Have arthritis? Glucosamine might help
If you are one of the 242 million people who suffers from osteoarthritis, you likely know about glucosamine. Many praise its ability to ease hip and knee pain, while some experts disagree on its efficacy. Environmental Nutrition examines the data on this popular dietary supplement. Glucosamine, along with chondroitin, is a naturally occurring structural component of cartilage. Cartilage... READ MORE
Find a therapist with knowledge of aging
Pat Walker was feeling particularly low. A sister had just died, and after having a heated fight with her daughter, she couldn’t get out of bed. For this active, engaged 74-year-old, that was unheard of. So, she sought therapy, which she had done in the past, but this time it was with a geropsychologist — someone who specializes in treating older people. For Walker, whose name has... READ MORE
CDC finds two masks are better than one
U.S. government researchers found that two masks are better than one in slowing coronavirus spread, but health officials stopped short of recommending that everyone double up. Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the results of a lab experiment that spaced two artificial heads six feet from each other and checked to see how many coronavirus-sized particles... READ MORE
Best ways to live a heart-healthy lifestyle
Q: People tell me to live a “heart-healthy” lifestyle to reduce my risk of heart disease, but I don’t really know what that means. What should I be doing to keep my heart healthy? A: Heart disease is very common. The term describes many types of conditions that affect the heart, including coronary artery disease, strokes, heart attacks, heart-rhythm problems and many... READ MORE
Ten foods you should eat to lose weight
Plenty of foods can support your weight-loss efforts when included as part of a healthy diet. Eating these 10 foods regularly is a simple way to make the most of your meals. Chia seeds Fiber slows digestion and keeps us feeling fuller longer. This is super important when we’re cutting back on calories, a common approach to weight loss. A 2-tablespoon serving of chia... READ MORE
Volunteer at home to aid COVID research
Sometimes when you enroll in a health study, you have to drive to a hospital or clinic. Or you may have to roll up your sleeves and give blood. What if there was a way to help science just by taking a daily survey at home? If that sounds like the study for you, particularly during a pandemic, consider joining MedStar Health’s COVID-19 Community Research Partnership, which... READ MORE
Medical alert systems offer many options
Dear Savvy Senior, I am interested in getting my mom, who lives alone, a medical alert system with a wearable pendant button that will let her call for help if she falls or has a medical emergency. What can you tell me to help me choose one? —Too Many Choices Dear Too Many, A good medical alert system is an effective and affordable tool that can help keep your mom safe and living ... READ MORE
Why vaccines are in such short supply
With demand for COVID-19 vaccines outpacing the world’s supplies, a frustrated public and policymakers want to know: How can we get more? A lot more. Right away. The problem: “It’s not like adding more water to the soup,” said vaccine specialist Maria Elena Bottazzi of Baylor College of Medicine. Makers of COVID-19 vaccines need everything to go right as they scale up... READ MORE
Do worsening headaches call for a scan?
Headache is a very common condition that affects up to 60% of the world’s population. In general, headache can be classified into two main categories: primary and secondary headaches. Headaches have many possible causes, and proper management requires accurate diagnosis. A primary headache is related to increased sensitivities, but not structural alterations of brain tissues. Common ... READ MORE
What CBD products are safe & effective?
Dear Mayo Clinic: I’m interested in trying CBD for knee pain. I see CBD for sale everywhere — even at gas stations. How do I figure out which kind to buy? Are CBD products that are available without a prescription safe and effective? A: When it comes to trying products made with cannabidiol, or CBD, that you can buy without a prescription, be careful. There’s some... READ MORE
