Most older adults are lonely, but resilient
If you’re facing the holidays and already missing your friends and family, you’re not alone in your loneliness. According to a November survey of 2,042 people, 7 out of 10 adults reported feeling lonely because of the pandemic. Conducted Nov. 6 to 11, the survey found that more than half of respondents said their loneliness stems from the isolation necessary to combat the... READ MORE
Pros and cons of dietary supplements
Dear Mayo Clinic: Why does my doctor want to know what supplements I’m taking, even if I don’t have any health problems and don’t take more than the recommended amounts? A: It’s important to tell your healthcare provider about any dietary supplements you take. Although you don’t need a prescription for most supplements, that doesn’t mean they can’t significantly affect your ... READ MORE
Swallowing issues are common, treatable
Dear Mayo Clinic: My mother is in her 80s and sometimes has trouble swallowing when she’s eating. She says it’s not bothering her much, but I feel like it’s starting to affect how much and how often she eats. Is there anything that can be done to treat this problem? A: It’s likely your mother’s problem with swallowing can be better understood and potentially helped, but it... READ MORE
How to safely dispose of unneeded meds
Q: I missed National Drug Take Back Day. How can I safely get rid of medications I am no longer taking? A: One of the best ways to dispose of unneeded and unused over-the-counter and prescription medications is to drop them off at a location that will take back unused medications. The Drug Enforcement Administration sponsors National Drug Take Back Day events, typically in October and ... READ MORE
More protein, yes; protein powder, maybe
Eating enough protein is not just for athletes or would-be Schwarzenegger types. Protein is necessary for a healthy immune system and required for organs like your heart, brain and skin to function properly. The nutrient is also touted for its ability to help control appetite and enhance muscle growth. How much protein you need typically depends on your exercise routine, age and... READ MORE
A surprising cause of falls: multitasking
A few years ago, my grandmother fell and broke her hip. She has never fully recovered and is now constantly fearful of falling, and has significantly limited her activities to prevent a fall from ever happening again. As a scientist focused on translational research in mobility and falls in older adults, of course I asked her how she fell. She stated that she was standing in the kitchen, ... READ MORE
Evaluate hoarseness if it doesn’t go away
Dear Mayo Clinic: For the past few weeks, I have had a hoarse voice, even though I don’t have a cold. Is this something I should be concerned about? A: It’s not uncommon to experience hoarseness once in a while, especially with a cold or even after cheering loudly at a sporting event. But when a hoarse voice doesn’t go away after three to four weeks, it’s a good idea to see... READ MORE
Understanding COVID’s divergent results
One of COVID-19’s scariest mysteries is why some people are mildly ill or have no symptoms, while others rapidly die — and scientists are starting to unravel why. An international team of researchers found that in some people with severe COVID-19, the body goes rogue and attacks one of its own key immune defenses instead of fighting the coronavirus. Most were men, helping to explain... READ MORE
Can ice cream be healthy — or healthier?
When it comes to frosty treats, ice cream reigns supreme. These days, you may have noticed that low-calorie options ranging in flavors from Birthday S’mores to Cookie Dough are one of the coolest food trends in the supermarket freezer aisle. Their growth owes largely to a desire for wellness, even in the dessert world. But isn’t healthy ice cream an oxymoron? Well, certain ice... READ MORE
Two area COVID studies offering plasma
As the pandemic continues, scientists are working hard to find effective treatments to prevent COVID-19 or decrease the severity of symptoms — without hospitalization. One of those possible treatments is from blood; specifically, human coronavirus immune plasma. Patients receive a plasma transfusion from someone who has defeated and recovered from COVID-19, and antibodies in that... READ MORE
