It’s been a topsy-turvy few days in the world of heart health and disease. Last week the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology released new guidelines that upended previous recommendations for who should take a cholesterol-lowering statin. A few days later, two Harvard physicians challenged the accuracy of the calculator included in the […]
New hospital ratings evaluate delivery of “typical care”
The Internet has made it easier to become an educated consumer. At the touch of a button, you can find reviews of thousands of products and services — even health services — from consumer groups and fellow customers. It’s no surprise that many people count on these reviews and rankings before visiting a hospital. For […]
Can electrical brain stimulation boost attention, memory, and more?
Imagine this as a morning routine that replaces your first cup of coffee: You wake up feeling a bit foggy, so you slip on a wearable device that looks like an extra-thick headband. You turn on the power source and settle in while electrical current flows into your brain. Twenty minutes later, feeling more focused […]
Healthy feet, happy life
Your feet always support you, so return the favor. Your feet are the foundation of an active lifestyle, but odds are you don’t give them proper attention. “As you age, healthy feet become essential for being mobile, active, and safe,” says Dr. Kevin Riemer, a podiatrist with Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. “You need […]
Considering a gluten-free diet
It’s not just for people with celiac disease. But is it for you? In the world of trendy diets, gluten-free continues to be one of the most popular. This eating style is absolutely essential to people with celiac disease , who can’t tolerate even small amounts of the protein gluten, which is found in grains […]
Got an egg allergy? No need to skip that flu shot next year
Research we’re watching Image: © grinvalds/Getty Images If you have an egg allergy, you may have been told not to get a flu shot. That’s because the vaccine is grown in eggs and may contain a small amount of egg protein, which — it was feared — could trigger an allergic reaction. But a new […]
In search of a milk alternative
Milk that doesn’t cause gas and discomfort is easier to find than you may realize, but which alternative is right for you? Low-fat milk is a great source of calcium, protein, and other essential nutrients, and it tastes great on a breakfast cereal. But not everyone wants to drink cow’s milk, and some people have […]
Is your home a haven for allergens?
News briefs Spring is on the way, which means allergy season is around the corner. But it’s not just springtime pollen that can trigger a runny nose and itchy, watery eyes. Indoor allergens — such as mold, pet dander, and dust mites — can lead to allergy symptoms in some people or make allergy and […]
I can’t eat that!
Food intolerances make dairy and other foods hard to swallow. As a child, you loved eating ice cream cones and drinking glasses of cold, delicious milk. Today, those same dairy treats leave you feeling gassy, bloated, and miserable. Could you be lactose intolerant?
Smell disorders: When your sense of smell goes astray
We spend our days interacting with the world around us through our senses of sight, sound, and touch. But anyone who has developed complete nasal obstruction from an infection or severe allergies has experienced what it’s like to be without one of our most basic senses: our sense of smell. The many functions of smell […]