FDA endorses new low-nicotine cigarette
U.S. health officials recently endorsed a type of cigarette that could help ease the addictive grip of smoking by delivering very low levels of nicotine. The Food and Drug Administration will allow 22nd Century Group to begin selling the first low-nicotine cigarettes reviewed by federal health regulators. The products contain roughly 95% less nicotine than standard cigarettes, according... READ MORE
Peppermint can be a cool solution for IBS
Many people have lost their joy in eating because they have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a condition that includes many symptoms including bloating, abdominal pain, fatigue, sleep problems and suppressed immunity. One hallmark symptom is a combination of diarrhea and constipation, or alternating between the two. An actual diagnosis of IBS is based upon your duration of symptoms... READ MORE
Common additive may raise health risks
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
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?
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
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
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
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
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
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
