Staying Healthy Archive

The top five causes you may be overlooking.

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You know the feeling: you can't find a particular word, remember someone's name, or concentrate the way you once did. Is it just aging, or is something else to blame? "It's easy to underestimate how underlying conditions affect memory and thinking, and they are often overlooked," says Dr. Shreya Raj, a neuropsychiatrist with the Center for Brain/Mind Medicine at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Common causes

Ancient grains have become the darlings of the culinary world, and they're healthy, too.

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In recent years, whole wheat has gotten all the glory when it comes to adding grains to your diet. But today's superstars are the staples used long before wheat took center stage. They're called ancient grains.

"Modern wheat, rice, and corn have been processed through hybridization or genetic modification. Ancient grains have not; they've been grown the same way for centuries," says Debbie Krivitsky, a registered dietitian at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.

In its 2016 guidelines, the American Academy of Neurology recommended the use of onabotulinumtoxin A (Botox) injections as a way to help reduce the frequency of chronic migraines.

With an emphasis on proper speed and form, a regular walking routine can make great strides toward improving your health.

A dedicated walking program can be your main source of exercise.
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Walking is the oldest exercise, but nowadays it tends to be recommended only for people who have trouble staying active, have mobility issues, or are recovering from an injury or surgery. Yet you should rethink the role walking can play in your overall fitness.

It is normal to lose some weight as a person ages. In fact, an estimated 10% to 20% of men older than age 65 lose 5% or more of their body weight over the rest of their lifetime. However, losing 5% of total weight in one year or 10% over two years warrants some medical testing.

The hype around human growth hormone (HGH) comes from a few studies that showed HGH injections can increase lean body mass and shrink body fat, which led to claims of HGH as an “anti-aging” hormone. Yet, the benefits of HGH supplementation for older adults are unproven, and there are concerns about potential side effects.

Travel can keep you active and healthy, but to enjoy your journey, make sure you are well prepared.

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Travel at any age is not only fun and exciting but also good medicine. "Experiencing new places often stimulates positive reactions," says Dr. Esteban Franco-Garcia, a geriatric physician with Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital. "It helps you remain physically active and offers the brain new challenges."

In fact, a survey of American travelers reported by the Global Coalition on Aging found that 93% felt happier after time away, 77% believed their health improved afterward, and about 80% said travel increased their productivity, energy, and focus.

Loneliness and social isolation raises your risk of heart attack, stroke, and even early death, says a new study. The risk was similar to light smoking or obesity. 

This summer, it's especially important to take precautions against mosquitoes and ticks.

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You're no doubt aware that a mosquito bite can transmit the Zika virus and that pregnant women infected with the virus may have babies with microcephaly—incomplete brain development. Although Zika is getting the most attention this summer, mosquitoes and ticks carrying the pathogens responsible for other conditions, including West Nile fever, Lyme disease, encephalitis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, are still at large in areas of the United States.

While scientists work to develop vaccines against these illnesses, the best protection is still prevention. "One thing everyone can do is to reduce their risk of exposure," says Dr. Mary E. Wilson, adjunct associate professor of global health and population at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Getting the best protection depends on the type of bug you're protecting yourself against.

You can take measures to keep yourself or a loved one from becoming confused and disoriented during hospitalization.

Arranging for support from family and friends is one of the most important things you can do when planning a hospital stay.
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During hospital stays, about half of people over 65 have episodes of delirium (a sudden change in mental status), according to several major studies. Those who do are at increased risk for developing cognitive impairment and dementia after their release.