Pros and cons of artificial sweeteners

By Howard LeWine, M.D.
Posted on September 01, 2022

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

By Nancy J. Schaaf, RN
Posted on August 30, 2022

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

By Julie Corliss
Posted on August 26, 2022

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

By Matthew Kadey
Posted on August 25, 2022

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

By Margaret Foster
Posted on August 23, 2022

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

By Christopher Camp, M.D.
Posted on August 19, 2022

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

By Sara Rathner
Posted on August 17, 2022

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

By Howard LeWine, M.D.
Posted on August 15, 2022

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

By Steve Calechman
Posted on August 11, 2022

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

By Family Features
Posted on August 09, 2022

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