Courtesy of Agnes Czuchlewski Agnes Czuchlewski is a patient advocate for women with heart disease and diabetes. She currently facilitates the WomenHeart of Lenox Hill support group. For the longest time, I’ve had a small plaque in a green rustic wooden frame on my desk. I know my sister gave it to me, but I have no idea when. It was that long ago. The caption of the picture reads, “Life is a journey, not a destination....

Key TakeawaysA new program found that regular phone calls improved the mental health of adults who are at increased risk for loneliness, anxiety, and depression.The people who made the calls were given minimal training in empathetic listening and were assigned to make regular calls each week to adults who were clients of a Meals on Wheels program.The improvements in depression, anxiety, and loneliness were significant even though the test program lasted only four weeks....

UPDATEOn February 24,Canadian regulators approvedMedicago’s plant-based COVID-19 vaccine, called Covifenz. The vaccine is approved for use in adults aged 18 through 64. In clinical trials, the two-dose vaccine demonstrated a 71% efficacy rate.Key TakeawaysResearchers have developed a plant-based COVID-19 vaccine that has shown to produce a strong antibody response.The vaccine uses plants to create virus-like particles (VLPs), which are non-infectious.Phase 3 clinical trials are underway and the vaccine maker hopes the shot will be available in the U....

Key Takeaways A new device developed at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) wants to be the hiccup cure you’ve been looking for. Instead of relying on anecdotal tips, tricks, and hiccup hacks, the straw-like device is a proven way to halt the spasms. The research team, which included a medical student, created their hiccup cure that relies on a technique called forceful suction that signals the diaphragm to contract and ultimately stops the spasms....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBenefitsExperiencing OCDTechniquesResourcesFAQs Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Benefits Experiencing OCD Techniques Resources FAQs Standard therapy for OCD includescognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) with exposure and response prevention (ERP). Medications such asselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs) may also be prescribed. However, there is growing interest in the use of mindfulness as a complementarytreatment for OCD. Research is still emerging, but studies show promise. Read on to learn how mindfulness can be helpful for OCD and some techniques to try....

Barbara Klein was diagnosed with Stage 1 Colon Cancer after getting a preventive screening. Ever since her surgery five years ago, she has been cancer-free and advocates for regular screenings. You never think bad things will happen to you. About five years ago, I was a 60-year-old caught up in life, driving my school bus and fulfilling my church obligations. I felt healthy, so I didn’t think about my health. I had no family history ofcolon canceror any symptoms, so I ignored the casual recommendations to get screenings because I just didn’t have time for that....

Meghan Fitzgerald, RN, MPH, DrPH, is an adjunct associate professor with the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and a private equity investor. She has decades of experience working in the healthcare field, ranging from frontline patient care to advising prominent healthcare firms. Here, she shares her take on why COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is finally starting to shrink. The number of unvaccinated Americans is shrinking. On July 17, there were 100 million people eligible for vaccination who still hadn’t received a shot....

Key TakeawaysHeart valve disease is common in the United States and often undiagnosed.Many patients are asymptomatic and may remain untreated.Severe cases may require surgery to repair or replace the impacted heart valve.Health diet and exercise can help mitigate the effects at any age. Key Takeaways Heart valve disease is common in the United States and often undiagnosed.Many patients are asymptomatic and may remain untreated.Severe cases may require surgery to repair or replace the impacted heart valve....

Key Takeaways This year’s report inLancet Countdownhas signaled a “code red” for the world’s future. The report has found that climate change is exacerbating the health of communities across the globe. While climate change may seem like a far-off, futuristic concept, experts warn that the changes are happening right now and that current efforts are not enough to save and preserve global health. “Climate change is here and we’re already seeing it damaging human health across the world,”Anthony Costello, executive director of the Lancet Countdown, said in apress release....

If you love to eat, adiagnosis of type 2 diabetesmeans you’ll need to rethink what foods you ingest in order to keep your blood sugar, or glucose, at safe and healthy levels. Robert Reiff / Stock Food Creative / Getty Images If you’re overweight, which is arisk factor for type 2 diabetes, you may also need to reduce the number of calories you eat to aid in weight loss. The good news is losing excess pounds, along with making other lifestyle changes, such as getting more exercise, may help control your glucose so you don’t need to take medication....

Key TakeawaysYou may not have to avoid dried fruit if you are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.A recent study suggested that eating just 1.2 pieces of dried fruit per day may be linked to a 60% risk reduction, but more quality research is needed to confirm the benefits.When choosing dried fruit, go for those without added sugar and be mindful of portion sizes. Key Takeaways You may not have to avoid dried fruit if you are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes....

Adding a small amount of olive oil to your daily diet may help reduce dementia risk.A new study analyzed data from more than 92,000 participants over 28 years. The participants were asked about their dietary patterns and olive oil consumption every four years. Those who consumed more than seven grams (about half a tablespoon) of olive oil a day were 28% less likely to die from dementia compared to those who rarely or never consumed it....

Key TakeawaysA recent study shows a correlation between a timed stair test and heart health.A stair test can be used as an informal evaluation of fitness level.A combination of diet and activity, even if that activity isn’t formal exercise, can improve heart health. Key Takeaways A recent study shows a correlation between a timed stair test and heart health.A stair test can be used as an informal evaluation of fitness level....