Silent reflux can damage your esophagus
A tired, middle-aged man walks into a pharmacy, coughing and clutching his chest. No heartburn, but plenty of discomfort, sharp pains, a lump-in-the-throat sensation, and throat clearing that won’t quit. He’s been to urgent care twice, worried about a heart attack, but his ECGs came back clean. When the heart’s ruled out, doctors often look south — to the esophagus. What he... READ MORE
Try this easy way to make fajitas in the oven
Fajitas are a sizzling spectacle, but we wanted a recipe that was more about flavor than theater and used only one baking sheet. We chose flank steak, preferred by tasters for its beefy flavor, tenderness and availability. Since we couldn’t sear it on a baking sheet in the oven (even at a hot 475 degrees), we relied on a potent, dark-colored spice rub to make up for the missing... READ MORE
Hidden benefits of fresh summer foods
It’s almost summer — that amazing time of year when fresh produce abounds. We love that there’s an abundance of fresh, delicious and healthy choices. Better yet, many of summer’s fruits and vegetables are brimming with secret health benefits. Here are some of our favorites and why they’re a particularly good choice in the summer. Watermelon: Staying hydrated keeps your... READ MORE
Do we all need fluoride treatments?
When Tristen Boyer recently had a couple of cavities filled, her dentist suggested she get fluoride treatment afterward. She has Crohn’s disease, which puts her at increased risk for tooth decay. “It’s something I felt like I should get done,” the 22-year-old University of Kentucky student said. “It’s something I’m going to keep doing.” Dentists and hygienists often... READ MORE
How to live with high-functioning anxiety
Dear Mayo Clinic: I’ve always been a high achiever, both personally and professionally. But I struggle with a whirlwind of worries and thoughts, constantly second-guessing myself and pushing for perfection. I’ve heard the term “high-functioning anxiety,” and I feel like it is what I’m experiencing. How can I navigate and cope with this? A: It’s normal to feel anxious... READ MORE
Meditation changes brain, calms fears
For neuroscientist Sara Lazar, a form of meditation called open awareness is as fundamental to her day as breathing. “I just become aware that I am aware, with no particular thing that I focus on,” explained Lazar, an associate researcher in the psychiatry department at Massachusetts General Hospital and assistant professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School. “This sort of... READ MORE
Supplements that may lower blood sugar
If you have prediabetes or have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, you’ll want to do everything possible to bring blood sugar levels down. Elevated levels can damage your eyes, kidneys, nerves, your dental health, and increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. A diet high in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, beans and plant proteins, along with regular physical... READ MORE
Medicare coverage of vision care, exams
Dear Savvy Senior, What does Medicare cover when it comes to vision care? I currently have good vision insurance through my employer but will lose it when I retire. —Almost 65 Dear Almost, Many soon-to-be retirees are a bit blurry about what Medicare does and doesn’t cover when it comes to vision care. The good news is that Medicare covers most medical issues — like... READ MORE
Device turns stroke survivor’s thoughts into fluent speech
Scientists have developed a device that can translate thoughts about speech into spoken words in real time. Although it’s still experimental, they hope the brain-computer interface could someday help give voice to those unable to speak. A new study described testing the device on a 47-year-old woman with quadriplegia who couldn’t speak for 18 years after a stroke. Doctors... READ MORE
Any alcohol can adversely affect health
Moderate drinking was once thought to have benefits for the heart, but better research methods have thrown cold water on that. “Drinking less is a great way to be healthier,” said Dr. Timothy Naimi, who directs the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research at the University of Victoria in British Columbia. In January, before the Trump administration took office, U.S. Surgeon... READ MORE