Recently, my brother mentioned he was sleeping better since he got new prescription glasses with a blue-light filter. He wears his glasses mostly for reading screens (both computer and smartphone) during the day while at work. So I was intrigued, but a little skeptical: could daytime use of blue light-filtering glasses make a difference in […]
Gout Diagnosis
When to see a doctor Tests used to diagnose gout Conditions with similar symptoms When to see a doctor For most people, the first sign of gout is an attack of arthritis. Gout attacks are characterized by sudden pain, swelling, or redness in a joint. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to visit a […]
Poison ivy: Scratchin’ like a hound?
Earlier this summer, I contracted a case of poison ivy that was so bad, I woke up in the middle of the night clawing my forearms with my fingernails — scratchin’ like a hound , as The Coasters famously sang. I thought I knew how to avoid this noxious plant, which I’ve spotted in my […]
Shortage of ADHD medicines: Advice on coping if you are affected
Adderall, a drug commonly prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), has been in short supply for months. Generic versions known as mixed amphetamine salts are available, but not in sufficient quantities to meet nationwide demand. How widespread is this problem? And what are the consequences, and possible solutions, for adults who rely on […]
Not yet ready for cataract surgery? Try these tips
Starting around age 40, the lenses of your eyes start becoming cloudy, a condition known as cataracts. In many people, cataracts eventually become so dense that their vision becomes blurry or distorted. By age 80, more than half of Americans will have developed a cataract or had cataract surgery . This surgery — a quick, […]
Tick season is expanding: Protect yourself against Lyme disease
In parts of the United States and Canada, warming temperatures driven by climate change may be contributing to a rise in tick-borne illnesses. Ticks are now thriving in a wider geographic range, and appearing earlier and sticking around later in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. That means we need to stay vigilant about […]
Pregnancy problems may predict heart health decades later
Anticipating the arrival of a new baby can warm a woman’s heart. But pregnancy can affect her heart in other ways, too. In fact, the heart pumps about 50% more blood than usual during pregnancy. And growing evidence confirms that women who experience health complications while pregnant — including high blood pressure and gestational diabetes […]
Babesiosis: A tick-borne illness on the rise
You may be familiar with Lyme disease , a bacterial infection from the bite of an infected black-legged tick. While Lyme disease is the most commonly reported tick-borne illness in the United States, another is on the rise: babesiosis. A March 2023 CDC report shows that babesiosis now has a foothold in 10 states in […]
New Harvard tool helps fact-check cancer claims
The internet is full of warnings about things that cause cancer. Watch out for antiperspirants, scented candles, and bras, dubious web sites or sensational posts on social media warn. Steer clear of disposable chopsticks, microwaves, radon gas, and more. Scary or misleading claims are so plentiful that it’s hard to know which ones to take […]
Thunderstorm asthma: Bad weather, allergies, and asthma attacks
It’s an old line: everyone complains about the weather but no one is doing anything about it. But if you’re a person with bad allergies or asthma, stormy weather can be more than an annoyance; it can be a serious threat to your health. “Thunderstorm asthma” was first reported in the 1980s in England and […]