Decades of severe heartburn and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — a highly common condition in which stomach acid washes backward into the esophagus — had worn Clara down. By the time she was in her 80s, she had long since stopped trying to manage the problem. She ate foods she knew would…
Don’t be surprised if your doctor has a few changes in store for your routine blood work. Some tests might be added to or subtracted from your lab order this year, or your doctor might talk about interpreting the results a little differently. Here are several tests to discuss with your doctor. A vitamin D…
Ever wonder why certain medications are called “wonder drugs”? Sometimes it’s because of the tremendous health benefits the drug provides for a particular condition, like insulin for type 1 diabetes or antibiotics for pneumonia. Or, it might be because the drug is good for many different conditions: aspirin has often been called a wonder drug…
All older adults can benefit from functional fitness exercises — those that focus on the muscles needed for basic everyday actions, like squatting, bending, reaching, and twisting. “As we age, the ability to safely and effectively perform simple movements can help older adults stay active, reduce injury, and maintain independent living,” says Shawn Pedicini, a…
What is a bile duct disease? Your gallbladder stores bile until you eat, then releases bile into your small intestine to help digest food. Bile is made in the liver. It contains a mix of products such as bilirubin, cholesterol, and bile acids and salts. Bile ducts are drainage “pipes” that carry bile from the…
Q. I recently read that a person’s body mass index (BMI) might not be the best way to determine if your weight is healthy. Why is BMI being questioned? Are other measurements better? A. Your BMI is a number that is calculated based on your height and weight. (Many online calculators are available to determine…
Just about every child gets tonsillitis at least once. But sore, red, inflamed tonsils can happen to anyone, including adults of any age. Here’s what you need to know about tonsillitis symptoms, treatment, and self-care methods you can use at home for much-needed relief. What is tonsillitis? Tonsillitis is inflammation and swelling of the tonsils,…
Here are the best ways to stop painful cramps — and prevent them from returning. Image: © ChesiireCat/Getty Images A muscle cramp always feels like a surprise. The involuntary contraction strikes without warning, whether it’s a charley horse in the middle of night or a back spasm as you reach for an everyday object. But…
If a slow or abnormal heart rhythm makes you dizzy or breathless or causes you to faint, you may need a pacemaker. These battery-powered devices constantly monitor your heartbeat and, if needed, send an electrical pulse to trigger a beat. As many as three million Americans have a pacemaker, and each year, another 200,000 get…
We all want effective pain remedies, and pills and patches are common options. Both are available with prescription or nonprescription active ingredients. But which is best to relieve discomfort: a pill or a patch? How they work Pain pills and pain patches deliver medication in different ways. When you take a pain pill, its active…