Pros and cons of artificial sweeteners
Q: I hear so much about the evils of sugar. Are artificial sweeteners a good alternative, especially to help me lose weight? A: While they are not magic bullets, smart use of non-nutritive sweeteners could help you reduce added sugars in your diet, therefore lowering the number of calories you eat. Reducing calories could help you attain and maintain a healthy body weight. In fact,... READ MORE
Beware of heat exhaustion and heat stroke
In all weather conditions, the body works to maintain a normal temperature ranging from 97 to 99 degrees. When temperatures are extreme, like on a scorching summer day, it can be more difficult for our body to maintain its ideal temperature. Extreme sweltering heat can be hazardous to our health. One way the human body can typically regulate its temperature is through sweating. Our... READ MORE
How blue light from screens affects sleep
Recently, my brother mentioned he was sleeping better since he got new prescription glasses with a blue-light filter. He wears his glasses mostly for reading screens (both computer and smartphone) during the day while at work. I was intrigued, but a little skeptical: Could daytime use of blue light-filtering glasses make a difference in how well he slept? How, when, and why blue light ... READ MORE
Pea protein is good non-dairy alternative
As the popularity of plant-based eating rises, protein sources from the plant kingdom have been flooding the food market. From hemp to sacha inchi to peanut, there are almost too many to keep track of. There’s one source of protein, however, that seems to have grabbed the lion’s share of popularity: pea protein. It has made its way into many products, including protein powders,... READ MORE
Participants sought for a Maryland study
If you’d like to be part of a new research program whose goal is to improve the health of Marylanders, the University of Maryland School of Medicine wants to hear from you. Researchers are seeking to engage 250,000 Marylanders to build a resource that will enable a broad range of health- and disease-related research. They’ll use surveys and other health information as well as DNA... READ MORE
Treatment varies for rotator cuff injuries
Dear Mayo Clinic: I have been experiencing pain in my right shoulder every time I hit the tennis court, and when I try to lift objects at home. How do I know if I tore my rotator cuff? What are the options for treatment, and can I get back to playing? A: People can injure their rotator cuff in several ways. Accordingly, it can be hard to know if that is the primary source of your... READ MORE
Getting therapy when cost is a barrier
The race to find mental health treatment can feel like a marathon when you may not have the energy or ability to even make it to the starting line. You may be faced with limited affordable options and a lack of available therapists. “Prior to the pandemic, we had an inadequate workforce to meet the mental health demand of the country,” said Vaile Wright, who has a doctorate in... READ MORE
Prostate cancer screening after age 70
Q: I just celebrated my 70th birthday and am due for my yearly doctor visit. How does a man decide whether to continue PSA testing for prostate cancer? A: While some guidelines suggest stopping prostate cancer screening after age 70, the decision to continue depends on your general health and life expectancy. The reason: Most prostate cancers are low-grade and will not shorten a... READ MORE
Learn your hunger cues to limit cravings
The challenge with resisting food is, well, the food. It tastes good. It looks good. It smells really good, and when we see everyone eating pizza, ice cream and chips, we want in. Then we eat too much and swear that we’ll do better, but when the next time comes… We know that what we’re eating isn’t healthy, but no matter how hard we try, resisting feels impossible. It helps to ... READ MORE
Grapes pair well with fish and vegetables
Grapes are a popular and convenient fruit that can also be an ally in wellness, offering an abundance of health benefits that can help you get (and stay) on the right track. They can go with you on hikes and bike rides or to the gym as a healthy and hydrating source of energy. With no need to peel, cut, core or slice, grapes are perfectly portable when you’re on the... READ MORE