Understanding and reducing stroke risk
Strokes, the second-leading cause of death globally, affect millions of people each year. A stroke can cause lasting disability and unimaginable pain for those impacted and their loved ones. This year, 14.5 million people globally will have a stroke and 5.5 million people will die as a result, according to the World Stroke Organization. Learn how to reduce your risk for stroke, how to ... READ MORE
Avoid falls with free personal trainer help
As we age, it can be difficult to maintain our balance, which can lead to devastating falls. Now a new clinical trial is underway to try to strengthen muscles to prevent falls. Researchers at University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore are conducting a study for people over age 65 at the Veteran’s Administration Annex on Lafayette Street and Department of Physical Therapy and... READ MORE
Exercise reduces healthcare costs
Healthcare costs later in life were significantly lower for adults who maintained moderate or high physical activity levels, according to a new analysis of claims data linked to the National Institutes of Health-American Association of Retired Persons (NIH-AARP) Diet and Health Study. The study, published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, examined various levels of... READ MORE
Recipes to enjoy dairy without discomfort
Dairy foods — key ingredients in many at-home meals — provide nutrients for people of all ages to grow and maintain stronger bodies and minds. However, some bodies are unable to break down the sugar found in milk, known as lactose, which causes an upset stomach and a heavy, bloated feeling. Rather than avoiding dairy and missing out on beneficial nutrients, people with lactose... READ MORE
Mayo Clinic Q&A: Top 10 workout myths
Dear Mayo Clinic: I eat fairly healthy, but I want to lose weight and improve my physical wellness in the new year. I’m finding a lot of conflicting information about the best workouts for weight loss, the amount of time I need to work out and what food I should eat. Can you help me make sense of it so I can plan a routine? A: Being proactive to achieve long-term health and... READ MORE
Unregulated stem cell clinics proliferate
Hundreds of clinics pushing unproven stem cell procedures caught a big break from the U.S. government in 2017: They would have three years to show that their questionable treatments were safe and effective before regulators started cracking down. But when the Food and Drug Administration’s grace period expired in late May — extended six months due to the pandemic — the... READ MORE
Palliative care helps heart patients
New research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association indicates palliative care can significantly lower the risk of rehospitalization and the need for invasive procedures, including mechanical ventilation and defibrillator implantation, for heart failure patients. Palliative care provides support to patients with chronic conditions to relieve symptoms and improve... READ MORE
New Alzheimer’s drug breeds skepticism
The first new Alzheimer’s treatment in more than 20 years was hailed as a breakthrough when regulators approved it more than four months ago, but its rollout has been slowed by questions about its price and how well it works. Several major medical centers remain undecided on whether to use Biogen’s Aduhelm, which is recommended for early stages of the disease. Big names like the... READ MORE
How and why to freeze herbs, vegetables
Food shortages are continuing as grocery stores face supply chain issues and fewer deliveries. So, I highly recommend that you learn to freeze some things for the winter season. Here’s how you do it: —Parsley is known as a blood cleanser and diuretic. Take a bunch, cut off the stems, and wash the leaves well. Spread them out on a clean towel and dry them the best you can. Try to... READ MORE
Reasons to meet with a genetic counselor
Dear Mayo Clinic: My grandmother died of breast cancer at 70. My first cousin was recently diagnosed at 35. And another cousin also had breast cancer a few years ago. A friend suggested that I undergo genetic counseling to determine my risk. Is that necessary? Can a genetic counselor tell me anything else about my risk for other diseases? A: Although it can be daunting to have a... READ MORE
