What to do about diabetes and gallstones

Q: On my last routine blood work, my blood sugar was just above the normal range. Am I destined to have diabetes? A: Making small changes to your habits and daily lifestyle now can help prevent or at least delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes. A large study published almost 20 years ago showed the strength of the connection between lifestyle habits and Type 2 diabetes risk.... READ MORE

U.S. regulators propose OTC hearing aids

Health regulators last month unveiled their proposal to allow Americans to buy hearing aids without a prescription, a long-awaited move intended to make the devices more accessible to millions of people with hearing problems. The Food and Drug Administration said the proposed rule would cut red tape that currently requires hearing exams and a prescription for people with... READ MORE

Easy sources of protein for a healthy diet

Skip post-meal heartburn this Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving, a holiday when many people spend time with their families and friends, usually is accompanied by a large meal. Some traditional Thanksgiving foods may add a little heartburn as a side to the holiday. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, more than 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month. Despite its name, heartburn does not... READ MORE

Exercises to help maintain your balance

Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about balance exercises? I’ve fallen a few times over the past year and have read that balance exercises can help me regain my steadiness, but I’m not exactly sure what to do. — Unsteady at 70 Dear Unsteady, Most people don’t think much about practicing their balance, but they need to. As we age, our balance declines if it isn’t... READ MORE

Follow a Mediterranean diet on a budget

The Mediterranean diet continuously ranks as one of the best diets for overall health among health professionals and experts. The (mostly) plant-based diet follows simple guideline of eating whole, fresh foods without any severe restrictions. But when you’re trying to feed yourself (or your family) on a budget, it might seem difficult to maintain a healthy eating plan of fish, veggies, ... READ MORE

Many ways to go ‘green’ in the kitchen

We all want to do our part to protect our precious Mother Earth. But with such overwhelming issues — climate change, pollution, sustainability — it might seem like there’s no way one person could make an impact. Something as simple and routine as getting food on the table can have a big impact in lightening your environmental footprint. The foods you eat, the way you prepare them,... READ MORE

Time for another jab: flu vaccine season

Amid all the focus on COVID-19 vaccinations, U.S. health experts have another plea: Don’t skip your flu shot. Flu cases have dropped to historically low levels during the pandemic. The U.S. and Europe experienced hardly any flu last winter, and the Southern Hemisphere just ended its second flu season of the coronavirus pandemic with little to report. But with U.S. schools and... READ MORE

Things to know about palliative medicine

Dear Mayo Clinic: My 65-year-old-mother was diagnosed recently with Parkinson’s disease. A friend mentioned that we should see a palliative care doctor to develop a care plan. I don’t think my mother is dying anytime soon. Can you explain palliative care and why we might need a consultation? A: I am sorry to hear about your mother’s diagnosis. It can be challenging to have a... READ MORE

Ways to turn up flavor without using salt

We know we should be eating less salt. Most of us consume far more than recommended. We know to skip the salt shaker at the table and to check food labels. While it is essential to the body — the sodium in salt works with potassium to regulate fluids — too much can raise blood pressure, putting the heart at risk. Read on to learn ways to cut back on your consumption of salt without... READ MORE