Eating habits and physical activity have a greater impact on weight-loss surgery’s long-term success than measures like counting calories, a new study finds. Researchers also found that evaluation of patients’ mental health and eating habits before weight-loss (bariatric) surgery did not help predict who would be successful in keeping weight off years afterwards. “Bariatric surgery… read on >
With so many heartburn medications available over the counter, it might be surprising to learn that heartburn itself isn’t a health condition, but rather a symptom of something else. First, be sure to distinguish it from indigestion, which is primarily an uncomfortable fullness after eating. With heartburn, there’s a burning sensation in your chest or… read on >
For many Americans, the cost of lifesaving insulin is simply too high, leading as many as one in four to ration the drug, experts testifying before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce said this week. The meeting focused primarily on defining the problem and exploring potential solutions, such as lowering the list prices of… read on >
Bad diets are shortening lives worldwide — killing more people globally than either smoking or high blood pressure, a large, new research suggests. The study, of nearly 200 countries, linked poor diet quality to nearly 11 million deaths globally in 2017. That translated to 22 percent of deaths among all adults that year. Previous research… read on >
When it comes to healthy oils, extra virgin olive oil — EVOO for short — is the top choice for your healthy pantry. Because it’s the first press of the olives, extra virgin olive oil not only tastes better, but also has higher levels of antioxidants and other micronutrients that may help protect against diseases,… read on >
Under-the-tongue allergy pills have quickly caught on as a way to treat hay fever and dust mite allergies, a new study finds. Allergy shots have been available for more than 100 years, while sublingual, or under-the-tongue, allergy pills were only approved for use in the United States in 2014. But of 268 U.S. allergists surveyed… read on >
Sugary drinks have been linked to a number of chronic diseases and conditions, says the American Heart Association. For those struggling with cutting back on drinks such as soda or lemonade, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services suggests: Limit sugary drinks to special occasions. Choose water or low-fat milk instead. Carry water with… read on >
It’s not always possible to lower cholesterol through diet alone — sometimes there’s no way to override your DNA, and medication becomes a must. But certain foods can be part of the plan to improve your numbers, to both lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the bad one, and raise your high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the good… read on >
Need another reason to stay slim? People who are overweight have a greater risk of dying from pancreatic cancer, especially those who are carrying extra pounds before age 50, a new study suggests. “No matter what the age, there was some increase in pancreatic cancer deaths associated with excess weight. But the association was stronger… read on >
An older but still common multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment has an unexpected perk: It not only quells symptoms, but patients may also live longer. New research revealed that patients taking a beta interferon drug for more than three years were likely to live longer than those who took one for a shorter time or who… read on >
