How to locate a good age-friendly doctor
Dear Savvy Senior, My husband and I are relocating to a nearby state to be closer to our daughter and will need to find a new primary care physician when we arrive. We are both in our late 70s and are interested in getting a geriatrician to oversee our healthcare going forward. Any suggestions for finding someone? —Searching for Care Dear Searching, Choosing a geriatrician as... READ MORE
Ways to find light in dark winter months
The winter solstice was Dec. 21, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. While sunlight increases daily after that, winter won't be over for a while yet. The Associated Press spoke to experts in Norway, Sweden and Finland about how they cope with the winter blues. Here's how they suggest looking for light, literally and figuratively, during the... READ MORE
Pickleball’s popularity brings more injuries
Terry Landers’ pickleball injuries include two concussions, a broken wrist, a shoulder injury, a torn thumb and a black eye. None of those disasters kept her from the court. In fact, she had both knees replaced so she could keep playing. The 69-year-old from Bridgton, Maine, was drawn to pickleball about a decade ago because it was a sport she could play year-round, and the community... READ MORE
Some holiday spices have health benefits
Part of the excitement of the holidays is eating our favorite foods, many of which feature spices we rarely encounter during the rest of the year. But when you reach for spices to add to festive meals and baked treats, you’re doing more than waking up neglected taste buds. You’re also grabbing ingredients with the potential to boost your mood and health. While not every spice has... READ MORE
Tips for breathing easier with COPD
Dear Mayo Clinic: I was diagnosed with COPD last year after struggling with multiple symptoms. I quit smoking over 10 years ago, but I’m dealing with the effects of it now. How can I best manage the symptoms and live as fully as possible with this condition? A: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a leading cause of disability and death in the U.S., according to the... READ MORE
Get enough sleep; it’s good for the heart
We all know that an occasional night of little sleep makes for a difficult day of grogginess, fuzzy thinking, and mood swings. You might also know that regularly skimping on sleep makes symptoms worse and leads to stress and weight gain. But many people are unaware that insufficient sleep also poses dangerous health risks, especially for your heart. How much sleep is too... READ MORE
Can’t sleep? Try this Johns Hopkins study
Sleep is important for our health as we age, particularly for brain health. If you’re over 65 and have trouble sleeping, a Johns Hopkins University study may be able to help. Hopkins researchers, hoping that exercise can improve sleep and cognitive health, have created an exercise plan that can be done at home. The exercises are tailored to each individual, so they’re not... READ MORE
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
