New snack line designed to reduce cholesterol
A Johns Hopkins-trained cardiologist who recognized that diet was responsible for much of the high cholesterol, high blood pressure and high blood sugar she saw in her patients has designed a line of snack foods intended to help. Called Step One Foods, the products contain omega-3 oils, plant sterols, fiber and antioxidants that come from dried fruit, nuts and seeds as well as oat fiber... READ MORE
Older adults more likely to get Long Covid
In June 2020, shortly after the start of the pandemic, people recovering from infection with COVID-19, especially young women, began to call attention to a range of debilitating symptoms that lingered well past the acute viral illness. They described symptoms affecting nearly every organ and often lasting weeks to months — in some cases, years. The symptoms included cognitive slowness ... READ MORE
What flu vaccine should older adults get?
Dear Savvy Senior, I just turned 65 and would like to learn more about the stronger flu shots I see advertised for older adults. What can you tell me about them and how are they covered by Medicare? —Senior Novice Dear Novice, There are actually three different types of senior-specific flu shots (you only need one) that the CDC is now recommending to people age 65 and... READ MORE
Study finds benefits from drinking black tea
Tea can be part of a healthy diet, and people who drink it regularly may even be a little more likely to live longer than those who don’t, according to a large study. Tea contains helpful substances known to reduce inflammation. Past studies in China and Japan, where green tea is popular, suggested health benefits. The new study extends the good news to the U.K.’s favorite drink:... READ MORE
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
