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 […]
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, […]
Coronary artery calcium score may predict odds of dying
A noninvasive test called a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, which measures specks of calcium in the heart’s arteries, can help predict a person’s risk of heart disease. New research suggests that a CAC score (which ranges from 0 to 1,000 or more) also can accurately predict a person’s risk of dying over the following […]
Transient ischemic attacks: Varied symptoms, all important
Often called a ministroke, a transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a temporary change in nerve function caused by a disruption in blood flow to an area of the brain or spinal cord. Much as with an actual stroke, this may affect speech, vision, or movement for a few moments to a few hours, though always […]
Do you really have a penicillin allergy?
Chances are, you or someone you know is one of the 10% of Americans with a documented penicillin allergy. But just because you were told you had a penicillin allergy, or had one in the past, does not mean you have one now. People with a penicillin allergy history have their allergy disproved with allergy […]
Easy ways to shop for healthful, cost-conscious foods
Three months into the year is a good time to recalculate if you’ve been slacking on your resolution to eat healthy. And if you’ll be leaving home base or school soon and foraging for yourself (plus or minus roommates), it’s a great time to learn about healthy, low-cost choices for your grocery list. The basics: […]
Cholesterol guidelines update: controversy over heart risk calculator
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 […]
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 […]
Another option for life-threatening allergic reactions
For some people, many foods, medicines, and bee stings mean life-threatening allergic reactions that require immediate treatment with injectable epinephrine. For many people, January means the start of a new drug deductible to be met. In June 2017 the FDA approved a new form of emergency epinephrine called Symjepi, which may be good news for […]