Surprising benefits from toothbrushing
Maybe we should add toothbrushes to the bouquet of flowers we bring to friends and family members in the hospital — and make sure to pack one if we wind up there ourselves. New Harvard-led research published online in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that seriously ill hospitalized patients are far less likely to develop hospital-acquired pneumonia if their teeth are brushed twice... READ MORE
Is it an allergy, intolerance or sensitivity?
Q: My gut seems to be more sensitive to a variety of foods. Does this mean I have developed food allergies? A: Many people confuse food sensitivity with a food allergy or food intolerance. While these conditions can have similar symptoms, they are quite different. Food allergy: A food allergy happens when the body mistakes a food ingredient as harmful and defends itself by turning ... READ MORE
Survey seeks those with Type 2 diabetes
If you’re a Marylander over 65 years old who is living with Type 2 diabetes, Johns Hopkins researchers would like to hear from you. The survey, called the Diabetes Care Network Study, hopes to determine how our family and friends interact with our healthcare network. “We’re interested in seeing if that connection between family and friends and healthcare providers may be ... READ MORE
Getting an audiologist-fitted hearing aid
Ed. Note: Last month, we published an article about selecting an over-the-counter hearing aid for mild hearing loss. This article is about getting a professionally-fitted one, for those with greater needs. Perhaps you’ve thought about getting a hearing aid, but you’re worried about how it will look or whether it will really help. It may help ease your concerns to know more... READ MORE
Can a healthy diet impact Alzheimer’s?
In recent years scientists have been looking at the link between the gut microbiome and cognitive function. They’ve discovered that the bacteria that live in our intestines can influence our hormones, neurotransmitters and proteins, which affect our brain. Now there’s a study at George Washington University underway to look at the connection between the food we eat and... READ MORE
Ways to get used to OTC hearing aids
Q: I want to try an over-the-counter hearing aid. What are some ways to get used to wearing one? A: Hearing aids for mild or moderate hearing loss are more accessible and affordable than ever, thanks to a new category of FDA-approved devices. You can buy over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids without seeing a doctor, going through hearing tests, or getting a prescription. Scoring a... READ MORE
Six nutrients that may lessen depression
Depression, a pervasive mental health issue, often leads people into a relentless cycle of medication adjustments without addressing underlying causes. The prevalent use of antidepressants, although beneficial for some, has drawn criticism due to side effects and the inability to address root causes, such as nutritional deficiencies or hormonal imbalances. SSRI antidepressants... READ MORE
How our brain and innards communicate
It’s interesting how some hormones like serotonin affect mood, and yet they’re made in the GI tract — our gut! The gut-brain axis is a complex network in the body that allows our gut and brain to communicate through both direct and indirect pathways. This connection explains how gut health impacts brain functions and vice versa. Understanding how this works can help with ... READ MORE
The key to a better burger is in the crust
Smashed burgers share the same thin, verging-on-well-done profile and all-American array of condiments as typical fast-food burgers, but their big selling point is an ultra-brown, crispy crust. We make these using commercial ground beef instead of grinding our own, because the former is ground finer and thus exposes more myosin, a sticky meat protein that helps the patties hold... READ MORE
Over-the-counter hearing device choices
[Ed. note: Next month, this column will discuss regular hearing aids and how to choose one.] Dear Mayo Clinic: I’ve heard about the new over-the-counter hearing devices, but I’m not sure if they’ll work for me. What do I need to know? And what should I consider as I make my decision? A: Hearing loss can be a significant quality-of-life issue for people. There are certainly... READ MORE
Health 2024
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