Can diet override genetic disease risk?
The question of “nature versus nurture” usually refers to a person’s personality and weighs which is most likely to determine who you will be as an adult. But the question of nature versus nurture is also relevant to your risk of developing certain diseases. Your genetic makeup, passed onto you from your parents, determines everything from the color of your eyes and hair... READ MORE
Gadgets to diagnose and monitor health
Today, we’re diving into how AI (artificial intelligence) and advanced gadgets are transforming diagnostics, telehealth and personal health management. Let’s start with diagnostics. Imagine you have a lump or need some imaging for your abdomen or knee, for example. AI can now quickly analyze your x-rays, MRIs and pathology slides and catch details that might have slipped past even... READ MORE
Procedure targets high blood pressure
Nothing doctors prescribed controlled Michael Garrity’s dangerously high blood pressure — until they zapped away some nerves on his kidneys. If that sounds weird, well, kidneys help regulate blood pressure in part through signals from certain nerves. The new treatment disrupts overactive renal nerves. “My blood pressure would spike and I’d run out of breath and feel tired, ... READ MORE
Ultra-processed foods may damage brain
Americans love their ultra-processed foods, whether they come as cereal (like Cap’n Crunch, a favorite of mine as a kid), snack foods (like Cheetos), entrees (like hot dogs), or desserts (like Twinkies). Sure, loading your plate with vegetables, fruits, fish, healthful oils, and grains in a Mediterranean-style diet boosts heart and brain health. But if you also eat some... READ MORE
Why our risk of heart attack doubles in winter
Dear Savvy Senior, I’ve heard that people with heart problems need to be extra careful during the winter months because heart attacks are much more common. What can you tell me about this? —AFib Alan Dear Alan, Everyone knows winter is cold and flu season, but many don’t know that it’s also the prime season for heart attacks too, especially if you already have a... READ MORE
When life is challenging, have a resilience plan
Nantucket, a beautiful, 14-mile-long island off the coast of Massachusetts, has a 40-point resiliency plan to help withstand the buffeting seas surrounding it as climate change takes a toll. Perhaps we can all benefit from creating individual resilience plans to help handle the big and small issues that erode our sense of well-being. But what is resilience, and how do you cultivate... READ MORE
Find comfort in a one-pot shepherd’s pie
That first day of chilly weather always feels the coldest before you’re accustomed to it, and an easy, warm, filling meal can help hit the spot. Better yet, this rendition of shepherd’s pie is made with just one pot, so cleanup can be a snap. The term shepherd’s pie refers to a dish with minced lamb, while one made with beef is a cottage pie. Shepherd’s pie, topped with... READ MORE
Probiotics have a lot to offer
Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. Found in fermented foods and supplements, these beneficial bacteria are particularly renowned for their role in promoting gut health, enhancing immune function and supporting overall well-being. Gut health and digestion Probiotics are most commonly associated with improved gut health.... READ MORE
Natural physical changes make daily activities more challenging
Q: Why do everyday activities become more of a struggle later in life? A: As we age, our bodies go through changes that can affect strength, flexibility and overall mobility, often starting earlier than expected. Here are some age-related changes to be aware of: Muscles shrink. Muscle loss begins in your mid-30s at a rate of 1% to 2% a year. While that may not sound like much,... READ MORE
You may be paid to monitor your mobility
Last year a local man had a stroke and had to re-learn to walk. His doctors wanted to monitor his recovery, so they outfitted his home with three sensors and gave him a fourth sensor to wear on his belt. “He had been treated for foot drop, so we wanted to see how active he was, how much walking he did in his apartment, and also how he interacted with his wife, who was quite... READ MORE
Health 2025
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