From Your Diet
The 411 on limiting saturated fats. Chances are, nothing good comes to mind when you hear those words. That’s because research has proven again and again that diets high in saturated fats increase LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in blood, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association began recommending in 1961 that we […]
How Couples Can Share Long Term Care Benefits
Q: How does a shared-benefit rider for long term care insurance work? Does it cost more than regular coverage? A: One of the big unknowns with long-term-care insurance is predicting how long you’ll need benefits. Although the average need for care is about three years, you might die before needing any care or you could […]
Juice for Babies? Experts Say It’s Not a Good Idea
The Medicine Cabinet: Ask the Harvard Experts Q: I just heard that children younger than 12 months of age should not get juice. I always thought natural juice was healthy. Why the change? A: Like you, many people think of juice as a healthy drink, something that should be part of a child’s diet. But […]
Study Shows Marketing Health Food to Kids Works
The Kid’s Doctor The marketing of foods to children continues to be a hot topic. As any parent knows, by the time children are 3, 4 or 5 years old they can often point to the box of sugary cereal with their favorite cartoon character on it or identify a sign (McDonalds, Chick-Fil-A, Pizza Hut) […]
Why Persistent Anxiety Leads to Other Health Problems
The Medicine Cabinet: Ask the Harvard Experts Q: My wife says that I worry too much and it’s bad for my health. Does worrying really cause health problems? A: Feeling anxious now and then is perfectly normal. In fact, worrying can spur you to take positive actions in your life, including some that might actually […]
Can DNA Markers Called Telemores Predict Aging?
Harvard Health Blog It’s a bit like clockwork: Soon after an important scientific finding about health, a slew of self-help products arrive to support it. Added sugars are unhealthy? Try this diet. A sedentary lifestyle leads to disease? Do this workout. So it’s not surprising that increasing knowledge about DNA markers for longevity called telomeres […]
Why Consumers Should Skip Receipt Slips
Nearly every day we encounter thermal paper receipts — those lightly coated slips from the grocery store, clothing store, gas station and the like. Now, a recent analysis by non-profit Green America highlights the toxicity of those receipts through its Skip the Slip initiative. Because as it turns out, an estimated 93 percent of these […]
Environmental Nutrition: Here’s to Tomatoes!
Brilliant red tomatoes tug heavily at their vines, ripe and plump with the flavor and fragrance of summer. Tomatoes were first cultivated in Mexico by the Aztecs, who named ittomatl, which means “the swelling fruit.” The delicious tomato that’s so cherished today was shunned when it arrived in medieval Europe, where it was thought to […]
4 Things You Must Know Before Buying Eyeglasses Online
If you wear prescription glasses, you know the drill: You go in for an eye exam at an eyewear retail chain, such as America’s Best or MyEyeDr., and the optometrist on duty breaks the news that you need a new prescription. Move from the exam room to the storefront, and you’ll get a rundown of […]
Bariatric Surgery Prolongs Lifespan for Obese Patients
Obese middle-age men and women who had bariatric surgery have half the death rate of those who had traditional medical treatment over a 10-year period, reports a study that answers questions about the long-term risk of the surgery. The study, published in JAMA, was led by Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago and […]
Are You Taking Too Much Anti-Inflammatory Medication?
Harvard Health Blog You might call them pain relievers. You might take them for back pain, headache, or arthritis. Your doctor calls them “NSAIDs,” which stands for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Whatever you call them and for whatever reason you take them, NSAIDs are among the most popular medications worldwide. In fact, estimates suggest that about […]
Food Synergy Boosts Nutrition
Pancakes and maple syrup, spaghetti and meatballs, chocolate and strawberries — these are the “Thelma and Louises” of the food world — items that just belong together. Beyond flavor, when certain foods are eaten together, their nutritional firepower is amplified. It’s called food synergy: a concept where the benefits of two or more foods eaten […]
Why We Shouldn’t Demonize Formula Feeding
Harvard Health Blog Breast is best. We pediatricians say this all the time, because it’s true. Breast milk was uniquely designed for human babies, and many studies have shown its health benefits. In our quest to increase breastfeeding rates, which are not as high as we want them to be here in the U.S., we […]
Busting the Myth About Knuckle Cracking
The Medicine Cabinet: Ask the Harvard Experts Q: People keep telling me to stop cracking my knuckles. Does it cause arthritis? A: Knuckle cracking is a common behavior enjoyed by many. It can become a habit or a way to deal with nervous energy; some describe it as a way to “release tension.” For some, […]
The Power of Protein at Breakfast
Environmental Nutrition Newsletter Toast, bagels, oatmeal, and cold cereal. That’s the high-carb stuff of the typical American breakfast. Yet the latest research shows that including more protein at your morning meal might provide many health benefits, including weight loss and preserving muscle tissue. More protein, better breakfast Higher-protein breakfasts have been studied in teenagers and […]
Atypical Brain Development Observed in Preschoolers with ADHD Symptoms
According to researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health, children as young as 4 years old with symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may have significant differences in brain structure, compared to children without such symptoms. Their study is the first comprehensive examination of brain structure changes in preschoolers with signs of ADHD, […]
Cystic Fibrosis Often Identified Before Symptoms Start
Mayo Clinic Q&A DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Recently, my niece was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at 16. No one else in our family has been diagnosed with it, and, until recently, she didn’t have any symptoms. Now I’m worried about my kids, ages 4 and 6. Their newborn screenings for cystic fibrosis were negative, but should […]
Apple Cider Vinegar… for Heartburn?
