Staying sun-safe in the summertime

By Imani Carpenter
Posted on June 15, 2021

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

Now is a great time to sip peppermint tea

By Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner
Posted on June 11, 2021

Made from the dried leaves of the peppermint plant, peppermint tea is an herbal infusion with a fresh, soothing flavor. And unless it’s mixed with green, black or white tea (check the label), peppermint tea is a caffeine-free, tea-free, zero-calorie beverage that packs many health benefits in a small package. Peppermint tea can be enjoyed iced or hot, and a cup or two daily is the... READ MORE

Prescriptions to cure loneliness abound

By Lindsey Tanner and Martha Irvine
Posted on June 10, 2021

The stranger’s call came when Dianne Green needed it most. Alone in the Chicago home where she’d raised four kids, Green had never felt lonelier. She was grieving recently deceased relatives and too fearful of COVID-19 to see her grandkids and great-grandbabies. Then, one day last spring, her cell phone lit up. The cheerful voice on the line was Janine Blezien, a nurse from a... READ MORE

Study predicts dementia via driving data

By Margaret Foster
Posted on June 09, 2021

Tracking drivers’ behaviors can predict dementia, according to a recent study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and Columbia’s Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. Researchers developed algorithms for detecting mild cognitive impairment and dementia in older drivers, according to the study’s findings, published in the journal Geriatrics this ... READ MORE

For the healthiest hot dogs, go natural

By Julia Westbrook
Posted on June 08, 2021

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, hot dogs are a cookout staple. So, if you’re in charge of the shopping, here’s what to keep in mind to pick franks that are reasonably healthy and tasty. The biggest stumbling block is sodium. Several dogs on the market have over 600 mg — and that’s before the bun and condiments. Plus, know the terms on the package, as there’s a whole host of... READ MORE

What to do about chronically itchy skin

By Suzy Cohen
Posted on June 07, 2021

The average person is estimated to scratch an itch on their body about a hundred times a day, and that is considered pretty normal. But what if you have a chronic itch? The scratching could be nonstop, and you could scratch yourself to the point of bleeding, risking infection. Itching is one of those symptoms that will drive you mad unless you get to the root cause and treat it. This can ... READ MORE

Savory galette makes a great lunch or dinner

By America’s Test Kitchen
Posted on June 03, 2021

A galette is like a pie, except the crust is only on the bottom and the sides and it’s a totally free-form dish. No pie plate here! A good galette has a crust that is nice and crisp. But the filling can create a problem. Most veggies are filled with water, which can make the crust wet. The solution? We put a layer of grated Parmesan cheese on the bottom of the galette before adding the ... READ MORE

How to find out about Alzheimer’s studies

By Margaret Foster
Posted on June 02, 2021

If you or a loved one has received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, you may want to join a community of people in the same boat. There’s strength — or at least comfort — in numbers, after all. A 21-year-old organization called UsAgainstAlzheimer’s invites everyone affected by the disease or other dementia to sign up for a health registry called the A-List. Everyone, including... READ MORE

Reasons golfing may cause wrist pain

By Sanjeev Kakar, M.D.
Posted on May 28, 2021

Dear Mayo Clinic: I golf about three to four times a week and have been doing so for the last two years. Lately, though, I’ve been experiencing pain in my wrists that makes golfing extremely uncomfortable. A friend of mine had similar symptoms, and he ended up having surgery to treat tendinitis. Is there a way to reduce the pain that does not require surgery? A: Wrist injuries can... READ MORE

Six things we ought to know about GMOs

By Family Features
Posted on May 27, 2021

You may have heard of GMO foods before, but what you may not know is the science and purpose behind them. GMO (genetically modified organism) is a common term used to describe foods that have been created through genetic engineering. A GMO is a plant, animal or microorganism that has had its genetic material (DNA) changed using technology that generally involves the transfer of specific... READ MORE