Meatless foods that are high in protein

By Albert Stumm
Posted on November 25, 2024

Many people consider eating less meat, whether for health, environmental or animal-welfare reasons. But they sometimes hesitate because they are concerned about how they would replace all that lost protein.   When Jennifer Anastasiou decided to go vegetarian after learning about the environmental impact of livestock, she worried at first about her protein intake.  “It was kind of ... READ MORE

Causes (and solutions) for blurry vision

By Suzy Cohen
Posted on November 25, 2024

Do you squint at your phone or have trouble reading the labels or directions on items?   Sometimes it’s the size of the lettering, to be fair. But sometimes the issue is visual impairment. Everyone has dealt with this at one time or another.   Treatments change for blurry vision depending on the cause. Here are eight reasons for it:  Refractive errors: This occurs when... READ MORE

Could back stiffness be spinal arthritis?

By Gazanfar Rahmathulla, M.B.B.S., M.D.
Posted on November 21, 2024

Dear Mayo Clinic: I am in my late 50s and have started having stiffness in my back. I have become much less flexible and sometimes even have a hard time looking over my shoulder.   I remember my grandparents complaining about arthritis in their knees and hands — and the pain they had later in life. Could I be developing arthritis in my spine? Is there anything I can do?  A:... READ MORE

Can a nicotine pouch help smokers quit?

By Matthew Perrone
Posted on November 21, 2024

A tiny Philip Morris product called Zyn has been making big headlines, sparking debate about whether new nicotine-based alternatives intended for adults may be catching on with underage teens and adolescents.  Zyn is an oral pouch that contains nicotine powder and flavorings like mint, coffee and citrus. The pouches are the fastest-growing segment of the tobacco industry, which has... READ MORE

Boost your immunity during cold season

By Karla Walsh
Posted on November 20, 2024

We all know that washing your hands is especially important when cold and flu season comes around. But so is what you put on your plate.  “We can really boost our immunity through diet alone. Consistent intake of the micronutrients that help our bodies fight disease is a natural solution to infection prevention,” said Cassie Majestic, M.D., an emergency medicine physician... READ MORE

Starting a conversation about endings

By Adithi Ramakrishnan
Posted on November 20, 2024

Dr. Vanessa Rodriguez is no stranger to talking about death. As a palliative care doctor at New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital, she works with families of patients at the ends of their lives.   Many family members are hesitant to talk about death before the fact since it means imagining a future without their loved one.  Talking about death is never easy, but doing so early... READ MORE

Eyes may be a window into aging brains

By Margaret Foster
Posted on November 19, 2024

What if an eye test could predict — or even delay — the onset of blindness or Alzheimer's disease?  Researchers at The University of Maryland School of Medicine are studying how aging affects blood flow to the eyes. They hope that one day scientists can develop a diagnostic test to detect brain changes.  “There’s a really strong connection between the eye and the brain.... READ MORE

Best CPAP alternatives for sleep apnea

By Jim Miller
Posted on November 14, 2024

Dear Savvy Senior,  I’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea and have been trying to use a CPAP device for the past six months. But I can’t tolerate it. Are there any alternative treatment options you can tell me about?  —Sleepy Sam  Dear Sam,  I’m sorry to hear your CPAP mask is keeping you awake at night, but I’m happy to hear that you’re addressing your... READ MORE

Heel pain? It might be plantar fasciitis

By Stephanie Kvas
Posted on November 13, 2024

Dear Mayo Clinic: When I wake up in the morning and go to stand up, I have such excruciating pain in my heel that I have to sit back down on the edge of the bed.   As the day goes on, it gets somewhat better, but my heel is still tender. What can be causing the pain and what can I do about it?  A: “My heel is killing me!” is, without a doubt, one of the most common sentences... READ MORE

Let’s face it: why our faces show our age

By Howard LeWine, M.D.
Posted on November 13, 2024

Q: What are some of the main reasons for an aging face, and what can a person do to help slow it down short of injections or plastic surgery?  A: Dozens of changes take place as the years add up, some of them obvious and familiar:  foreheads expand as hairlines retreat ears often get a bit longer because the cartilage in them grows tips of noses may droop because... READ MORE