How to spot the most common “food fakes”

Marketing claims on food packages can be misleading. For example, a claim may say that a product is made with real fruit, even if it actually contains only a small amount of real fruit. The easiest way to a healthy diet is to eat whole or minimally processed foods whenever possible, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetable oils. When buying processed products, one should look at the ingredients list and the Nutrition Facts label, buy products that have the fewest ingredients, and choose products that contain familiar ingredients. (Locked) More »

What is immunotherapy?

New medications that stimulate the immune system are helping to fight cancer. The medications disable chemicals that keep T cells from attacking invaders such as cancer cells. (Locked) More »

Are your hamstrings working double duty?

When the gluteal muscles are weak, which is common in the age of sitting too much, the hamstrings are continually overworked and overloaded. That increases the risk for hamstring injury. The best way to protect the hamstrings is to keep all of the leg muscles healthy and working together, including the glutes and the quadriceps in the front of the thighs. To accomplish this, workout routines will likely include exercises that target a single muscle group as well as those that target several muscles at the same time. More »

Medicine cabinet makeover

Experts recommend weeding through one’s medicine cabinet every six months to get rid of expired or unnecessary medications. One should talk to a pharmacist if there’s a question about using a medication beyond its expiration date. When it’s time to dispose of medications, one can participate in drug take-back events held by local law enforcement agencies. (Locked) More »

Retiring? What about your health?

It’s important to consider future health needs when it’s time to select a community for living out the golden years. Look for destinations with access to medical services, nonprofit health services like meal delivery, transportation services, affordable housing options, recreation opportunities, volunteering opportunities, and private-duty services. For example, walkable city centers are getting more consideration as retirement destinations, as are college towns that offer robust learning opportunities or entertainment. One shouldn’t overlook staying in an existing house and community if it meets future needs. More »

Are you missing this simple treatment for restless legs?

 Image: © AlexRaths/Getty Images People with restless legs syndrome (RLS) experience an overwhelming need to move the legs, particularly at night or as they fall asleep. But a simple treatment that may help reduce RLS symptoms is often overlooked as a potential first line of defense. "The concern is that people are being started on medications first when iron might be a valuable treatment. It's simple, with relatively few side effects," says Dr. John Winkelman, an RLS specialist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital. (Locked) More »

Greater fitness linked to a longer life

Very high fitness levels, similar to those of endurance athletes, appear to lower the risk of dying from any cause in a given period. The survival benefit from extreme fitness may be most notable among people ages 70 and older and those with high blood pressure. More »

Omega-3s for anxiety?

Omega-3 fatty acid supplements may help ease anxiety symptoms in people diagnosed with a range of physical and mental health problems. But additional research is needed to confirm this possible benefit. More »