Will COVID-19 booster shots be needed?
Just because some vaccine manufacturers want to offer COVID-19 boosters doesn’t mean people will be lining up for them anytime soon. U.S. and international health authorities say that, for now, the fully vaccinated seem well protected. Globally, experts are watching closely to determine if and when people might need another shot. At the same time, many suggest the priority for the time ... READ MORE
Herbs, vitamins that can help with anxiety
It’s summer, and many people I know are still battling some type of anxiety, whether it’s from travel stress, flying, the idea of the Delta variant or something stressful going on with family. Whatever it is, there are some natural ways to conquer anxiety and boost mood. First off, do not feel alone: Millions of people are anxious about something. I’ll tell you one of my... READ MORE
Learn to hear like a young person again
If you can’t follow a conversation at a cocktail party or have trouble understanding fast-talkers, researchers at the University of Maryland have a few strategies to help you hear better. The Neuroplasticity and Auditory Aging study, funded by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health and conducted at the University of Maryland in College Park, is in its... READ MORE
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
Health 2025
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