Even better, don’t use them at all unless your doctor tells you to.
You’ll save money, and you’ll probably be healthier.
I posted a few years ago that Healthy adults don’t need multivitamins. Earlier this month a new study was published that showed not only do we (healthy adults) not need supplemental vitamins and minerals, some may actually cause harm.
The study was funded by … read on
Noise and sleep—help!A friend recently asked me about white noise machines, and if I knew whether they helped with sleep or not.
I’ve never used one, and honestly didn’t know anything about them.
In theory, white noise masks more irritating noises, such as traffic, airplanes, barking dogs, talking, television and random household sounds.
For sensitive individuals, or shift workers or partners of snorers, noise can be a major sleep … read on
Tanning beds are dangerous to your healthIt’s mid-winter, and that’s when tanning beds are most popular.
Either people want a little artificial sunshine to help them cope with the weather, or they’re heading off on a tropical holiday and want a bit of color before they go.
But be warned: Tanning beds not only increase your risk of melanoma, they also increase the likelihood of a recurrence.
For years … read on
Save your money on omega-3 supplementsThis isn’t a new topic for me; I’ve written twice about fish oil supplements and omega 3-enriched foods. In both posts, I presented evidence that the heart health benefits (little to none) aren’t worth the price.
A new review from Cochrane last week confirms this.
The researchers conclude:
… read onThe review provides good evidence that taking long-chain omega 3 (fish oil, EPA or DHA)
Mahjongg for stress reliefFor more than five years, one of my best friends has been battling ovarian cancer. A fierce fighter (and fabulous friend), she has endured surgeries and several rounds of chemotherapy to keep this grim disease at bay. Her oncologist monitors her condition with the blood test CA-125.
Early last summer, her CA-125 began creeping up into the “let’s watch it but not get too excited—yet” territory. … read on
More and more scientists are taking advantage of the power of the internet, or the “crowd,” to help gather and process huge amounts of data.
A Citizen Scientist can be anyone. You just have to have an interest in science (and a computer).
I’m taking part in Cochrane Crowd.
The Cochrane Library has been the go-to … read on
I just read about a recent study by the Endocrine Society that—again—suggests a link between the use of some essential oils and breast development (gynecomastia) in young boys.
Lavender and tea tree oil, especially, are considered endocrine-disrupting chemicals. I wrote about this a few years ago , and wanted to re-post this information. Be informed and use essential oils with caution! FN
This post was originally published … read on
A new drug, but not a new treatment, for peanut allergiesThe media have been reporting on a potential new treatment for severe peanut allergies. The drug, known only as AR101, has not yet been approved by the FDA, but may be by the end of the year.
It’s basically a capsule with a bit of peanut flour, and it works by gradually desensitizing the patient to the protein in … read on
Do brain games lower dementia risk?Yes and no.
Most brain or cognitive training apps divide their “games” into several categories, such as attention, memory, speed and flexibility.
However, a study recently published in an Alzheimer’s journal reports that only the speed games were associated with a lower dementia risk (29% lower!).
I was really interested in this report. My husband and I enjoy playing these games, even though I’ve … read on
Fear-mongering and clickbaitWhile sipping a glass of wine with dinner last night, my ears perked up when I heard a teaser for NBC Nightly News: “New report links even light alcohol intake with increased risk of cancer.”
Oh, boy, I thought. Here we go again.
I don’t like network news because of this kind of lousy health reporting (I just wanted to see local election returns). Again and again, … read on