How to get fast, safe relief for heartburn
Q: I get heartburn about once or twice a week. What’s the best approach to get fast relief? A: Heartburn is caused by stomach acid moving up out of the stomach into the lower part of the esophagus. Reducing the overall acidity protects the esophagus from burning or irritation when the stomach contents back up or “reflux.” The fastest treatment is to neutralize the acid already... READ MORE
Non-drug therapies needed for dementia
The human and financial cost of Alzheimer’s disease is devastating. More than 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of dementia, rising to 78 million by 2030 and 139 million by 2050. In the United States alone, the Alzheimer’s Association estimated that in 2020, more than 11 million unpaid caregivers provided 15.3 billion hours of assistance (valued ... READ MORE
Legislating drug prices
Those of us on Medicare may feel like rejoicing at the recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, which, among many other provisions, took some unprecedented steps to reduce Medicare’s drug costs as well as costs for the 50 million people who purchase optional Medicare Part D prescription drug insurance. While I can’t cover all the provisions in this column, here is a summary of... READ MORE
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
Health 2025
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