The trouble with antibiotics
By Susan Farrell, M.D. Harvard Health Blog Most people are aware of the potential downsides of taking an antibiotic. These side effects can range from allergic reactions to stomach upset, diarrhea, mental confusion and, in some cases, Clostridium difficile colitis — painful colon inflammation caused by a disruption in the normal balance of bacteria in […]
Why regular exercise helps reduce cancer risk
The Medicine Cabinet: Ask the Harvard Experts By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: It makes sense that regular exercise helps prevent heart disease. But I have also read that it might help prevent cancer. What’s the reason? A: Many studies show that people who are physically active are less likely to develop cancer. Such associations don’t […]
Incidence of diabetes and pre-diabetes on the rise
Source: Penn State Hershey Medical Center whatdoctorsknow.com A generation ago, there was no such thing as pre-diabetes. Well, the condition existed – it just wasn’t given a name or diagnosed the way it is now. Chris Fan, M.D., practice site director for the endocrinology and nephrology clinic at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, said news […]
Straight talk about oral health
Harvard Health Letter If you want a snapshot of your current and future health, then open wide. “The condition of your teeth and gums can often show warning signs of serious issues, from potential tooth loss to possible cardiovascular disease and cancer,” says Lisa Simon, D.M.D., instructor in oral health policy and epidemiology at the […]
Waist size trumps body weight to gauge heart disease risk
The Medicine Cabinet: Ask the Harvard Experts By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: I recently met my new doctor. He was worried about my waist size. I’ve always had a big belly but I have never been overweight. What’s more important: body weight or waist size? A: That’s terrific that your doctor focused on your waist […]
Colonic hydrotherapy health benefits remain unproven
The Medicine Cabinet By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: A friend is trying to convince me to get colonic irrigation. After two sessions, she claims to have more energy and believes the colon cleanse removed toxins from her body. Is this true? Is colonic irrigation safe? A: Colonic irrigation, also called colonic hydrotherapy, is a variant […]
Studies suggest doctors should cut back on some medications in seniors
Source: University of Michigan Medical School whatdoctorsknow.com Anyone who takes medicine to get their blood sugar or blood pressure down — or both — knows their doctor prescribed it to help them. But what if stopping, or at least cutting back on, such drugs could help even more? In some older people, that may be […]
A stronger heart may keep your brain young
By Julie Corliss Harvard Health Blog You probably know that regular exercise offers a wealth of benefits for your body, like staving off excess weight and chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. But mounting evidence suggests that exercise is also good for your brain. A study published in the journal Neurology links better cardiovascular […]
How to overcome your exercise excuses
By Jean Harvey, Ph.D., R.D., & Joyce Hendley It’s easy to come up with reasons why you can’t exercise — but sometimes you spend more time arguing with yourself than it takes to fit in an exercise session. The easiest way to overcome your exercise excuses is to be prepared for them. Identify the reasons […]
Managing worry in generalized anxiety disorder
By Srini Pillay, M.D. Harvard Health Blog Everyone worries, but some people worry more than others. When worry is excessive, people may develop generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). In fact, close to a quarter of people who go to their primary care physicians with anxiety suffer from this. In general, stressful events in childhood and adulthood, […]
Lactose intolerance can develop at any age
Mayo Clinic Q&A DEAR MAYO CLINIC: What would cause someone to become lactose-intolerant later in life? I’m in my 40s and have never had an issue with dairy, but, now, I can’t seem to have it without problems. Do I need to see a doctor to be tested for allergies, or should I just avoid […]
Environmental Nutrition: Whole grains, soyfoods and the plant-based diet
Environmental Nutrition Newsletter Whole grains linked to longer life Eating at least three servings of whole grains, such as bran, oatmeal and quinoa, every day could lower your risk of cardiovascular disease-related death. A review of studies by Harvard researchers that included 786,076 men and women found that when three servings of whole grains were […]
Exercise: It does so much more than burn calories
By Elizabeth Pegg Frates, M.D. Harvard Health Blog If you’re trying to lose weight, you’ve surely heard that you need to “eat less and exercise more.” The more you move, the more calories you’ll burn — and you’ll lose weight. But as it turns out, the effect of physical activity on human physiology may be […]
