The pros and cons of consuming fructose
Fructose is a simple sugar with a bad reputation. Sweeter than table sugar — which it’s a component of — and primarily found in many fruits and some vegetables, fructose once enjoyed status as a “healthier” sweetener. More recently, it’s had a fall from grace, stemming in part from the ubiquity of high-fructose corn syrup in processed foods. But what does the science say... READ MORE
Are your bones getting enough calcium?
Calcium and vitamin D are essential to building strong, dense bones when you’re young and to keeping them strong and healthy as you age. About 99% of the calcium in our bodies is in our bones and teeth. When we don’t get the calcium our body needs, it is taken from our bones. This is fine once in a while, but if it happens too often, bones get weak and may break. Vitamin D plays... READ MORE
Who gets a COVID-19 booster and when?
COVID-19 booster shots may be coming for at least some Americans but already the Biden administration is being forced to scale back expectations — illustrating just how much important science still has to be worked out. The initial plan was to offer Pfizer or Moderna boosters starting Sept. 20, contingent on authorization from U.S. regulators. But now administration officials... READ MORE
Supplements may raise men’s cancer risk
Q: Do any supplements help prevent a man from developing prostate cancer? A: Most studies of vitamin and mineral supplements used to prevent cancer, including prostate cancer, have had disappointing results. In fact, some even appear to increase prostate cancer risk. Here’s a rundown on where things stand. Multivitamins. One standard multivitamin daily neither increases nor... READ MORE
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
