It’s a frequent occurrence: A single, childless older man without a designated caregiver suffers a debilitating stroke, and is sent to a nursing home for the remainder of his life. New research shows that male seniors who find themselves in this situation have triple the odds of being sent to a nursing home within five… read on >
All Health and Wellness:
Ready for the Time Change on Sunday?
It might sound like a great thing — getting an extra hour of sleep when Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday. Granted, it’s easier than losing an hour’s sleep in the time changeover that comes in the spring, but adjusting to the autumn time change has its own challenges, sleep experts note. However, a few… read on >
Can You Trust the Labels on Your Supplements?
Think you know what’s in your favorite supplement? Think again. More than half of the herbal and dietary supplements analyzed by researchers contained ingredients that differed from the list on their labels. Some had hidden ingredients that might actually harm health, researchers said. Bodybuilding and weight-loss supplements, in particular, tended to contain ingredients not listed… read on >
Managing Anxiety
A little bit of stress can motivate you, but too much might cause an anxiety disorder that can prevent you from living your life to the fullest. If you feel anxious on a daily basis, try making changes to your lifestyle to manage anxiety on your own. Exercise regularly to release the body’s endorphins, natural… read on >
Bad Hot Flashes, Sleep Apnea Often Go Together
As if severe hot flashes alone weren’t enough of a problem for menopausal women, a new study finds these symptoms may also be tied to a greater risk for sleep apnea and related heart issues. The study included nearly 1,700 middle-aged women, about 25 percent of whom were at intermediate or high risk for obstructive… read on >
Taking Four or More Prescription Meds? Consider Scaling Back
More than half of Americans regularly take about four prescription medications, increasing the likelihood that mistakes could occur, according to Consumer Reports. People taking multiple prescription medications should visit their doctor for a “medication checkup.” By showing their doctor or pharmacist a comprehensive list of every drug they are taking, including vitamins and other dietary… read on >
Helmets Too Rarely Used in Baseball and Softball
Despite a significant risk of head injuries in baseball and softball, helmet use in those sports is low, a new review says. “Our review demonstrates that traumatic brain injury in baseball and softball affects players of all levels and all positions,” said study lead author Dr. Michael Cusimano, a neurosurgeon at St. Michael’s Hospital in… read on >
Want to Avoid Salt? Turn Up the Spice
If your taste buds lean toward spicy, you might be doing your heart a favor, new research suggests. Spicy foods may increase salt sensitivity, thereby dampening the desire to consume heart-harming salty food, researchers in China say. “High salt intake increases blood pressure and contributes to cardiovascular disease,” said study author Dr. Zhiming Zhu. “Thus,… read on >
How Your Thyroid Could Be Working Against Your Heart
The tiny thyroid gland could have a big impact on heart health, new research suggests. Middle-aged and older adults with an elevated thyroid hormone may be at higher risk of heart disease and death, researchers found. In the new Dutch study, high and even high-normal levels of a hormone called free thyroxine (FT4) doubled the… read on >
Health Tip: Have Fun on Halloween, Despite Asthma
Keep your child safer read on >