Is it my usual hay fever allergy or COVID?
The spring breezes of 2020 are carrying more than just tree pollen. There’s a whiff of paranoia in the air. For millions of seasonal allergy sufferers, the annual onset of watery eyes and scratchy throats is bumping up against the global spread of the new virus that produces its own constellation of respiratory symptoms. Forecasters predicted a brutal spring allergy season for... READ MORE
How do caregivers care for themselves?
When you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, it’s easy to neglect your own needs. That can be dangerous, especially if you yourself have a chronic condition like diabetes or multiple sclerosis. According to existing research, “80% of caregivers have a chronic health condition,” said Kyra Mendez, a Ph.D. student at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing.... READ MORE
Keeping calm in HoCo’s turbulent times
A racing heart, sweaty palms, an incessant urge to check the latest news. It’s normal to feel anxious during the current coronavirus pandemic. Our lives have been disrupted; businesses are shuttered; the stock market has tanked; and no one knows when life will return to normal. But there are silver linings to the cloud, according to Indrani Mookerjee, licensed social worker at IME... READ MORE
Long-time caregivers’ caregiver honored
Sister Kathy Weber of the Holy Cross Resource Center doesn’t want any praise for the work she’s done, but several organizations, including Seabury Resources for Aging, think she deserves plenty. At an awards ceremony scheduled for September 16, Seabury, which provides affordable services and housing options for seniors in the D.C. area, will honor Weber with a Leadership in Aging... READ MORE
Age may bias heart care, study finds
People are more likely to buy things when prices end in 99 cents rather than rounded up to the next dollar, or cars with mileage under 1,000 instead of past that mark. Now, researchers say something similar might be happening with age perception and heart surgery. A U.S. study out in January found that heart attack patients who turned 80 within the previous two weeks were less... READ MORE
Reducing risk of anesthesia side effects
Dear Mayo Clinic: I’m scheduled to have surgery next month. I have never had general anesthesia before, and I’m nervous about it. I’ve heard of people getting sick and having other problems as a result of anesthesia. Is there anything that can be done to make sure that doesn’t happen to me? A: To help ensure a smooth surgical experience, ask to meet with your... READ MORE
How to avoid seasonal allergy problems
Q: With COVID-19 keeping a lot of us isolated, I am being encouraged to go outside now and then — at a safe distance from other people, of course! But with springtime coming, how do I treat the itchy, watery eyes and sneezing that I get from seasonal allergies? A: The warmer weather inspires us to spend time outside, but it also brings a cover of yellow pollen from trees, weeds and... READ MORE
When plantar fasciitis doesn’t improve
Dear Mayo Clinic: I am in my 60s and active. Over the years, I have had plantar fasciitis off and on, but the most recent episode has lasted longer than usual, and physical therapy hasn’t helped much. What are my options for treatment at this point? A: Most people with plantar fasciitis improve with basic care steps or physical therapy. However, healing can be slow and require... READ MORE
Should you worry about numb hands?
Q: I often wake up with numbness in my hand. After five minutes, it’s back to normal. Why does this happen? When should I worry that something serious is causing it? A: Since it’s temporary, brief and goes back to normal, it’s probably due to pressure on a nerve near the wrist and unlikely to be due to anything serious. Numbness and tingling are most commonly due to abnormal... READ MORE
Help test a new imaging machine at NIH
MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a safe, widely used scanning tool that allows doctors to see what lies beneath our surface. MRI uses a magnetic field to generate images. During an MRI, patients are eased into a large, tube-like machine, given earplugs and told to lie still. The scanner is loud, cramped and expensive — but very accurate. It does not emit radiation like X-rays,... READ MORE
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