Dietitians pick best fruit for diabetes
While all foods affect your blood sugar, those that contain carbohydrates are the ones that will impact it the most. The bloodstream carries usable energy (blood sugar) to all your body cells to be fueled. When you have diabetes, being strategic about what you eat, how much you eat and how often you eat can help your body to regulate blood sugar efficiently. And when choosing fruit with... READ MORE
Don’t buy into brain-health supplements
A nationally representative survey found that about one in four adults over age 50 take at least one supplement to improve their brain health with the promise of enhanced memory and sharper attention and focus. The problem? There’s no solid proof any of them work. “There’s no evidence to suggest there’s an ingredient in supplements that can improve brain health,” said Dr. Pieter ... READ MORE
Genes and illness trigger certain heart diseases
Q: I thought heart attacks are caused by sudden complete blockage in a heart artery. But my father’s happened because his blood pressure suddenly got too low. Are there different types of heart attacks? A: Yes, there are different types of heart attacks. Most often the underlying problem is the same. One or more of the coronary arteries (the vessels that supply blood to the heart) have... READ MORE
Lonely? Cognitive behavioral therapy can help
After Jeff, 82, lost his wife, his days grew quiet. He stopped meeting friends at a local diner because sitting there without her felt like a public announcement of his loss. At home, the silence felt heavy. His loneliness deepened, and his interpretation of social events shifted. A missed callback from a friend, for instance, became proof that he no longer mattered. Loneliness among... READ MORE
It’s okay to exercise during cancer care
Dear Mayo Clinic: I’ve always been active, but after being diagnosed with breast cancer and starting my treatment, I’m a little worried about getting back into my routine. Is it OK to exercise during cancer treatment? A: It’s well known that exercise decreases the risk of developing cancer. Studies have shown there is a 30% to 35% reduction in the risk of breast cancer among the... READ MORE
UMD seeks healthy volunteers over 45
If you know someone who had a stroke, you know how difficult it can be to re-learn how to walk, talk and write. Now’s your chance to help future generations recover from brain injury more quickly. The University of Maryland needs healthy volunteers over 45 who have never had a stroke to participate in a new study. With a single visit to its College Park campus and two virtual sessions,... READ MORE
Always vet health advice from social media
Health and wellness advice is available in abundance on social media — from trendy to informative to straight-up disinformation — and you’re far from alone in seeing it. A new survey by the Pew Research Center finds that about 4 in 10 U.S. adults — and around half of those under 50 — get health information from social media or podcasts. Researchers also looked at the social... READ MORE
Psychedelic retreats have few safety guardrails
Surging interest in the purported benefits of psychedelic drugs has given rise to books, documentaries and conferences dedicated to the mind-altering substances. Now add one more business to the list: psychedelic retreats. Hundreds of outfits across the world are offering multiday trips where attendees pay for drug-assisted experiences claiming to promote psychological healing, personal... READ MORE
Hearing aids can improve mental health
Ballerina Sara Mearns was missing her cues. She couldn’t hear what her dance partner was saying from across the studio. A New York City Ballet principal dancer, Mearns was late for her entrances because the music sounded too soft. Without telling anyone, she finally made an appointment to get her hearing checked. Mearns learned that she had hearing loss. After years of isolation, she... READ MORE
Sneak green vegetables into rice dish
This is a standby recipe in my culinary rotation. Celery leaves, spinach, parsley and mild green chiles lend a fresh and slightly spicy touch to white rice. Long-grain rice stays fluffy after it is cooked and doesn’t clump together. You can use this as a template and add cilantro and a touch of tomatillo sauce for additional punch to this recipe. Or increase the spiciness of this... READ MORE
