Who knew? Four natural antihistamines
This time of year causes a lot of grief for people who have allergies. Of course, we have terrific antihistamines now, which you can buy nationwide. I am not opposed to them if you take them in moderation. But you should also lower your histamine burden through diet. Did you know you could do that? Many people do not realize that the foods they’re eating contribute to the... READ MORE
Medical alert systems offer many options
Dear Savvy Senior, I am interested in getting my mom, who lives alone, a medical alert system with a wearable pendant button that will let her call for help if she falls or has a medical emergency. What can you tell me to help me choose one? —Too Many Choices Dear Too Many, A good medical alert system is an effective and affordable tool that can help keep your mom safe and living ... READ MORE
Why vaccines are in such short supply
With demand for COVID-19 vaccines outpacing the world’s supplies, a frustrated public and policymakers want to know: How can we get more? A lot more. Right away. The problem: “It’s not like adding more water to the soup,” said vaccine specialist Maria Elena Bottazzi of Baylor College of Medicine. Makers of COVID-19 vaccines need everything to go right as they scale up... READ MORE
Do worsening headaches call for a scan?
Headache is a very common condition that affects up to 60% of the world’s population. In general, headache can be classified into two main categories: primary and secondary headaches. Headaches have many possible causes, and proper management requires accurate diagnosis. A primary headache is related to increased sensitivities, but not structural alterations of brain tissues. Common ... READ MORE
What CBD products are safe & effective?
Dear Mayo Clinic: I’m interested in trying CBD for knee pain. I see CBD for sale everywhere — even at gas stations. How do I figure out which kind to buy? Are CBD products that are available without a prescription safe and effective? A: When it comes to trying products made with cannabidiol, or CBD, that you can buy without a prescription, be careful. There’s some... READ MORE
Identifying and reacting to a panic attack
Dear Mayo Clinic: After going to the emergency room for what I thought was a heart attack, the doctor told me there were no issues with my heart and that my symptoms were likely from a panic attack. How can I tell the difference, and how can I prevent future panic attacks? A: While having a heart attack and experiencing a panic attack can feel similar, the symptoms differ, and the two... READ MORE
What to eat to reduce risk of Alzheimer’s
Would you like to reduce your risk of cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia? Researchers from around the world have been studying a variety of different factors that might reduce these risks and keep the brain healthy. Mediterranean diet still best One factor that a number of studies have converged on is a Mediterranean-style diet. This diet includes fish, olive oil,... READ MORE
Recovered from COVID? Help this study
If you’ve had the misfortune of contracting COVID-19 but have made a full recovery, the National Institute on Aging needs your help. A study is under way to learn more about how the body’s immune cells respond to infection of SARS-CoV-2, the official name of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Because the virus is new, or novel, “the human population doesn’t have... READ MORE
Tips for boosting energy without caffeine
An overwhelming (if unsurprising) 84% of Americans report feeling sleepy during the day at least once a week, according to a recent poll by the National Sleep Foundation. Not getting enough shut-eye is one problem, of course. But our fast-paced, high-stress lifestyles, less-than-ideal eating habits, and other choices can also leave us feeling wiped, said Robert Kushner, M.D., medical... READ MORE
Why people crave more carbs in winter
Along with short days and colder temperatures, winter can bring cravings for carb-rich foods. It’s not just your imagination: Studies have documented that many people’s food intake increases by approximately 90 to 200 calories per day during winter months. So, what is it about cold months that increases our hunger and carb cravings? The appeal of comfort foods explains some of it, ... READ MORE