When memory loss should be a concern
Q: I have become a bit more forgetful. I read about something called mild cognitive impairment. How do you know if you have it? A: Everyone has the occasional bout of forgetfulness, whether it’s misplacing your keys or blanking out on a name. But if these episodes become frequent or interfere with daily life, you may have mild cognitive impairment, or MCI. But MCI can be tough to... READ MORE
Learning early to revere elders in Japan
In one of my earliest columns published in the Beacon, “A Pal Because of a Pen,” I discussed the benefits of having a pen pal. When one of my close friends, Sakiko Miyazaki, moved to Japan from the U.S., I decided to take my own advice, and for two years have been keeping in touch with her via email. From comparing school days, to discussing summer plans, to swapping book... READ MORE
Medicare to phase out two medigap plans
I understand that medigap Plan F is going away in 2020. I’ve had Plan F for years. Does that mean I have to pick a new plan? Answer: No, you don’t need to switch plans. Medicare supplement policies (also known as medigap plans), which help cover Medicare’s co-payments, deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs, currently come in 10 standardized plans. They are identified by... READ MORE
Do you still need to do breast self-exams?
Dear Mayo Clinic: I’m confused about breast self-exams. I’m 45 years old, and I remember being told to do self-exams monthly. At one point, my healthcare provider even gave me a laminated card to put in the shower that showed the correct technique. Now it seems self-exams aren’t talked about much anymore. Are we still supposed to do them? Answer: You are correct that the role of... READ MORE
Coffee and the ‘cancer-causing’ chemical
Q: As I coffee lover, I have been happy to read about its health benefits. However, I am a bit disturbed by the suggestion that one of its ingredients causes cancer. What’s your opinion? A: Indeed, the news on coffee is mostly good. This includes the results of a recent study that found coffee drinkers live longer, a conclusion that held up even for heavy coffee consumption (eight or... READ MORE
Multi-gene test may identify risks earlier
You know your cholesterol and your blood pressure levels. But your heart gene score? Researchers say a new way of analyzing genetic test data may one day help identify people at high risk of a youthful heart attack in time to help. Today, gene testing mostly focuses on rare mutations in one or a few genes, like those that cause cystic fibrosis or sickle cell disease, or the BRCA gene... READ MORE
Is medical marijuana for you?
Howard County Beacon After two surgeries and many downed opioid pills, Stephanie Brooks, 60, still suffered “spinal pain, depression, anxiety and difficulty sleeping,” she said. So Brooks (not her real name) decided to visit Remedy Columbia, one of six state-licensed medical marijuana dispensaries in Howard County, to try one of the thousands of different strains of cannabis... READ MORE
Caregivers needed for coaching study
Over 85 percent of care for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders is provided by more than 15 million family caregivers. These caregivers typically have no training or support, and may wind up themselves experiencing multiple health risks, including depression. The National Alzheimer’s Plan Act has identified providing caregiver-supported programs as a national... READ MORE
Simple steps to build stronger bones
Q: Osteoporosis is fairly common in my family. Is there anything I can do to prevent this from happening to me? I don’t want to have a fall and break a bone. A: Bones are made of living tissue that is constantly being remodeled. Some bone cells build up new bone material, while others dissolve and remove old material. Osteoporosis occurs when bones lose more mass than they... READ MORE
Easy, make-ahead bean and corn salad
This is one of those salads that just saves the day over and over again. Here are the reasons I love this salad: It’s fast, it’s really easy, it’s inexpensive, it’s crowd-pleasing, it’s vegetarian, it’s substantial, it’s colorful, it’s protein-filled, it’s a meal in itself, it looks great on a buffet, it’s super portable, it’s season-less, it’s make-ahead, it’s... READ MORE
