Category: harvardhealth_news_UNDEFINED

Flaxseeds are shiny, reddish or golden-brown seeds that have a slightly nutty taste. They contain healthful nutrients such as linolenic acid, an essential omega-3 fatty acid.

Healthy breads are made of whole grains and have a short ingredients list. To find a healthy bread in a grocery store, one should read the ingredients list to make sure whole grains are used, and read the Nutrition Facts label to make sure each slice (or 28-gram serving) contains no more than 80 calories, less than 100 milligrams of sodium, at least 3 grams of fiber, less than 3 grams of sugar (and zero added sugar), 15 grams of carbohydrates, and no saturated fat.

There are several points to consider when getting used home medical equipment, such as whether an item has been sanitized, whether it’s adjustable, whether a seat cushion will provide the proper support, and whether any accompanying motors or batteries are working properly. It’s important to do a thorough assessment of the item or hire a technician who can do it. If equipment doesn’t seem to fit the user or if it has missing parts, one should keep looking for other options.

There are many physical changes that can affect driving skills. For example, arthritis pain may make it hard to grip a steering wheel, get in and out of a car, or push the pedals; hearing loss can make it harder to detect hazards, such as an ambulance approaching an intersection. Driving assessment programs can help people find out if their conditions are impairing their road skills. The goal of such programs is to keep people in the driver’s seat, so that they can stay safe, mobile, and independent for as long as possible.

American adults consume an average of 77 grams (almost 20 teaspoons) of sugar per day. A little extra sugar may seem harmless, but the amounts can add up and, over time, contribute to a variety of health issues, like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Avoiding high-sugar foods by reading labels and cutting out sugar-sweetened beverages are the best ways to lower intake of added sugar.

Dripping urine after going to the bathroom is common as men age, but a simple “milking” technique can help prevent this.

At some point, almost all people need reading glasses as their eyes naturally lose the ability to focus up close, a condition called presbyopia. People also may get extra reading assistance by using desk magnifiers, lubricating the eyes with artificial tears, and installing proper lighting.

People battling a flare-up of arthritis, bursitis, or tendinitis may find relief from a cortisone (or steroid) shot. This type of pain management is often used when over-the-counter and prescription medication or physical therapy no longer work. However, people need to be aware that a shot offers only short-term relief and not a cure.

New research has found that running for about an hour per week can offer many health benefits and it does not matter how far or fast you run during this period. For people who are hesitant about taking up running, adopting a simple run/walk program can help many novices ease into running no matter their fitness level.

Pain when sitting can be caused by a number of common problems, including problems with the discs that cushion the vertebrae in the back. Lying down can help the pain temporarily, but the goal should be to get up and move as soon as possible. People should see a doctor if your pain is extremely severe, if it comes back after getting better, or if it occurred after an injury.