Gene therapy: evidence of a cancer cure
In 2010, doctors treated Doug Olson’s leukemia with an experimental gene therapy that transformed some of his blood cells into cancer killers. More than a decade later, there’s no sign of cancer in his body. The treatment cured Olson and a second patient, according to the University of Pennsylvania doctors, who said it was the first time the therapy had been studied for such a long... READ MORE
Common questions about aging bodies
Throughout life, there are some surprising changes that can occur within our body and mind. As we age, some of those changes become more obvious, like wrinkles or forgetfulness. Learning what to expect as you get older can help alleviate some anxiety over aging. Below are some common questions from patients about aging: Q: I used to be 6 feet tall. Now I am 5 feet, 11 inches tall.... READ MORE
Andalusian garbanzo beans with spinach
Espinacas con garbanzos is a hyper-regional dish native to Seville, Spain, with strong Moorish influence. It’s substantive and full of flavor. Briefly simmering canned chickpeas (uniformly tender, well-seasoned and convenient) in a combination of chicken broth and chickpea canning liquid tenderizes them and infuses them with savory flavor. A picada (a paste of garlic and bread... READ MORE
Four health benefits from dark chocolate
You’ve seen the chocolate-is-healthy headlines — and who wouldn’t want to buy into them? Looking for license to eat decadent goodness? Here are some facts on the health benefits of dark chocolate backed by research: nothing here funded by chocolate companies and no small, one-off studies without a larger body of research backing them up. Take a look. Improves heart... READ MORE
Dealing with stress urinary incontinence
Q: I notice that sometimes when I sneeze or laugh, I may urinate a little. Is there anything I can do, or is this just a part of getting older? A: You’re not alone! What you are experiencing sounds like stress urinary incontinence. This can affect almost a third of people nationwide, more commonly women than men. While the issue is common, it does not mean that it is a normal part... READ MORE
How to treat sudden low blood pressure
When I was a practicing pharmacist at a large retail chain, I’d get this type of phone call a lot: “What do I do? My husband took his blood pressure pill, and now he feels faint! Is that normal?” Almost every pharmacist has received a similar call after dispensing any one of the popular anti-hypertensives like losartan, lisinopril, nifedipine, atenolol and others. The answer... READ MORE
Virtual reality makes therapy like a game
Joe O’Connor, 62, who lives near Worcester, Massachusetts, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease six years ago. Exercise is one of the only things that slows the progress of the chronic disease, so he works out avidly — often in a virtual reality (VR) world. He dances. He plays tennis. He enjoys games that help him work on his short-term memory and hand-eye coordination. “VR ... READ MORE
Alternatives to statins for high cholesterol
Dear Mayo Clinic: I have high cholesterol, but I can’t take statin drugs. Are there any new medications that I should consider? A: Cholesterol is a waxy substance that’s found in the fats in your blood. When you have too much cholesterol, you can develop fatty deposits, or lipids, in your blood vessels that can make it difficult for blood to flow through your arteries. An estimated... READ MORE
Make the most of winter fruits, veggies
If you take a closer look at the produce aisle right now, you’ll find some standout cold-loving options that will surely increase your appetite for winter and also the nutritional value of your diet. “When in season, fruits and vegetables likely have a higher concentration of vitamins and minerals,” said Jill Nussinow (a.k.a. The Veggie Queen), registered dietitian, culinary... READ MORE
Q&A: Fight itches; strengthen your core
Q: My father keeps complaining about itching in different parts of his body. Is this common and what can he do? A: Generalized itching has many potential triggers. One is aging. The skin barrier doesn’t work as well as it used to, and things that may not have irritated a person before may now be absorbed in the skin and cause itching. The skin also develops a somewhat impaired... READ MORE
Health 2024
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