Learning to live well with ‘long-haul’ illness
When we get an acute illness like the flu or a cold, we feel sick for a week or two and then get back to our usual lives. This is how illness is “supposed” to go. But what happens when illness doesn’t fit this bill? What do patients with chronic conditions like diabetes or multiple sclerosis, or with persistent symptoms of Lyme disease or long-haul COVID-19, do when they can’t... READ MORE
Stroke survivors can help future recovery
A stroke can be permanently debilitating. Every year, of the nearly 800,000 Americans who have a stroke, only 10% make a full recovery, according to the American Stroke Association. In fact, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine are studying stroke survivors in... READ MORE
Low- and regular-dose aspirin safe, effective
Thousands of heart disease patients recently enrolled themselves in an unusual study that required them to track their health online as they took low- or regular-strength aspirin. The study concludes that both doses seem equally safe and effective for preventing additional heart problems and strokes. But there’s a big caveat: People had such a strong preference for the lower dose that... READ MORE
No evidence CBD relieves chronic pain
If you ask health care providers about the most challenging condition to treat, chronic pain is mentioned frequently. By its nature, chronic pain is a complex and multidimensional experience. Pain perception is affected by our unique biology, mood, social environment and past experiences. Given the ongoing challenges of chronic pain management coupled with the consequences of the opioid... READ MORE
Most with hearing loss don’t see a doctor
About 48 million Americans have some form of hearing loss, whether from illness, military service or too many loud concerts. Worldwide, 1 in 4 people will experience hearing loss by 2050, according to the World Health Organization’s first World Report on Hearing, released this year. In May, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) announced that its recent poll of 2,500... READ MORE
How dairy stacks up to plant-based beverages
Dear Mayo Clinic: Since I was a kid, I’ve been drinking milk with breakfast and dinner as my primary beverage. But looking in the grocery store coolers these days, there are so many options other than cow’s milk. Are plant-based milks like soy or almond milk healthier options? A: Dairy (cow’s) milk and plant-based beverages like soy and almond milks all can be healthy choices.... READ MORE
Choose the healthiest canned foods
Whether you’re trying to eat healthy on a budget or consolidate trips to the grocery store, canned foods are pantry essentials. If you know what to look for, canned foods can make for nutritious additions to meals and snacks. As a bonus, canned foods are typically much cheaper and last longer than their fresh or frozen counterparts. Here are a few of the best healthy canned foods to keep... READ MORE
Exercise helps fibromyalgia — here’s how
If you have fibromyalgia and you’re in pain, exercising is probably the last thing you feel like doing. Many people with fibromyalgia already struggle to get through their regular daily activities. Adding exercise on top of that may seem insurmountable. And pain and exhaustion can make it difficult to start and stick with regular workouts. Experts agree, however, that exercise is... READ MORE
Fiber helps your gut and protects your heart
As part of a healthy diet, fiber is a nutrient most associated with keeping the digestive tract regular and — thanks to the marketing on the oatmeal container — lowering cholesterol. But fiber’s role in the body goes way beyond regularity, and one of fiber’s most important roles stems from the influence that gut health has on heart health. To put it simply, a healthier gut means... READ MORE
Staying sun-safe in the summertime
Q: Every summer I love being outdoors, but I am really concerned about the sun damaging my skin. I always try to use sunscreen when I’m outdoors — is there anything else I should do to protect my skin from sun damage? A: Summertime always brings lots of memories, fun and sun. To maximize your fun it is important to remember to protect your skin from the sun, which can cause... READ MORE