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HECTOR AMEZCUA/The Sacramento Bee/TNS

How California health care premiums could skyrocket if shutdown continues

Health Advice / Health & Fitness /

WASHINGTON — Sixty years old, living as a couple in the Sacramento area or California's Central Valley? Figuring your income next year will be about $85,000?

The premium increases for that couple are likely to be among the nation’s steepest, if enhanced federal subsidies for people using Obamacare-inspired health insurance policies are ...Read more

ANGELA WEISS/AFP/Getty Images North America/TNS

LGBTQ+ youth's mental health struggles are getting worse, according to a new survey

Health Advice / Health & Fitness /

There are many stresses that come with being an LGBTQ+ youth: fear, isolation, bullying, feeling as if the world hates you, loved ones pressuring you to change.

Those realities come into sharper view in the first release of findings from an ongoing study by the Trevor Project to track the mental health of about 1,700 youth across the U.S. over ...Read more

Some fermented foods deliver probiotics, some don't

Your gut contains 10 times as many microbial cells as there are in the rest of your body -- for a total of around 100 trillion microbes (bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.) from up to 5,000 different species. These busy little organisms help you get energy from food; help manufacture neurotransmitters like dopamine (involved with movement, pleasure,...Read more

Breaking Down The Differencet Between A Cold And Influenza

Health Advice / Keith Roach /

DEAR DR. ROACH: What is the difference between a cold and the flu? -- A.T.R.

ANSWER: Both colds and influenza (the "flu") are respiratory illnesses that are caused by viruses. Influenza is caused specifically by the influenza viruses, which come in two main types (A and B). Influenza A is further broken down into different subtypes based on ...Read more

DREAMSTIME/TNS

On Nutrition: More is not always better

Health Advice / Nutrition /

At my recent dental checkup, I was gently informed by the dentist that I’d been a bit too vigorous with my brushing technique.

“Hold your toothbrush lightly with two fingers,” he demonstrated. “Not like you’re getting ready to stab something.”

Moderation is true in nutrition as well. Many of the nutrients we need for optimal health...Read more

Low-Dose Lithium For Dementia Is Not Yet Supported By Evidence

Health Advice / Keith Roach /

DEAR DR. ROACH: Would it be risky to take a low dose (20 mg) of over-the-counter lithium orotate to treat cognitive decline? The recent study in the journal Nature recommended waiting for further studies to look at the benefits and risks of taking this compound. Given the promising findings in mice/rats and the anecdotal evidence of reversing ...Read more

Resistance exercise is not futile

When the Borg declared "resistance is futile," in "Star Trek: The Next Generation," they seemed to be right on, much of the time. But new research shows that resistance -- exercise, that is -- is never futile, it slows aging, protects nerve health and keeps your muscles and brain in top condition. And you're never too old to reap the benefits!

...Read more

Low Pulse Could Be A Concern In An Older Endurance Athlete

Health Advice / Keith Roach /

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 64-year-old male who is a lifelong endurance athlete. For the past 15 years, my primary activities are cycling and swimming. I work out around 10 hours a week now, so it's nothing really excessive. But I always push myself to the edge of what's a comfortable pace.

My lifelong cardio exercise enthusiasm has resulted in ...Read more

Reduce your child's exposure to plastics for a healthier tomorrow

Plastics are everywhere -- in our brains, bloodstream, and lungs and in pregnant women's placenta, where they can cause long-term damage to a child's cognition, heart health and fertility. They're also suspected of causing childhood asthma and leading to hormone disruption, chronic inflammation, IQ loss and neurodevelopmental issues such as ...Read more

It's High Time

Health Advice / Scott LaFee /

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, in children seems anomalous. Indeed, it's relatively rare but not unheard of. In the U.S. roughly one in seven children and teens may have high blood pressure or be trending toward it.

That does not bode well for their future health. A new analysis of 37,000 people found that high blood pressure at age 7 ...Read more

Benefit Of Glucosamine/Chondroitin For Joint Pain Is Uncertain

Health Advice / Keith Roach /

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 66-year-old male who often experiences achiness in my lower joints (hip arthritis and occasional knee pain). A good friend of mine who is also a doctor recommended that I consider taking a daily supplement of glucosamine and chondroitin.

Do you recommend it for the purpose of reducing inflammation and joint pain? Does ...Read more

Getting a leg(ume) up on better health

Just 12% of the U.S. population is eating 50% of the beef that's consumed in a day -- and according to a study in Nutrients, a vast majority of those folks are teen and adult men. That may help explain why men generally develop heart disease seven to 10 years earlier than women (whose risk increases after menopause and then may exceed men's).

...Read more

Homeopathy for Sciatica: Natural Remedies to Soothe Nerve Pain

Sciatica is a painful condition caused by the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, resulting in radiating pain, tingling, and numbness along the lower back, buttocks, and legs. While conventional treatments are available, some individuals seek alternative approaches to manage their sciatica symptoms. Homeopathy, a holistic system ...Read more

Homeopathy for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Exploring Natural Approaches to Manage Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. While conventional treatments for RA exist, some individuals seek alternative approaches to complement their management plan. Homeopathy, a holistic system of medicine, offers potential remedies that may help...Read more

Dreamstime/Dreamstime/TNS

On Nutrition: Reader questions

Health Advice / Nutrition /

Mary B. writes: “I appreciated your article about resistant starch and have a question. Do you need to refrigerate the rice for a day or can it go straight to the freezer for the same benefits?”

Great question, Mary. For readers who may have missed this particular column, resistant starch is a type of starch in foods such as rice and pasta ...Read more

Homeopathy for Psoriasis: Exploring Natural Approaches to Manage Symptoms

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by red, inflamed patches of skin covered with silvery scales. While there is no cure for psoriasis, many individuals seek alternative approaches to manage their symptoms and promote overall skin health. Homeopathy, a natural and holistic system of medicine, offers potential remedies that may...Read more

Homeopathy for Cataracts: Natural Approaches for Eye Health

Cataracts are a common age-related eye condition characterized by the clouding of the lens, leading to blurry vision and impaired eyesight. While conventional treatment options include surgery, some individuals may explore alternative approaches, such as homeopathy, to support their eye health. In this article, we explore several homeopathic ...Read more

Spilling the Beans

Health Advice / Scott LaFee /

Excessive coffee consumption is not good. It can lead to increased blood pressure, insomnia, anxiety, headaches, digestive issues and muscle twitching, among other things.

Talk about clouds in my coffee.

On the other hand, moderate coffee consumption has been linked to longer life, lower risk of type 2 diabetes, heart failure, stroke, colon ...Read more

Homeopathy for Prostate Problems: Natural Remedies for Optimal Prostate Health

Prostate problems are common among men, with conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis affecting many individuals. While conventional treatments are available, homeopathy offers alternative approaches that focus on holistic healing and addressing the root causes. In this article, we explore several homeopathic ...Read more

Homeopathy for Migraines: Natural Remedies for Lasting Relief

Migraines can be debilitating, causing intense headache pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. If you're seeking a natural approach to managing migraines, homeopathy offers potential solutions. Homeopathic remedies are derived from natural substances and can help alleviate migraine symptoms while addressing the underlying causes. ...Read more