What we know about COVID booster shots

By Carla K. Johnson
Posted on August 31, 2021

U.S. health officials plan to offer COVID-19 booster shots to vaccinated Americans to shore up their protection amid the surging delta variant and evidence that the vaccines’ effectiveness is declining. Here’s a look at what we know about boosters and how they could help fight the coronavirus pandemic: Why might we need boosters? It’s common for protection from vaccines to... READ MORE

Confused about steroids: Good or bad?

By Howard LeWine, M.D.
Posted on August 27, 2021

Q: What’s the difference between steroids prescribed by doctors and the ones used by bodybuilders? A: The term “steroids” can be confusing. But in fact, steroids are flowing through your blood and moving in and out of a variety of tissues and organs as you read this article. And it’s likely they are helping to keep you healthy. In fact, steroids are essential to life. Many... READ MORE

Which meds are best for Type 2 diabetes?

By Samar Hafida, M.D.
Posted on August 26, 2021

If you are living with Type 2 diabetes, you certainly are not alone. One in 10 people in the U.S. has diabetes, according to the CDC. However, despite considerable progress in diabetes treatment over the past 20 years, fewer than half of those with diabetes actually reach their target blood sugar goal. In part, this may be because doctors can be slow to make changes to a patient’s... READ MORE

How much water do you really need daily?

By Jessica Migala
Posted on August 25, 2021

As the warm weather persists, you’ve probably got your water bottle out. And that’s a good thing. “Every single cell in your body needs fluid to function properly,” said Angie Eakin, M.D., a family medicine physician in Spokane, Washington. “That’s why even mild dehydration can make you irritable, foggy-headed and headachy.” But while it’s smart to keep sipping, a lot... READ MORE

How to prepare for a weather emergency

By Family Features
Posted on August 24, 2021

Natural disasters — hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and earthquakes — can be unpredictable. That’s why organizations like the American Red Cross urge people to prepare ahead of time. Perhaps you already have an emergency plan in place, so everyone in your family knows what to do and where to go if a disaster strikes. What you may not have is a disaster preparedness kit. In the... READ MORE

Asian salmon with veggies and noodles

By Family Features
Posted on August 23, 2021

If eating wholesome meals is a daily goal, keep in mind you can serve up tasty foods that also feed your immune system by including ingredients like mushrooms. With their earthy flavor, mushrooms — like many other fruits and vegetables — can play a positive role in supporting a healthy immune system. Studies at Oregon State University concluded there are a variety of... READ MORE

Tasty fruit desserts without added sugar

By Lisa Valente, M.S., R.D.
Posted on August 20, 2021

You can still eat dessert if you’re eating less sugar. Just scale it back and choose treats that are lighter on the sugar or free from added sugar entirely. A modest amount of sweetener is fine; you can still have foods like dark chocolate (what’s life without chocolate?). But another option is fresh or frozen fruit. Fruit is naturally sweet and, unlike cakes and candy, comes in a ... READ MORE

Do hair dyes increase the risk of cancer?

By Shinjita Das, M.D.
Posted on August 20, 2021

Personal use of hair dyes is very common, with estimates that 50% or more of women and 10% of men over age 40 color their hair. As natural hair colors get rooted out, let’s cut to a layered question: do permanent hair dyes increase cancer risk? Hair dyes come in three major varieties: oxidative (permanent), direct (semi-permanent or temporary), and natural dyes. Most hair dyes used... READ MORE

Hot yoga for weight loss, overall health

By Adam Perlman, M.D.
Posted on August 19, 2021

Dear Mayo Clinic: A friend of mine started doing yoga a few months ago and said after two classes a week, she has become stronger and lost weight. I want to lose weight, too, and my blood pressure is high, so my friend suggested I join her for a hot yoga class. I’m not familiar with yoga, so I am wondering if it’s safe for me to do. Also, will heated classes help me? A: Yoga is a ... READ MORE

Diabetic study includes all meals free

By Margaret Foster
Posted on August 17, 2021

You may have heard of the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension). Created in 1997 by Dr. Lawrence Appel of Johns Hopkins, the diet includes grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy foods. Appel, the lead investigator on a study published that year, found that the DASH diet lowered blood pressure, which when high can lead to stroke and heart attack. Now Appel’s team... READ MORE