The best diet for weight loss
Losing weight and getting healthier is a common goal among Americans; we spend $60 billion dollars a year on weight loss books, gym memberships, apps, programs and special diet foods. Yet, collectively we are getting heavier, which leads to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. The […]
Variety of factors increase risk of developing MS
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: What causes multiple sclerosis, or MS, in people who don’t have it in their family? ANSWER: The exact cause of multiple sclerosis isn’t known. But it’s clear that a variety of factors can increase a person’s risk of developing this disease. Along with genetics, those risk factors include age, sex, a medical […]
Picking the healthiest fruits
Anyone who thinks healthy food can’t taste good clearly doesn’t understand the power of fruit. Sweet, juicy and delicious, grab-and-go fruit is packed with vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and fiber associated with an impressively long list of health benefits, including heart health, weight control, digestive health and lowered dementia and diabetes risk. If you’ve heard you […]
Joint cracks and pops usually not cause for concern
It’s not unusual for your body to make “popping” or “cracking” sounds as you lean over, twist or reach for something. Fortunately, it’s also usually not a cause for worry. Aman Dhawan, M.D., an orthopedic sports medicine specialist at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, said complaints about such joint sounds are common, […]
Slightly underactive thyroid: Treat now or wait?
Q: I recently had a routine visit with my doctor. She ordered a thyroid test and told me I have a slightly underactive thyroid gland. If I feel well, do I need treatment? A: What you are describing is what doctors call subclinical hypothyroidism. That means your body is getting enough thyroid hormone for you […]
Crack into a pistachio today
There’s no denying the call of the pistachio. That smooth, beige shell, with the crunchy green prize tucked within is irresistible. The folklore A favorite American snack, pistachios have been enjoyed since the seventh century BCE and are one of only two nuts (the other is almonds) mentioned in the Bible. Native to the Middle […]
Find your motivation power hour
Most people’s mental energy is a roller coaster, says Chris Bailey, the author of “The Productivity Project.” “There are certain hours when you naturally have much more drive than at other times,” he says. The tricky thing is that the time of day when mental energy — and motivation — peaks is different for everyone. […]
Is ‘man flu’ a real condition?
Q: Do men really suffer more with the flu than women? A: I’d never heard of “man flu,” but according to a new study of the topic, the term is “so ubiquitous that it has been included in the Oxford and Cambridge dictionaries as “a cold or similar minor ailment as experienced by a man […]
Why young girls are at risk for anemia
Adolescent females are at greater risk for anemia than adolescent boys. This may be due to several reasons, including the fact that adolescent girls lose blood each month during their menstrual cycles and many teenage girls eat less red meat than adolescent boys. While some adolescents with anemia (low hemoglobin and hematocrit) complain of headaches, […]
Genetic testing to predict medication side effects
Medication side effects are a big problem. It’s estimated that about half of filled prescriptions are not taken as directed, and a major reason for this is side effects. If you’ve ever had diarrhea, felt sleepy, or developed a rash after taking a new medication, you know how unpleasant side effects can be. And sometimes […]
End the yo-yo diet cycle
Last spring you reached your goal weight and celebrated by hitting the beach in a bikini. Then your job got stressful, you didn’t find time to work out and your healthy eating spiraled out of control. Now you realize there’s no way you’re going to hit your target weight before your friend’s wedding next month […]
The best way to freshen your breath
Q: Are mints or gum better at helping you freshen your breath? A: Let’s start by saying the very best way to freshen your breath is good oral hygiene. Outside of that, everyone could benefit from a breath freshener when brushing isn’t possible. Both gum and mints aid in stimulating saliva flow, which helps to […]
The mysterious rise in knee osteoarthritis
While there are more than 100 types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is by far the most common. Osteoarthritis is the form of joint disease that’s often called “wear-and-tear” or “age-related,” although it’s more complicated than that. While it tends to affect older adults, it is not a matter of “wearing out” your joints the way tires […]
Keep those New Year’s resolutions
With the chime of the clock at midnight, you whip out your resolutions list. Sure, it’s the same as the one you wrote last New Year’s — lose weight, exercise more, eat more healthfully — but maybe this year will be different. To inspire you, several leading health experts provide tips to help you succeed […]
Is pasta healthy?
Think of Italy and you probably think of pasta. But it’s not just Italians who are passionate about this comfort food. Pasta has been crowned the world’s most popular dish, even more so than pizza. That would explain the almost 20 pounds of pasta we put on our plates each year. Pasta nutrition Pasta has […]
How to Protect Against Frostnip, Frostbite During Chicago Winters
Chicago has earned the nickname “Chiberia” thanks to its frigid temperatures, fierce winds and blinding snowstorms. Below-zero temperatures and wind chill advisories make going outside a daring feat. While Chicagoans pride themselves on fearlessly facing the frightening weather, the bone-chilling temperatures and teeth-chattering wind can cause frostbite, an injury created by the freezing of the […]
The best snacks for your body
Even if you eat healthy meals, you can’t always pack in all the vitamins, minerals, fats, protein and produce that your body needs every day. Which is why your snacks (almost a quarter of your daily calories, FYI) have to work harder and fill in any nutritional holes. You should aim to eat healthy snacks […]
Exercise safely in winter weather
Your exercise routine doesn’t have to go into hibernation in the winter. Winter exercise is beneficial for almost anyone, provided you have the right gear and are wearing the right clothes. Whether you’re snowshoeing, skiing or hiking, make sure you’re ready for whatever winter weather throws your way. Wear the right clothing Extreme mountain climber […]
Why does hair turn gray?
