The key to perfect pan-seared salmon

By America’s Test Kitchen
Posted on April 21, 2021

Pan-searing salmon sounds straightforward: Just add a little oil to a nonstick pan, get it good and hot, season a couple of fillets, and cook them until they’re cooked through and nicely browned on the exterior but still pink on the inside, right? There are two issues with this technique: The fish cooks unevenly, and the exteriors of the fillets end up more tough than crisp. We knew ... READ MORE

Have a penicillin allergy? Are you sure?

By Kimberly Blumenthal, M.D.
Posted on April 16, 2021

People with a penicillin allergy on their medical record are not given penicillins (or often their relatives, the cephalosporins) when they have infections. Instead, the antibiotics prescribed may be broader-spectrum, less effective, and/or more toxic. One recent national study from more than 100 U.S. hospitals with almost 11,000 patients demonstrated that if you have a reported... READ MORE

Medications too costly? These can help

By Ashley Brooks
Posted on April 14, 2021

Q: Is there anything I can do to help cut back on my prescription costs? I have private insurance, but the copays are still too high! A: Even after a medication has been billed to insurance plans, they may still be expensive. The high cost could be due to a number of things — including high deductibles, which require you to pay a certain amount for your medications before the insurance ... READ MORE

Slow weight loss can improve fatty liver

By Irun Bhan, M.D.
Posted on April 09, 2021

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common cause of liver disease in the United States, and is estimated to affect up to a quarter of adults in the world. It is defined by excess fat accumulating in the liver, and usually occurs in people with obesity, high blood sugars (diabetes), abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels, or high blood pressure. These disorders often run... READ MORE

Which is better: Olive oil or coconut oil?

By Emily Gelsomin, Harvard Health Blog
Posted on April 07, 2021

Coconut oil has developed a cult-like following in recent years, with proponents touting benefits ranging from body fat reduction to heart disease prevention. Sadly for devotees, the evidence to support these assertions remains rather sparse. But there is plenty of research to suggest that other plant-based oils have advantages over their animal-derived counterparts, particularly when it ... READ MORE

Natural ways to improve your eyesight

By Suzy Cohen
Posted on April 02, 2021

Just imagine what it would be like to read with more clarity, and be able to focus your eyes better and see the leaves on the trees without squinting! How about reading a book without discomfort? We live in a time where we can correct many eyesight problems with professional help. For people with problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, there are eyeglasses, contact ... READ MORE

Study tests ketogenic diet for Parkinson’s

By Margaret Foster
Posted on March 30, 2021

Can a special high-fat diet help people with Parkinson’s disease? Although researchers haven’t found a cure for the degenerative disease, they’ve found ways to slow its progression — from medication to exercise such as boxing. This year, scientists at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke are studying the effects of a specific diet on Parkinson’s... READ MORE

COVID-19 News

By The Associated Press
Posted on March 29, 2021

Don’t mix vaccine with painkillers It’s best to avoid taking painkillers before or after a COVID-19 vaccine, unless you routinely take them for a medical condition. Although the evidence is limited, some painkillers might interfere with the very thing the vaccine is trying to do: generate a strong immune system response. Vaccines work by tricking the body into thinking it has a... READ MORE

Fast, easy and flavorful citrus chicken

By America’s Test Kitchen
Posted on March 24, 2021

There are several steps you can take to elevate lean chicken breasts for a weeknight meal. We started with a bold citrus vinaigrette. For an intense hit of citrus flavor, we used lemon juice enhanced with both lemon and orange zest. Then, pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensured that they cooked at the same rate and stayed juicy. A little cinnamon and cumin rubbed... READ MORE

Mushrooms offer variety of health benefits

By Kaley Todd, M.S., R.D.N.
Posted on March 22, 2021

The ancient Greeks believed mushrooms provided strength for warriors in battle, and the Romans perceived them as “food of the Gods.” For centuries, Chinese culture has treasured mushrooms as a health food, labeling them as an “elixir of life.” Traditional Chinese medicine continues to highly value mushrooms, believing they offer numerous health benefits, and play a role in... READ MORE