Health Advice
/Health
/ArcaMax
In Montana, 911 calls reveal impact of heat waves on rural seniors
Missoula is one of Montana’s largest cities but is surrounded by rural mountain communities where cattle ranching is king. Despite the latitude and altitude, in recent years this region has experienced punishing summer heat waves.
It has been difficult for residents to adapt to the warming climate and new seasonal swings. Many don’t have ...Read more
At Catholic hospitals, a mission of charity runs up against high care costs for patients
When Jessica Staten’s kidney stones wouldn’t pass, she said, her doctor suggested a procedure to “blow ’em up.” She went to have it done last November at St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, Washington, one of nine hospitals that the Catholic health system PeaceHealth operates in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.
“I was probably...Read more
Ask the Pediatrician: Are trampolines safe for kids?
Generations of kids have grown up bouncing on backyard trampolines. And with the new popularity of trampoline parks, even more are getting into the game.
But is this a safe way for kids to move their bodies and have fun? There is a lot to consider before letting your kid head out to bounce with the neighborhood kids or attend a birthday party ...Read more
Commentary: We can't fix health care if we're not talking about it
Health care is an issue with life-or-death consequences that affects every person in America. It’s foundational to a productive, satisfying life. But so far, it has been neglected this election cycle. Immigration, inflation, abortion restrictions and wars in Gaza and Ukraine have drowned out discussions of expanding Medicare and shoring up ...Read more
Preventing suicide through awareness and intervention
Editors note: September is National Suicide Prevention Month
____
Suicide affects people from all walks of life, cultures and socioeconomic statuses. Suicide rates increased by 36% from 2000 to 2022. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people 10 to 14 and 25 to 34.
However, suicide is preventable.
Most people want to live, but ...Read more
A mysterious syndrome that paralyzed kids seems to have disappeared. But why?
A syndrome that paralyzed children in Colorado and across the nation seems to have disappeared almost as mysteriously as it arrived, leaving scientists to figure out what happened and survivors to adapt as they grow up.
Doctors first identified cases of unexplained muscle weakness and limb paralysis in children, which they called acute flaccid ...Read more
Are you a sheet cheat?
Did you know that you're going to spend 36 years of your life either hanging out or sleeping in bed? That's a lot of time wrapped in your sheets and snuggling with a blanket or comforter. But a recent survey found that most folks only change their sheets every 24 days and pillowcases every 25 days. (It's too much work to do them together?!)
...Read more
Surgical Incision From Two Years Ago Occasionally Secrets Fluid
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 69-year-old, very active male. My left Achilles tendon severed two years ago and was surgically repaired. I had an 8-inch incision that has totally healed, with the exception of one small area about the size of the lead of a pencil. It's 3 inches above my heel. This small area would close up for a few days, then reopen ...Read more
Homeopathy for Digestive Disorders: Natural Remedies for Gut Health
Digestive disorders can significantly impact our quality of life, causing discomfort, pain, and disruption to daily activities. While it's important to seek medical advice for diagnosing and managing digestive disorders, homeopathy offers natural remedies that can support digestive health and alleviate symptoms. Homeopathic treatments are ...Read more
The best treatment for COVID is still too hard to get
We’re still asking people with COVID to jump through far too many hoops to get their hands on Pfizer Inc.’s Paxlovid.
I experienced the barriers first-hand this month after my mother texted to say that this summer’s COVID wave had finally caught up with her. My first thought was to make sure she quickly started taking the antiviral. You�...Read more
'It's just a part of life': Cannabis use disorder an issue locally alongside increased normalization
With legalization of cannabis sweeping the nation — Ohio the most recent convert, starting sales of recreational pot in August — use of the drug has been increasing too. With this uptick in use and a widespread acceptance of cannabis, however, also come reports of misuse: Data show cannabis use disorder is more prevalent than ever.
A study ...Read more
Homeopathy for Depression: Natural Remedies for Restoring Emotional Well-being
Depression is a common mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in daily activities. While seeking professional help is crucial for managing depression, homeopathy can complement conventional treatments by addressing the emotional and physical symptoms associated with this ...Read more
Pfizer drug helped cancer patients regain weight, study shows
Pfizer Inc.’s experimental drug for cancer weight loss was shown to help patients regain weight in a mid-stage study, offering fresh promise for treating the dangerous muscle-wasting condition.
In cancer patients, a syndrome called cachexia causes changes in metabolism and appetite. It can lead to the loss of critical skeletal muscle and fat ...Read more
Avian flu first found in Central Valley is spreading, with new California cases confirmed
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — State and federal officials have identified new cases of Avian influenza at three Central Valley dairies as the number of infected cows continues to climb in California.
The virus, known as Avian influenza or H5N1, has made its way across the U.S. since March, striking 14 states and infecting 200 dairy herds.
California ...Read more
Homeopathy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Natural Remedies for Boosting Energy and Well-being
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a complex condition characterized by extreme fatigue, often accompanied by other symptoms like muscle pain, cognitive difficulties, and sleep disturbances. While there is no specific cure for CFS, homeopathy offers a holistic approach to address the symptoms and improve overall well-being. Homeopathic ...Read more
For many, incomplete answers on mental health care and pregnancy
WASHINGTON — Eighteen U.S. states have enacted laws that exclude mental health or risk of suicide among the medical reasons a woman can have an abortion.
But women who spoke to CQ Roll Call faced obstacles finding answers on how to treat mental illness during pregnancy even when they were not considering abortion.
The Food and Drug ...Read more
On Nutrition: Feeding newborns
A recent column about breastfeeding brought some varied responses. Dan G. from the Monterey Peninsula writes: “Not sure about humans but with cattle the essential ingredient is colostrum. My parents and I ran a cow/calf operation in central Montana for 20 years. Once the newborn was up and got the colostrum, it was almost indestructible. If ...Read more
F.D. Flam: Elle Macpherson's cancer battle is different from yours
When celebrities go public with their diagnoses of cancer or other diseases, they’re often lauded as courageous for raising awareness and making people who share their diagnosis feel less alone. Other times, they’re chastised in the media for setting a bad example.
The latest famous cancer case involves supermodel Elle Macpherson, age 60, ...Read more
Perimenopause, menopause and … weightlifting? Expert explains value for bone health
LONDON — Menopause affects women all the way to their bones, and that is why building skeletal health is especially important during perimenopause and after menopause, says May Al-Araji, MBChB, a women’s health and family medicine expert at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London. This is a good time to add strength-training activities such as ...Read more
Taking Laxatives Daily To Have Regular Bowel Movements Is Safe
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am writing to you about my 62-year-old wife, in the hope that you can provide an opinion on a question she has and also provide us with some advice in her quest for relief from constipation and her stomach problems. It is not unusual for her to go three to four days without a bowel movement. She has been told by two different...Read more
Inside Health Advice
Popular Stories
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Palliative medicine for cancer patients
- Brain-infecting parasite found in two LA County residents: What to know about 'racoon roundworm'
- Environmental Nutrition: 5 protein myths to stop believing
- Mayo Clinic Minute: What you should know about prostate cancer screening
- Healthy Men: Important month for men's health