3 immune-boosting myths busted
By Brierley Wright, M.S., R.D. It’s that time of year when any sniffle, cough or sneeze is noticed — and if it didn’t come from you, chances are you’re subtly putting a little space between you and whoever it came from. There’s no better time than the present to talk about immune-boosting myths — from […]
New expert recommendations on children and media use
By Claire McCarthy, M.D. Harvard Health Blog For years, the standard recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has been that children shouldn’t have more than two hours a day of screen time. But with the explosion of the internet and social media, the increase in smartphones and tablets, and more education and homework […]
Evaluation after stroke can help identify common causes
Mayo Clinic Q&A DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Is it always possible to figure out what causes a stroke? My husband had a stroke two months ago at the age of 38. He has mostly recovered now, but his doctors never pinpointed a cause. I want him to see a specialist to make sure that nothing else […]
Knee damage appearing on MRI predicts arthritis ahead
Source: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine whatdoctorsknow.com People who are at higher risk to develop knee osteoarthritis (OA) from being overweight or having injured their knee in the past may have normal X-rays, but worsening lesions or damage appearing on their MRIs predicts a significantly higher risk of soon developing knee osteoarthritis or painful […]
Top 10 tips for IBS relief
By Kate Scarlata, R.D.N., L.D.N., Environmental Nutrition Newsletter Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), an unrelenting intestinal disorder, occurs in up to 1 in 5 Americans, presenting with bloating, alteration in bowel habits, pain and cramping. Diet may be your first line of defense. Here are 10 evidence-based strategies that may minimize symptoms: 1. Try a low […]
Keeping hands consistently clean one of the best ways to avoid getting sick
Mayo Clinic Q&A DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I’ve heard many times that handwashing is the best way to prevent illness. But how often is it enough? I have small children, and I want to keep them as healthy as possible. Is hand sanitizer a good alternative to soap and water? ANSWER: You’re correct that frequent handwashing […]
Specialists in pain management help patients cope with chronic pain
Mayo Clinic Q&A DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I’ve had persistent headaches for about six months. Medication sometimes helps, but not always, and the pain just keeps coming back. My doctor checked to see if another medical problem could be causing the headaches, but she didn’t find anything. She now recommends I see a pain management specialist. […]
Fighting risky pain pill use in the ER
Source: University of Michigan Health System As America battles an epidemic of deaths from misused pain pills, a new study suggests an inexpensive way to cut risky use of these drugs by people who have a high chance of overdosing. And it could happen exactly where many patients get those drugs in the first place: […]
Fight back when drugs are denied
By Eleanor Laise, Kiplinger’s Retirement Report You make a routine trip to the pharmacy to fill a prescription. But the pharmacist tells you your Medicare drug plan won’t cover the drug. You walk away with no medication — and no clear explanation about why you were denied coverage. More and more seniors are finding themselves […]
Eat to see clearly
By Carrie Dennett, M.P.H., R.D.N., Environmental Nutrition Newsletter We often take our sight for granted until it starts to fade. More than half of all Americans develop cataracts by age 80, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — the top cause of severe vision loss and blindness in adults over age 60 in this country — […]
The many ways volunteering is good for your heart
By Julie Corliss Harvard Health Blog If you do volunteer work, whether it’s at a school, soup kitchen or senior center, perhaps you’ve experienced the emotional rewards of donating your time. What you might not realize, however, is that volunteering may offer some added advantages for your heart. “There’s a growing body of research showing […]
Swim to your health
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention whatdoctorsknow.com Swimming is the fourth most popular sports activity in the United States and a good way to get regular aerobic physical activity. Just 2 1/2 hours per week of aerobic physical activity, such as swimming, bicycling or running can decrease the risk of chronic illnesses. This can […]
The Kid’s Doctor: Lice is tough to treat
By Sue Hubbard, M.D., www.kidsdr.com What are kids bringing home from school besides their homework? Lice! The good news is that lice are obligate parasites and they don’t jump or fly. They are transmitted by direct contact. But, the smart ones have found another way to drive parents crazy … they are becoming more and […]
The Kid’s Doctor: Does your child have IBS?
