Author: zdrukj

  • Still confused after Flovent discontinuation? What to know and do

    Still confused after Flovent discontinuation? What to know and do

    What happens when a widely used medicine is no longer available at pharmacies across the US? Until recently, Flovent (fluticasone) inhalers were frequently prescribed to help control asthma. If you or your child relied on these products, you may be scrambling to find medicines that will help you stay healthy without breaking the bank. What’s…

  • How well do you score on brain health?

    How well do you score on brain health?

    Need another jolt of motivation to shore up a resolution to shed weight, sleep more soundly, boost nutrition or exercise levels, or cut back on alcohol? Then you'll be pleased to learn that any (and all) of these efforts can also add up to better brain health. An international study led by researchers at the…

  • Ever worry about your gambling?

    Ever worry about your gambling?

    Are online gambling and sports betting new to your area? Are gambling advertisements catching your eye? Have you noticed sports and news shows covering the spread? Recent changes in laws have made gambling widely accessible, and its popularity has soared. Occasional bets are rarely an issue. But uncontrolled gambling can lead to financial, psychological, physical,…

  • New research shows little risk of infection from prostate biopsies

    New research shows little risk of infection from prostate biopsies

    Infections after a prostate biopsy are rare, but they do occur. Now research shows that fewer than 2% of men develop confirmed infections after prostate biopsy, regardless of the technique used. In the United States, doctors usually thread a biopsy needle through the rectum and then into the prostate gland while watching their progress on…

  • Is snuff really safer than smoking?

    Is snuff really safer than smoking?

    Snuff is a smokeless tobacco similar to chewing tobacco. It rarely makes headlines. But it certainly did when the FDA authorized a brand of snuff to market its products as having a major health advantage over cigarettes. Could this be true? Is it safe to use snuff? What did the FDA authorize as a health…

  • Can watching sports be bad for your health?

    Can watching sports be bad for your health?

    As the new year rolls on, sports fans rejoice! You’ve had the excitement of the college football bowl games and the national championship game, the NFL playoff games are winnowing teams down to the Super Bowl contestants, and basketball and hockey seasons are in full swing. Spring training for the upcoming Major League Baseball season…

  • Stepping up activity if winter slowed you down

    Stepping up activity if winter slowed you down

    If you've been cocooning due to winter’s cold, who can blame you? But a lack of activity isn't good for body or mind during any season. And whether you're deep in the grip of winter or fortunate to be basking in signs of spring, today is a good day to start exercising. If you’re not…

  • Which migraine medications are most helpful?

    Which migraine medications are most helpful?

    If you suffer from the throbbing, intense pain set off by migraine headaches, you may well wonder which medicines are most likely to offer relief. A recent study suggests a class of drugs called triptans are the most helpful option, with one particular drug rising to the top. The study drew on real-world data gleaned…

  • Flowers, chocolates, organ donation — are you in?

    Flowers, chocolates, organ donation — are you in?

    Chocolates and flowers are great gifts for Valentine’s Day. But what if the gifts we give then or throughout the year could be truly life-changing? A gift that could save a life or free someone from dialysis? You can do this. For people in need of an organ, tissue, or blood donation, a donor can…

  • Does sleeping with an eye mask improve learning and alertness?

    Does sleeping with an eye mask improve learning and alertness?

    All of us have an internal clock that regulates our circadian rhythms, including when we sleep and when we are awake. And light is the single most important factor that helps establish when we should feel wakeful (generally during the day) and when we should feel sleepy (typically at night). So, let me ask you…