A surprising cause of falls: multitasking
A few years ago, my grandmother fell and broke her hip. She has never fully recovered and is now constantly fearful of falling, and has significantly limited her activities to prevent a fall from ever happening again. As a scientist focused on translational research in mobility and falls in older adults, of course I asked her how she fell. She stated that she was standing in the kitchen, ... READ MORE
Evaluate hoarseness if it doesn’t go away
Dear Mayo Clinic: For the past few weeks, I have had a hoarse voice, even though I don’t have a cold. Is this something I should be concerned about? A: It’s not uncommon to experience hoarseness once in a while, especially with a cold or even after cheering loudly at a sporting event. But when a hoarse voice doesn’t go away after three to four weeks, it’s a good idea to see... READ MORE
Understanding COVID’s divergent results
One of COVID-19’s scariest mysteries is why some people are mildly ill or have no symptoms, while others rapidly die — and scientists are starting to unravel why. An international team of researchers found that in some people with severe COVID-19, the body goes rogue and attacks one of its own key immune defenses instead of fighting the coronavirus. Most were men, helping to explain... READ MORE
Can ice cream be healthy — or healthier?
When it comes to frosty treats, ice cream reigns supreme. These days, you may have noticed that low-calorie options ranging in flavors from Birthday S’mores to Cookie Dough are one of the coolest food trends in the supermarket freezer aisle. Their growth owes largely to a desire for wellness, even in the dessert world. But isn’t healthy ice cream an oxymoron? Well, certain ice... READ MORE
Two area COVID studies offering plasma
As the pandemic continues, scientists are working hard to find effective treatments to prevent COVID-19 or decrease the severity of symptoms — without hospitalization. One of those possible treatments is from blood; specifically, human coronavirus immune plasma. Patients receive a plasma transfusion from someone who has defeated and recovered from COVID-19, and antibodies in that... READ MORE
When anxiety disorders magnify COVID-19
These days, we all have to accept the anxiety inherent in living in the time of the coronavirus pandemic. If there was a way to dispel all anxious feelings, I’d tell you, but there isn’t. The one exception might be someone who could summon such a degree of denial that they carry on as if everything was normal. And that would be very unwise. Anxiety helps us prepare to respond to... READ MORE
Squash buyer’s guide
All varieties of delicious winter squash are packed with the antioxidants alpha and beta carotene. Here you’ll find some tips on what varieties to look for and how to choose them. Shopping tips Choose squash that is very hard: press firmly all over to make sure the rind isn’t soft (a sign of immaturity or improper storage). Look for vivid colors — the skin color should not look... READ MORE
Get your flu shot now — it’s not too late
A record number of flu vaccine doses are on the way — between 194 million and 198 million for the U.S. alone — seemingly plenty considering last year just under half of adults got vaccinated and there usually are leftovers. Still, there’s no way to know how many will seek shots this year and some people occasionally are finding drugstores or clinics temporarily out of stock. Be... READ MORE
Mobile app may help caregivers manage
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or dementia, there’s a new mobile app in development that could help. Research has found that routine and structure help patients with dementia. One way to stay organized is through your smartphone. Once downloaded on an iPhone, the app, called Mantrah, can help manage your condition and improve quality of... READ MORE
Some tips to counteract the winter blues
Q: With the start of fall and daylight savings time approaching, is it true that some people feel “blue” during the cooler months just because there isn’t as much daylight? A: While October brings fall leaves, pumpkins and welcome cooler temperatures, it also represents a shift to shorter daylight hours, with the sun setting earlier each day. For many, these cooler, darker days... READ MORE
