Who knew? Four natural antihistamines

By Suzy Cohen
Posted on March 03, 2021

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

By Jim Miller
Posted on March 02, 2021

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

By Lauran Neergaard
Posted on March 01, 2021

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?

By Hsinlin Thomas Cheng, M.D., Ph.D.
Posted on February 25, 2021

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?

By Brent Bauer, M.D.
Posted on February 24, 2021

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

By Craig Sawchuk
Posted on February 23, 2021

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

By Andrew E. Budson, M.D.
Posted on February 22, 2021

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

By Margaret Foster
Posted on February 19, 2021

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

By Samantha Cassetty
Posted on February 18, 2021

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

By Carolyn Williams
Posted on February 17, 2021

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