Why antioxidants matter; get from food
Antioxidants are a nutrition topic that’s had staying power for decades as other nutrition trends come and go. Why? Because although antioxidants can be overhyped at times, there is actual substance behind the hype. What antioxidants do Antioxidants neutralize free radicals — substances that occur naturally in the body but can damage cells and DNA. “Antioxidants are simply... READ MORE
Simple tests can ID silent kidney disease
When people are unexpectedly diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), their lives can be turned upside down. CKD, which is the gradual loss of kidney function, strikes Americans at a faster rate than any other non-contagious disease. When diagnosed early, kidney disease can often be treated so that it does not worsen into kidney failure (which can be fatal). However, with no symptoms ... READ MORE
When a loved one ought to stop driving
Dear Savvy Senior, What is the best way to deal with older drivers who probably shouldn’t be driving anymore? My dad, who’s 86, is bound and determined to keep driving as long as he’s alive. —Backseat Daughter Dear Backseat, For many families, talking to a parent about giving up the car keys can be very difficult and sensitive. While there’s no one way to handle this... READ MORE
Studying connection between aging, falls
When it comes to dementia and falls, which comes first? Do people with dementia fall more often, or does falling down indicate dementia? Researchers at Johns Hopkins hope to find out. They’re conducting two studies this summer that will look at how dementia affects balance. “The same parts of your brain that control memory play a significant role in how you maintain your... READ MORE
How to get relief from allergy symptoms
Q: I am struggling with more allergy symptoms than usual this spring. There are so many over-the-counter products available. How does one choose? A: Before choosing a medication, it helps to understand what’s causing your allergies. Often, it’s a matter of inhaling a harmless substance, such as pollen or another allergen, which the immune system mistakenly perceives as a dangerous ... READ MORE
Low inflammation diet fights chronic pain
The idiom “you are what you eat” is well accepted when it comes to increasing or decreasing your risk for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some types of cancer. But it may come as a surprise that research increasingly suggests that what you put on your plate can either increase or decrease pain that stems from osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, bursitis and migraines, and can... READ MORE
Three ways to obtain vision insurance
More than 12 million adults age 40 and older suffer from vision impairment, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That number is expected to double by 2050 as baby boomers get older. “Visual acuity deteriorates for many of us as we age,” said Gregg Ratkovic, president of Medicare at eHealth, an online insurance marketplace. “That’s normal, and that’s what ... READ MORE
Leg pain when walking is probably PAD
Q: I recently developed pain in my right leg, but only when I walk. If I slow down or stop, the pain goes away. Is it a circulation problem? A: Your symptoms are most consistent with peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD occurs when one or more of the arteries that carry blood to the leg muscles narrows, often because of a buildup of fatty plaque. An estimated 10 million Americans have ... READ MORE
Important steps to take after head injury
Many of us bump our head and think nothing of it. Unfortunately, a seemingly benign head injury can prove fatal. Actor and comedian Bob Saget died of “blunt head trauma,” according to the autopsy report released by the Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office. “It is in my opinion that the death of Robert Saget, a 65-year-old white male found unresponsive in a hotel room, is the... READ MORE
Couscous makes a quick, creamy ‘risotto’
Classic risotto is made with starchy, medium-grain Italian rice, such as Arborio or carnaroli. It is toasted then cooked, sometimes slowly, over low heat as broth is ladled into the pan in stages. While the liquid absorbs, the cook stirs, stirs and keeps stirring. This “risotto,” from our book Cookish (which limits recipes to just six ingredients without sacrificing flavor), uses... READ MORE