If you look at photos of President Obama taken before he ran for president and since he left office, you’ll notice a distinct difference: Where there used to be only dark brown hair, there is now far more gray hair than brown. It seems that the stress of running a country would turn any person’s […]
When should you keep your child home from school?
Now that we are really in the throes of sick season I am often asked about when you should keep your child home from school or day care. I noticed a recent article in one of the pediatric journals on this topic, which emphasized that hand washing and vaccines are still the best way to […]
Acupuncture: A point in the right direction, or a stab in the dark?
Acupuncture is a treatment that dates back to around 100 B.C. in China. It is based on traditional Chinese concepts such as qi (pronounced “chee” and considered life force energy) and meridians (paths through which qi flows). Multiple studies have failed to demonstrate any scientific evidence supporting such principles. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin […]
The latest scoop on the health benefits of coffee
What a difference a few years can make. Not long ago, I was learning about the dangers of coffee — how it could raise your blood pressure, make your heart race, impair sleep, and maybe even cause cancer. Now, the World Health Organization (WHO) has taken coffee off the possible carcinogen list. And there’s increasing […]
Should you bank your baby’s cord blood?
Expectant parents (including my own children) often ask me about banking their newborn’s cord blood. They see a lot of information about “cord blood banking” in their obstetricians offices, on the internet and via comments on their social media sites. The American Academy of Pediatrics released updated guidelines on “cord blood banking for potential future […]
Simple strategies to relieve stress
Your misplaced wallet. A dead car battery. It’s easy to encounter situations that can make you feel stressed. But it’s just as easy to arm yourself with approaches that can help you relieve stress without getting your stomach twisted in knots or losing sleep. What can you do to feel better? Try these techniques to […]
Nitrous Oxide Provides Pain Relief During Childbirth
Nitrous oxide — commonly called laughing gas because it creates a feeling of euphoria — is well-known as a sedative used during dental procedures. But it is now being used to manage pain that leads to a much more joyous event: childbirth. There are a few big benefits to nitrous oxide during childbirth. The gas […]
Help for erectile dysfunction beyond popping a pill
The Medicine Cabinet: Ask the Harvard Experts Q: Now that I am getting older, I have occasional problems keeping an erection. What do you suggest, other than popping a pill before sex? A: Occasional erectile dysfunction (ED) is very common, even at young age. As men age, it’s likely to happen more often. In the […]
Is your sleep routine keeping you up at night?
Falling asleep at night might be the hardest thing you do all day. Thanks to “go-go-go” lives filled with work deadlines, family responsibilities and home chores, it’s no wonder many of us struggle with insomnia. Problem is, many of our favorite ways to wind down at night may actually worsen our sleep. Discover which parts […]
Power up on foods packed with vitamin E
Vitamin E may be a star of the supplement aisle, but food is where this nutrient truly shines. After almost a century of research, there is still much to be discovered, but we do know the vitamin is more effective from food sources, further reiterating that a pill isn’t always the answer to a healthy […]
How much can families contribute to an HSA?
Q: I picked a high-deductible health insurance policy for 2018 that covers my whole family. How much can I contribute to an HSA in 2018? Can my wife also contribute to an HSA, or am I the only one who can make the contribution because the HSA is through my work? A: Because your HSA-eligible […]
Get relief from corns and calluses
Q: Why do people get corns and calluses on their feet? What can I do to relieve the discomfort? A: Calluses and corns are areas of hardened, sometimes yellowish skin on the foot. They form on pressure points or around bony areas. Calluses usually appear on the bottom of the feet and corns on top, […]
The Kid’s Doctor: A discussion on prebiotics and probiotics
There have been plenty of discussions about using prebiotics and probiotics in your child’s diet, and there has been a lot of discussion lately (in both medical and lay literature) surrounding the use of prebiotics and probiotics. What is the difference between the two? The first question patients/parents often ask is what is the difference […]
Yoga could complement traditional treatment for depression
New research on yoga has yielded promising evidence that it could complement traditional treatment for depression. The scientific study of yoga has grown rapidly in the past decade. Between 1975 and 2014, a total of 312 randomized controlled trials on yoga from 23 countries were published. Between 2005 and 2015, 24 randomized controlled trials have […]
Is a wrap healthier than a sandwich?
