Register now for local Senior Olympics
Bernie Stamm spent his childhood skiing in the Alps and moved on to become a ski instructor as an adult. A lifelong athlete, the 72-year-old resident of Ashburn, Va., also plays singles tennis and competes in numerous track and field events in the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics.One of his favorite events is the javelin throw. In fact, Stamm has a photo of himself taken in 1958 at age 19, ... READ MORE
Device kills cancer cells, not healthy ones
The Food and Drug Administration approved its first-of-a-kind treatment that fights cancerous brain tumors using electrical energy fields.The FDA approved the device, made by Novocure, for patients with aggressive brain tumors that have returned after treatment with chemotherapy and other interventions. Patients with recurring brain cancer usually live only a few months.Studies showed that... READ MORE
Popular brand-name drugs going generic
Dear Savvy Senior:I’ve heard that the drug Lipitor and a few other popular brand name medications will soon be available in cheaper generic form. What can you tell me? — Frugal SeniorDear Frugal:It’s true. Generics for Lipitor and a slew of other brand name drugs will soon be coming down the pipeline, and the savings to consumers will be significant. Here’s what you... READ MORE
Popular brand-name drugs going generic
Dear Savvy Senior: I’ve heard that the drug Lipitor and a few other popular brand name medications will soon be available in cheaper generic form. What can you tell me? — Frugal SeniorDear Frugal:It’s true. Generics for Lipitor and a slew of other brand name drugs will soon be coming down the pipeline, and the savings to consumers will be significant. Here’s what... READ MORE
Why we cry: studying a most human trait
We expect babies and children to cry, but U.S. House Speaker John Boehner’s well-chronicled weepiness is a reminder that adults (including menfolk) shed plenty of tears, too.Grief, personal conflict, and feelings of inadequacy are among the main reasons, but grown-ups also fill buckets at weddings, graduations and reunions because they are so happy.Having a good cry every now and then ... READ MORE
Study shows no risk from mercury in fish
In an unusual health study, researchers analyzing toxin levels in tens of thousands of toenail clippings determined that mercury from eating fish does not raise the risk of heart disease or stroke.Health experts have long urged people to eat fish to lower heart risks, but some have worried that the mercury in certain types of fish like shark and swordfish might offset any benefits.Mercury... READ MORE
Breast cancer survivor back in the saddle
In 1999, Patricia Artimovich was diagnosed with breast cancer. The treatment and recovery were, in her words, “grueling,” but once she had begun to recover, Artimovich, now 59, began reflecting on what she wanted to accomplish in her life.“It wasn’t just the big things, but the small things I wanted to do as well,” said Artimovich, an attorney and contracts... READ MORE
Will ‘concierge medicine’ hurt Medicare?
Every year, thousands of people make a deal with their doctor: I’ll pay you a fixed annual fee, whether or not I need your services, and in return you’ll see me the day I call, remember who I am and what ails me, and give me your undivided attention. But this arrangement potentially poses a big threat to Medicare and to the new world of medical care envisioned under President Barack... READ MORE
Studies explore possible cure for diabetes
A pioneering hormone treatment may be the secret to an easy life for diabetics, consigning insulin shots and regular glucose monitoring to the medical history books.Most people associate diabetes with insulin, the pancreatic hormone that dictates how much glucose circulates in blood. Type 1 diabetics have to inject the hormone because they can’t make it themselves.Now, the spotlight... READ MORE
Ignore most health claims on food labels
Q: When the label of a food or supplement says that it supports the immune system, does that mean it will help prevent cancer, or does it refer only to fighting off colds and flu? A: Here’s the confusing part for shoppers: It doesn’t necessarily mean the food or supplement will do either one.A food or supplement company might be able to make a “structure/function... READ MORE
