Aside from the occasional aches, pains, and sleeping troubles, my 82-year-old mother is in very good health for her age. But like many other older adults, she takes a medication to help control high blood pressure symptoms. And like plenty of older individuals, she relies on her doctor to let … Read More
You probably don't need to be reminded, but we'll do it anyway—don't skimp on high-protein foods. Here's why: Protein is a nutrient your body needs in order to maintain its structures—including muscles, bones, skin, and hair. Furthermore, protein is a key element in compounds your body needs to function properly. … Read More
If your physician prescribes antibiotics, question it. And do some research on your own before taking them. Some doctors are a little too quick with the prescription pad, and some patients (myself included) a little too trusting. The truth is we’ve been over-prescribing antibiotics in this country for quite some … Read More
For a few years in a row, my youngest son would get the sniffles, a sore throat, and other cold symptoms around the same time every spring. I figured that many kids get a cold once a year or so; our son just happens to get his in March. My … Read More
At University Health News, we believe sound health information can empower people and even relieve symptoms—if knowledge leads to reduced stress and anxiety. Knowing more just makes us feel better. When you read about, ask about, and understand what’s ailing you, you may be helping yourself more than you know. … Read More
When I first started writing about health issues, I would casually mention how some people find their sleep disturbed by pain, but I didn’t really think much about it, or what the effects can be. Today I find myself in that category due to a lifelong problem that used to … Read More
Looking to change your diet because you need to lose weight? Your intentions may be good, but it’s unrealistic to think you can wake up one morning and instantly change the way you eat. Instead of a complete overhaul of your diet, set out to make a few small changes—ones … Read More
The term “nutrition” has a variety of definitions, some more scientific than others. For the purposes of this blog, my answer to “What is nutrition?” is simple: the foods and beverages you consume to keep your body healthy and functioning. The nutrients in those foods and beverages are what provide you … Read More
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious challenge that requires professional treatment (see "What You Can Do" sidebar). It often takes time and patience to overcome. And while there are no simple cures for this mood disorder, a Massachusetts General Hospital expert points out that there are common-sense steps that … Read More
It started as a pain in the mid-back, disassociated from any kind of spinal or muscle soreness that sometimes accompanies strenuous activity. It was a dull ache, off to one side, and it persisted into a dark and rainy night…. I’d heard about kidney stones and thought I might be … Read More
