No single test can diagnose Parkinson’s
Dear Mayo Clinic: My mother was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's, but she doesn't have many symptoms. I would like her to get a second opinion. Is there a blood test that can determine if the diagnosis is accurate? Answer: There's no one test that can be used to diagnose Parkinson's disease. Instead, the diagnosis is based on a person's medical history and symptoms, along with a... READ MORE
Heart scan can determine risk for heart disease
Dear Mayo Clinic: I'm a 57-year-old man, and my doctor recently recommended I have a CT scan of my heart to look for calcium in my arteries. I've never had heart problems. Is this test really necessary? Answer: A heart scan is used to check for calcium in the lining of the heart's arteries — an early sign of heart disease. Typically, the test is most useful in men between 50 to 60... READ MORE
Women experience pain treatment disparities
Last year, The New York Times published a guest op-ed by a man named David Roberts who suffered from severe chronic pain for many years before finally finding relief. The piece immediately went viral, with distinguished news journalist and personality Dan Rather posting it to his Facebook page with the addendum that it could "offer hope" to some pain patients. However, for many of us in... READ MORE
Helping COPD patients take their medicine
Over 24 million people in the U.S. have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It is the third-leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability. COPD is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe. It can cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and other symptoms. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Most people who have COPD ... READ MORE
Stay on top of your meds with some apps
Q: How can technology help me keep track of my medications? A: Nearly half of Americans over the age of 55 take at least one prescription medication, with 12 percent of those over the age of 65 taking four or more. That is a lot to keep track of on a daily basis. No wonder about half of the 2 billion prescriptions filled each year are not taken correctly, according to Pharmacy Times.... READ MORE
Cracking knuckles, fighting forgetfulness
Questions and answers from Harvard Medical School Q: People keep telling me to stop cracking my knuckles. Does it cause arthritis? A: Knuckle cracking is a common behavior enjoyed by many. It can become a habit or a way to deal with nervous energy; some describe it as a way to “release tension.” For some, it’s simply an annoying thing that other people do. Despite how common... READ MORE
Some challenges of second marriages
Dear Solutions: I’m about to marry a widower (I’m divorced) who has a very large beautiful house. My fiancé lived there with his wife and children all through the years and even has an office there. He wants me to move into the house, but I’m very nervous about it. I want him to sell it, and we’re beginning to argue about it. His wife’s furnishings are... READ MORE
Fresh corn shines in salmon corn chowder
Certain foods just need to be made and eaten at least once a summer. Corn chowder (or chowdah, as my in-laws would say) is one. And if you are in a place where the ears of fresh sweet corn are piled high at the market (often for pennies an ear), then you must make it more than once. There are lots of ways to go — simple, seafood, creamy, chunky. This recipe is loaded with nuggets of ... READ MORE
Vaccine study focuses on C. diff bacteria
The bacteria Clostridium difficile (C. diff for short) exists throughout the environment, and can often be found inside people’s intestines. While it frequently causes no or few symptoms, it can cause a range of intestinal woes, including frequent diarrhea, inflammation of the colon, fever, nausea and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening. Those most at risk of ... READ MORE
Viruses may play a role in Alzheimer’s
Viruses that sneak into the brain just might play a role in Alzheimer’s, scientists reported in a provocative study that promises to reignite some long-debated theories about what triggers the mind-robbing disease. The findings don’t prove viruses cause Alzheimer’s, nor do they suggest it’s contagious. But a team led by researchers at New York’s Mount Sinai Health System found... READ MORE
