Simple steps to stay focused
Q: My mind seems to wander more easily these days. What can I do to stay more focused? A: To help curb your wandering mind, start by tracking your lack of attention. Observe situations when you lose focus. For instance, when you read a book passage and feel your attention waning, make a mental note when it happens. Keeping a tally can help drive your attention, as it teaches you to be ... READ MORE
Tracking volunteers’ immunity via T-cells
Most Maryland residents are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 — 62%, as of press time. But vaccine protection fades over time, so we may need to roll up our sleeves again for a booster shot. When is the best time to get a booster shot: six months, nine months or even a year after the last dose? This year scientists at the National Institute on Aging are trying to answer that... READ MORE
Pros and cons of turmeric, supplements
Dear Mayo Clinic: I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and I will have surgery followed by chemotherapy. A friend told me that turmeric has anti-cancer properties. I have taken turmeric supplements in the past for osteoarthritis. Can I can safely take it as a supplement along with conventional breast cancer treatment? A: Turmeric, a bright yellow spice powder made from the... READ MORE
Bedtime snack mistakes can wreck sleep
Snacking before bed can be a tricky business. Eat too much, and get ready for a night of tossing and turning. Eat too little, and you might find yourself devouring your entire kitchen at 3 in the morning. It’s no secret that steering clear of refined carbs and junky foods before bed is one of the best ways to avoid a sleepless night. But even noshing on healthy P.M. snacks can still... READ MORE
The benefits of running for better health
Dear Mayo Clinic: A few neighbors formed a running group to train for a marathon in 2021. I’m thinking about joining them, as I know that running can be good exercise, but I’ve never run before. Is running a marathon actually good for my health? Should I do certain things to avoid injuries? A: Being active and engaging in regular aerobic exercise is important for overall... READ MORE
Red and processed meat: Worry or not?
Q: With so much advice about the healthiest diet, I’m confused about how much red meat I can eat, if any. What’s your advice? A: Experts continue to debate the right answer to this question. Avoiding red and processed meats has been a standard public health message for many years. In 2019, a highly respected medical journal published a review of the literature on the topic. The... READ MORE
Creamy lasagna soup with vegetables
Lasagna is often a family favorite, a kind of comfort food with an Italian vibe. But depending on the recipe, the process of making it can be onerous. First, you prepare and season the sauce and mix together the cheeses. Then you part-cook the lasagna noodles and trim them to fit the dish. You might even need to pre-cook some mushrooms and other vegetables. Finally, you have to line... READ MORE
Ways to cope with pain of osteoarthritis
Q: My doctor just diagnosed me with osteoarthritis. Whenever I lift something, I experience pain in my hands, knee or hip. How can I stop this pain from taking over my life? A: It can be difficult to receive a diagnosis like this one. Osteoarthritis pain is very common and can affect your daily life. It’s caused by the wearing down of the cartilage in your joints. Cartilage... READ MORE
Blueberries, a native fruit and superfood
Blueberries, one of the first named “superfoods,” are one of the few fruits native to North America. Native American tribes have coveted them for hundreds of years, calling them “star berries” for the five-point “star” at the blossom end of the berry. The brilliantly hued berries were believed to protect children from famine, ease childbirth pain and treat coughs and... READ MORE
Researchers seek to prevent Alzheimer’s
While some scientists are working on medications to treat memory loss, other researchers are looking for ways to prevent Alzheimer’s disease entirely. Now a global study is under way to track the brains of healthy older adults who don’t yet have memory loss. Called the Ahead Study, it will enroll 8,000 participants at 100 sites in several countries. Howard University in Washington,... READ MORE
Health 2024
#Recipes #Dear Pharmacist #Health Study #Nutrition #Medicare #Vaccines #Mayo Clinic #Alzheimer’s Disease #health #advice #hearing #Domestic #food #Solutions #Retirement #Savvy Senior #volunteering #heart health #meditation #Cancer #prostate #sleep #healthcare #telemedicine #AI #Alzheimer's #supplements #Baltimore
