Common additive may raise health risks

By Gale Malesky
Posted on January 10, 2020

Some researchers have been speculating for years that certain commonly used food additives may be contributing to the uptick in obesity and diabetes. Now, research from Harvard University shows that a commonly-used food preservative, and one generally recognized as safe (GRAS), appears to contribute to both insulin resistance and high blood sugar. That has added new weight to... READ MORE

Carpal tunnel recovery can take a year

By Mary Jurisson, M.D., and Nicholas Pulos, M.D.
Posted on January 09, 2020

Dear Mayo Clinic: Three months ago, I had surgery on my left wrist to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Since then, I am in much more pain than before surgery, and two of my fingers are completely numb. I cannot even button my buttons, and tying my shoes is a chore. What would cause the pain to worsen after surgery? Could another surgery remedy the problem, or is this my new normal? A:... READ MORE

What causes bad breath and what helps?

By Alessandro Villa
Posted on January 09, 2020

Almost everyone experiences bad breath once in a while. But for some people, bad breath is a daily problem, and they struggle to find a solution. Approximately 30% of the population complains of some sort of bad breath. Halitosis (Latin for “bad breath”) often occurs after a garlicky meal or in the morning after waking. Other causes of temporary halitosis include some beverages... READ MORE

Testing a drug to delay cognitive decline

By Margaret Foster
Posted on December 27, 2019

Do you or a loved one have trouble remembering appointments, conversations or even what happened yesterday? Have you noticed that it’s harder to make decisions or follow a recipe? These are symptoms of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). About 15 to 20% of people over the age of 65 have MCI, which some doctors consider an early stage of Alzheimer’s disease or other kind of... READ MORE

Men need to understand their prostate

By Christian Avila
Posted on December 26, 2019

Q: I have heard friends and family members speaking of “benign prostatic hyperplasia.” What is it? A: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in older men; it’s the term for an enlarged prostate gland. The prostate, which is part of the male reproductive system, is located beneath men’s bladders and is the size of a large walnut. The prostate surrounds the... READ MORE

Why sudden fainting calls for evaluation

By Paul Takahashi, M.D
Posted on December 25, 2019

Dear Mayo Clinic: I had a fainting spell the other day, which had never happened to me before in my 64 years. I don’t feel unwell, but a friend I was with at the time insists I should see my doctor. Is that necessary? What would they be looking for? A: Yes, make an appointment to see your healthcare provider. Fainting, or passing out — a temporary loss of consciousness also known ... READ MORE

Medicare Part B premium rising in 2020

By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar
Posted on December 24, 2019

Medicare’s “Part B” premium for outpatient care will rise by nearly 7% to $144.60 a month next year, officials said in November. They blamed rising spending on medications. The $9.10 monthly increase follows a smaller $1.50 rise this year. It comes after Social Security announced a modest cost-of-living raise for 2020 that works out to about $24 a month for the average retired... READ MORE

Most misperceive likelihood of dementia

By Lindsey Tanner
Posted on December 23, 2019

Many older American adults may inaccurately estimate their chances for developing dementia and do useless things to prevent it, new research suggests. Almost half of adults surveyed believed they were likely to develop dementia. The results suggest many didn’t understand the connection between physical health and brain health and how racial differences can affect dementia... READ MORE

Computers may improve drugs, diagnoses

By Linda A. Johnson
Posted on December 23, 2019

Drugmakers have embraced artificial intelligence (AI), using computers to analyze reams of data and then make predictions or recommendations. Germany’s Bayer has been testing how the technology can help diagnose complex or rare conditions, hasten drug development and more. The aspirin creator has partnered with startups and tech companies to develop software and apps to speed... READ MORE

Take a closer look at coconut oil advice

By Vasanti Malik
Posted on December 20, 2019

Coconut oil has seen a surge in popularity in recent years due to many touted health benefits, ranging from reducing belly fat to strengthening the immune system, preventing heart disease and staving off dementia. These claims are often backed by celebrity endorsements and bolstered by proponents of popular diets such as ketogenic and Paleo, with little support from scientific... READ MORE