Answers re: headaches, calcium supplements

By Todd Schwedt, M.D. and Matthew T. Drake, M.D., Ph.D.
Posted on June 12, 2019

Dear Mayo Clinic: I had an extremely painful headache that was diagnosed as a cluster headache in the emergency department. I was treated with oxygen, and the pain disappeared. Is it common to treat headaches with oxygen, or is this a treatment specific to this type of headache? A: If you have cluster headaches and begin having a painful attack, a common and established therapy is... READ MORE

How plant-based burgers compare to beef

By Candice Choi
Posted on June 11, 2019

If you want to skip meat, a new era of options is here. Two companies — Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods — are among several racing to tap into the massive U.S. market of meat eaters by creating plant-based burgers that offer the taste and texture of beef. But are the plant-based patties better for you — or for the planet? Here’s what you might want to know before taking a... READ MORE

What you eat may affect skin cancer risk

By Christine Yu
Posted on June 10, 2019

One in five Americans will get skin cancer in their lifetime. For an extra layer of solar protection — sunscreen is a must! — pair these foods with safe sun practices. Get red tomatoes (not red-faced) Use summer’s abundance of this fruit to your advantage. A British study found that people were less susceptible to sunburn after eating 1/4 cup of tomato sauce daily for 12 weeks.... READ MORE

Fighting depression with caffeine, drugs

By Howard LeWine, M.D.
Posted on June 07, 2019

Q: Is there any evidence that drinking coffee or other caffeine beverages helps depression? buy strattera online https://magview.com/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2019/04/strattera.html A: Yes, there are some studies that demonstrate an association between caffeinated coffee and a lower depression risk. One example comes from the Nurses’ Health Study that began more than 20 years ... READ MORE

How to choose a good home stair lift

By Jim Miller
Posted on June 06, 2019

Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend some good stair lift companies? I have a difficult time getting up and down the stairs and am interested in purchasing a stair lift for my house. I could use some help choosing one. — Arthritic Ann Dear Ann, A good home stair lift is an excellent solution for those with mobility challenges who have trouble with steps. A stair lift will carry you up ... READ MORE

Health claim rejected? Consider an appeal

By Tom Murphy
Posted on June 05, 2019

Patients are often shocked when their insurance company denies coverage for a procedure or treatment, especially if that leads to a bigger-than-expected bill. These rejections can be fairly common, and people may not put up their best fight to get the decision reversed. Odds are tough, but denials can be resolved with phone calls or a formal appeal, which healthcare experts see as... READ MORE

Topical pain relievers can replace pills

By Howard LeWine, M.D.
Posted on June 04, 2019

Q: My arthritis primarily affects my hands. Aleve helps but I don’t want to rely on it every day. There are so many pain relieving skin creams. How do you choose? A: You are wise to consider alternatives to oral naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or other oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Long term use of these can lead to stomach and intestinal... READ MORE

Many types of orthotics relieve foot pain

By James P. Ioli, D.P.M.
Posted on June 04, 2019

Many people come to my office complaining of foot pain from conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, a pinched nerve (neuroma) or heel pain (plantar fasciitis). I perform a thorough evaluation and examination, and together we review the origin, mechanics and treatment plan for the specific problem or issue. The patient usually asks if they need an orthotic and, if so, which type would be... READ MORE

Get fit for free if 65 or better

By Michael Doan
Posted on June 03, 2019

You’d never mistake Dottie Longo for a Marine drill sergeant. The 67-year-old fitness instructor encourages her students, including me, with phrases like “if you can,” “at your own level” and “don’t overdo it.” No one is ever asked to “go for the burn.” In a recent class, Longo announced, “I’m doing eight repetitions with my two-and-a-half-pound weights. You can... READ MORE

‘Zombie cells’ may play big role in aging

By Malcolm Ritter
Posted on June 03, 2019

Call them zombie cells — they refuse to die. Scientists actually call these senescent cells. They start out normal but then encounter a stress, such as damage to their DNA or a viral infection. At that point, a cell can choose to die or basically enter a state of suspended animation (hence the popular term “zombie cell”). The problem is that senescent cells, though they no... READ MORE