Drug interactions with foods and drinks
Dear Mayo Clinic: I’ve heard I should avoid certain foods like grapefruit and broccoli, as well as alcoholic beverages, when taking certain medications. Why is that? How can I be safe from any potential issues? A: Certain foods and beverages can interfere with several kinds of prescription and nonprescription medications. Problems arise because natural chemicals or nutrients in... READ MORE
Not everyone needs a daily multivitamin
Are you among the one in three Americans who gulps down a multivitamin every morning, probably with a sip of water? The truth about this popular habit may be hard to swallow. “Most people would be better off just drinking a full glass of water and skipping the vitamin,” said Pieter Cohen, M.D., an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and an internist at... READ MORE
New connections can counter loneliness
Loneliness is complicated. You can feel lonely when you lack friends and miss companionship or when you’re surrounded by people — even friends and family. Either way, loneliness can have devastating health effects. It boosts the risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, depression, high blood pressure, declining thinking skills, inability to perform daily living tasks, and even an... READ MORE
Don’t buy what you won’t eat
Fruits and vegetables are great for many reasons: They can help lower inflammation, raise your fiber intake, and support organs from your brain to your gut. But many of us aren’t getting enough. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that roughly 90% of Americans aren’t reaching the suggested five servings a day. Part of this disconnect starts in the grocery ... READ MORE
Are water flavor enhancers healthy?
Hydration is essential for a healthy body and mind. Drinking enough water is the best way to hydrate. It sounds easy enough, yet plain water isn’t always appealing. Enter water enhancers — liquids added to water to kick up the flavor, often without sugar or calories. Their good taste can make it enjoyable to drink enough water. But are they healthy? Water flavorings are safe, as... READ MORE
Veterans can lose weight with help of VA study
If you’re a U.S. veteran and need to lose weight, the Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center has a study for you — and it comes with free food. Veterans between 50 and 75 who are overweight are eligible for the randomized study, titled Promotion of Weight Management in Overweight or Obese Veterans, or Power-Vet for short. For the first 12 weeks of the study, they’ll visit the ... READ MORE
How to choose and use a walking cane
When it comes to choosing a cane, most people don’t give it much thought, but they should. Walking canes come in many different styles, shapes and sizes today, so you need to take into account your needs and preferences to ensure you choose one that’s appropriate for you. Types of canes The first thing you need to consider is how much support you need. That will help you determine the ... READ MORE
Medical use of microdosed psychedelics
Psychedelic drugs have been capturing the attention of doctors and patients alike for their increasingly proven potential to effect long-lasting improvements in the mental health of people suffering from conditions such as treatment-resistant depression. Microdosing psychedelic substances such as LSD or psilocybin (also called “magic mushrooms”) involves taking a fraction of a... READ MORE
Study seeks dementia patient caregivers
More than six million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. And most of them (80%) still live at home, cared for by family members, according to the Centers for Disease Control. “The caregiver is on their own,” said Laura Gitlin, PhD, dean emerita of Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions. “Families are always on their own to... READ MORE
What to do if food you bought is recalled
Food recalls are certainly unsettling. However, they can also be reassuring. Food manufacturers and inspectors are getting better at finding potential problems. If you discover you have a food item that’s been recalled, don’t panic. Take these steps to protect yourself, your family, your animals and others — and possibly get your money back. Educate yourself Most food recalls are ... READ MORE
