Helping your brain recover from chemo
Some of the most common symptoms experienced by cancer patients are memory problems, difficulties with multitasking, and reduced attention and concentration. Historically, cancer patients with these symptoms were often diagnosed with depression. But research over the past decade has revealed that many cancer patients experience such symptoms as a consequence of specific damage to the... READ MORE
The best exercise, meds for osteoporosis
Dear Mayo Clinic: What are the latest medications or exercise recommendations for women who want to avoid osteoporosis? I am 55 and went through menopause a few years ago. A: Although some bone loss is inevitable after menopause, developing a regular exercise routine can be useful in limiting that loss. Medications can be used to limit bone loss, too, but they are not necessarily for... READ MORE
Preparing to part with a dying loved one
The following is an excerpt from the book Preparing to Part: Love, Loss and Living, written by Steven Shefter after his wife, Susan, died of a terminal illness. The book both describes his family’s particular experience and draws general lessons that might be helpful to others facing a similar situation. As time was drawing to an end for Susan, she said to me, “Steve, I’m afraid I... READ MORE
Ancient grains can improve modern diet
According to conventional wisdom, it’s good to be young. But when it comes to whole grains, being age-old is something to celebrate. Thanks to newly rediscovered ancient grains like quinoa, teff and spelt, the diversity of whole grains available to us has never been greater. These grains are dubbed “ancient” because their cultivation has been occurring among cultures for... READ MORE
Have arthritis? Glucosamine might help
If you are one of the 242 million people who suffers from osteoarthritis, you likely know about glucosamine. Many praise its ability to ease hip and knee pain, while some experts disagree on its efficacy. Environmental Nutrition examines the data on this popular dietary supplement. Glucosamine, along with chondroitin, is a naturally occurring structural component of cartilage. Cartilage... READ MORE
Find a therapist with knowledge of aging
Pat Walker was feeling particularly low. A sister had just died, and after having a heated fight with her daughter, she couldn’t get out of bed. For this active, engaged 74-year-old, that was unheard of. So, she sought therapy, which she had done in the past, but this time it was with a geropsychologist — someone who specializes in treating older people. For Walker, whose name has... READ MORE
CDC finds two masks are better than one
U.S. government researchers found that two masks are better than one in slowing coronavirus spread, but health officials stopped short of recommending that everyone double up. Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the results of a lab experiment that spaced two artificial heads six feet from each other and checked to see how many coronavirus-sized particles... READ MORE
Best ways to live a heart-healthy lifestyle
Q: People tell me to live a “heart-healthy” lifestyle to reduce my risk of heart disease, but I don’t really know what that means. What should I be doing to keep my heart healthy? A: Heart disease is very common. The term describes many types of conditions that affect the heart, including coronary artery disease, strokes, heart attacks, heart-rhythm problems and many... READ MORE
Ten foods you should eat to lose weight
Plenty of foods can support your weight-loss efforts when included as part of a healthy diet. Eating these 10 foods regularly is a simple way to make the most of your meals. Chia seeds Fiber slows digestion and keeps us feeling fuller longer. This is super important when we’re cutting back on calories, a common approach to weight loss. A 2-tablespoon serving of chia... READ MORE
Volunteer at home to aid COVID research
Sometimes when you enroll in a health study, you have to drive to a hospital or clinic. Or you may have to roll up your sleeves and give blood. What if there was a way to help science just by taking a daily survey at home? If that sounds like the study for you, particularly during a pandemic, consider joining MedStar Health’s COVID-19 Community Research Partnership, which... READ MORE