EatingWell: Check out the health benefits of juicing vs. smoothies
By Brierley Wright, M.S., R.D., EatingWell.com Juicing and smoothies are all the rage right now. While both can boost your fruit and vegetable intake (something most Americans need to do) and are great for getting a variety of produce into your diet, one is the better choice. That’s the smoothie. Why? Juicing leaves behind a […]
The Kid’s Doctor: Have your child’s blood pressure checked regularly
By Sue Hubbard, M.D., www.kidsdr.com When you take your child in for a check-up, does your pediatrician check the youngster’s blood pressure? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children, beginning at the age of 3, should routinely have their blood pressure checked. In certain circumstances, even younger children should have their blood pressure […]
The Medicine Cabinet-Ask the Harvard Experts: Metformin may lower risk of glaucoma in people with diabetes
By Howard LeWine, M.D., Tribune Content Agency Q: I just read that the drug metformin might help prevent glaucoma. I have pre-diabetes and am working on lowering my blood sugar. My last eye exam indicated my eye pressures were in the high normal range. Should I start metformin now? A: Metformin is the best medicine […]
The Kid’s Doctor: Dog flu no threat to humans
By Sue Hubbard, M.D., www.kidsdr.com Seem like a funny time of year for me to be writing about flu? Well, now the problem is dog flu, which has been spreading rapidly across the country. Dog flu is caused by an influenza virus and is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs. Fortunately, however, there have been […]
What Doctors Know: New survey offers inside look at risky behavior among today’s teens
By Larry Myers and Bonnie Jean Thomas, WHAT THE REPORT FOUND whatdoctorsknow.com “When I was your age…” There’s a certain time in our lives — somewhere between being a parent and a grandparent — when we look at today’s generation and come to the conclusion: “Kids were different in our day.” Generation after generation continues […]
The benefits of good nutrition are more than skin deep
By Carrie Dennett, M.P.H., R.D.N. Environmental Nutrition Newsletter Healthy skin reflects overall health, which means it can be influenced, for better or for worse, by the nutrients in your diet. A poor diet can contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress, and glycation (bonding of a protein to a sugar molecule), three factors that contribute to skin aging, […]
Flavanols in chocolate offer sweet health rewards
Harvard Health Letter Chocolate is more than just a tempting treat. Certain compounds in chocolate, called cocoa flavanols, have been shown to boost health. But that doesn’t mean you should start loading up on the sweets. “Consuming cocoa flavanols in chocolate is tricky. You need to understand the risks and benefits first,” says Dr. Miguel […]
What you should know about anesthesia
Harvard Health Letters If you’ve ever had a tooth filled without Novocaine, you know the difference anesthesia can make. Anesthesia–whether it numbs your mouth or puts you into a full sleep–is designed to keep you comfortable during a procedure that otherwise might be hard to tolerate physically, emotionally, or both. “We have four goals: to […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: For most men, vasectomy reversal a viable option at any time
By Landon Trost, M.D., Tribune Content Agency DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Is it possible to have a successful reverse vasectomy nine years after the vasectomy was done? What should I expect as far as recovery? I’m 42 years old. ANSWER: For most men, vasectomy reversal is a viable option at any time. But the amount of […]
New study shows pets perfect catalysts for building social support
By Patrick J. Skerrett Harvard Health Blog Pets can provide their owners with more than companionship. A new study shows they can also help create human-to-human friendships and social support, both of which are good for long-term health. That’s old news to dog walkers, most of whom routinely meet neighbors, other dog walkers, or strangers […]
Being underweight is risky business
By Caroline Kaufman, M.S., R.D.N., Environmental Nutrition Newsletter While headlines often sound the alarm on the dangers of being overweight, less attention is given to the two percent of U.S. adults who are underweight. Their ranks may be smaller, but the health risks that affect many people who are underweight–a body mass index (BMI) below […]
Study shows high school football players exhibit brain changes after single season
Arina P Habich / Shutterstock.com Source: Wake Forest School of Medicine whatdoctorsknow.com CHICAGO — Some high school football players exhibit measurable brain changes after a single season of play, even in the absence of concussion, according to a study presented at the recent annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). “This study […]
New concerns raised about diet soda
Harvard Health Letters Source: Harvard Health Letter For weight-conscious people who love the taste and bite of carbonation of soft drinks, the advent of sugar-free soda 60 years ago seemed a blessing: If there were no calories, you didn’t have to worry about weight gain–and the diseases that go along with obesity, like diabetes and […]
