Over-the-counter meds may harm heart
Most people think of laxatives and stool softeners as harmless aids for occasional constipation. They sit on drugstore shelves right beside vitamins and antacids, which makes them appear safe enough for everyday use. Yet hidden behind their gentle image is a serious health risk. Overuse of laxatives and stool softeners can upset the body’s electrolyte balance, creating the perfect... READ MORE
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
Screening with the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test can detect early-stage prostate cancer while it’s still asymptomatic. But some men are diagnosed with prostate cancer only after symptoms appear. For insights into how doctors distinguish prostate cancer from other noncancerous problems affecting the prostate, we spoke with Dr. Marc B. Garnick, the Gorman Brothers Professor of... READ MORE
What do pharmacists do every day?
Dear Mayo Clinic: I’m sure pharmacists are busy, but what do they do? No one likes to wait for a prescription, especially if you’re not feeling well. When you see a pharmacist on the news, you see them counting pills. When I get prescriptions filled, I see the pharmacist looking at a computer. What training do pharmacists have? And what do they do? A: I’m glad you asked. Being a ... READ MORE
Why brains of some 90-year-olds stay young
Q: Why do some people maintain mental prowess well into their 90s? What do they do differently from most of us? A: While the general thinking is that memory declines and brain functions slow as we age no matter what, studies on super-agers suggest this is not inevitable. There may be ways to maintain high levels of cognitive function for much longer in life. Studies have found that... READ MORE
Understanding head and neck cancers
Dear Mayo Clinic: A co-worker recently was diagnosed with oral cancer after a nagging cough led him to the doctor. It got me wondering about the incidence of head and neck cancer and what I should be screened for. I’m in my mid-40s and try to get an annual physical. A: There are many types of head and neck cancers — a broad category used to describe any cancer that starts in the... READ MORE
Hope for people with autoimmune diseases
Scientists are trying a revolutionary new approach to treat rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus and other devastating autoimmune diseases — by reprogramming patients’ out-of-whack immune systems. When your body’s immune cells attack you instead of protecting you, today’s treatments tamp down the friendly fire, but they don’t fix what’s causing it. Patients face a... READ MORE
Why do women live longer than men?
It’s a fact that women live longer than men. However, that longevity gap in the United States has become wider, according to a study published last year in JAMA Internal Medicine. The difference in life expectancy between men and women increased to 5.8 years in 2021 (the latest year for which data is available), the largest gap since 1996. Today, the average woman lives to... READ MORE
Vegetable couscous is an adaptable side dish
When you need a side dish that works with simple or spicy entrees, try this one. This recipe is a keeper and so seriously simple to make, you’ll probably find it in your weekly rotation of trusted recipes. Pearl couscous, sometimes called Israeli couscous or “ptitim” in Israel, is baked semolina or wheat pasta. It is larger than regular tiny couscous and tastes great sauteed and... READ MORE
Tai chi may be best exercise for healthy aging
If you’re getting older, martial arts may not be on your radar as an activity you should take up. In fact, when most people think about how they want to spend their days in retirement, activities like golf or gardening are more likely to come to mind. Maybe that’s a mistake, though. In fact, research from Harvard suggests that opting for a tai chi class over more traditional... READ MORE
Adopt these five wellness habits for life
We often read conflicting advice on wellness. Quick fixes and fads may do little for our health, and some even prove harmful. Dr. Wynne Armand, a primary care physician at Harvard-affiliated Mass General Brigham healthcare in Boston, recommends five simple habits to boost health and wellness in everyday life. We can all try to work these healthy habits into our daily routines. Bring... READ MORE
Health 2025
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