More should get breast cancer gene test
More women may benefit from gene testing for hereditary breast or ovarian cancer, especially if they’ve already survived cancer once, an influential health group recommended in August. At issue are genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2. When they’re mutated, the body can’t repair damaged DNA as well, greatly increasing the chances of breast, ovarian and certain other cancers. Gene... READ MORE
Arthroscopy less common for knee pain
When knee arthroscopy became widely available in the 1980s, it represented a major advance. Today orthopedists evaluating and treating common knee problems often recommend arthroscopy, during which they insert an instrument into the joint and, with a light and camera on its tip, directly inspect the knee from the inside. While there, he or she can diagnose and treat common painful knee... READ MORE
Steps to take to avoid the flu this year
Q: During a recent visit I noticed that my local pharmacy was advertising the flu shot. Is it too early to get the vaccine? What else can I do to prevent getting the flu? A: It is not too early to receive your flu shot! Flu season occurs during the fall and winter months and typically peaks between December and February. After you receive the flu shot, your body’s immune system... READ MORE
Sweating at night
Q: My husband has night sweats with a cheese-like smell. It’s been going on for almost two months. He says he feels fine. He doesn’t seem worried, but I am. Should he see his doctor? A: Since your husband otherwise feels well, it’s likely nothing serious. But he should still make an appointment with his doctor. The cheesy smell is not unusual. Some Swiss researchers actually... READ MORE
Sweet and spicy Indian turkey burgers
Sweet, spicy, fruity and jammy, mango chutney is a powerhouse ingredient common in Indian cuisine that can liven up even the most mild-mannered of dishes. We first tried packing some chutney into our Classic Turkey Burgers by mixing it with the ground turkey, but the chutney’s high sugar content caused the patties to burn. Simply moving the chutney from inside the burger to on top of... READ MORE
Volunteer for studies of lung health, COPD
If you’re a former smoker or are suffering from Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or another lung illness, Johns Hopkins’ Breathe Center may be able to help. At the same time, you can help others if you enroll in one of the center’s many studies on lung health. The Baltimore Breathe Center, originally known as the Johns Hopkins Center for Childhood Asthma in the Urban... READ MORE
Social media: the good, the bad, the ugly
There are few things more characteristic of the 21st century — or more controversial — than social media. Whether it’s catching up with friends on Facebook, watching videos on YouTube, or posting a new selfie on Instagram, social media has come to dominate our lives, especially for young people. And given its undeniable presence and impact, it is essential that we consider its... READ MORE
Study pays you for trying to quit smoking
How many clinical trials offer a free T-shirt emblazoned with an image of your brain? A new Johns Hopkins research study that promises the T-shirt will try to help smokers quit by using e-cigarettes. Perhaps more enticing, the one-year study offers up to $1,690 in compensation to make a total of 16 visits to the Bayview Center in East Baltimore. You may qualify if you are up to 60... READ MORE
How to find the right post-hospital care
For patients and their families, a hospital stay can be a confusing and stressful time. But for hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries who are very sick or have complex needs, the question of where to go after the hospital may be even more difficult. Patients who need continued care after a hospital stay are destined for “post-acute care” — skilled nursing or therapy services that may ... READ MORE
Beacon celebrates 20th year of 50+Expos
For the past 20 years, the Beacon newspaper has been providing free community education events every fall for readers and their families. Known as the 50+Expos, they are held in both suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia for the convenience of residents throughout the metro area. Between the two events, more than 100 informative exhibitors will provide giveaways and helpful... READ MORE
Health 2024
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