Decoding your risk for heart disease: Geneticists can now screen for defects
Source: Cleveland Clinic whatdoctorsknow.com Pinpointing genetic causes for heart disease is a complex and dynamic process that changes rapidly as new discoveries are made. But there are some simple things you can do to get come idea about your risk for certain heart disorders. Family history While the genetics of many common cardiovascular disorders are […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: A number of disorders can trigger vertigo
By Neil Shepard, Ph.D., Tribune Content Agency DEAR MAYO CLINIC: What causes vertigo? Does having it one time mean I’m more likely to experience it again? ANSWER: Vertigo is a sensation that either you or your surroundings, or both, are spinning or moving when they are not. Some people confuse vertigo with dizziness, but there […]
The Medicine Cabinet-Ask the Harvard Experts: Depression during pregnancy should be treated
By Howard LeWine, M.D., Tribune Content Agency Q: I just found out that I’m pregnant. I’m excited, but worried because I have a history of depression. I’m afraid to take medicine if I start to get depressed again. Any advice? A: Pregnancy is a joyful time for most women, but not for a pregnant woman […]
Tragedy Inspires Charity
The high cost of hospital parking should not keep loved ones away By Tom Mullaney Can a hospital parking pass aid the medical recovery of seriously ill infants? Carrie Meghie thinks it can. And she and her husband have established a foundation that funds a unique program at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital. […]
What Doctors Know: New survey offers inside look at risky behavior among today’s teens
By Larry Myers and Bonnie Jean Thomas, WHAT THE REPORT FOUND whatdoctorsknow.com “When I was your age…” There’s a certain time in our lives — somewhere between being a parent and a grandparent — when we look at today’s generation and come to the conclusion: “Kids were different in our day.” Generation after generation continues […]
The Medicine Cabinet-Ask the Harvard Experts: Metformin may lower risk of glaucoma in people with diabetes
Tribune Content Agency — June 2, 2015 By Howard LeWine, M.D., Tribune Content Agency Q: I just read that the drug metformin might help prevent glaucoma. I have pre-diabetes and am working on lowering my blood sugar. My last eye exam indicated my eye pressures were in the high normal range. Should I start metformin […]
The Kid’s Doctor: New study finds striking link between infant weight gain and childhood obesity
By Sue Hubbard, M.D., www.kidsdr.com A new study out of Harvard University, published recently in Pediatrics, looks at infant weight gain and links to childhood obesity. This is an interesting study, as previous research had typically looked at weight alone as a predicator for future problems with obesity. In this study, the authors looked at […]
EatingWell: Focus on a ‘clean’ diet full of healthy, nutritious foods
By Michelle Dudash, R.D.N., EatingWell.com Eating clean may seem like a new buzzy idea, but really it’s about going back to some sane, basic healthy-eating principles. If you’ve lived by these principles for years, think of this as a helpful reminder. Clean eating means filling your plate with real, whole foods, eating a variety of […]
Everywhere, hospitals are merging, but why should you care?
Tribune Content Agency — April 21, 2015 By Gregory Curfman, M.D. Harvard Health Blog All across America, hospitals are merging. In 2014 alone, there were 95 mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures among U.S. hospitals, down only slightly from 98 in 2013. What’s fueling this strong trend toward hospital consolidation — and more importantly, why should […]
The Kid’s Doctor: Updated sleep recommendations may be eye-opening
Tribune Content Agency — April 21, 2015 By Sue Hubbard, M.D., www.kidsdr.com Sleep — who can get enough of it? More and more studies point to the need for a good night’s sleep. As a new parent, you’re sleep deprived, then when your children get older, they may sleep through the night, but wake up […]
Eating Well: Sip these 3 drinks to help protect your skin
By Hillary Gilson, EatingWell.com Sunscreen is the first line of defense against sun damage (experts say slather on an ounce–about a palmful–of SPF 30 or higher and re-apply every 2 hours). And now it has some help: New research suggests that these beverages may also deliver nutrients that protect your skin: 1. Green tea Study […]
The Healing Power of a Tesla
Urologists drive across America to raise men’s health awareness By Brett Dworski A white Tesla covered in decals rolled up in fashion to the corner of Dearborn and Grand avenues last Wednesday afternoon. Observers glanced, appearing perplexed, as if James Bond were parking the flashy vehicle. Two men in hospital scrubs came out instead. Sijo […]
Playing It Safe
Summertime playground fun is best when serious injuries are avoided By Nancy Maes Public playgrounds can be some of the best places to play, but they also have the potential for being the worst. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 200,000 youngsters are injured on playgrounds every year. The children […]
