Digital registry tracks COVID symptoms
For some of us, the worst aspect of the coronavirus pandemic is the fear of the unknown. How long will it last? When will a vaccine be available? Will we contract the virus, and if so, how bad will it be? Since late March, a digital study called Behavioral, Environmental and Treatments for COVID-19 (Beat19) has been gathering real-world information about the novel virus’ symptoms and ... READ MORE
Coronavirus news shorts
Virus kept ER patients home Emergency room visits in the U.S. for chest pain and heart attacks fell early this spring, according to a June study that supports fears that the coronavirus outbreak scared away people from going to the hospital. ER visits were up for respiratory illnesses and pneumonia, but were down for nearly every other kind of injury or ailment, according to the... READ MORE
Take steps to avoid heat-related illnesses
Q: Temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit for much of the summer season in Virginia. How do I keep myself safe during these summer months? A: Climbing temperatures coupled with high humidity can pose health risks to many people. Older adults in the community are at an increased risk for heat-related illness due to age-related changes in skin thickness, a decrease in sweat... READ MORE
Finding new benefits for ancient walnuts
Walnuts are prized for their delicious flavor as well as their health-promoting nutrients and unique supply of plant compounds. Walnuts are the oldest tree food known to man, dating back to 7,000 BCE. Native to ancient Persia, walnuts were so coveted that only royalty were allowed to eat them. Ancient Greeks then used walnuts for food, medicine and dye for wool and cloth. They... READ MORE
Summer bean, corn and avocado salad
For an easy, light, summertime bean salad, we combined fiber-rich black beans with fresh corn, bright tomato and creamy avocado. Toasting the corn in a skillet until golden brown will bring out its natural sweetness. Chipotle chile, cilantro and lime juice provide the perfect Southwestern flavor profile to this easy-to-prepare salad. Fresh corn is important for the flavor of... READ MORE
Check out any bleeding after menopause
Bleeding after menopause can be disconcerting, but the good news is, more than 90% of the time it’s not caused by a serious condition, according to a study in JAMA Internal Medicine. That said, the study also reinforces the idea that postmenopausal bleeding should always be checked out by your doctor to rule out endometrial cancer, a cancer of the uterine lining, according to Ross... READ MORE
How to get the most from a clinical trial
For most of his life, Steve Sultanoff, 66, has had high cholesterol, a problem that runs in his family. When he was younger and didn’t have great health insurance, he decided to participate in clinical trials to get better healthcare and help discover new medicine that might benefit him. He was put on statins, but those gave him muscle aches. It took 30 years of participating in some... READ MORE
Ginger spices up foods and relieves pain
Bold, aromatic and pungent, ginger (also called ginger root) has spiced up palates and herbal remedies for thousands of years. The folklore Thought to be native to southeastern Asia, ginger had long been prized in India, China and the Middle East, before the Chinese brought it to Rome when it grew in demand and became widely traded. It’s been used extensively in the treatment of... READ MORE
Q and As on fainting and forgetfulness
Q: What happens inside the body when a person faints? A: Fainting occurs when something interrupts blood flow to the brain. Although usually harmless, fainting can cause injuries and sometimes signals a problem with the heart or circulatory system. If you faint, it’s worth talking with your doctor, especially if there doesn’t seem to be an explanation. Some basic physiology... READ MORE
Celery boasts numerous health benefits
Celery juice has become a sensation recently. That fad aside (and with the lack of solid support for many of the claims), here’s the lowdown on celery’s nutrients and some of its research-backed potential health benefits: Celery is low in calories and hydrating. One large stalk contains a mere 7 calories and packs 2 ounces of water. That means that chowing down on six stalks adds up... READ MORE
