Surprising benefits of worrying (for some)

By Srini Pillay
Posted on May 12, 2016

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 the condition. In general, stressful events in childhood and adulthood, having strained economic resources, being divorced, and being female all put... READ MORE

Nasal rinses for chronic sinus problems

By Suzy Cohen
Posted on May 11, 2016

As spring rolls around, allergies and hay fever cause problems, and so do lingering strains of colds and flu. Maybe you are one of the 40 million people in America who are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms from chronic sinusitis? It translates to a lot of Kleenex, Flonase and Sudafed! Are you experiencing some of these issues: Sinus pressure, headaches, cheek... READ MORE

Montgomery County honors advocates

By Rebekah Sewell
Posted on May 05, 2016

Sarah Gotbaum is the very definition of a firebrand. Now 91, the sociologist and social justice advocate has been a champion of women’s issues — from equal pay for working women to protecting the rights of retired women — since she earned her master’s degree in social work, with a focus on community organization and group dynamics. For her many services to Montgomery County,... READ MORE

New device reads for those who can’t

By Barbara Ruben
Posted on May 04, 2016

A recently released device can read aloud text on everything from restaurant menus to road signs — and even recognizes faces — to help those with visual impairments navigate everyday life. Users simply point to text, objects or faces, and the device tells them what it says or who it is. Called the OrCam, the device is a small, light and discreet smart camera that is mounted on the... READ MORE

Surprise insurance fees after emergencies

By Matthew Perrone
Posted on April 27, 2016

As health insurance plans become increasingly complicated, more patients are facing unexpected fees when they step outside their plan’s coverage network. In many cases, patients don’t even realize they’ve received out-of-network care until they’re slapped with a bill for hundreds or thousands of dollars.Nearly a third of insured Americans who have financial problems... READ MORE

Ways to trick yourself into liking exercise

By Nicci Micco
Posted on April 19, 2016

You know that exercise usually makes you feel better, but sometimes life, or excuses, can get in the way. You can spend 20 minutes debating about whether it might rain, or focusing on all of the reasons why right now is not a good time to walk — or you could just lace up your shoes and go.When it becomes easier to talk yourself out of exercise than it does to just get out there,... READ MORE

Five good reasons to love dark, leafy greens

By Marissa Donovan, R.D
Posted on April 07, 2016

Dark, leafy greens — like kale, spinach and collards — are packed with fiber and vitamins A, C and K. They are delicious raw, in a stir-fry, sautéed or added to dishes like casseroles, omelets or soups. You may already know that these greens are vitamin and nutrient powerhouses, but they also provide some other, surprising benefits. Here are five more reasons to help convince you to ... READ MORE

Study looks for early signs of Alzheimer’s

By Beacon
Posted on March 30, 2016

“Where did I leave my keys?” It’s a question most of us have asked ourselves on more than one occasion, and the inquiry is more likely a symptom of our increasingly hectic lifestyles rather than a true failure of our memory. But when are these seemingly innocent episodes of forgetfulness really the first sign of something much more significant? What are the earliest signs of the... READ MORE

Don’t ignore symptoms of cardiac arrest

By Lauran Neergaard
Posted on March 22, 2016

Sudden cardiac arrest may not always be so sudden: New research suggests a lot of people may ignore potentially life-saving warning signs that occur hours, days, even a few weeks before they collapse. Cardiac arrest claims about 350,000 U.S. lives a year. It’s not a heart attack, but worse: The heart abruptly stops beating, its electrical activity knocked out of rhythm. CPR can buy... READ MORE

Gum disease may lead to heart problems

By March Health
Posted on March 18, 2016

People with gum disease — which begins when the sticky, bacteria-laden film known as plaque builds up around your teeth — are almost twice as likely to have heart disease as those without it. The reasons behind this link aren’t completely clear. One possibility is that people without access to good dental care may also lack the resources to keep heart disease at bay. Still, some ... READ MORE