Organs and glands we can live without
There was a time when pediatricians routinely recommended tonsil removal, even for healthy children — including me. As far as I can tell, I suffered no ill effects — plus, I got extra ice cream! That practice is no longer routine. But it does raise an interesting question: Why do we have body parts that can be safely removed? If they’re not needed, why do humans have them in the... READ MORE
VA studies ways to help veterans avoid falls
Baltimore retiree and 30-year U.S. Army veteran David Webber has had so many falls, he said, “I stopped keeping track.” He’s fallen down stairs, while vacuuming, on a ladder and off a deck. One day he received a letter from Veterans Affairs asking for volunteers in a fall-prevention study. “I answered right away,” he said. After 12 weeks of exercise classes at the VA in Loch ... READ MORE
How do natural and added sugars differ?
Q: I’m trying to cut back on my sugar intake, but so many natural foods have sugar. What’s a good way to approach this? A: A healthy way to think about sugar is to consider its source. Natural sugars are found in whole fruits, vegetables, milk products and grains. Fruit and some vegetables contain forms of sugar called fructose, glucose and sucrose, while milk contains lactose,... READ MORE
Why autoimmune diseases strike women
Women are far more likely than men to get autoimmune diseases, when an out-of-whack immune system attacks their own bodies — and new research may finally explain why. It’s all about how the body handles females’ extra X chromosome, Stanford University researchers reported last month. This finding could lead to better ways to detect a long list of diseases that are hard to diagnose... READ MORE
Try growing healthy microgreens indoors
Microgreens have been popping up as garnishes at high-end restaurants, but they’re more than just a gourmet trick of the trade. The 2-to-3-inch seedlings of edible plants, which add a burst of color and flavor to food, are packed with nutrients and can make for a fun indoor gardening project. At an average retail price of about $30 per tray, the little nutritional powerhouses can... READ MORE
Who knew? A healthy gut helps your heart
Your gut microbiome — a collection of trillions of microorganisms inhabiting your intestinal tract — has wide-ranging effects on your health. Your unique mix of bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses reflects your genes, your age, the medications you take — but most of all, what you eat. Over the past two decades, numerous studies have explored how gut microbes and their breakdown... READ MORE
Warm up mornings with a fresh casserole
On a cool, crisp morning, it’s hard to beat an exciting twist on a breakfast classic. This French Toast Casserole is crisp on top while soft and moist in the middle, coming fresh out of the oven with the aroma of maple syrup and pecans that will have the whole house eager for a bite. It’s easy enough to make fresh in the morning but can also be prepared the night before — so all ... READ MORE
What to do about shaky hands, angina
Q: I have developed a tremor in both my hands. It gets worse when I get nervous. Is this the start of Parkinson’s disease? Can it be treated? A: It’s not surprising that you associate tremor with Parkinson’s disease. But it is much more likely that you have essential tremor, a very common disorder. Tremor is the shaky movements of your hands, limbs, head or voice that you... READ MORE
Drugs may reach brain faster with ultrasound
Scientists have found a way to help Alzheimer’s drugs seep inside the brain faster — by temporarily breaching its protective shield. The novel experiment was a first attempt in just three patients. But in spots in the brain where the new technology took aim, it enhanced the removal of Alzheimer’s trademark brain-clogging plaque, researchers reported last month. “Our goal is to ... READ MORE
The best snacks to eat for energy all day
Snacking often gets a bad reputation, but strategic snacking can help us maintain stable energy throughout the day so we don’t crash and run out of steam. It can also help us avoid dips in mood that may be related to unstable blood sugar, which plays a big role in energy levels. For the most filling snacks that will help keep your energy levels up, aim for a combination of protein, fat ... READ MORE