Program Helps Students Take Control of Asthma
By Megy Karydes Troyanna’s asthma was so severe and uncontrolled that the 17-year-old Dunbar Vocational Career Academy student was making monthly visits to the hospital’s emergency room or being admitted to the intensive care unit. While her health needed immediate medical attention, her asthma caused her to miss school, which affected her grades and prevented […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: Presbyopia a normal part of aging, but regular eye exams are recommended
By Michael Mahr, M.D., Tribune Content Agency DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I’m 43 and have started having trouble with my vision while reading. I know this is common for someone my age. I do have “readers” that I sometimes use, but am hoping to put off regular glasses as long as possible. Am I doing harm […]
EatingWell: Color your diet healthy. Purple produce packed with nutrients
By Gretel H. Schueller, EatingWell.com “Only humans and birds have color vision,” notes David Heber, director of UCLA’s Center for Human Nutrition. He believes the ability to see color probably evolved as a way for us to better see–and eat–the bounty of colorful fruits and veggies. Lucky us! Colors don’t just make food pretty; they’re […]
The Medicine Cabinet-Ask the Harvard Experts: Preventive strategies can reduce risk of another dislocated shoulder
By Robert Shmerling, M.D., Tribune Content Agency Q: I’ve dislocated my shoulder twice. What can I do to prevent this from happening again? A: When a shoulder is dislocated, the ball-shaped portion of the upper arm (the humerus) has moved out of its normal position within the cup-shaped socket. The shoulder is somewhat prone to […]
EatingWell: Enjoy the health benefits of citrus
By Karen Ansel, M.S., R.D., and Lori Longbotham, EatingWell.com Oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit aren’t just refreshing–they’re also super-nutritious. One medium orange packs more than 100 percent of the recommended daily dose for vitamin C (and some research suggests organic citrus packs up to 17 percent more vitamin C than conventional). Here are more healthy […]
The Medicine Cabinet-Ask the Harvard Experts: Overactive bladder common, even in young women
By Joan Bengtson, M.D., Tribune Content Agency Q: Even when my bladder is not full, I can’t control myself. I’m only 19. What would cause this problem in a young woman? A: Most likely, you have a condition doctors call overactive bladder (OAB). It’s common and often causes poor bladder control (urinary incontinence). A woman […]
The Medicine Cabinet-Ask the Harvard Experts: Experts recommend personalized blood pressure goal for people with heart disease
By Howard LeWine, M.D., Tribune Content Agency Q: I am 68 years old. Other than chest pain from angina if I over exert myself, I feel fine. My blood pressure has been running around 145/90. Do I need medicine to lower it? A: Your question is very timely. For decades, high blood pressure (hypertension) was […]
Pinpointing cause of lower back pain first step toward relief
Source: Harvard Health Letter Lower back pain is among the most common complaints of older age. The lumbar or lower area of the spine can suffer from many different ailments. “You do most of your bending in the lower back, and that’s probably why the lower back tends to be affected more,” explains Dr. Jeffrey […]
The Medicine Cabinet-Ask the Harvard Experts: Statins likely help, not cause, fatty liver
By Howard LeWine, M.D., Tribune Content Agency Q: Is a fatty liver a result or side effect of being on the statin Crestor? A: It’s very unlikely that fatty liver is caused by rosuvastatin (Crestor) or any of the other statin drugs. In fact, some studies suggest that low to moderate doses of a statin […]
Peanut Consumption in Infancy Could Prevent Peanut Allergies, Study Finds
By Heidi Kiec When it comes to preventing a peanut allergy, it might be best to fight fire with fire. Most young children at high risk of developing a peanut allergy may be able to ward off the allergy by consuming peanut protein starting in infancy, according to the results of a recent study. Peanut […]
The Kid’s Doctor: Generic medication may not be best for all ADHD patients
By Sue Hubbard, M.D., www.kidsdr.com If your child takes medications for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), you may be noticing that your insurance company is now denying coverage for these prescriptions, or is wanting to use a generic version of the medication your child is taking. It seems this is becoming more and more prevalent […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: Childhood vaccination schedule effective at preventing many serious diseases
By Robert M. Jacobson, M.D., Tribune Content Agency DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Why do children need so many vaccines in their first two years of life? Isn’t it OK and even safer to wait until they’re a bit older to give them the recommended vaccinations? ANSWER: The current childhood vaccination schedule has been studied extensively. It […]
Everywhere, hospitals are merging, but why should you care?
