New blood test may diagnose depression
The first blood test to diagnose major depression in adults has been developed by scientists at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. — a breakthrough approach that provides the first objective, scientific diagnosis for depression. The test identifies depression by measuring the levels of nine RNA blood markers. RNA molecules are the messengers that interpret the DNA genetic code... READ MORE
Pinpointing the cause of lower back pain
Lower back pain is among the most common complaints of older age. The lumbar or lower area of the spine can suffer from many different ailments.“You do most of your bending in the lower back, and that’s probably why the lower back tends to be affected more,” explained Dr. Jeffrey Katz, a Harvard Medical School professor and editor of the Harvard Special Health... READ MORE
Research unlocks secrets of hearing loss
The ability to discern pitch — to hear the difference between “cat,” “bat” and “hat,” for example — hinges on remarkable gradations in specialized cells within the inner ear.New research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine and the National Institute on Deafness and Communication Disorders has explained, for the first time, what... READ MORE
First ‘generic’ biotech drug gets FDA nod
Government health officials recently approved the first lower-cost copy of a biotech drug in the U.S. — a long-awaited milestone that could save billions for insurers, doctors and patients. Biotech drugs are powerful, injected medicines produced in living cells. They are typically much more expensive than traditional chemical-based pills.The Food and Drug Administration approval... READ MORE
Specialty meds save lives, but at high cost
Mati Munoz lost her liver to hepatitis C, and the virus was attacking its transplanted replacement last year when her doctor prescribed a drug combination that could save the organ.She just needed $7,000 for an initial payment not covered by her Medicare prescription plan.“I felt sunken,” the 65-year-old Woodbridge, N.J., woman said. “I thought, ‘How am I going to... READ MORE
Myths and facts: whole grains vs. gluten
At first glance, whole grains like whole wheat, barley, quinoa and brown rice may not seem controversial, but misconceptions and half-truths abound, creating barriers to meeting the U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommendation to consume at least three servings of whole grains a day.Here’s what we learned on the subject at the recent conference “Whole Grains: Breaking Barriers,” ... READ MORE
Use artificial sweeteners in moderation
The label says, “no sugar added,” “sugar-free” or “diet.” So what makes the food or drink inside the package so sweet? Chances are it’s an artificial sweetener, a chemically processed sugar substitute.Also known as non-nutritive, non-caloric or high-intensity sweeteners, these synthetic sweeties are hundreds or even thousands of times sweeter than... READ MORE
Frequent saunas may increase longevity
Frequent sauna baths may help you live longer, a study of Finnish men suggests. It would be welcome news if proven true — in Finland where hot, dry saunas are commonplace, and for Americans who have been shivering in a snowy Nordic-like winter.Previous research suggested that saunas might improve blood vessel function and exercise capacity, and lower blood pressure in patients with... READ MORE
Game changer: Stents for stroke patients
Stroke experts are reporting a major advance: Stents similar to the ones used to open clogged heart arteries can also be used to clear a blood clot in the brain, greatly lowering the risk a patient will end up disabled.Patients treated with these brain stents were far more likely to be alive and able to live independently three months after their stroke, doctors reported at a recent... READ MORE
Can you pare down your medications?
If you can’t remember the last time you did an inventory of your pill bottles, you may want to add that to your to-do list.Like some items in your wardrobe, the drugs that suited you at one point may not work as well as you go through life.Your kidneys and liver are responsible for clearing drugs from the body. As you age, these two organs clear drugs more slowly. As a result, drugs... READ MORE
