Gout drug may help prevent repeat heart attacks
Colchicine, a drug long used to treat a painful form of arthritis called gout, may also help heart attack survivors prevent future cardiovascular problems.
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Biotin supplements may interfere with test to diagnose heart attack
Taking dietary supplements that contain high levels of biotin (vitamin B7) can lead to falsely low results on a blood test used to detect heart attacks.
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Be careful where you get your news about coronavirus
New information about the spread of coronavirus is coming at us seemingly every minute from many sources. But how much of this information is trustworthy? And which sources should you believe?
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Can my job cause high blood pressure?
Chronic stress causes an increase in certain hormones that can raise your blood pressure.
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Easing into exercise
Even if you’ve never done formal exercise, some regular moderate exercise — ideally for at least 30 minutes most days of the week — can lower your blood pressure and many other risk factors linked to heart disease.
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Breaking up with your favorite foods
Eating certain foods sometimes triggers indigestion or heartburn symptoms, particularly as people age. For example, consuming foods with certain natural sugars such as lactose may lead to cramping, diarrhea, bloating, and gas. Eating peppers, tomato sauces, and many other foods can worsen heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When one must remove trigger foods from the diet, there are alternatives that can also be satisfying, such as lactose-free dairy products. When removing a food isn’t possible, some tricks—such as adding a dollop of sour cream—can help reduce the heat in spicy dishes.
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Grain or seed of the month: Wheat
About 75% of all grain products in this country are made with wheat. But most contain highly processed white flour, which is less nutritious than options such as 100% whole-wheat bread or bulgur wheat.
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Genetic test kits don’t have all the answers
A report from British researchers, published in The BMJ on Oct. 16, 2019, warns that direct-to-consumer genetic test kits that predict the risk for developing certain diseases commonly produce misleading results.
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Eating nuts: A strategy for weight control?
Increasing daily nut consumption is associated with weight control and warding off obesity, according to a Harvard study published online Sept. 23, 2019, by BMJ Nutrition, Prevention, and Health.
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Quick-start guide to mental health professionals
Many types of trained professionals can help people with mental health issues. For example, psychiatrists can provide medical and psychiatric evaluations, treat psychiatric disorders, provide psychotherapy, and prescribe and monitor medications; psychologists can do psychological evaluations and testing and provide psychotherapy to treat mental disorders, but they cannot prescribe medication. The type of mental health care professional one seeks depends on his or her particular needs, including one’s condition, preferences, and the availability of clinicians in the area.
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