Exercise reduces healthcare costs

Healthcare costs later in life were significantly lower for adults who maintained moderate or high physical activity levels, according to a new analysis of claims data linked to the National Institutes of Health-American Association of Retired Persons (NIH-AARP) Diet and Health Study. The study, published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, examined various levels of... READ MORE

Recipes to enjoy dairy without discomfort

Mayo Clinic Q&A: Top 10 workout myths

Dear Mayo Clinic: I eat fairly healthy, but I want to lose weight and improve my physical wellness in the new year. I’m finding a lot of conflicting information about the best workouts for weight loss, the amount of time I need to work out and what food I should eat. Can you help me make sense of it so I can plan a routine? A: Being proactive to achieve long-term health and... READ MORE

Unregulated stem cell clinics proliferate

Hundreds of clinics pushing unproven stem cell procedures caught a big break from the U.S. government in 2017: They would have three years to show that their questionable treatments were safe and effective before regulators started cracking down. But when the Food and Drug Administration’s grace period expired in late May — extended six months due to the pandemic — the... READ MORE

Palliative care helps heart patients

New research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association indicates palliative care can significantly lower the risk of rehospitalization and the need for invasive procedures, including mechanical ventilation and defibrillator implantation, for heart failure patients. Palliative care provides support to patients with chronic conditions to relieve symptoms and improve... READ MORE

New Alzheimer’s drug breeds skepticism

The first new Alzheimer’s treatment in more than 20 years was hailed as a breakthrough when regulators approved it more than four months ago, but its rollout has been slowed by questions about its price and how well it works. Several major medical centers remain undecided on whether to use Biogen’s Aduhelm, which is recommended for early stages of the disease. Big names like the... READ MORE

How and why to freeze herbs, vegetables

Food shortages are continuing as grocery stores face supply chain issues and fewer deliveries. So, I highly recommend that you learn to freeze some things for the winter season. Here’s how you do it: —Parsley is known as a blood cleanser and diuretic. Take a bunch, cut off the stems, and wash the leaves well. Spread them out on a clean towel and dry them the best you can. Try to... READ MORE

Reasons to meet with a genetic counselor

Dear Mayo Clinic: My grandmother died of breast cancer at 70. My first cousin was recently diagnosed at 35. And another cousin also had breast cancer a few years ago. A friend suggested that I undergo genetic counseling to determine my risk. Is that necessary? Can a genetic counselor tell me anything else about my risk for other diseases? A: Although it can be daunting to have a... READ MORE

Baby aspirin no longer generally advised

Older adults without heart disease shouldn’t take daily low-dose aspirin to prevent a first heart attack or stroke, an influential health guidelines group said in preliminary updated advice released last month. Bleeding risks for adults in their 60s and up who haven’t had a heart attack or stroke outweigh any potential benefits from aspirin, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force... READ MORE

Risks outweigh growth hormone benefits

Q: Can taking human growth hormone slow down the aging process? A: The answer so far is no. Human growth hormone injections have not been shown to be an effective anti-aging product. The pituitary gland in the brain makes and secretes natural growth hormone. In combination with other hormones, such as IGF-1 (insulin growth factor 1), it is responsible for body development early in... READ MORE