Antibiotics an alternative for appendicitis

By Dr. Howard LeWine
Posted on December 07, 2018

Q: A friend was recently treated with antibiotics for appendicitis. I thought appendicitis required an operation. What’s changed? online pharmacy avodart no prescription with best prices today in the USA A: For more than 100 years, appendicitis was considered an emergency that required immediate surgery to remove the appendix (an appendectomy). Today a course of antibiotics offers a... READ MORE

Bullying can affect older adults, too

By Alexis Bentz
Posted on December 06, 2018

What do you think of when you hear the term “bullying?” Perhaps you envision a small child being beaten up by an older boy on the school playground, or a group of middle school girls gossiping about the “nerdy” kid in class. But bullying isn’t limited to these types of scenarios as much as stories in the media may suggest. In fact, bullying is not experienced solely by the... READ MORE

Arthritis pain continues after weight loss

By Eric Matteson, M.D
Posted on December 05, 2018

Dear Mayo Clinic: Nine months ago, I lost a significant amount of weight after being told doing so should help with pain from osteoarthritis. I now have a healthy body mass index, but my joints still hurt. Why is that? What else can I do to lessen my symptoms? Answer: By losing weight, you have definitely improved your overall health, and you’ve decreased the risk that your arthritis ... READ MORE

Why dog lovers have better heart health

By Steve Calechman
Posted on December 04, 2018

Are you a “dog person”? You know, one of those people who talks about their dogs all the time, shares photo after photo online (or, worse, in person), and considers their dog as a semi-human member of the family? (In the interest of full disclosure, I am a dog person.) If you are, here’s a medical news story that may confirm what you’ve suspected all along. And if you aren’t a... READ MORE

Reaching out to older Muslims

By Barbara Ruben
Posted on December 03, 2018

Nargis Rehman worries about her father, who is ill and lives alone. Over 50 herself, she has limited energy after work to help him, and has had a difficult time finding someone to drive him to the mosque for prayers. “He sits in the house and can’t travel; has no money. He’s very ill. Nobody comes to visit. He’s lonely. I have to work, and when I get home, I’m just... READ MORE

An eye scan may detect early Alzheimer’s

By The Beacon
Posted on December 03, 2018

Results from two studies show that a new, non-invasive imaging device can see signs of Alzheimer’s disease in a matter of seconds. The researchers show that the small blood vessels in the retina at the back of the eye are altered in patients with Alzheimer’s. Even patients who have a family history of Alzheimer’s but have no symptoms show these telltale signs. Researchers also... READ MORE

Can a high-fat diet improve cognition?

By Carol Sorgen
Posted on November 27, 2018

Johns Hopkins Memory and Alzheimer’s Treatment Center is currently recruiting adults over the age of 60 who have been diagnosed with mild memory impairment (especially those with early Alzheimer’s disease) for a research study of dietary treatments for the condition. Alzheimer’s disease is known to be associated with insulin resistance, or abnormal glucose metabolism. Abnormalities ... READ MORE

Can you spot early Alzheimer’s disease?

By David Lee
Posted on November 21, 2018

Q: I heard November is Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, and I want to learn more about the disease. How do I know if I have it, and is there anything I can do to keep myself from getting it? A: Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that affects the brain and can cause a decline in memory and other mental functions. It is the most common form of dementia. It is considered a... READ MORE

Financial help for Virginia caregivers

By Fifty Plus
Posted on November 20, 2018

Virginia families who care for a loved one with disabilities or chronic conditions can apply for up to $400 reimbursement for respite care under a limited voucher program from the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Respite care refers to services (such as home care and adult day care) or facilities (such as assisted living residences) that offer caregivers... READ MORE

Is medical cannabis for you?

By Carol Sorgen and Robert Friedman
Posted on November 19, 2018

Baltimore Beacon Two years ago, Scott Deiter ruptured several discs in his neck. Four neck surgeries later, “between the residual pain from the surgeries and daily migraines, I really couldn’t function because of the pain,” he said. He felt opioid pain medication impaired him too much to work, so Deiter turned to medical marijuana “in desperation.” But he found relief... READ MORE