The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recently updated its guideline on biomarkers with regard to the MammaPrint genetic test, concluding that in certain groups of breast-cancer patients, MammaPrint can better identify those who don’t require chemotherapy. The update was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO). ASCO based its conclusion on results of… Continue reading Experts Disagree on Value of A Genetic Test for Breast-Cancer Patients
Author: Jane Farrell
Be Prepared: 6 Tips for Caregivers
Here, from the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a caregiving list that can prove lifesaving: 1. Keep a list of medicines for each person you care for. Include over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, vitamins and herbs. Keep this list with you at all times. Bring this list to doctor visits. Remember to ask any questions… Continue reading Be Prepared: 6 Tips for Caregivers
Controlling Hypertension: A Multi-Level Approach Gets Best Results
Patients with high blood pressure can best achieve control of the condition via both physician and non-physician treatment approaches, according to a review published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Despite strong evidence that antihypertensive medications and lifestyle modifications reduce blood… Continue reading Controlling Hypertension: A Multi-Level Approach Gets Best Results
Why You Shouldn’t Be Giving Your Dog Bones (or Bone Treats)
Many dog owners know not to toss a turkey or chicken bone to their dog; those bones are just too brittle. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says the risk goes beyond that, especially when it comes to the “bone treats” you may see at the store. What’s a Bone Treat? FDA has… Continue reading Why You Shouldn’t Be Giving Your Dog Bones (or Bone Treats)
Sleep Gets Better in Retirement
Retirement is proving restful. A new study has found that retirees sleep an average of about 20 minutes longer per night than they did before retirement. And the quality of their sleep also improves. Researchers at the University of Turku, Finland, in collaboration with the Finnish Institution of Occupational Health, University of Helsinki, and University… Continue reading Sleep Gets Better in Retirement
Ninety Percent of Adults Aren’t Eating Enough Fruits or Vegetables
Just one in every ten adults meet the federal fruit or vegetable recommendations, according to a new study published in the Center of Disease Control’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). Depending on their age and sex, federal guidelines recommend that adults eat at least 1½ to two cups per day of fruit and two… Continue reading Ninety Percent of Adults Aren’t Eating Enough Fruits or Vegetables
Why We Can’t Always Stop What We’ve Started
When we try to make a last-minute decision to stop a body movement, perhaps to keep ourselves from stepping on what we just realized was ice, we can’t always do it — and Johns Hopkins University neuroscientists have figured out why. The researchers found that stopping a planned behavior requires extremely fast choreography between several… Continue reading Why We Can’t Always Stop What We’ve Started
Five Ways to Stop That Infernal Snoring
If your spouse or significant other snores, you may have just endured another sleepless night. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are steps you can take – or at least have him or her take – that could end the snoring and perhaps even save your spouse’s life in the process. A… Continue reading Five Ways to Stop That Infernal Snoring
Young Breast-Cancer Survivors and Lymph Node Surgery
Younger breast cancer patients who underwent axillary lymph node dissection were likelier to experience arm swelling and decreased range of arm motion than patients who received sentinel lymph node biopsies, according to data presented at the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, held Dec. 5-9. “Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in… Continue reading Young Breast-Cancer Survivors and Lymph Node Surgery
Motivating Others to Be Physically Active
From the experts at Go4Life, a division of the National Institute on Aging, some tips on how to get a loved one to exercise: At times, almost everyone can use a personal cheerleader for encouragement, inspiration, and even celebration when they successfully meet their goal. Cheering on a friend or family member who wants to… Continue reading Motivating Others to Be Physically Active
A Non-Surgical Option for Back Pain
A new image-guided pulsed radiofrequency treatment for low back pain and sciatica appears to be making most patients pain-free, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Low back pain is an extremely common problem that affects at least 80 percent of the population at some… Continue reading A Non-Surgical Option for Back Pain
Know Your Nutrients
A healthy, balanced diet can help you feel better and promote long-term health. Check out this summary of the important nutrients you need in a healthy eating plan: Proteins – Your body uses proteins to build and repair tissues, fight infection, and give you energy. Protein is found in meat, eggs, beans, nuts, and dairy.… Continue reading Know Your Nutrients
A New Weapon Against Immune-System Diseases?
Anti-aging proteins are noted for protecting against cancer, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular disease. One protein may also be beneficial to the immune system, new research shows. The protein in question is called SIRT1, more commonly known for being activated by red wine. In the new study, published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, scientists from the… Continue reading A New Weapon Against Immune-System Diseases?
Three Tips to Combat Food-Related Holiday Guilt
With the holidays in full-swing, many Americans are triggered by feelings of sadness, anxiety, and even lots of guilt about eating! Here are some of my best strategies to keep you stress- and guilt-free when it comes to food: Make an intentional choice. Before you show up for your event, make an active choice about… Continue reading Three Tips to Combat Food-Related Holiday Guilt
Cold and Flu: Prevention, Symptoms, Treatments
Cold and flu viruses are always around. So why do we seem to be especially vulnerable during the fall and winter months? For the most part, it’s because we spend more time indoors, and the viruses that cause the sniffles, congestion, and body aches of a cold or the flu can spread more easily… Continue reading Cold and Flu: Prevention, Symptoms, Treatments
Canola Oil Linked to Alzheimer’s
Canola oil is thought to be healthy, yet new research shows that its consumption is linked with worsened memory, worsened learning ability and weight gain – all of which model Alzheimer’s disease. However, in an earlier study by the same investigators, extra-virgin olive oil was shown to have the opposite effect. The study was published… Continue reading Canola Oil Linked to Alzheimer’s
Solving the Senior Loneliness Problem During the Holidays
Known by the clinical community as “The Christmas Effect,” it has been well-established that many people experience increased feelings of loneliness and isolation during the holidays. In fact, one study found that, among people who reported a psychiatric emergency during the holidays, the most common stressors reported were loneliness (40%) and being without a family… Continue reading Solving the Senior Loneliness Problem During the Holidays
90 Percent of Senior Drivers Don’t Make Vehicle Modifications That Could Increase Safety
Almost 90 percent of older drivers don’t make vehicle safety modifications that could lower their risk of accidents or death, according to research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. The vehicle modifications include pedal extensions, seat cushions and steering wheel covers. Taking these steps is crucial because seniors aged 65 and over are more… Continue reading 90 Percent of Senior Drivers Don’t Make Vehicle Modifications That Could Increase Safety