Studying sleep and memory problems

By Margaret Foster
Posted on March 21, 2023

Sleep and memory loss have a chicken-and-egg relationship. People with early Alzheimer’s disease tend to have trouble sleeping, and lack of sleep may contribute to memory loss. If you have memory lapses and also have a hard time sleeping, there’s a study at Johns Hopkins that could help. Known as the REST study, it involves a common, FDA-approved sleep aid called... READ MORE

Qs & As on blood pressure and leaky gut

By Howard LeWine, M.D.
Posted on March 16, 2023

Q: I already take two different blood pressure medicines, but my top number is still too high. I would like to bring it down without taking an additional drug. What can I do? A: You may need to ramp up healthy habits to maximize their blood pressure lowering effects. Start by eating a plant-based diet that’s low in salt; aim for less than 2,400 milligrams of salt per day. You should ... READ MORE

Some healthier alternatives to cook with

By Lori Zanteson
Posted on March 08, 2023

Eating healthier may seem overwhelming, but it shouldn’t be! It can be as simple as making a few simple changes to your diet. Rather than taking an “all or nothing” approach to tame a sweet tooth, cut back on salt, lose a few pounds, or eat more nutrient rich foods, try the “ol switcheroo” instead. Swapping out less healthy ingredients with those that pack a more nutritious... READ MORE

The best tools for reaching and grabbing

By Jim Miller
Posted on March 03, 2023

Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend some good reacher-grabber tools for seniors with back or hip problems who need help picking things up off the ground? I bought a cheap one a few months ago that doesn’t work very well. I would like to find one that does. —Bad Back Betty Dear Betty, A good “reacher-grabber” is a very practical and popular tool for anyone who struggles with ... READ MORE

Always clearing your throat? What to do

By Marcelo Campos, M.D.
Posted on March 01, 2023

Ahem! Ahem! Ever feel the need to move the mucus that annoyingly sits all the way at the back of your mouth? Most of us do at one time or another. The sensation usually lasts for just a few days when dealing with symptoms of a common cold. But what happens if throat clearing lingers for weeks or months? That nagging feeling may be uncomfortable for the person who has the problem, and... READ MORE

FDA warnings about stem cell therapies

By The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Posted on February 27, 2023

Stem cell therapies may offer the potential to treat diseases or conditions for which few treatments exist. Sometimes called the body’s “master cells,” stem cells are the cells that develop into blood, brain, bones and all of the body’s organs. They have the potential to repair, restore, replace and regenerate cells, and could possibly be used to treat many medical conditions and ... READ MORE

Vets with low back pain wanted for study

By Margaret Foster
Posted on February 23, 2023

Most of us have had at least one bout of lower back pain in our lives. But about half of all veterans have chronic low back pain. Now a study is under way to determine the best way to treat that pain without medication. The nationwide study, known as Sequential and Comparative Evaluation of Pain Treatment Effectiveness Response (SCEPTER), will enroll more than 2,500 U.S. veterans.... READ MORE

Is juice really healthier than whole fruit?

By Lori Zanteson
Posted on February 16, 2023

Juicing is on the fast track from fad to full-on health craze. Thanks to an explosion of juice bars and celebrity endorsements, greens, super fruits, celery or beetroot juice straight up are “the new black.” Healthy as these juicy concoctions may seem, there’s a tall order of hype muddling science with slick marketing. Why juices can be good for you Juicing can be a great way to... READ MORE

Frozen corn makes a delicious cornbread

By America’s Test Kitchen
Posted on February 14, 2023

Adding whole corn kernels to the usual cornmeal in a cornbread recipe makes the cornbread extra good. In this recipe, we puree the corn in a blender (along with buttermilk and enough light brown sugar to make the bread pleasantly but not overly sweet), which makes it easy to incorporate while eliminating tough, chewy kernels. This cornbread is great served with chili and is also... READ MORE

Lack of sleep? Here’s what to eat, drink

By Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
Posted on February 10, 2023

Sleep is super important — not only for feeling energized and focused, but also for immunity, heart health, glowing skin and weight stabilization. If you have a bad night of sleep, don’t sweat it too much. Lean on the following foods and drinks to help give you a boost until you’re able to get the rest you need: Water: Water is the most important drink when you are short on... READ MORE