Blood clots can be serious; keep moving
Q: A friend was just diagnosed with a blood clot in the lung. She is very healthy. What can I do to prevent this from happening to me? A: It sounds like your friend had a pulmonary embolism. Most blood clots in the lung start with a blood clot that forms in a leg vein, known as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Part of the clot can break off and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary... READ MORE
Three NIH studies will focus on fatigue
If you’re tired of being tired, you’re not alone. Cancer survivors, people with chronic illnesses such as lupus, and many older adults suffer from fatigue. A lab at NIH’s National Institute of Nursing Research is currently enrolling people in three clinical trials related to fatigue. “They’re all trying to better understand fatigue,” said Alex Ross, senior research nurse... READ MORE
Have ringing or humming in your ears?
That recurring sound that you hear but nobody else does? It’s not all in your head. Well, not exactly. You may be one of the estimated 50 million-plus people who suffer from tinnitus (pronounced TIN-i-tus). The mysterious condition causes a sound in the head with no external source. For many it’s a high-pitched ringing, while for others it’s whistling, whooshing, buzzing, chirping, ... READ MORE
Foods that can help you fight allergies
Summer means warming temps, longer days and beautiful new blooms. It also means heightened allergies for a growing number of people. Whatever the allergen — pollens, pet dander, dust — symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and itchy, watery eyes affect about one billion people worldwide. Finding relief isn’t easy, but making small, simple changes to your eating habits may ... READ MORE
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
