What a genetic counselor can do for you

By Sarah Mantia
Posted on August 25, 2023

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

By Robert Kraichely, M.D.
Posted on August 24, 2023

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

By Margaret Foster
Posted on August 22, 2023

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

By The Gerontological Society of America
Posted on August 16, 2023

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?

By Robert H. Shmerling, M.D.
Posted on August 15, 2023

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

By Betty Gold, RealSimple.com
Posted on August 14, 2023

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

By Chika Anekwe, M.D., MPH
Posted on August 11, 2023

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?

By Environmental Nutrition
Posted on August 09, 2023

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

Persistent cholesterol? This study needs you

By Margaret Foster
Posted on August 04, 2023

When we have high levels of bad cholesterol in our blood, plaque builds up in our arteries, leading to blockages, strokes or heart attacks. This type of heart disease is called atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and it can be deadly. About 2 million Americans are hospitalized each year with the condition, and 400,000 of them die, according to the American Heart... READ MORE

A simple summer salad of tasty tomatoes

By America’s Test Kitchen
Posted on August 03, 2023

If you’re an avid gardener and have been blessed with a bounty of ripe tomatoes, a simple summer salad is a great way to make the most of (and use up) this garden favorite. Salting the tomatoes before mixing them into the salad brings out their juices, which make a base for the dressing. There’s also no need to peel homegrown tomatoes here, because their skins are usually thin and... READ MORE