Harvard Health Blog I’ve always thought it sounded counterintuitive to use an acid to alleviate indigestion, but the number of times I’ve heard people treat their symptoms of heartburn with apple cider vinegar is too large to count. So, I decided to look into whether this strategy works, and to do some investigation about the […]
How to Make Grilled Salads
If you’re looking for something lighter, healthier and tastier than typical grilled fare, then think about cooking up a salad on the grill. You heard us right: We’re talking about grilled salads. Not only can you cook the obvious chicken breast or steak for your salad, but the grill also does wonders with veggies, fruits […]
5 Things We Learned About Chicago’s Health From the City Health Dashboard
How do you evaluate the health of a city? While you can certainly look at things like hospital admissions and mortality rates, it’s hard to get a clear picture of a city’s overall wellness. But with the recently released City Health Dashboard, it’s easier than ever to see how Chicago stacks up. The City Health […]
Is Coffee Bad for You?
The once maligned beverage has emerged in recent years as a sort of health food, or rather drink. The public is taking notice as coffee consumption is on the rise. According to the National Coffee Association in 2017, 62 percent of Americans reported daily consumption, compared to 57 percent in 2016. Coffee health buzz This […]
5 Things That Can Help you Take a Pass on Kidney Stones
Harvard Health Blog If you’ve ever passed a kidney stone, you probably would not wish it on your worst enemy, and you’ll do anything to avoid it again. “Kidney stones are more common in men than in women, and in about half of people who have had one, kidney stones strike again within 10 to […]
Does Your Child Need a Tonsillectomy?
Harvard Health Blog Tonsillectomies are one of the most common surgeries performed on children — but the decision to do one should not be taken lightly. In 1965, there were about a million tonsillectomies (with or without adenoidectomy, a surgery often done at the same time) performed on children younger than 15 years old. By […]
How to Buy Medicines Safely from an Online Pharmacy
Protect yourself and your family by using caution when buying medicine online. There are many pharmacy websites that operate legally and offer convenience, privacy, and safeguards for purchasing medicines. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that there are many rogue online pharmacies that claim to sell prescription medicines at deeply discounted prices, often […]
Warts Can Spread to Other People if Left Untreated
Mayo Clinic Q&A DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Can an untreated wart on my hand spread to another person? Is treatment for it necessary if it’s small and doesn’t bother me? ANSWER: If left untreated, it is possible for warts to spread and for the virus that causes warts to be passed to another person. Fortunately, most […]
Is the statin drug causing my muscle pain?
The Medicine Cabinet: Ask the Harvard Experts Q: I take simvastatin to lower my cholesterol. I have been on the same dose for more than two years. Recently I am experiencing more muscle aches and pains. Is it the simvastatin? A: Indeed, statins do cause muscle related problems in about 15% of people who take […]
The Perfect Lunch Bowl: The One Formula You Need
Sitting down to a healthy lunch gives you a chance to refocus and refuel during a busy day. If you think you don’t have the time to pack your own, rethink with this strategy! All you need is 30 to 60 minutes on the weekend to prep healthy lunches for the week. Use this simple […]
Choosing the right mental health provider
When faced with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety or other symptoms of the mind and brain, it can be difficult to know where to find the best care. In part, the challenge of finding the right mental health provider for you stems from the highly variable manner in which mental health concerns can […]
Technology Can Put Your Neck on the Line
Collectively, Americans check their smartphones over 8 billion times per day. And young adults age 18 to 24 send or receive an average of 109.5 text messages on a typical day. While this constant use of electronic devices may be great for keeping in touch and staying informed, it’s not great for the human body. […]
When Gambling Might be a Problem
For most gamblers, betting on the outcome of a sporting event, lottery drawing, casino table game, or any event with an outcome determined by chance represents an entertaining recreational activity. However, for some, gambling can become an addiction. Excessive gambling recognized as an addiction Gambling disorder is now a part of the American Psychiatric Association’s […]
The Power of Pets
Nothing compares to the joy of coming home to a loyal companion. The unconditional love of a pet can do more than keep you company. Pets may also decrease stress, improve heart health, and even help children with their emotional and social skills. An estimated 68 percent of U.S. households have a pet. But who […]
Spinning: Good for the heart and muscles, gentle on joints
Harvard Health Blog As part of my 2018 fitness goals, I resolved to spend two days a week in what I playfully call “the pain cave.” No, it’s not a setting for “Game of Thrones,” but one of the most challenging (and rewarding) workouts I have ever tried: spinning, also known as indoor cycling. Spinning […]
Beyond the Buzzword: Why Self-Care Is Important
Self-care. It’s the buzzworthy phrase of the year that’s more than just a trend. This year, 72 percent of millennial women surveyed said self-care and mental health were their priorities, trumping the more traditional physical and financial goals, according to the wellness tech company Shine. “Self-care is not a new concept, but it’s gaining traction […]
