Feeling lonely? You’re not alone in that!
That old Hank Williams song “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” evokes the wistful sadness of loneliness that everyone feels at times. But this emotion is far more prevalent — and potentially detrimental to heart health — than most people recognize. Earlier this year, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released an 82-page advisory about the country’s epidemic of loneliness,... READ MORE
Health Shorts — December 2023
Several eyedrop products recalled U.S. health regulators are warning consumers to set aside more than two dozen varieties of over-the-counter eyedrops because of the risk of infections that could lead to blindness. The Food and Drug Administration advisory applies to a limited group of lubricating eye drops, gel drops and artificial tears sold by six companies, including CVS... READ MORE
Does more TV time raise dementia risk?
Be honest: Just how much television are you watching? One study has estimated that half of American adults spend two to three hours each day watching television, with some watching as much as eight hours per day. Is time spent on TV a good thing or a bad thing? Let’s look at some of the data in relation to your risks for cognitive decline and dementia. First, it’s proven that... READ MORE
Q&A: Advice on weight loss; low energy
Q: If you are overweight, what is more important: getting fit or losing weight? A: You are alluding to what some people have called the fat but fit paradox. Let’s start with definitions of fitness and fatness. Fitness, also referred to as cardiovascular fitness or cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), is a measure of the performance of the heart, lungs and muscles of the body. Muscle... READ MORE
What are the benefits of practicing yoga?
Dear Mayo Clinic: I am a mother of two, work full time and am also a breast cancer survivor. I know physical exercise is important, so I try to visit the gym a few times a week for weight training and to walk. A friend recently invited me to a yoga class. I have never thought about adding yoga to my fitness routine. What are the benefits, and how would I get started? A: Yoga is a... READ MORE
Six ways to alleviate Raynaud’s disease
Raynaud’s disease, often characterized by its telltale cold fingers and toes, is more than just a fleeting discomfort for people. It’s a window into the complexities of our vascular system. While managing Raynaud’s can be challenging, understanding its ties to other conditions, like thyroid disease and autoimmune disorders, can shed light on effective treatment strategies. I’m a... READ MORE
Small fish and bivalves are good choices
Many health-conscious consumers have already cut back on hamburgers, steaks and deli meats, often by swapping in poultry or seafood. Those protein sources are better than beef, and not just because they’re linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Chicken and fish are also better for the environment, as their production uses less land and other resources, and... READ MORE
Why fingers may hurt in colder weather
Q: I am getting more sensitive to colder weather. I am worried about the times my fingers get cold enough to hurt and throb. What are some of the possible causes? A: A likely possibility is Raynaud’s phenomenon. People with this condition have blood vessels that respond in an exaggerated way to cold. This occurs in their fingers and toes and sometimes in other parts of the... READ MORE
Leave leaves on yards to aid biodiversity
A new study finds the autumn chore of raking leaves could be a disservice to budding plant life. The National Wildlife Federation found that fallen leaves can be crucial to biodiversity. Experts find keeping leaves in a yard has a similar effect to spreading mulch. They cover roots under plants, suppress weeds, and keep the soil moist. While the group’s research finds this is common ... READ MORE
SADder in the winter? Try light therapy
Dear Mayo Clinic: Once daylight saving time ends, I find it difficult as it gets darker earlier. I also notice that I get a bit more depressed in the winter. My friend suggested a light box for seasonal affective disorder. What is a light box, and can it be helpful in improving my mood? A: Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that typically occurs each year... READ MORE
Health 2023