By Gregory Curfman, M.D. Harvard Health Blog All across America, hospitals are merging. In 2014 alone, there were 95 mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures among U.S. hospitals, down only slightly from 98 in 2013. What’s fueling this strong trend toward hospital consolidation — and more importantly, why should you, as a consumer of health care, […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: Pain relief from corticosteroid injections can vary greatly
By Paul Huddleston, M.D., Tribune Content Agency DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I have osteoarthritis in my spine. About a month ago, I got a steroid shot in my lower back because my doctor said it might help with stiffness and pain in my back and legs. It worked wonderfully, and my symptoms are gone now. How […]
Plan for a long life when saving for retirement
By Jane Bennett Clark, Kiplinger Personal Finance If we knew we’d die tomorrow, we’d be rich today. Literally. With only one day to live, a nest egg of $100,000 would be enough to take a trip around the world (at lightning speed), buy a Tesla, or live in the lap of luxury for a few […]
Tea: A cup of good health?
Harvard Health Letters Tea, especially green tea, is often said to be good for your health. But if tea is good for you, how good? And why? It turns out that tea contains substances that have been linked to a lower risk for heart disease, cancer and other health problems. But if you just don’t […]
Fish oil may reduce seizures in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy
Source: UCLA School of Medicine whatdoctorsknow.com LOS ANGELES — An estimated 3 million Americans suffer from epileptic seizures. Although drug therapies often successfully dampen the out-of-control neural firing that produces seizures, such drugs don’t work for everyone. A new study by researchers at UCLA School of Medicine now suggests that for such patients, improvement might […]
EatingWell: Which type of peanut butter is best?
Photo: PiccoloNamek, Wikimedia Commons By Lisa D’Agrosa, M.S., R.D., EatingWell.com Picking healthy foods at the grocery store can be pretty confusing. There are thousands of different products to choose from. It can even be mind-bending to figure out which peanut butter is the best choice. Should you go with natural peanut butter or the reduced-fat […]
Too much sitting linked to heart disease, diabetes, premature death
By Julie Corliss Harvard Health Blog Like many people, I have a job that involves sitting in front of a computer most of the day. Because I work from home, I don’t have to sit through a long commute, and my dog gets me up out of my chair for walks a couple of times […]
Experts share the latest diet strategies for heart health
After three-and-a-half days of presentations on nutrition research at the recent American Heart Association (AHA) conference, here’s EN’s take-away on today’s big questions on heart health: SATURATED AND TRANS FATS These are still targets. Despite questions raised by headlines, limiting saturated fat remains important for heart health, according to Robert Eckel, M.D., director of the […]
EatingWell: Aim to eat lower on the glycemic index
EatingWell.com By Dr. Jean Harvey-Berino, Ph.D., R.D., Joyce Hendley, and Rachel Johnson, Ph.D, M.P.H., R.D. All the carbohydrate foods we eat cause a release of glucose into the bloodstream–and a corresponding rise in insulin–but some raise glucose more than others. The glycemic index (GI) is a system of ranking foods containing equal amounts of carbohydrate […]
Sauna time linked to longer life, fewer fatal heart problems
By Beverly Merz Harvard Health Blog After such a long, frigid winter, I wouldn’t mind sitting in a sauna for a while. A new report in JAMA Internal Medicine makes this pastime even more appealing: Regularly spending time in a sauna may help keep the heart healthy and extend life. Researchers from the University of […]
Mini meals vs. three squares: Which is best?
By Marsha McCulloch, M.S., R.D., Environmental Nutrition Newsletter It’s a popular notion that eating smaller, more frequent meals, such as six small meals a day, is a healthier approach than the traditional three square meals a day. Some people believe eating more frequently may help keep their hunger under better control and their metabolism revved […]
Alzheimer’s patients can craft their own care plans
By Eleanor Laise, Kiplinger’s Retirement Report Caring for someone with dementia can present a host of difficult questions. When should the patient be moved to a long-term-care facility? Would she want to participate in experimental drug trials? Under what circumstances would she want life-sustaining treatments? A growing array of advance-planning documents are helping seniors facing […]