How could I have COPD and not know it?
Dear Savvy Senior, I have struggled with shortness of breath for several years now. I just thought I was getting old and fat, but a friend recently told me about COPD. Could I have COPD and not know it? —Huffing and Puffing Dear Huffing, Yes. COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a progressive lung disease that affects an estimated 30 million Americans. But about... READ MORE
Who knew? Nutmeg can be psychoactive
Over the holidays, I made some homemade vanilla eggnog and used freshly grated whole nutmeg. It really does make a difference if you grate a whole nutmeg versus using regular powdered nutmeg spice. The flavor is incredibly richer with the former. The recipe is posted at my website, but the point is that nutmeg is a very interesting spice with many health benefits, and one potential... READ MORE
When to stop taking your heartburn drug
Q: I was recently discharged from the hospital and sent home with a prescription for omeprazole. My pharmacist told me it is a generic form of Prilosec. Is this a medication I will need to take for the rest of my life? A: Possibly, but probably not. I would contact your doctor to see how long they intended for you to be on this medication. Proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, such as... READ MORE
Ways to make healthy eating affordable
Want to eat healthy and save money? Start by cooking more at home, because it hits two birds with one stone. Home cooked meals are both more nutritious and more affordable than getting takeout or eating in restaurants. According to Julie Ramhold, a consumer analyst from DealNews, there are several simple steps you can take to eat (and buy) healthier ingredients when you’re on a... READ MORE
Comforting and healthy winter recipes
Taking time to nurture your health and well-being starts with building healthier habits. As the seasons change, challenge yourself to make small yet consistent choices that help you and your family establish (or re-establish) healthy habits during mealtime. For example, bring everyone together with a better-for-you seasonal favorite like ginger pumpkin soup or this modern take on tuna... READ MORE
Do rapid COVID tests detect omicron?
Do at-home COVID-19 tests detect the omicron variant? Yes, but U.S. health officials say early data suggests they may be less sensitive at picking it up. Government recommendations for using at-home tests haven’t changed. People should continue to use them when a quick result is important. “The bottom line is the tests still detect COVID-19 whether it is delta or alpha or... READ MORE
Help researchers compare hearing aids
About 28.8 million Americans could benefit from hearing aids, according to NIH’s National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Yet fewer than one in three have ever tried them. Some people who do try hearing aids are disappointed because they don’t provide the quality of sound they expected. Now researchers at the University of Maryland’s Hearing Brain Lab... READ MORE
How well do antidepressants relieve pain?
Did you know that antidepressant medications are often prescribed for people without depression? It’s true. Antidepressants are frequently prescribed for chronic pain, especially pain related to nerve disease (called neuropathic pain), chronic low back or neck pain, and certain types of arthritis. In fact, some guidelines for the treatment of chronic low back pain and osteoarthritis ... READ MORE
How to avoid peripheral arterial disease
Approximately 6.5 million people 40 and older in the United States have peripheral arterial disease. Known as PAD, the disease is the narrowing or blockage of the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the legs. It is primarily caused by the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries, which is called atherosclerosis. PAD can happen in any blood vessel, but it is more common in the legs... READ MORE
Frozen vegetables, fruit are good choices
Nearly every health expert will be quick to tell you that it’s a good idea to load up your shopping cart with more vegetables and fruits. Their unique nutritional stew of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals is key to lasting health. But sometimes fresh options in the produce aisle don’t look so fresh and are expensive, especially when out of season locally. That’s when... READ MORE
