Reasons alcohol keeps you awake
Alcohol is a common part of socializing and unwinding, with almost 87% of American adults having consumed it at some point, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Surprisingly, around 20% of Americans use alcohol as their sleep aid, unaware it may worsen insomnia. For me, if I drink even one regular full glass of wine, I will sleep for an hour and then... READ MORE
Why cooking, no matter the recipe, is healthier
You may be one of the 90% of Americans who don’t like to cook — but you probably know that you should cook more. Because while eating out or ordering takeout saves time, it depletes your bank accounts and your health. The health benefits of a home-cooked meal outweigh almost any other method of eating, no matter the recipe. Here’s why: You’re in control of the ingredients. ... READ MORE
Work with your hands? Watch out for carpal tunnel syndrome
Dear Mayo Clinic: I’m a homebuilder and have begun experiencing numbness and tingling in my hands. Sometimes I drop things because I can’t get a good grip. A friend suggested I might have carpal tunnel syndrome. But doesn’t that mostly affect people who use computers all day? Can you explain more about the condition? A: Working with your hands day after day can take a toll on... READ MORE
New guidelines intend to prevent strokes
The majority of strokes could be prevented, according to new guidelines released last fall that are aimed at helping people and their doctors do just that. Stroke was the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and more than half a million Americans have a stroke every year. But up to 80% of strokes may be... READ MORE
Think positively about aging for long life
People who tend to be more positive, optimistic and energetic as they get older are more likely to live longer and have healthier lives than those with negative thoughts about aging. A study published in February 2022 in JAMA Network Open found that the people with the highest satisfaction with aging had a 43% lower risk of dying from any cause compared to those who were the least... READ MORE
Is it all in your head, or not identified yet?
The body and mind are intricately connected, and sometimes, this connection can lead to physical symptoms driven by emotional stress. These are known as psychosomatic disorders, and they demonstrate just how powerful stress, unresolved trauma and emotions can be in affecting our physical health. However, not all unexplained symptoms fall into this category. Some are the result of... READ MORE
Barley is a healthy, high-fiber whole grain
Barley, as a staple, is anything but basic. Native to Ethiopia and Southeast Asia, barley has been cultivated for more than 10,000 years. Since ancient times, it has been used for food — both human and animal — as well as tea, alcoholic beverages, medicine, and even as a standard of measurement. These days, we’re most likely to enjoy our barley in a meal of hearty stew... READ MORE
Ways to fight against winter depression
As winter arrives and daylight hours grow shorter, people prone to seasonal depression can feel it in their bodies and brains. “It’s a feeling of panic, fear, anxiety and dread all in one,” said Germaine Pataki, 63, of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She’s among the millions of people estimated to have seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. Her coping strategies include yoga,... READ MORE
Snacking can be part of a healthy diet
Do you find yourself sometimes reaching for snacks instead of sitting down for a more formal meal? That’s not necessarily a bad thing. When snacking is done correctly, it can give you a boost of energy between meals, help meet nutrient needs for the day, and help keep hunger at bay to prevent overeating at the next meal. And managing your hunger can help you maintain a healthy ... READ MORE
Ways to get your doctors to listen to you
Dear Savvy Senior, How can I get my doctors to listen better? I just turned 78, and over the past few years I feel more and more dismissed by my doctors. I know I can’t be the only one who feels this way. Any suggestions? —Dissatisfied Patient Dear Dissatisfied, Communication difficulties between patients and their doctors are nothing new. Many older patients feel... READ MORE