Some ideas seem reasonable, but that doesn’t mean they’ll help. People increasingly consult the Internet about medical problems. If you’re looking for approaches to relieve joint pain and inflammation caused by wear and tear (osteoarthritis) or an immune system attack (such as occurs in rheumatoid arthritis), you may find methods that sound promising and even […]
What’s the relationship between diabetes and dementia?
Due to increasing rates of obesity, inactivity, and an aging population, type 2 diabetes is more prevalent in our society than ever before. In high-income countries, death from diabetes dropped from 2000 to 2010, but then increased from 2010 to 2016 — leading to an overall 5% increase in premature deaths since 2000. Particularly troubling […]
Can acupuncture help my menopause symptoms?
Ask the doctors Q. I’ve been experiencing some menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes. Can acupuncture help? A. There is some evidence that acupuncture may be able to provide short-term relief from some menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes. Acupuncture is a long-used type of Chinese medicine in which a trained practitioner inserts thin needles into […]
Can alternative treatments help with painful fibroids?
Ask the doctors Q. I have uterine fibroids and am experiencing some pain and discomfort from them. Are there any alternative treatments that I can use to help manage my symptoms? A. If you are experiencing anemia, severe pain, or difficulty with urinating that may be due to fibroids, it’s important to seek the advice […]
Are home pain relief gadgets safe for use?
Some make big promises, but may pose big health risks. Here’s what to watch for. Desperate times call for desperate measures. That’s how many people feel when they have chronic pain; they’ll try anything to get rid of it. For some, the desperate measure is buying a gadget promising to ease aches and pains with […]
Common ways to fight the common cold
These three remedies may reduce symptom duration and severity. While there’s no cure for the common cold, everyone seems to have a surefire remedy they embrace. Some of the popular ones are sucking on zinc lozenges, boosting your vitamin C intake, and even slurping up steaming bowls of old-fashioned chicken soup.
Can home remedies help my sciatica?
Ask the doctors Q. Is there anything I can do at home to ease sciatica pain? A. Sciatica is a condition that causes pain that radiates down the buttock and the leg. It occurs when one of the two sciatic nerves in your body, which run from your back down to your toes, is compressed […]
How to stock a plant-based pantry (and fridge) on a budget
Given the current pandemic and related economic stressors, many of us are trying to maintain healthy habits while watching our expenses. One of the areas where we can support our immune system is through our food choices. We all have to eat, and eat several times a day, and selecting foods that support our health […]
The fountain of youth
When scientists search for life on other planets, they first look for the presence of water. After all, the laws of nature say that life as we know it needs water to exist and thrive. Drinking water serves us earthlings in many ways. It helps deliver nutrients to cells, regulates body temperature and blood pressure, […]
Higher blood levels of unsaturated fats linked to longer life
Image: Thinkstock A diet rich in polyunsaturated fats—found mainly in vegetable oils and fish—seems to protect people against cardio-vascular disease. A new study that measured blood levels of these fats in older adults now lends further support to this observation. The report, in the June 17, 2015, Circulation , included more than 4,200 Swedish men […]