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
What we know about COVID booster shots
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?
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?
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?
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
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
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