When I make a salad, I drizzle olive oil onto it and toss in a handful of toasted walnuts. Could this simple, tasty habit help me stay mentally sharp in the coming years? Maybe so. A new study in this week’s JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that eating a Mediterranean-style diet enhanced with extra-virgin olive oil […]
Ask the doctor: What can be done about a lump in the back of the throat?
Q. I often feel like I have a lump of mucus in my throat. In the morning I spit some of it up, but the sensation doesn’t go away. What can I do about it? A. Doctors sometimes use the term “globus sensation” for the feeling of a lump in the throat. It’s one of […]
5 numbers linked to ideal heart health
How well are you protecting yourself against heart disease, the nation’s leading cause of death? A check of five important numbers can give you a good idea: blood pressure, blood sugar, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and waist circumference. Those values provide a picture of a person’s overall health and, more specifically, what factors they […]
Can blue light-blocking glasses improve your sleep?
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Fertility and diet: Is there a connection?
Here are some headlines on fertility and diet that caught our attention: The ultimate fertility diet: We reveal what to eat and what to avoid Here’s what to eat if you’re trying to get pregnant Trying to get pregnant? Foods to eat and avoid to boost fertility Wow! Who knew that your choices at tonight’s […]