MEDICAL NEWS You may have seen ads for genetic tests. These tests claim to tell you about your health. They might tell you if you’re at risk for a certain disease or if you should eat a certain diet. Big promises from companies At-home genetic tests may sound exciting, and companies advertise them as “the […]
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WELL-BEING Many people use vitamins, herbs, and other supplements. But sometimes, supplements aren’t safe or helpful. Follow these 3 S’s before you take vitamins, herbs, or natural remedies. 1.Say something to your doctor.Supplements can interact with medications. Some are not safe if you have health conditions. Your doctor can tell you whether certain supplements are
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SELF-CARE CORNER Every year, thousands of Americans die waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant because there just aren’t enough organ donors. What do you know about donating organs? The Organ Transplantation experts at New York-Presbyterian Hospital give some facts: * Very few medical conditions disqualify you from donating organs and tissues. It may turn out
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MEDICAL NEWS Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria change in a way that the antibiotics that used to treat them are less effective or not effective at all. As a result, stronger, more expensive antibiotics are needed to kill the same bacteria. People who develop antibiotic-resistant infections are more likely to need treatment in a hospital
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MEDICAL NEWS Antibiotics do not fight infections caused by viruses such as colds, flu, most sore throats, bronchitis, and many sinus and ear infections. Instead, symptom relief might be the best treatment option for viral infections, advises the CDC. Get smart about when antibiotics are needed-to fight bacterial infections. When you use antibiotics appropriately, you
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SELF-CARE CORNER As we approach the peak season for colds and flu, many people turn to over-the-counter medicines for relief. And if you have a stuffy nose (known as nasal congestion), you may be thinking about taking a decongestant. What are decongestants? Decongestants are medicines designed to relieve stuffiness and pressure in the nose and
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SELF-CARE CORNER Do you think shots are only for kids? Actually, there are several important vaccines you need as an adult. Vaccinations protect yourself from disease, but also protect people around you. Young babies who aren’t yet vaccinated or people with weak immune systems can benefit from your vaccination. You will be less likely to
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MEDICAL NEWS Be wary when watching those ads for drugs on TV because 6 out of 10 claims could potentially mislead you, say researchers in an article in the Journal of General Internal Medicine. False claims are illegal, but some claims were misleading, left out important information, exaggerated facts, provided opinions, or made meaningless links
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SELF-CARE CORNER The FDA offers some tip-offs to help you identify health fraud rip-offs. One product does it all.Be suspicious of products that claim to cure a wide range of diseases. Personal testimonials.Success stories, such as “It cured my diabetes” or “My tumors are gone,” are easy to make up and are not a substitute
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MEDICAL NEWS Grapefruit can interact with your drugs. And your doctor may not be aware of it. An article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal points out that drug interactions with grapefruit were noted more than 20 years ago. Recently, more and more commonly prescribed newer drugs are found to interact with grapefruit (the fruit
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