Two vaccine studies seeking volunteers
Sometimes a cold can progress to something more dangerous. In people over 60, the common respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, starts out as a mild cold but can cause bronchitis, pneumonia and even chronic pulmonary obstruction disease (COPD). In fact, RSV is one of the leading causes of hospitalizations for older adults. Now, a drug company is launching a worldwide study of 10,000 people ... READ MORE
When should you get new Covid booster?
John Wherry will wait until later in the fall to consider getting an updated COVID-19 booster. The University of Pennsylvania immunologist knows it’s too soon after his shot late this summer, especially since he’s not at high risk from the virus. It’s the kind of calculation many Americans will face as booster shots that target currently circulating omicron strains become available ... READ MORE
Avoid pricey personalized supplements
The idea of having vitamin supplements formulated to meet your specific nutrient needs is appealing. Are custom supplements truly beneficial and are they worth the price, which tends to be greater than you might find at the local drugstore or health food store? Several online companies, promise to tailor supplements to your specific health needs. But they differ greatly in how they... READ MORE
Crispy, buttery baked cod cooks slowly
The secret to success with this dish is a low-temperature oven (set to just 300 degrees) that ensures that the fish cooks slowly, without drying out. Crispy, buttery, garlicky panko bread crumbs get a head start in a skillet so they’re golden brown when the fish comes out of the oven. Finally, a mayonnaise and egg yolk “glue” adds rich flavor and helps the crumb topping stay... READ MORE
New doubts on high-dose vitamin D pills
More research suggests it’s time to abandon the craze over vitamin D. Taking high doses of “the sunshine vitamin” doesn’t reduce the risk of broken bones in generally healthy older Americans, researchers reported last month in the New England Journal of Medicine. It’s the latest in a string of disappointments about a nutrient once hoped to have wide-ranging protective... READ MORE
Harvard expert answers reader questions
Q: Does zinc really work for colds and flu? A: This question is timely, as cold and flu season will soon be here again. For many years, there’s been interest in the possibility that zinc, or other supplements, could help prevent or treat colds and flu. A recent analysis reviewed available research and suggested that over-the-counter zinc supplements could be one way to make cold and... READ MORE
New auto technologies improve safety
Advanced technologies designed to help drivers navigate intersections could address a third of the crashes that cause older driver injuries and fatalities, a new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows. “Left-turn assist and other, upcoming intersection-assistance technologies could deliver big safety benefits for drivers in their 70s and 80s,” said the paper’s... READ MORE
Microwave ovens can be safe and healthy
It didn’t take long for the microwave oven to become a must-have home kitchen appliance, not to mention an expected fixture anywhere food is prepared — restaurants, break rooms, dorm rooms, even man-caves — to thaw, heat and cook to near-instant gratification. Yet, a reputation as “nuking” or “zapping” food has cast a dark shadow on this radiation emitter. While health... READ MORE
Modern elbow replacements are reliable
Dear Mayo Clinic: I have bad arthritis in my elbow. After several failed surgeries, I have been told that my only option is elbow replacement. I’ve heard others say that elbow replacements do not work. Does Mayo Clinic have experience with elbow replacements? A: The surgeons at Mayo Clinic are considered world experts in elbow replacement. Traditionally, elbow replacement has been... READ MORE
Can low-carb, high-fat diets be healthy?
Various versions of low-carbohydrate diets have been popular for many years. The details of what is allowed and what is not vary quite a bit, and the amount of carbohydrates also differs. Too often these diets contain plates piled high with bacon, meat, eggs and cheese. Due to the high saturated fat content in these diets, doctors and nutritionists worry about their potential adverse... READ MORE