Reducing risk of anesthesia side effects
Dear Mayo Clinic: I’m scheduled to have surgery next month. I have never had general anesthesia before, and I’m nervous about it. I’ve heard of people getting sick and having other problems as a result of anesthesia. Is there anything that can be done to make sure that doesn’t happen to me? A: To help ensure a smooth surgical experience, ask to meet with your... READ MORE
How to avoid seasonal allergy problems
Q: With COVID-19 keeping a lot of us isolated, I am being encouraged to go outside now and then — at a safe distance from other people, of course! But with springtime coming, how do I treat the itchy, watery eyes and sneezing that I get from seasonal allergies? A: The warmer weather inspires us to spend time outside, but it also brings a cover of yellow pollen from trees, weeds and... READ MORE
When plantar fasciitis doesn’t improve
Dear Mayo Clinic: I am in my 60s and active. Over the years, I have had plantar fasciitis off and on, but the most recent episode has lasted longer than usual, and physical therapy hasn’t helped much. What are my options for treatment at this point? A: Most people with plantar fasciitis improve with basic care steps or physical therapy. However, healing can be slow and require... READ MORE
Should you worry about numb hands?
Q: I often wake up with numbness in my hand. After five minutes, it’s back to normal. Why does this happen? When should I worry that something serious is causing it? A: Since it’s temporary, brief and goes back to normal, it’s probably due to pressure on a nerve near the wrist and unlikely to be due to anything serious. Numbness and tingling are most commonly due to abnormal... READ MORE
Help test a new imaging machine at NIH
MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a safe, widely used scanning tool that allows doctors to see what lies beneath our surface. MRI uses a magnetic field to generate images. During an MRI, patients are eased into a large, tube-like machine, given earplugs and told to lie still. The scanner is loud, cramped and expensive — but very accurate. It does not emit radiation like X-rays,... READ MORE
Keeping calm in Richmond’s turbulent times
A racing heart, sweaty palms, an incessant urge to check the latest news. It’s normal to feel anxious during the current coronavirus pandemic. Our lives have been disrupted; businesses are shuttered; the stock market has tanked; and no one knows when life will return to normal. “For people who have always had some underlying anxiety or depression, this [situation] is going to... READ MORE
How to keep mind sharp, memory strong
We all want to keep our minds sharp and our memories strong as we get older. So, what can we do right now to prevent cognitive decline in later years? Engaging in regular aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, probably has the biggest effect on people of many ages. Convincing evidence also suggests that a Mediterranean-style diet of fish, olive oil,... READ MORE
Turmeric offers variety of health benefits
What do mustard and curry powder have in common? Their yellow hue comes courtesy of turmeric. This golden spice comes from the Curcuma longa or Curcuma domestica plant, which is native to South Asia. The bold-tasting spice comes from the rootlike section that grows under the soil, called a rhizome. The rhizomes are boiled and dried to make turmeric powder, which is sold on its own... READ MORE
Enjoy warm tastes and colors of spring
I’d like to share a recipe that highlights fresh ingredients: roasted chicken breasts stuffed with yellow and red bell peppers served atop a sweet scallion sauce. While I especially like the ripened, sweeter yellow, red and orange varieties of bell pepper, any combination of which will taste delicious and look beautiful in this recipe, you could also use green bell peppers if you... READ MORE
How Medicare is covering coronavirus
Dear Savvy Senior, Is Medicare covering testing for the coronavirus? My husband and I are very nervous about this virus and would like to find out if or when we should get tested, and how Medicare manages it. — Nervous Nelly Dear Nelly, Yes! Medicare is indeed covering the cost of testing for the coronavirus, or COVID-19. But be aware that getting a test isn’t as simple as going ... READ MORE
