Busting widely repeated nutrition myths
Nutrition is a hotly contested topic. Scrolling through social media, reading your favorite food blogs, and listening to podcasts exposes you to endless information about nutrition and health — much of which is a little suspect, to say the least. Myths that were previously passed through word-of-mouth now spread like wildfire through these channels, making it difficult to tell what’s ... READ MORE
Preventive screenings Medicare covers
Dear Savvy Senior, How does Medicare cover preventive health screenings? I’m due to get a physical and a colonoscopy this year, but I want to find out what I’ll have to pay for before I go in. —Just Turned 65 Dear Just Turned, You’ll be happy to know that Medicare covers a wide array of preventive and screening services to help you stay healthy. But not all... READ MORE
What a genetic counselor can do for you
Dear Mayo Clinic: My grandmother and mother, as well as an aunt and a cousin, have had breast cancer. Another cousin was diagnosed with colon cancer recently. It has been suggested that I undergo genetic counseling to determine my cancer risk. As a young man, is genetic testing necessary for me? What benefit would I gain from visiting a genetic counselor? A: Although it can be... READ MORE
Control of irritable bowels without drugs
Dear Mayo Clinic: I have been diagnosed with a mild case of irritable bowel syndrome, and I talked to my doctor about managing my symptoms without medication. I am interested in trying to focus more on diet to control my condition. Are there certain things I should be mindful of, or will medication be the only way to manage my symptoms? A: Although medications can be used to treat... READ MORE
Have prediabetes? Try this helpful class
One in three Americans has prediabetes and doesn’t know it. If untreated, the condition can lead to type 2 diabetes, which can wreak havoc on the body. The good news is that type 2 diabetes can be prevented if you make a few lifestyle changes, which is easier said than done. That’s where Johns Hopkins comes in. Its Diabetes Prevention Program, led by people trained by the Centers... READ MORE
Poor sense of smell linked to depression
In a study that followed more than 2,000 community-dwelling older adults over eight years, researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine say they have significant new evidence of a link between decreased sense of smell and the risk of developing late-life depression. Their findings, published in The Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, do not demonstrate... READ MORE
Do carbonated beverages weaken bones?
Q: Do carbonated drinks leach calcium from bones? Does this increase the risk for osteoporosis? Can drinking soda make a diagnosed case of osteoporosis worse? A: The best answer I can give to your questions is “maybe.” A number of studies have linked carbonated drinks with osteoporosis. Data from the Framingham Osteoporosis Study looked at carbonated drink consumption among more... READ MORE
Three mistakes to avoid with fresh nuts
We know nuts are good for you. They’re an excellent source of antioxidants and fiber, pack plenty of nutrient-dense monounsaturated fat, and have been shown to lower cholesterol, inflammation and your risk of heart disease. Walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, almonds and the lot are tasty treats in trail mix, but their uses are nearly never-ending. Fold walnuts into homemade bread dough,... READ MORE
Weight loss surgery relieves joint pain
Weight loss surgery has many proven benefits, including reducing blood pressure, improving blood sugar and reducing cardiovascular risk. Now, data from a large multicenter study of bariatric surgery in the U.S. suggest long-lasting improvement of pain and physical function can be added to this list. The study followed nearly 1,500 people for up to seven years after they had either... READ MORE
Is fructose something we should avoid?
The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to no more than six teaspoons per day. The reality? Americans, children and adults alike, consume an average sugar intake of 17 teaspoons per day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Western diet is largely made up of processed foods, most of which contain added sugar. Fructose, specifically high ... READ MORE