Health

As we age, our brains undergo changes just as our bodies do. While these shifts may not always be immediately noticeable, they can significantly impact our cognitive abilities. Brain volume decreases, neural connections may weaken, and the risk of developing dementia—an umbrella term that encompasses conditions like Alzheimer’s disease—rises with age. However, there are proactive steps we can take to reduce the risk of memory loss and cognitive decline.

According to a 2024 report published in the journal The Lancet, nearly half of all dementia cases worldwide could be delayed or prevented by adopting certain lifestyle and environmental changes. These changes not only help slow cognitive symptoms associated with aging but also enhance overall brain health. Here are some key strategies to consider:

Health is a multifaceted concept that encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being. It is often said that health is wealth, and this adage rings true in many aspects of life. In recent years, the focus on health has intensified, driven by a growing awareness of its significance and the impact it has on our quality of life. As we navigate through the complexities of modern living, understanding the components of health and how to maintain it becomes paramount.

As the measles outbreak continues to spread across Texas and New Mexico, healthcare professionals are grappling with an unexpected challenge: vitamin A toxicity among hospitalized patients. This alarming complication has emerged at Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock, where several unvaccinated children have been admitted with abnormal liver function, a likely indicator of excessive vitamin A intake.

The situation has drawn attention from U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, who has suggested vitamin A could serve as a preventive measure against measles. However, experts warn that there is no scientific evidence supporting this claim, and the overuse of vitamin A can lead to serious health complications.

In an age where the pace of life is faster than ever, prioritizing health has become more crucial than ever. With the rise of chronic diseases, mental health issues, and lifestyle-related ailments, understanding the importance of maintaining good health is essential for overall well-being.

One of the most significant aspects of health is nutrition. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients can enhance physical health and improve mental clarity. Incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into daily meals can help prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Moreover, staying hydrated is equally important, as water plays a vital role in bodily functions, including digestion and temperature regulation.

In a concerning turn of events for public health, federal support for mRNA vaccine research is facing significant challenges. Recent reports from KFF Health News revealed that officials at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have instructed scientists to eliminate all references to mRNA technology from their grant applications. This directive comes amid increased scrutiny from Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a long-time critic of vaccines.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, making it crucial for individuals to be aware of both the risk factors and the early warning signs of a heart attack. While many are familiar with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking as contributors to heart disease, fewer are aware of the subtle symptoms that may indicate an impending cardiac event.

In a troubling development for prostate cancer patients in England and Northern Ireland, the life-extending drug abiraterone has not been approved for use through the NHS. This decision has sparked frustration and anger among health advocates and cancer charities, particularly Prostate Cancer UK, which has been vocal about the urgent need for this treatment.

Abiraterone, a medication that helps prevent prostate cancer from spreading, has been available to high-risk patients in Scotland and Wales for the past two years. However, in England and Northern Ireland, it is only offered to men with advanced prostate cancer that has already metastasized. This discrepancy leaves many patients in a precarious situation, as they are denied access to a drug that could significantly improve their chances of survival.

MURRAY — At 72, Eva Brinley embodies the spirit of adventure. An avid traveler, she has embraced life with enthusiasm. However, her journey took a challenging turn a few years ago when her doctor recommended a colonoscopy—a routine screening that would ultimately save her life.

“I went in and had it done, and they found colon cancer,” Brinley recalled, reflecting on that dark moment. Having lost many friends to various cancers, her initial reaction was daunting: “I’m done.”

When it comes to maintaining brain health, the right nutrition plays a crucial role, and surprisingly, your pantry may hold some of the best options. While fresh foods often take center stage, canned foods provide a convenient and budget-friendly way to access essential nutrients that support cognitive function. From omega-3-rich fish to antioxidant-packed vegetables, the right choices can enhance memory, focus, and long-term brain health.

According to Meredith Rofheart, M.S., RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist, canned foods can indeed contribute significantly to cognitive health. “The canning process helps preserve essential nutrients, making canned foods a convenient, long-lasting, and often more affordable source of brain-boosting micronutrients,” she explains. Here are seven dietitian-approved canned foods that can fuel cognitive function and help keep your mind sharp.

In the last decade, the landscape of pharmacies across the United States has undergone significant changes, with a staggering three out of ten pharmacies that were operational in 2010 now closed. This alarming trend highlights a growing issue: many neighborhoods are losing their local pharmacies, which have long served as essential pillars of community health.

The reasons behind this decline are multifaceted. Corporate decisions often prioritize profit over patient care, leading to a shift towards mail-order pharmacies that further erode the traditional retail pharmacy model. However, as a prescribing physician for over three decades, I believe that another crucial factor contributing to the downfall of local pharmacies is the deteriorating performance and communication skills of pharmacists themselves.