Q: Are wraps healthier than sandwiches? A: That depends. Some tortilla wraps contain more calories and carbohydrates than two slices of bread. For example, if you are making lunch at home, a typical 10-inch tortilla contains about 170 calories to 200 calories. Two slices of bread could contain anywhere between 70 calories and 280 […]
Your brain on chocolate
Did you know that places where chocolate consumption is highest have the most Nobel Prize recipients? It’s true, at least according to a 2012 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Of course, that could be a coincidence. But is it possible that intelligence or other measures of high brain function are actually […]
Many adults don’t get the amount of vitamin D they should
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I have heard different recommendations from different sources regarding vitamin D. One doctor told my husband that everyone living in the Northern Hemisphere should take a vitamin D supplement every day, even in the summer. What do you recommend? ANSWER: Understanding how much vitamin D you need can be confusing because there […]
For people with multiple sclerosis, can exercise change the brain?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition of unknown cause in which the covering lining of nerve fibers (called myelin) is damaged. Myelin is like insulation on a wire — when it is damaged, nerve impulses are not transmitted properly. This leads to an array of symptoms including weakness, vision problems, numbness, tingling and poor coordination […]
New shingles vaccine offers more protection
The Medicine Cabinet: Ask the Harvard Experts Q: I recently read that the new shingles vaccine might be better than the older vaccine. I did have one shot of the older vaccine about seven years ago. Should I get this new one? A: Shingles is caused by the same virus — the varicella zoster […]
What Everyone Should Know About Lung Cancer
“Every day a 747 plane full of people dies from lung cancer in the U.S.,” says Malcolm M. DeCamp, MD, chief of thoracic surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer for men and women in the U.S., killing more people than breast, colorectal, prostate and pancreas cancer […]
Is it healthy to replace a meal with a nutritional shake?
Shakes have often held a place of favor in the nutrition world; first there were protein shakes — the answer to post-workout replenishment. Then those fruit and veggie powerhouses, smoothies. Now new earthy-tasting concoctions are moving in on the beverage lists of fit women. The healthiest of these drinks are packed with ingredients derived from […]
Help slow lung scarring in pulmonary fibrosis
Q: I was recently diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. I realize I won’t be cured. But what might I do to help prevent it from getting worse? A: Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition in which there is significant or widespread scarring in the lungs. The disease has many causes or triggers. These include medications, immune diseases […]
Women: Don’t ignore these 3 subtle heart attack symptoms
We always associate chest pain with heart attacks, and for good reason, but it’s not the whole story — especially for women. While chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack, women can have symptoms that aren’t related to chest pain at all. They need to be on the lookout for other, […]
Skip out on high-sodium foods
For almost half a century now, health organizations, health professionals, researchers and government agencies have recommended that we reduce our sodium intake to lower the risk of developing high blood pressure, which is a proven risk factor for heart disease and stroke. But the call for slashing sodium intake has not been taken to heart, […]
Morning sickness doesn’t pose health threat for most pregnant women
Mayo Clinic Q&A DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I’m 15 weeks pregnant and have had horrible morning sickness from the beginning of the pregnancy. I’ve lost weight and worry that will affect the baby’s health. I didn’t experience any morning sickness with my first pregnancy. Is this normal? What can I do to get back to eating […]
A good mood equals a faster metabolism
A fast metabolism, a happy outlook — these are two things we can all agree are worth chasing. And now, scientists are realizing that going after one may naturally deliver both. What we know for sure: The key to this connection is the hunger hormone leptin, which tells your brain that you feel full. “Leptin […]
Can probiotics help treat depression and anxiety?
Harvard Health Blog There is a lot of interest right now in the human microbiome (the populations of bacteria that live in various parts of the body, including the intestine, skin and lungs). We now know that there are approximately 10 times as many bacterial cells as human cells in the body. The vast majority […]
10 ways to keep your Thanksgiving stress-free
Filled with family, friends and delicious food, Thanksgiving is a great holiday — unless you’re the cook. If you signed up to host Thanksgiving for the first time this year (or are frazzled by it every year), don’t panic; get strategic. Create a plan Sit down and make a guest list. The number of guests […]
Food Safety Tips — From Start to Finish — For Thanksgiving Dinner
For most people, Thanksgiving dinner is the biggest and most busily prepared meal they cook all year. From menu planning to handling leftovers, there are many opportunities for slip-ups to contaminate food. Stop Foodborne Illness, a national, nonprofit public health organization dedicated to preventing illness and death from foodborne pathogens, is giving cooks a hand […]
Choosing a Healthcare Plan: Experts Share Their Top 10 Tips
With all of the debate and chaos surrounding health insurance, it’s no surprise that there’s so much confusion now that open enrollment periods are finally here. Knowing a few key pieces of information before you start looking into your options can make a big difference. So how do you pick the best plan — at […]
All of Us Research Aims to Reflect a Diverse Population
When Ambien was introduced to the market, the standard dose was a godsend for those needing a sleeping aid — unless you were a woman. Lipitor helped patients with high cholesterol — unless you were of Asian descent. Better access to research data could have mitigated these issues, and that’s one of the reasons the […]
Guide to Medicare open enrollment for 2018
Ah, the rituals of fall: The leaves change color. The temperature drops. Sweaters and boots pop out of the closet. And Medicare opens the doors for beneficiaries to shop for Part D and Advantage plans. As you cozy up to the first fire of the season, now is the time to peruse your options to […]