Palliative Care is for Anyone with a Serious Illness, No Matter the Long-Term Outlook
Mayo Clinic Q&A DEAR MAYO CLINIC: What’s the difference between palliative care and hospice care? ANSWER: People often confuse palliative care and hospice care, thinking they are the same thing. But they’re not. Palliative care focuses on improving quality of life for anyone who has a serious illness. Hospice care is a form of palliative […]
How to Welcome Back a Colleague in Recovery
It can be awkward or difficult to welcome back a colleague who has been absent for reasons related to mental health. These issues, historically, have been taboo, and are loaded with stigma. It is hard to know how to act toward a colleague in recovery who has returned from treatment for a mental health issue. […]
How Your Food Choices Affect Your Health
When you’re constantly plowing through mile-long to-do lists and putting out family fires (e.g.., the kids are fighting … again; the dog left you a “present” in the living room; you’re out of OJ), it’s easy to blame stress for whatever ails you. But consider pointing a finger at your breakfast, lunch or dinner first. […]
Creative Shoe Lacing Helps Ease Foot Pain
The Medicine Cabinet: Ask the Harvard Experts Q: I just bought my third pair of gym shoes, and none of them seem to be comfortable. Could I be tying them wrong? A: Today’s mass-produced shoes often don’t accommodate the quirks of individual feet, which may be wide or narrow or have arches that are high […]
3 Breakfast Boosters to Keep You Going All Day
Starting the day with breakfast gets the entire day off on the right foot — but many of us skip it on a regular basis, or eat foods that leave our stomachs grumbling by 10 a.m. These tips will help you combine foods to keep you going strong all day long. Breakfast booster: avocado Tame […]
Brain Safety Starts With You
Traumatic brain injuries, also known as TBIs, affect the lives of Americans nationwide. Anyone can experience a TBI, but data shows that children and older adults (ages 65 and older) are at greater risk. Many TBIs, including concussions, are preventable, and you can help. Change your mind about brain injury Brain Injury Awareness Month is […]
Ask the Harvard Experts: Will a Genetic Test Predict My Disease Risk?
Q: I am considering ordering a genetic test to see if I am at risk for cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. What are the pros and cons? A: That’s a question many people are asking now that the FDA has given the green light to third-party direct-to-consumer (DTC) test kits that look for genetic risk information. […]
3 Health Benefits of Yoga
Yoga has gotten to be a popular activity with people of all ages — perhaps because it leaves you with a such a good feeling after you practice it. (Who doesn’t love ending a workout session flat on your back with your eyes closed?) But it can do more than bliss you out after a […]
Shining a Light on Nightshade Vegetables
Just the name “nightshade,” gives this category of vegetables a shady mystique. And their reputation of possibly contributing to inflammatory conditions like arthritis only adds to that mysterious air. But edible nightshades — such as potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, bell peppers and chili peppers — are safe to eat. And these vegetables can be an important […]
Tennis Elbow: How to Avoid It and What to Do if You Can’t
Last summer, I picked up tennis after a 30-year hiatus. I joined a summer tennis club and headed to the store to buy a new racket and shoes. I eagerly signed up for lessons and drill groups and played with whoever would have me. But after three weeks of playing, I felt the first twinges […]
Heart scan can help some determine risk for heart disease
Mayo Clinic Q&A DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I’m a 57-year-old man, and my doctor recently recommended I have a CT scan of my heart to look for calcium in my arteries. I’ve never had heart problems. Is this test really necessary? ANSWER: A heart scan is used to check for calcium in the lining of the […]
Power training not only for athletes
The Medicine Cabinet: Ask the Harvard Experts Q: In addition to walking most days, I do resistance training with weights twice per week. I recently heard the term power training. How does it differ from strength training? A: Strength training using free weights, machines or resistance bands helps maintain and even build muscle mass. In […]
The pros and cons of juicing for health
Juicing is often associated with “detoxing” or “cleansing,” whether for weight loss or wellness. According to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, fruits and vegetables are associated with a reduced risk of many chronic diseases, including heart disease and certain types of cancers. However, few Americans meet the daily recommended fruit and vegetable intake. Is […]
Keeping carbon monoxide out of your home
Harvard Health Blog Every year in the U.S., about 10,000 persons are treated for carbon monoxide poisoning, and roughly 400 die from unintentional exposure. This mostly occurs in our cold winter months. Why winter? Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas normally found in the atmosphere at low levels. Many things contribute to […]
When undergoing radiation treatment, compassionate care can help
Alexis Gabay was about to meet the radiation therapist who would be with her during her four weeks of breast cancer treatment at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. It was 7:30 a.m. and she sat waiting for her name to be called. Feeling uneasy, Gabay approached the nurse’s station. “This is my first day of treatment, and […]