Kidney stones: ways to reduce your risk

By Ivan Porter II, M.D.
Posted on May 26, 2021

Dear Mayo Clinic: My father has a history of kidney stones. He has changed his diet in the past year, which seemed to help. I’m concerned, though, since I’ve heard kidney stones can increase during the summer. Is this true? If so, are there any tips for how he can further reduce his risk? A: As temperatures rise during the summer months, so does the risk of developing kidney... READ MORE

Bitterness gets an undeserved bad rap

By Matthew Kadey
Posted on May 25, 2021

As a flavor, bitter often gets a bad rap; however, bitter foods — like arugula, frisee, rapini and their respective bitter edges — are showing up on menus and the vegetable aisle of supermarkets. We are starting to understand that bitter flavors are important to our sense of taste. They help balance sweet, salty and sour notes. The bitter flavor elevates a meal experience and excites ... READ MORE

Mind-body therapies that help ease pain

By Heidi Godman
Posted on May 24, 2021

I smashed my elbow recently. There was no bone break, just a bad bruise as a result of slipping in the kitchen and landing on my arm. But at times the pain has been excruciating. So, I followed doctor’s orders: babying my elbow, icing it, and taking an occasional over-the-counter painkiller. (P.S. I wear sneakers in the kitchen now.) Something else has helped, too: mind-body... READ MORE

Getting used to sleep apnea treatment

By Melanie Pogach, M.D.
Posted on May 21, 2021

People who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have trouble getting a full night’s sleep because their throat and tongue muscles block their airways. They can stop breathing for up to a minute, hundreds of times per night, and wake up repeatedly, gasping for air. Continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, is the most common treatment prescribed for obstructive sleep... READ MORE

Does air pollution lead to Alzheimer’s?

By Andrew E. Budson, M.D., Harvard Health Blog
Posted on May 20, 2021

Have you ever spent the day in a city with such bad air pollution that when you blew your nose the mucus had a black tinge? Have you ever coughed as you breathed in diesel fumes from a passing bus and thought to yourself, “Well, that’s a year gone from my life”? Could it actually be true — that air pollution leads to an early death? The answer, in fact, is an unqualified... READ MORE

Smart snacking is good for your health

By Betty Gold
Posted on May 19, 2021

As with anything, there is an art to “smart snacking,” or finding foods that will curb your hunger, leave you satisfied, and give you the motivation you need to tackle your to-do list. “There is absolutely nothing wrong with snacking,” said Amy Lee, M.D., a board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine, and member of the National Board of Physician Nutrition... READ MORE

A study to improve knee replacement surgery

By Margaret Foster
Posted on May 17, 2021

For most people, knee replacement surgery improves their quality of life in a few weeks. A small percentage of patients, though, aren’t quite satisfied — up to 20 percent, in fact. Now researchers at the Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics are planning to study how well the two typical knee replacement implants work. “This study is going to be a game-changer in... READ MORE

Vision problems due to droopy eyelids

By Robert Graham, M.D.
Posted on May 14, 2021

Dear Mayo Clinic: My droopy eyelids have worsened significantly over the past few years, but I’m hesitant to have surgery to fix them. What are the risks of having an eyelid lift, and how long is the recovery? A: Blepharoplasty, also called an eyelid lift, typically includes removing extra skin, muscle and fat from the upper and lower eyelids. The surgery can reduce vision problems... READ MORE

To kick-start your day before breakfast

By Andrea Mathis
Posted on May 13, 2021

We’ve all been there — hitting the snooze button several times before rolling out of bed, rushing out of the house, skipping breakfast. You may not realize this, but your morning routine can determine the mood of your entire day. Here are five easy things to do before breakfast to kick-start a great day: Try meditating. Meditation is a great way to start your day off right.... READ MORE

Simple meat-free meatballs and burgers

By Family Features
Posted on May 12, 2021

Plant-based eating should be easy and delicious — and it can be. Rather than follow strict rules, simply add foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans and grains to more meals throughout the day. Walnuts, for example, are a kitchen multi-tasker with uses well beyond baked goods. In fact, walnuts can be used as a simple, whole-food meat alternative. One ounce of walnuts contains... READ MORE