FDA proposes crackdown on homeopathy
U.S. health officials plan to crack down on a growing number of unproven alternative remedies, focusing on products containing dangerous ingredients that have occasionally been linked to serious injury and death. The Food and Drug Administration recently issued a new proposal for regulating homeopathic medicines that have long been on the fringe of mainstream medicine. The agency... READ MORE
Ways to reduce fall risk and injuries
It can happen to anyone at any time. One minute you’re on your feet; the next you’re on the ground. Falls are the leading cause of all non-fatal injuries, and the most common reason for visits to the emergency room. One in five falls results in a significant injury, such as head trauma or broken wrists, hips, legs or ankles. Falls are also the second leading cause of injury-related... READ MORE
Getting stronger can help prevent falls
Dear Savvy Senior: I’ve fallen several times over the past year, and my doctor has recommended that I start a strength-training program to help prevent future falls. But at age 72, I’ve never lifted weights before and could use some help. What can you tell me? — Looking for Help Dear Looking: Weak leg muscles and poor balance are two of the biggest factors that cause older ... READ MORE
Scientists explore music’s healing power
Like a friendly Pied Piper, the violinist keeps up a toe-tapping beat as dancers weave through busy hospital hallways and into the chemotherapy unit, patients looking up in surprised delight. Upstairs, a cellist strums an Irish folk tune for a patient in intensive care. Music increasingly is becoming a part of patient care — although it’s still pretty unusual to see roving performers ... READ MORE
Qs on grass-fed dairy, choline supplements
Q: Are grass-fed dairy products a good choice? A: Dairy products labeled as "grassfed" market their products as coming from cows exclusively fed grass instead of the grain rations that conventionally-raised cows typically consume. But what does this term really mean? In 2016, the USDA withdrew support for grass-fed marketing claims, thus they no longer have an official definition of the... READ MORE
How to reduce retirement healthcare costs
Q: I thought most of my healthcare costs would be covered by Medicare after I turn 65, but it looks like I'll still have to pay quite a bit myself. How much can I expect to pay for healthcare in retirement? What can I do to lower those costs? A: Even though Medicare covers the bulk of your healthcare costs after you turn 65, you may still have a lot of out-of-pocket expenses. A recent... READ MORE
Caregivers are overwhelmed, undertrained
Adult caregivers looking after aging relatives and friends have little training for their stressful roles but still find the experience rewarding, according to a new poll. The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey finds that long-term caregivers don't just provide rides to the doctor and run errands. Nearly half perform some kind of medical care, from changing... READ MORE
Can probiotics treat depression and anxiety?
There is a lot of interest right now in the human microbiome (the populations of bacteria that live in various parts of the body, including the intestine, skin and lungs). We now know that there are approximately 10 times as many bacterial cells as human cells in the body. The vast majority of these bacterial cells are in the intestinal tract, and they serve many purposes, including... READ MORE
International tai chi champions
Many recreation centers provide instruction in the ancient martial art of tai chi. But it’s a rare program that sends 17 of its members to China to participate in an international competition, and no doubt even rarer when such a group sweeps the awards in their categories. That’s exactly what happened, however, when a group from the East Columbia 50+ Center’s tai chi class traveled ... READ MORE
Easing agitation in Alzheimer’s patients
Anxiety and agitation are commonly found in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. These behavioral changes may be caused by different medical conditions, medication interactions, or circumstances that continue to worsen the person’s ability to think. As an individual with dementia is biologically experiencing a loss of their ability to negotiate new information and different stimuli,... READ MORE
