Q&As on memory and statin side effects

By Howard LeWine, M.D.
Posted on May 24, 2023

Q: What are some ways to help remember names and decrease other memory slip-ups? A: While recurring or worsening memory issues should always be checked out, everyday lapses can be managed. Here are some tips on how to overcome some common memory situations: Names. When you meet someone for the first time, make the connection meaningful. Many times, we forget a name because we didn’t ... READ MORE

Southern Spain’s best-kept secret recipe

By America’s Test Kitchen
Posted on May 19, 2023

Espinacas con Garbanzos is a hyper-regional dish native to Seville with strong Moorish influence. It’s a substantive dish that’s full of flavor. Briefly simmering canned chickpeas (uniformly tender, well-seasoned and convenient) in a combination of chicken broth and chickpea canning liquid tenderizes them and infuses them with savory flavor. A picada (a paste of garlic and bread... READ MORE

Drug interactions with foods and drinks

By Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.N.
Posted on May 17, 2023

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

By Julie Corliss
Posted on May 15, 2023

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

By Harvard Health Blogs
Posted on May 12, 2023

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

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

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?

By Lori Zanteson
Posted on May 08, 2023

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

By Margaret Foster
Posted on May 05, 2023

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

By Jim Miller
Posted on May 04, 2023

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

By Peter Grinspoon, M.D.
Posted on May 03, 2023

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