Creamy pesto-flavored broccoli and pasta
We wanted to make a creamy, complex broccoli pasta that contains an ample amount of the vegetable. We started off by blanching the broccoli stems and florets, a convenient technique since cooking pasta also requires a pot of boiling water. Then we blended the stems and some of the florets with a pesto-inspired roster of ingredients to make a light, fresh vegetable sauce. Adding... READ MORE
Study aims to help those who can’t sleep
We’ve all been there: It’s late at night, but you can’t seem to fall asleep. After you finally catch some winks, you wake up at 4 a.m., raring to go. If you’re over 65 and have trouble sleeping, Johns Hopkins may be able to help. Hoping that exercise can improve sleep and cognitive health, researchers have created an exercise plan that can be done entirely from home. It’s... READ MORE
Stay connected during the holidays
For many, the holiday season is a time of joy and celebration — but it can often bring loneliness and isolation for older adults. Steve Morrison, a volunteer with AARP Virginia, described the holidays as the worst time for isolation — a challenge he knows well after years of caregiving for his wife. He highlighted mobility as a significant issue for older adults with limited... READ MORE
Answers about body fat, varicose veins
Q: I had a body fat measurement done by a company trying to sell me a handheld device. It showed my body fat percentage is 18%. I am a man in my mid-60s. Is that a good number? Aren’t there other ways to estimate body fat without spending money? A: There is no ideal percent of body fat, just as there is no ideal body weight. According to the World Health Organization, men ages ... READ MORE
Understanding knee replacement surgery
Knee replacement surgery replaces parts of injured or worn-out knee joints. This also is known as knee arthroplasty. During the surgery, damaged bone and cartilage are replaced with parts made of metal and plastic. Knee replacement surgery can help ease pain and make the knee work better. To decide whether a knee replacement is right for you, a surgeon checks your knee’s range of... READ MORE
How to get virtual mental health therapy
Before the pandemic, talking to a therapist or psychiatrist on a video call was novel. Now it’s fairly common. One recent analysis, for example, found that video appointments within the massive Veterans Affairs Health Care System jumped from about 2% of all mental healthcare encounters in January 2019 to 35% of these encounters in August 2023. If you haven’t yet used virtual ... READ MORE
Nutmeg adds more than holiday pizzazz
I recently made a Bourbon Pumpkin Pie (the recipe’s up on my website if you’re interested). I decided to grate some whole nutmeg right into it. Wow, what a difference! Freshly grated nutmeg brings a richer, deeper flavor than the powdered spice I usually use. It’s like comparing a string quartet to a kazoo. Nutmeg is well known as a holiday superstar. But did you know... READ MORE
Certain foods may protect brain function
Dementia — a loss of thinking, remembering and reasoning skills that affect everyday life — is a growing concern. It’s often preceded years in advance by memory and thinking problems, including cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment. Interventions that prevent or delay these problems might help to reduce the risk of dementia. Some studies have linked healthy... READ MORE
Natural strategies help lower cholesterol
If you’ve recently been told your cholesterol levels are creeping into unhealthy territory, it’s a wake-up call to embrace more holistic practices for heart health. As someone who understands both the conventional and natural sides of medicine, I want to empower you with actionable, natural strategies. Here are five of the top ways to lower LDL, triglycerides and... READ MORE
Ways to overcome medical test anxiety
Q: My adult daughter avoids going to the doctor because she fears any medical testing. How can I help her get the care she needs? A: It’s normal to be apprehensive about having a medical test, particularly one that can cause discomfort or pose some other risk. Even a simple blood test involves a moment of discomfort, and some people faint at the sight of the approaching... READ MORE