Many doctors have internet portals to help patients manage their care. But that doesn’t mean older folks will use them. A University of Michigan poll found only about half of patients 50 to 80 years old have set up an online account with their health care provider. “The health care system has provided patient portals… read on >
Can an artificially sweetened drink or food really satisfy your sweet tooth without raising your blood sugar levels? That depends on what’s in the food or drink, but a new review confirms that artificial sweeteners alone won’t cause a spike in blood sugar. “It’s been widely accepted that nonnutritive sweeteners don’t raise blood sugar, but… read on >
May is Women’s Health Month. With that in mind, doctors are offering suggestions for steps that women can take to reduce their risk of diseases and safeguard their health, both physical and mental. Dr. Blanca Sckell is medical director of the Ambulatory Care Center and internal medicine program at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, in New York City.… read on >
(HealthDay News) — Even if you discover that you have the first biological signs of Alzheimer’s, you are not doomed to develop the crippling dementia, a new study suggests. “Just because you have amyloid [proteins] in the brain doesn’t mean you’re going to get dementia tomorrow. It doesn’t mean you’re going to get dementia in… read on >
Sitting for long hours at a desk can lead to poor posture, lower-back pain and increased risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The American Council on Exercise suggests how to combat the negative effects of too much sitting: Stand for a few minutes every hour to activate unused muscles. Sit on a stability ball for… read on >
Losing weight should be part of living a healthier lifestyle. The U.S. Office on Women’s Health says there are no quick, easy fixes for weight loss, and that the key is to focus on small, healthy changes that you can practice for the rest of your life. The agency suggests: Set concrete goals that are… read on >
Swimming is a great way to stay in shape while having fun and without stressing your joints. If you’re ready to take your lap swimming to the next level, consider joining a masters swimming program. U.S. Masters Swimming is a nonprofit that promotes the activity and works with 1,500 clubs around the United States. It’s… read on >
Your blood mght be a thirst quencher for mosquitoes during a drought. A new study found that while female mosquitoes need the protein in blood to lay eggs, they also bite you to stay hydrated. According to the research team from the University of Cincinnati, learning more about how often these insects need to drink… read on >
Immunizing girls against human papillomavirus (HPV) doesn’t increase their risk for autoimmune diseases, according to new research from Canada. HPV is the world’s most common sexually transmitted disease, affecting up to 75 percent of sexually active people and is the main cause of cervical cancer. Gardisil, the quadrivalent HPV4 vaccine, protects against up to 90… read on >
When it comes to preventing heart disease, vitamin and mineral supplements are probably a waste of money, a new research review concludes. The findings, published May 28 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, largely confirm what’s already known: Supplements may be popular, but in most cases, there is no evidence they protect… read on >