By Sue Hubbard, M.D. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastro-intestinal disorder in children. IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder which is characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort with associated changes in bowel habits. It is a diagnosis based on taking a good history and there are typically few physical findings. I recently saw […]
Women with excess hair look to heredity & hormones as cause
By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: I am a 20-year-old female. I have hair on my chest, back and stomach. I am wondering if I have a hormone problem. If so, is there a way to treat it? A: About 10 percent of American women believe that they have more body hair than they should. Even […]
Create a plan for an adult child with disabilities
Many families want to leave behind a little something to ease their children’s way in the world. But for parents of an adult child with disabilities, the estate plan can be crucial in guaranteeing a loved one’s secure financial future. As a result of medical advances, adults with severe disabilities are living longer than ever. […]
The sooner psoriatic arthritis treatment starts, the better
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I was recently diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and am confused about all of the treatment options. What do you recommend for your patients? ANSWER: Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that develops in some people who have psoriasis — a chronic skin condition characterized by thickened, reddish patches of skin that […]
Breaking up with salt
By Densie Webb, Ph.D., R.D., Environmental Nutrition Newsletter “I love you, salt, but you’re breaking my heart.” This is the plea from the American Heart Association for Americans to pledge to “break up” with salt. Almost 81,000 people have done just that. But, it seems breaking up is hard to do. That’s because salt is […]
Variety of treatments available for uterine fibroids
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I’ve had heavy bleeding with bad cramps for almost two months and was recently diagnosed with uterine fibroids. My doctor prescribed hormone treatment, which helped with the bleeding for a couple weeks, but when I stopped taking it due to negative side effects the bleeding started again. What are my other options […]
Irritable bowel syndrome often chronic, but treatments can ease symptoms
Mayo Clinic Q&A DEAR MAYO CLINIC: For the past year or so, I feel like I’m often either constipated or I have diarrhea, with only a few “normal” days here and there. I have a friend with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who suggested I be tested for this. However, my symptoms are not as severe […]
Don’t judge your mucus by its color
By Robert Shmerling, M.D. Harvard Health Blog A friend made an offhand comment the other day that caught me off-guard: “When I blow my nose, it’s green, so I’m calling my doctor for some antibiotics.” I thought this myth had been debunked long ago. In fact, it has been well established that you cannot rely […]
Lead poisoning: What everyone needs to know
Harvard Health Letter The lead poisoning of thousands of children in Flint, Michigan is tragic — and should never have happened. If we are going to make sure that nothing like it happens again, all of us, especially parents, need to learn about lead poisoning. Lead is a chemical that used to be commonly found […]
Tackle digestive concerns and upsets
By Marsha McCulloch, M.S., R.D., Environmental Nutrition Newsletter Heartburn, constipation and other digestive tract issues can strike at any age, but some of these problems may become more common in middle age and beyond. Changes in the digestive tract over time, such as increased inflammation and gut permeability (leakiness), along with other factors, such as […]
Scientists uncover health concerns related to caffeine overdrive
By Matthew Kadey, M.S., R.D., Environmental Nutrition Newsletter Whether it’s on a long car drive or a marathon session at the office, most of us need an energy boost from time to time. Many people turn to super-caffeinated beverages to get them through the task at hand. Although the stimulant caffeine is generally regarded as […]
Relieving pain for long-distance runners
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I am 42 and training for my first marathon. During my longer runs I have pretty significant hip and knee pain. Some runner friends advise that I just stretch more, and others say I need to do exercises to strengthen my ITB. What can I do to alleviate the pain? Is it […]
Understanding the devastating disorder that is ALS
whatdoctorsknow.com In the summer of 2014, social media was taken by storm with videos of people pouring ice water on themselves for the Ice Bucket Challenge. The worldwide phenomenon raised awareness — and millions of research dollars — for a fatal disease called ALS. ALS stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It’s also called Lou Gehrig’s […]
Memory lapses — when not to worry
By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: I just turned 70. I have always had a great memory. But now I occasionally can’t remember names. Is this normal memory loss, or something more serious? A: For many of us, these types of memory blips become more common as we get older. Our brains are forming fewer connections […]
How safe are foods that contain cannabis?
