Q&A: Tai chi benefits; statin side-effects
Q: I have pain in both knees due to osteoarthritis. It’s not too bad, but I want to avoid surgery in the future. What are your thoughts about tai chi? A: Osteoarthritis develops when cartilage — the tissue that covers bones and acts as a cushion — deteriorates over time, eventually leading to joint damage. For the early stages of this condition, tai chi may very well decrease... READ MORE
Smart eating habits can boost well-being
If you find yourself feeling irritable or sluggish, your diet may need a tune-up. How you eat — and when — can have a huge impact on how you feel. To keep your energy levels up and your mood on an even keel, follow these savvy nutrition tips. Start your day with a healthy breakfast Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. Power up with a serving or two of whole... READ MORE
Who should see a geriatrician, and when?
Dear Savvy Senior: What can you tell me about doctors who specialize in geriatrics? My father, who’s 82, takes eight prescription drugs for different health issues but still hasn’t been feeling himself lately. I’m wondering if he would benefit by seeing a geriatrician in place of his regular primary care physician. —Concerned Daughter Dear Concerned: If your dad is... READ MORE
Can healthy gums prevent Alzheimer’s?
For some time now, scientists have been aware of the connection between poor oral health and dementia. Long-term studies have revealed that those who suffer from chronic periodontitis (gum disease) are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s as they age. To explain the connection, scientists suggest that the inflammation caused by gum disease may spread to the brain and stimulate the... READ MORE
Cat scratches, bites can lead to infection
Dear Mayo Clinic: My cat scratched me while I was trimming his claws, and the wound later became infected. Are cat scratches a special concern? A: A bite or scratch from a cat carries particular risks, and infection is common. Cat scratch disease (or cat scratch fever) is a type of bacterial infection that occurs when a cat bites or scratches hard enough to break the skin’s surface... READ MORE
Medicare Advantage plans may offer more
Medicare Advantage customers are about to be blitzed with an array of new insurance benefits that stray well beyond the usual coverage of doctor visits and other care. Carpet shampooing, food for a service dog, pest control and rides to a nutritionist are among the new supplemental health benefits that privately-run versions of the government’s Medicare program may offer starting next... READ MORE
Doctors should know what meds cost
It’s the number one reason patients don’t fill their prescriptions: sticker shock. While the price of almost any good or service can be found online, most Americans don’t know what they’ll owe for a prescription medication until they get it. Unexpected costs contribute to the estimated 20 to 30% of prescriptions that are never filled, which can lead to health problems from... READ MORE
Will exercise help you to sleep better?
If you’re over age 60 and don’t sleep well at night, Johns Hopkins University has a study for you. Researchers at Hopkins’ Center for Innovative Care in Aging suspect that light exercise may improve sleep duration and cognitive performance. “Research shows promising evidence for exercise or increased daytime physical activity as an effective way to promote sleep and cognitive... READ MORE
Over 40? Screen for breast cancer
Q: I heard October is breast cancer awareness month. Do both men and women need to check for breast cancer? A: October is indeed breast cancer awareness month, and it is important to take your health into your own hands (literally and metaphorically) by keeping up with annual breast cancer screenings. Although more common in females, breast cancer can develop in men, too. Therefore,... READ MORE
Help NIH develop a powerful flu vaccine
With flu season on the way, the National Institutes of Health’s Vaccine Research Center is busy. This fall, researchers are testing an investigational flu vaccine that could eventually help develop a universal influenza vaccine. The study, which is currently enrolling healthy adults ages 18 to 70, will test the safety of and response to the vaccine. It requires two vaccine visits... READ MORE
