Treatments for a persistent stuffed nose
Q: My nose constantly feels congested, especially on the right side. I don’t have any other symptoms. What might be causing it? A: The nasal block you feel is likely due to a chronic condition or obstruction that is reducing the amount of air passing through your nose. Allergies or a chronic sinus problem might be the cause. The insides of your nose and sinuses are lined with a... READ MORE
Understanding and reducing stroke risks
Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. It will affect 1 in 4 adults over the age of 25 globally. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, and it can result in oxygen starvation, brain damage and loss of function. There are two main types of strokes. Ischemic strokes occur when a blood vessel carrying... READ MORE
Easy-to-use toothbrushes and flossers
Dear Savvy Senior, I have arthritis and hand tremors that affect my grip strength and make brushing my teeth difficult. I’ve read that electric toothbrushes can help make the job easier. Can you make any recommendations? —Arthritic Alice Dear Alice, For those who suffer from arthritis or have other hand weaknesses or tremors, an electric toothbrush is an often turned to solution ... READ MORE
Organs and glands we can live without
There was a time when pediatricians routinely recommended tonsil removal, even for healthy children — including me. As far as I can tell, I suffered no ill effects — plus, I got extra ice cream! That practice is no longer routine. But it does raise an interesting question: Why do we have body parts that can be safely removed? If they’re not needed, why do humans have them in the... READ MORE
VA studies ways to help veterans avoid falls
Baltimore retiree and 30-year U.S. Army veteran David Webber has had so many falls, he said, “I stopped keeping track.” He’s fallen down stairs, while vacuuming, on a ladder and off a deck. One day he received a letter from Veterans Affairs asking for volunteers in a fall-prevention study. “I answered right away,” he said. After 12 weeks of exercise classes at the VA in Loch ... READ MORE
How do natural and added sugars differ?
Q: I’m trying to cut back on my sugar intake, but so many natural foods have sugar. What’s a good way to approach this? A: A healthy way to think about sugar is to consider its source. Natural sugars are found in whole fruits, vegetables, milk products and grains. Fruit and some vegetables contain forms of sugar called fructose, glucose and sucrose, while milk contains lactose,... READ MORE
Why autoimmune diseases strike women
Women are far more likely than men to get autoimmune diseases, when an out-of-whack immune system attacks their own bodies — and new research may finally explain why. It’s all about how the body handles females’ extra X chromosome, Stanford University researchers reported last month. This finding could lead to better ways to detect a long list of diseases that are hard to diagnose... READ MORE
Try growing healthy microgreens indoors
Microgreens have been popping up as garnishes at high-end restaurants, but they’re more than just a gourmet trick of the trade. The 2-to-3-inch seedlings of edible plants, which add a burst of color and flavor to food, are packed with nutrients and can make for a fun indoor gardening project. At an average retail price of about $30 per tray, the little nutritional powerhouses can... READ MORE
Who knew? A healthy gut helps your heart
Your gut microbiome — a collection of trillions of microorganisms inhabiting your intestinal tract — has wide-ranging effects on your health. Your unique mix of bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses reflects your genes, your age, the medications you take — but most of all, what you eat. Over the past two decades, numerous studies have explored how gut microbes and their breakdown... READ MORE
Warm up mornings with a fresh casserole
On a cool, crisp morning, it’s hard to beat an exciting twist on a breakfast classic. This French Toast Casserole is crisp on top while soft and moist in the middle, coming fresh out of the oven with the aroma of maple syrup and pecans that will have the whole house eager for a bite. It’s easy enough to make fresh in the morning but can also be prepared the night before — so all ... READ MORE
