Who can benefit from a cochlear implant?
Dear Mayo Clinic: I’m 70 years old and have worn hearing aids for about a decade. Over the past several years, my hearing seems to be getting worse. Although I have tried several different kinds of hearing aids, I feel as if they are not effective any longer. A friend suggested I ask an audiologist about cochlear implants. I thought those were just for people who are deaf. Could a... READ MORE
Exercise is key; it doesn’t matter when
The standard advice about exercise is to do about 30 minutes a day, most days of the week. But in terms of heart-related benefits, does it matter if you rack up most of your exercise minutes over just one or two days — as a “weekend warrior” — instead of spreading them out over an entire week? Earlier research has suggested that both patterns are equally beneficial. But those... READ MORE
Know the signs of a ‘silent’ heart attack
Most people don’t know that you can have a heart attack without realizing it. In fact, these so-called silent heart attacks account for an estimated 30% to 60% of all heart attacks. Recognizing and responding to a silent heart attack is important, as it can be a harbinger of a more serious, potentially deadly heart attack. “Heart attacks can be silent for a variety of reasons,”... READ MORE
Ways to overcome heartburn discomfort
Dear Savvy Senior, Is regular heartburn or acid reflux anything to worry about? I chew a lot of Rolaids throughout the day to help manage it, but it’s gotten worse with age and keeps me up at night, too. —Belching Bob Dear Bob, Almost everyone experiences heartburn or acid reflux from time to time, but frequent episodes can signal a much more serious problem. It’s estimated... READ MORE
Feeling lonely? You’re not alone in that!
That old Hank Williams song “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” evokes the wistful sadness of loneliness that everyone feels at times. But this emotion is far more prevalent — and potentially detrimental to heart health — than most people recognize. Earlier this year, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released an 82-page advisory about the country’s epidemic of loneliness,... READ MORE
Health Shorts — December 2023
Several eyedrop products recalled U.S. health regulators are warning consumers to set aside more than two dozen varieties of over-the-counter eyedrops because of the risk of infections that could lead to blindness. The Food and Drug Administration advisory applies to a limited group of lubricating eye drops, gel drops and artificial tears sold by six companies, including CVS... READ MORE
Does more TV time raise dementia risk?
Be honest: Just how much television are you watching? One study has estimated that half of American adults spend two to three hours each day watching television, with some watching as much as eight hours per day. Is time spent on TV a good thing or a bad thing? Let’s look at some of the data in relation to your risks for cognitive decline and dementia. First, it’s proven that... READ MORE
Q&A: Advice on weight loss; low energy
Q: If you are overweight, what is more important: getting fit or losing weight? A: You are alluding to what some people have called the fat but fit paradox. Let’s start with definitions of fitness and fatness. Fitness, also referred to as cardiovascular fitness or cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), is a measure of the performance of the heart, lungs and muscles of the body. Muscle... READ MORE
What are the benefits of practicing yoga?
Dear Mayo Clinic: I am a mother of two, work full time and am also a breast cancer survivor. I know physical exercise is important, so I try to visit the gym a few times a week for weight training and to walk. A friend recently invited me to a yoga class. I have never thought about adding yoga to my fitness routine. What are the benefits, and how would I get started? A: Yoga is a... READ MORE
Six ways to alleviate Raynaud’s disease
Raynaud’s disease, often characterized by its telltale cold fingers and toes, is more than just a fleeting discomfort for people. It’s a window into the complexities of our vascular system. While managing Raynaud’s can be challenging, understanding its ties to other conditions, like thyroid disease and autoimmune disorders, can shed light on effective treatment strategies. I’m a... READ MORE
