Here's another addition to our Third Age video collection. Press play to start learning.
Author: Jane Farrell
Smart Ways To Buy Whole Grains
Sometimes it seems as if entire supermarket aisles are devoted to high-fiber, protein-packed, multi-grain or whole-grain foods. The grain issue can be especially complicated. Whole grains are crucial for nutrients such as zinc, magnesium, B vitamins, and fiber.
But, according to the federal program choosemyplate.gov, you need to carefully evaluate foods that make grains claims. Here, the experts tell you how to get the best possible whole-grain nutrients.
Nasal Spray May Stop Depression
New research from Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City shows that an antidepressant nasal spray can become effective within 24 hours – an unusually rapid amount of time.
The ketamine spray was well-tolerated by patients who have treatment-resistant major depressive disorder.
Of 18 patients who took ketamine or the placebo saline for two days, eight responded to ketamine within 24 hours, while one responded to saline.
New Program Could Improve Dementia Care
A new model of coordinated brain care improves treatment and outcomes for patients with cognitive impairment.
Researchers from the Regenstrief Institute, Eskenazi Health and Indiana University Center for Aging Research, who developed the Healthy Aging Brain Center care model, said the new program also produces substantial cost savings.
In the program, patients have an initial cognitive assessment, including neuropsychological testing, brain imaging, a medication review and structured neurological and physical evaluations.
Cancer Patients and Post-Surgery Problems
Editor’s Note: For patients, cancer is frightening in a lot of ways. Beyond the physical risk to a patient’s health, there are mental effects as well. After surgery, people often find they suffer from memory and nervous systems problems as well as chronic pain. The changes, which can be caused by side effects of treatment, can be overwhelming if a patient doesn’t understand why they’re happening. Here, from the experts at NIHSeniorHealth, is an explanation:
Memory
Don’t Be Confused By Organ-Donation Myths
From the Mayo Clinic
Over 100,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for an organ donation. Unfortunately, many may never get the call saying that a suitable donor organ — and a second chance at life — has been found.
The New Challenges of Alzheimer’s
The growing incidence of Alzheimer’s raises many question beyond diagnosis and, eventually treatment. As a society, we also need to think about the ethical and policy choices we are faced with, an expert says.
A Better Test For Prostate Cancer
Researchers have developed a painless method to test for prostate cancer, and that could help millions of men avoid a grueling diagnostic exam.
If a blood test turns up signs of prostate cancer, physicians usually remove samples of tissue through the anus, using 12 large biopsy needles. The procedure has been called “barbaric.”
That technique could be replaced thanks to researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), together with AMC Amsterdam. Research team leader Massimo Mischi at TU/e said the new procedure uses existing ultrasound scanners.
Watch: New Technique Helps Find Hidden Cancers
Here's another addition to our Third Age video collection. Press play to start learning.
Exercise For Alzheimer’s Patients
Editor’s Note: Exercise has myriad benefits, and the same holds true for people with Alzheimer’s. In addition to mental exercise and social interaction, physical activity is essential. It can help keep muscles and the heart in shape, reduce stress and depression and maintain an even weight. The companionship it provides with visitors or caregivers can also be helpful. Here, from the National Institute on Aging’s Go4Life program, are some tips for caregivers to help their loved ones get into a physical routine, or maintain one:
Misdiagnosed Strokes Common For Women And Minorities
ER doctors overlook or minimize early signs of stroke in tens of thousands of patients, especially with minorities, women and people under 45 – often in the week before they suffered the debilitating incident.
A report on the research, from a team led by a Johns Hopkins specialist, was published in the journal Diagnosis.
In analyzing federal health care data, the investigators said that younger people in the study were nearly seven times more likely to be given an incorrect diagnosis and sent home without treatment despite such symptoms.
Caffeine May Help Guard Against Dementia
Ordinary caffeine appears to have a positive effect on one of the key proteins responsible for Alzheimer’s, researchers report.
Researchers from the University of Bonn and the University of Lille said the discovery may pave the way for treatment of Alzheimer’s.
The results were published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging.
All About Telehealth
From the Mayo Clinic
How many times have you heard it said that the Internet has transformed modern life? Indeed, it's probably changed how you stay in touch with family and friends, purchase goods and services, and even search for information about health problems. But are you using the array of telehealth tools available to improve your health and wellness? If not, you may be falling behind the times.
What is telehealth? Why should you care?
Skin Patch Makes Health Monitoring Easier
A simple, ultra-thin skin patch could help doctors monitor patients around the clock.
Engineers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Northwestern University have proven that the patch, which moves with the skin and has electronic chips, is as effective as EKG and EEG testing.
According to the researchers, the patches have a “microfluidic” construction with wires folded like origami to allow the patch to bend and flex. The patches could be used for daily health tracking by wirelessly sending updates.
Grandparents Could Be Factor in the “Baby Blues”
For some new mothers, living with baby’s grandparents may not be a good thing.
A study by researchers from Duke University indicates that living with the new baby’s grandparents either lessens or increases the rate of post-partum depression, depending on the mother’s marital status.
Both married and single mothers suffer depression when they live in multi-generational households during their baby’s first year of life. But unmarried women who live with their romantic partner in a multi-generational household show lower rates of depression.
Can Sun Exposure Help You Lose Weight?
Exposure to light in the morning rather than later in the day may be a good way to manage weight, new research shows.
The study, from Northwestern Medicine, found that the timing, intensity and duration of light exposure is linked to Body Mass Index (BMI).
Viral Invasions And Your Blood Sugar
A crucial discovery about the relationship between viruses and cells could lead to treatment for conditions as disparate as cancer and the common cold.
The findings, by scientists from UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, represent the first detailed study explaining exactly how viruses reprogram the metabolism of the cells they invade to promote continued viral growth.
The study results were published in the journal Cell Metabolism.
The Best Ways To Protect Yourself Online
By Rose Haywood
You put more personal information online than you may think. By signing up for a contest, shopping online for the holidays, or doing online banking, you can make it easier for hackers to get the details they need about your online ID.
With so many companies and services moving to online-only mediums, it’s hard not to put some of your information out there to get the services you need.
Here are three easy-to-follow rules that can help safeguard your ID and personal information, including financial and health details,heal from prying eyes.
1. Avoid free Wi-Fi