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
Many causes lead to hand and back pain
Q: My pinky finger has been numb and tingly for more than one week. I am not aware of any injury. What could be the reason? A: The symptoms you’re describing suggest a problem with a nerve supplying sensation to the fifth (pinky) finger. Since it is lasting this long, you should call your doctor’s office for an appointment. Some people with numbness and tingling of the fifth... READ MORE
Ex-smoker? Scan can protect your lungs
Not too long ago, people used to smoke everywhere — in restaurants, on airplanes, in their (or your) car. There was no escaping it, but most people never gave it a second thought. Today, things are done differently. However, those memories can be an important reminder to those who smoked back then to take a step for better health and get a lung screening. Early detection is... READ MORE
Simple food tips promote healthy aging
Eating right can help you age gracefully and healthfully — and sometimes all it takes to make smarter diet choices are just tiny tweaks. Consider these healthy-aging helpers: “Low-fat” isn’t always best As you age, your metabolism slows, and so your calorie needs decrease. Since fat packs almost twice as many calories as carbs or protein, gram for gram, aiming to eat a lower-fat... READ MORE
Ministrokes warn of worse stroke to come
Q: My father’s right hand suddenly became weak. He couldn’t hold his coffee cup. It lasted about 5 minutes and then the strength came back. His doctor was worried about a ministroke. What does that mean? A: A ministroke, what doctors call a transient ischemic attack or TIA, is a problem in the blood vessels of the brain that causes a temporary decrease in blood flow to a certain... READ MORE
To lose weight, never do this after 5 p.m.
Don’t worry, we aren’t going to tell you to stop eating after 5 p.m. However, you might be doing some things from early evening until you hit the hay that are preventing you from seeing the scale move. While a small, sustainable calorie deficit is needed for weight loss, emerging research on circadian rhythms, timing of meals and intermittent fasting shows that when you eat may be... READ MORE
Volunteer for new fall-prevention study
As we age, falling is not only more likely but more dangerous. A bad fall can lead to death or permanent damage. About 38 million older Americans — one out of four older adults — suffer a fall each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The majority of them survive, but many never fully recover. “The number-one cause of injurious death to older adults is falling,” ... READ MORE
