Your BMI matters more than weight alone
Dear Mayo Clinic: At a recent appointment, my blood pressure and cholesterol were normal, but my doctor mentioned that my BMI is at an unhealthy number (28). Does this mean I need to lose weight even though I have no health problems? A: Although weight is an important measure of health, it’s not the only thing to consider when assessing overall health. Other factors play a role as... READ MORE
Help from healthcare students
In 2009, two college roommates, Sarah LaFave and Liz Bonomo, co-founded a volunteer group called Lori’s Hands. LaFave’s mother, Lori, had passed away from breast cancer while LaFave was in high school, and the nursing major wanted to make a difference within her community at the University of Delaware. From personal experience “I had seen how chronic illness could impact a... READ MORE
10 different ways to jazz up whole grains
Do you have a hard time getting enough whole grains into your diet on a regular basis? Perhaps you need more inspiration. Rather than thinking of grains as a plain accompaniment to a main course, think of them as a blank canvas, waiting to be dressed up and flavored in any number of delicious ways. Next time you find yourself underwhelmed by the grains in your cupboard, consider the... READ MORE
Minimally invasive surgery for heart valve
Dear Mayo Clinic: Is minimally invasive heart surgery to repair a mitral valve a safer option than open-heart surgery? Is it common for a surgeon to have to switch to an open-heart procedure after starting the surgery? A: Both minimally invasive heart surgery and traditional surgery that involves opening the chest bone — a procedure known as sternotomy — are safe, effective ways to... READ MORE
Strengthen your core in minutes a day
The best exercise I do only takes a minute. Granted, it is often the longest and most grueling 60 seconds of my life. I sweat, I shake, and I often collapse in relief when it’s over. But spending quality time in a plank pose always pays off. The plank pose is holding a push-up position while resting on your forearms. This simple move is the ideal exercise for strengthening crucial... READ MORE
Ways to overcome the effects of 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. Research over the past decade has revealed that many cancer patients experience these symptoms as a consequence of specific damage to the brain... READ MORE
Tools that can help you stop smoking
Dear Savvy Senior, I understand that COVID-19 hits smokers a lot harder than nonsmokers, but quitting at my age is very difficult. Does Medicare offer any coverage that helps beneficiaries quit smoking? —Must Quit Dear Must, It’s true. Smokers and vapers have a higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection, as the coronavirus attacks the lungs. That’s why quitting now is more... READ MORE
Study suggests red light improves vision
Staring at a deep red light for three minutes a day can significantly improve declining eyesight, according to a new study from University College London, the first of its kind in humans. Scientists believe the discovery, published in The Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, could signal the dawn of new, affordable home-based eye therapies,... READ MORE
Tips for skin care and wrinkle prevention
Q: Between dealing with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and trying to stay informed about what’s happening in the world, I’m finding myself significantly more stressed than usual, and it’s negatively impacting my skin. What changes can I make to my skin care routine to best take care of my skin and reduce the emergence of wrinkles? A: The skin is the human body’s largest... READ MORE
How to eat healthy may change with age
Eating right can help keep your body and mind healthy and extend your quality of life. But some older Americans may face barriers to getting enough nutrients or calories. Physiological changes that come with aging can result in reduced caloric needs, which can lead to decreased food intake and altered body composition, even in healthy older adults. This can be compounded by diminished ... READ MORE