DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My friend says that her arthritis pain improved after she started taking turmeric. Can you tell me more about this supplement? ANSWER: Although turmeric is a common spice in many home pantries, many people are not familiar with its purported health effects. Relieving arthritis pain is one of many such purported health […]
The old wives’ tale that eating carrots is good for your eyesight isn’t entirely a myth. Eating carrots and other colorful vegetables as part of a healthy diet won’t improve your visual acuity, but along with other preventive measures like wearing sunglasses, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight, a healthy diet helps prevent some […]Read More
Mayo Clinic Q&A: Dysphagia Is a Common Concern with Several Possible Explanations
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My mother is in her 80s and sometimes has trouble swallowing when she’s eating. She says it’s not bothering her much, but I feel like it’s starting to affect how much and how often she eats. Is there anything that can be done to treat this problem? ANSWER: It’s likely your mother’s […]Read More
We all know the importance of a good night’s sleep. Sufficient sleep is essential for good health and memory. It also keeps us focused and productive during our waking hours. Roughly half of older adults complain about sleep issues, including difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, says Lisa Medalie, PsyD, a behavioral sleep medicine specialist […]Read More
A few years ago, my grandmother suffered a fall and broke her hip. She has never fully recovered and is now constantly fearful of falling. She has significantly limited her activities to prevent a fall from ever happening again. As a scientist focused on translational research in mobility and falls in older adults, of course […]Read More
It’s no secret that aging takes a toll on the body’s systems — including the heart. But you can take steps in your own life to limit that toll. First, know the facts. Heart disease has long ranked as the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, according to the […]Read More
The Medicine Cabinet: Ask the Harvard Experts Q: Why do people become more forgetful as they age? A: It’s common to have moments of forgetfulness about where we put the keys, why we walked into a room, or what an object is called. This reflects age-related changes in thinking skills. Over time we can expect […]Read More
The Medicine Cabinet: Ask the Harvard Experts Q: I was just diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. The doctor wants to me start medication now. What is the harm in waiting to see if it gets better on its own? A: For someone newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, waiting to start treatment is usually not a good […]Read More
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My grandmother, who is 82, has no major health issues, but she’s become rather weak and frail over the past several years, and her balance isn’t very good. Several weeks ago, she fell in her bathroom. Although her injuries were minor, my family is worried. Is there something we can do to […]Read More
By Beverly Merz Harvard Health Blog According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2015 Facts and Figures sheet: “The number of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias will grow each year as the size and proportion of the U.S. population age 65 and older continue to increase. The number will escalate rapidly in coming years as […]Read More