Why sudden fainting calls for evaluation
Dear Mayo Clinic: I had a fainting spell the other day, which had never happened to me before in my 64 years. I don’t feel unwell, but a friend I was with at the time insists I should see my doctor. Is that necessary? What would they be looking for? A: Yes, make an appointment to see your healthcare provider. Fainting, or passing out — a temporary loss of consciousness also known ... READ MORE
Medicare Part B premium rising in 2020
Medicare’s “Part B” premium for outpatient care will rise by nearly 7% to $144.60 a month next year, officials said in November. They blamed rising spending on medications. The $9.10 monthly increase follows a smaller $1.50 rise this year. It comes after Social Security announced a modest cost-of-living raise for 2020 that works out to about $24 a month for the average retired... READ MORE
Most misperceive likelihood of dementia
Many older American adults may inaccurately estimate their chances for developing dementia and do useless things to prevent it, new research suggests. Almost half of adults surveyed believed they were likely to develop dementia. The results suggest many didn’t understand the connection between physical health and brain health and how racial differences can affect dementia... READ MORE
Computers may improve drugs, diagnoses
Drugmakers have embraced artificial intelligence (AI), using computers to analyze reams of data and then make predictions or recommendations. Germany’s Bayer has been testing how the technology can help diagnose complex or rare conditions, hasten drug development and more. The aspirin creator has partnered with startups and tech companies to develop software and apps to speed... READ MORE
Take a closer look at coconut oil advice
Coconut oil has seen a surge in popularity in recent years due to many touted health benefits, ranging from reducing belly fat to strengthening the immune system, preventing heart disease and staving off dementia. These claims are often backed by celebrity endorsements and bolstered by proponents of popular diets such as ketogenic and Paleo, with little support from scientific... READ MORE
Doctors safely edit genes to fight cancer
The first attempt in the United States to use a gene editing tool called CRISPR against cancer seems safe in the three patients who have had it so far, but it’s too soon to know if it will improve survival, doctors reported in November. The doctors were able to take immune system cells from the patients’ blood and alter them genetically to help them recognize and fight cancer, with... READ MORE
There are ways to minimize NSAIDS risks
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, commonly referred to as NSAIDs, are one of the most common medications used to treat pain and inflammation. Ibuprofen, naproxen, indomethacin and other NSAIDs are effective across a variety of common conditions, from acute musculoskeletal pain to chronic arthritis. They work by blocking specific proteins, called COX enzymes. This results in the... READ MORE
Maximize your body’s benefit from protein
You don’t need be a bodybuilder to pay close attention to your protein intake. This macronutrient is required for the structure, function and regulation of the body’s tissues and organs, including muscle and bone. These days, there’s been increased interest in how dietary protein affects things such as feeling full and weight loss. Increasingly, a lot of emphasis has been placed... READ MORE
Your role in next year’s national census
They say that the only constants are change and taxes. I would add another item to this list: the census. Since our country’s founding, the census has been taken every 10 years with the intention of counting all individuals living in the United States and logging their demographic information. You’re probably more than familiar with how the census works — or, should I say,... READ MORE
Devices, services to manage medications
Dear Savvy Senior: What tips or tools can you recommend that can help seniors and their caregivers keep up with medications? My 82-year-old mother, who lives alone, is supposed to take several different medications at various times of the day, but often forgets. —Working Daughter Dear Working: Anybody who juggles multiple medications can relate to the problem of forgetting to... READ MORE
