Problems arise from being underweight
While headlines often sound the alarm on the dangers of being overweight, less attention is given to the two percent of U.S. adults who are underweight. Their ranks may be smaller, but the health risks that affect many people who are underweight — having a body mass index (BMI) below 18.5 — are significant.Health risks from low body weight include:1. Increased risk of... READ MORE
Don’t fall for brain supplement claims
A high-ranking Senate Democrat is probing retailers and online companies about sales of dubious dietary supplements — especially those promising protection from memory loss, dementia and other age-related problems.The pills, tablets and formulas targeted by Senator Claire McCaskill bear names like “Brain Awake,” “Dementia Drops” and “Food for the... READ MORE
You can save a life performing simple CPR
Would you know what to do if you see someone collapse, not breathing — a loved one at home, a co-worker at the office, a stranger on the street? Far too many Americans die of cardiac arrest, and now a major new report urges a national campaign to improve survival, in part by making sure more bystanders know how to help.Every year, about 395,000 people suffer cardiac arrest in their... READ MORE
Join a landmark Alzheimer’s prevention study
Sticky plaque gets the most attention, but now healthy seniors at risk of Alzheimer’s are letting scientists peek into their brains to see if another culprit is lurking.No one knows what actually causes Alzheimer’s, but the suspects are its two hallmarks — the gunky amyloid in those brain plaques, or tangles of a protein named tau that clog dying brain cells. New imaging... READ MORE
Alternative funds seek lower-risk returns
For most of us, investments fall into two simple categories: stocks or bonds.Some investors are adding an “other” category in their search for possibly safer or better returns. They’re pouring into what the industry calls alternative funds, which are generally bringing hedge-fund-like strategies to the masses. It’s still a niche corner of the market, but nearly $13... READ MORE
A review of useful freebies for retirees
Senior discounts abound, making life in retirement a little more affordable. In some cases, though, older adults can get more than just a lower price; some goods and services that appeal to retirees come free of charge.Here are eight great freebies many retirees can enjoy. Some are available only for those who’ve reached a certain age. Others are accessible to people of all ages, but... READ MORE
Cocoa improves thinking skills, memory
Chocolate is more than just a tempting treat. Certain compounds in chocolate, called cocoa flavanols, have been shown to boost health. But that doesn’t mean you should start loading up on the sweets.“Consuming cocoa flavanols in chocolate is tricky. You need to understand the risks and benefits first,” said Dr. Miguel Alonso-Alonso, a neuroscientist at Harvard-affiliated... READ MORE
Vitamin B3 may help prevent skin cancer
For the first time, a large study suggests that a vitamin might modestly lower the risk of the most common types of skin cancer in people with a history of these relatively harmless yet troublesome growths.In a study in Australia, people who took a specific type of vitamin B3 for a year had a 23 percent lower rate of new skin cancers compared to others who took dummy pills. In absolute... READ MORE
Canned foods at least as nutritious as fresh
Canned foods — fruits, vegetables and beans — are the ultimate convenience foods — nutritious, available year-round, and economical. Yet surveys show they’re misunderstood and not considered healthful choices.Historically, canning was developed to preserve summer’s bounty and extend food availability all year long to prevent seasonal starvation. The canning... READ MORE
Food-borne listeria illnesses can be deadly
Large food recalls have forced consumers to throw away hummus and ice cream that may be contaminated with the same potentially deadly bacteria — listeria.In April, tainted Blue Bell ice cream products were linked to eight listeria illnesses in Kansas and Texas. Three of those who contracted the illness died. Blue Bell has recalled more than two dozen of its products.Sabra Dipping Co.... READ MORE
Health 2023
