Many older Americans take multiple medications — but only about one-third ever discuss possible interactions between drugs, a new poll finds. This could endanger their health, researchers said. “Interactions between drugs, and other substances, can put older people at a real risk of everything from low blood sugar to kidney damage and accidents caused by… read on >
A new treatment that aims electrical pulses at irritated nerves around the spinal cord appears effective at relieving chronic lower back pain and sciatica, a preliminary study suggests. The minimally invasive procedure, called image-guided pulsed radiofrequency, eased lingering pain in 80 percent of 10 patients after a single 10-minute treatment. Ninety percent were able to… read on >
Women may have a variety of bladder problems as they age. But many don’t seek help because they are embarrassed or believe their symptoms are a normal part of aging. Womenshealth.gov identifies these women’s symptoms that may indicate a bladder problem: Needing to go to the bathroom eight or more times per day. Getting up… read on >
Not all snacks are bad for you, so it’s a good idea to avoid foods that are loaded with sugar and have virtually no nutritional value. The U.S. National Institute on Aging offers these healthier snack suggestions: Have an ounce of cheese with some whole-grain crackers, a container of low-fat yogurt or some low-fat popcorn.… read on >
Patients used to see doctors as kindly-but-firm professionals — experts who knew what they were talking about and whose advice should be heeded, even if it wasn’t necessarily welcome. But these days, people have become demanding health care consumers, and they don’t respond well when a doctor disagrees with them, a new study shows. The… read on >
Before heading out to shop this holiday season, steel yourself for an onslaught of tempting aromas that might lure you into a fast-food restaurant. Food-related cues, like the smell of burgers or eye-catching menu displays, stimulate brain activity. This tempts people to eat more, a new study finds. University of Michigan researchers conducted lab experiments… read on >
Many of us will care for a parent at some point in our lives. If you’re shopping or cooking for Mom or taking Dad to doctor visits, you’re already a caregiver. Caregiving is often in addition to raising kids, running your own home and holding down a job. That means your stress level can soar.… read on >
Weight loss from dieting can slow the progression of knee arthritis in overweight people, according to a new study. But losing pounds from exercise alone will not help preserve those aging knees, the researchers found. Obesity is a major risk factor for painful knee osteoarthritis — degeneration of cartilage caused by wear and tear. Weight… read on >
Seasonal allergies make life miserable for millions of Americans. So, in a bid to ease some of that discomfort, experts from two leading groups of allergists created a task force that has just issued new practice guidelines on the best ways to quell those bothersome symptoms. The consensus? For most people, nasal steroid sprays are… read on >
Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty blood substance that your body needs to keep cells healthy. It’s produced by your liver and also is found in animal-based foods. There are two kinds of cholesterol: “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Too much “bad” cholesterol can clog your arteries and raise your risk of… read on >
