Choosing a good blood pressure monitor
Dear Savvy Senior, I just found out I have stage 1 hypertension, and my doctor recommended I get a home blood pressure monitor to keep an eye on it. Can you offer me any tips on choosing a good one? —Hypertensive Helen Dear Helen, It’s a smart idea! Everyone with elevated or high blood pressure (stage 1 and higher) should consider getting a home blood pressure monitor. Home ... READ MORE
Bone density tests assess risk of fractures
Dear Mayo Clinic: I am a 62-year-old woman who has been fairly healthy most of my life. I try to walk daily and eat right. I’ve never had a fracture or bone health issues. But after my annual physical this year, my doctor suggested a bone density test. Do I really need one and how often? A: A bone density test uses a low dose of X-rays in a quick, noninvasive way to measure the amount... READ MORE
Seeds are packed with protein, minerals
There is an old saying that “great things come in small packages.” When it comes to edible seeds, don’t let their diminutive size fool you: “In many cases, the nutritional make-up of seeds rivals that of nuts,” said Julie Andrews, MS, RDN, The Gourmet RD. “Each seed has a unique nutrition profile, but they’re all similar in the sense that they’re very nutritious.” So,... READ MORE
Radiation drugs track and kill tumor cells
Doctors are reporting improved survival in men with advanced prostate cancer from an experimental drug that delivers radiation directly to tumor cells. Few such drugs are approved now, but the approach may become a new way to treat patients with other hard-to-reach or inoperable cancers. The study tested an emerging class of medicine called radiopharmaceuticals, drugs that deliver... READ MORE
Eating right to support kidney health
Our kidneys play a vital role in protecting our overall health. What exactly are their main functions? – Remove wastes and excess fluid: They filter about 200 quarts of blood daily to create one to two quarts of urine. – Assist in the creation of red blood cells: They make a hormone called erythropoietin which signals bone marrow to make red blood cells. Red blood cells deliver... READ MORE
Illness-related fatigue: More than just tired
“Tired” is a nebulous word that covers a broad spectrum of levels of fatigue. A crucial distinction, however, is between regular fatigue and illness-related fatigue. Everyday fatigue that is not illness-related starts with a baseline of health. You may feel sleepy, you may in fact be sleep-deprived, or your body and mind may be worn out from long hours, exertion, or unrelenting... READ MORE
What can I take to prevent colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. There is compelling evidence that screening to detect CRC early to find and remove precancerous polyps can reduce CRC mortality. However, screening has associated harms, including procedural complications, and inherent limitations. For example, colonoscopy, the most common screening tool in the... READ MORE
Setting the record straight on whole grains
Whole grains are recommended, with few exceptions, to be included as part of a healthful diet. The latest 2020-2025 U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend three servings a day of whole grains and point to whole grain amaranth, barley, brown rice, buckwheat, bulgur, millet, oats, popcorn, quinoa, dark rye, whole-grain cornmeal, whole wheat bread, whole wheat chapati, whole grain... READ MORE
Breathe easier with these asthma products
If you’ve ever had your bronchial tube go into a spasm, you know how scary it is! A bronchospasm occurs when the breathing airways suddenly contract, making it hard to breathe and causing that high-pitched, whistling sound called wheezing. If this goes on chronically, it is termed bronchial asthma, or just asthma. About 25 million Americans have asthma, and attacks may be mild and... READ MORE
Studying a drug for Alzheimer’s agitation
Alzheimer’s disease is devastating to a patient’s family not only because of memory loss but because of changes in a loved one’s behavior. In addition to wandering away from caregivers, patients can become anxious, irritable, agitated or even violent. Now a study is under way to see if a drug can help alleviate agitation caused by Alzheimer’s. Sponsored by Avanir Pharmaceuticals... READ MORE
