Can a healthy diet impact Alzheimer’s?
In recent years scientists have been looking at the link between the gut microbiome and cognitive function. They’ve discovered that the bacteria that live in our intestines can influence our hormones, neurotransmitters and proteins, which affect our brain. Now there’s a study at George Washington University underway to look at the connection between the food we eat and... READ MORE
Ways to get used to OTC hearing aids
Q: I want to try an over-the-counter hearing aid. What are some ways to get used to wearing one? A: Hearing aids for mild or moderate hearing loss are more accessible and affordable than ever, thanks to a new category of FDA-approved devices. You can buy over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids without seeing a doctor, going through hearing tests, or getting a prescription. Scoring a... READ MORE
Six nutrients that may lessen depression
Depression, a pervasive mental health issue, often leads people into a relentless cycle of medication adjustments without addressing underlying causes. The prevalent use of antidepressants, although beneficial for some, has drawn criticism due to side effects and the inability to address root causes, such as nutritional deficiencies or hormonal imbalances. SSRI antidepressants... READ MORE
How our brain and innards communicate
It’s interesting how some hormones like serotonin affect mood, and yet they’re made in the GI tract — our gut! The gut-brain axis is a complex network in the body that allows our gut and brain to communicate through both direct and indirect pathways. This connection explains how gut health impacts brain functions and vice versa. Understanding how this works can help with ... READ MORE
The key to a better burger is in the crust
Smashed burgers share the same thin, verging-on-well-done profile and all-American array of condiments as typical fast-food burgers, but their big selling point is an ultra-brown, crispy crust. We make these using commercial ground beef instead of grinding our own, because the former is ground finer and thus exposes more myosin, a sticky meat protein that helps the patties hold... READ MORE
Over-the-counter hearing device choices
[Ed. note: Next month, this column will discuss regular hearing aids and how to choose one.] Dear Mayo Clinic: I’ve heard about the new over-the-counter hearing devices, but I’m not sure if they’ll work for me. What do I need to know? And what should I consider as I make my decision? A: Hearing loss can be a significant quality-of-life issue for people. There are certainly... READ MORE
Don’t toss food scraps; repurpose them
It’s a pretty safe bet that at some point, we’ve all thrown away a leftover scrap of food. The average American household tosses up to $2,000 worth of food every year. While making good use of leftovers or preserving and canning foods are excellent ways to prevent food waste, you may be throwing out food scraps that you didn’t even know were edible or could be easily... READ MORE
Eating seasonal is healthy, saves money
As peak summer approaches in Sicily, Anna Fiannaca prefers the peppers, eggplants and zucchini her brothers grow over the packaged food in the supermarket. The 89-year-old cooks everything from scratch and eats mostly vegetarian. But she attributes much of her continued good health to adjusting her diet to what is most available throughout the year. “It was just the way of life... READ MORE
How to find local volunteer opportunities
Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend some good organizations or websites for locating interesting volunteer opportunities? I’ve been doing some volunteer work since I retired last year, but most of the jobs I’ve tried haven’t been very fun or satisfying. —Retired Volunteer Dear Retired, Volunteering is a great way for retirees to make a positive contribution to... READ MORE
Understanding heart failure, pacemakers
Q: I was recently diagnosed with mild heart failure. But my echocardiogram showed a normal ejection fraction. Why would I still have heart failure? A: Heart failure conjures up the image of your heart suddenly stopping. But it actually means the heart is not pumping as it should. Impairments in pumping action can develop in the entire heart or just the left or right side. Most... READ MORE
Health 2024
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