By Matt Ruscigno, M.P.H., R.D., Environmental Nutrition Newsletter There may not be a more controversial plant in existence than cannabis (aka marijuana). Long heralded as both a beneficial commodity for human use and a dangerous gateway drug, it has a rich history of human cultivation — and positions, political and otherwise — on its potential […]
Vitamin E on the brain
By Judith Thalheimer, R.D., L.D.N., Environmental Nutrition Newsletter Along with its potential brain-boosting power, natural vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that may decrease the risk of heart attack, help prevent cataracts and boost immune function. It even has been studied for preventing and treating cancer. Instead of taking supplements, focus on eating vitamin E […]
Strong link between depression and migraine headaches
By Howard LeWine, M.D. Ask the Harvard Experts Q: Is there a link between depression and headaches? A: Yes, they are connected. People with depression tend to have more frequent and more severe headaches compared to those without depression. And as headaches occur more often and become more intense, it’s likely that the person will […]
Nonsurgical treatments may decrease pain from spinal stenosis
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis about 12 years ago. I haven’t had many symptoms over the years, but about six months ago I started noticing increasing discomfort in my legs. Is surgery an option to treat spinal stenosis? If not, what else can I do? The leg pain is making it […]
How to support a caregiver
By Jane Bennett Clark, Kiplinger’s Retirement Report It’s an act of love, a lesson in crisis management, a stress on finances and often a years-long slog. Over a recent 12-month period, more than 43 million adults provided care for a vulnerable family member or friend, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving and the AARP […]
Life insurance needs change as you age
By Kimberly Lankford, Kiplinger Personal Finance Life insurance is an essential part of every family’s financial plan, but people often underestimate the amount of coverage they need and pay too much for what they get. What’s more, your needs change as you age. The policy you bought when your kids were born may not have […]
Is it a health problem, or is it just aging?
Harvard Health Letters As we age, we all notice changes in our bodies, from our reflexes to our libido. But some physical changes aren’t a normal part of the aging process. “It’s important to know about them so we can do all we can to keep ourselves as healthy and active as possible,” says geriatrician […]
Carbonated beverages not a health hazard, but don’t overdo caffeine
By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: Do all carbonated beverages rob the bones of calcium? How about club soda or sparkling mineral water? A: Warnings about the harmful effects of carbonated beverages on bone emerge from time to time. The theory is that the phosphoric acid (phosphate) used to enhance flavor in some carbonated beverages can […]
Yoga in pregnancy: Many poses are safer than once thought
By Marlynn Wei, M.D., J.D. Prenatal yoga is typically gentle, with certain poses modified or avoided depending on the stage of pregnancy. But a new study, published recently in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, provides encouraging results that many yoga poses can be safe even during late stages of pregnancy. Testing the safety of various […]
Reflux drugs generally safe when used as directed
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I regularly have heartburn and my doctor is recommending I try a proton pump inhibitor. Can you tell me more about this medication? Are there any risks to taking it? ANSWER: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most effective medications for the treatment of chronic acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD) […]