supersizer/iStock via Getty Images Plus Allegra (fexofenadine) and Benadryl (diphenhydramine) are two antihistamines available over the counter (OTC). They can both help relieve allergy symptoms in adults and children. But they have some notable differences. For instance, Benadryl is a first-generation (older) antihistamine, while Allegra is a third-generation (newer) antihistamine. This distinction means that Allegra tends to have fewer side effects, among...
Category: <span>Patient Education</span>
Post
Can Magnesium Supplements Help You Sleep Better?
In modern society, poor sleep quality and sleep deprivation have become a common occurrence that is implicated in several health disorders, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity, and diabetes.1 Therefore, multiple pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions have been formulated to improve sleep quality. Several studies have indicated an association between sleep and magnesium intake. This article explores...
Post
Everyday products ranked for health impact: Which ones are harming you and which are making you healthier?
A recent report, Building H Index 2024, by Building H, which is part of the Public Health Institute, rated and ranked popular products and services based on how they impact their users’ health, focusing specifically on non-healthcare-related items. The authors, Steve Downs and Thomas Goetz, co-founders of Building H, identified more than 75 services and products across the transportation,...
Post
GAMES AND PUZZLES CAN SLOW COGNITIVE DECLINE
A new study suggests that older people with mild cognitive impairment who engage in high levels of activities such as word games and hobbies have better memory, working memory, attention, and processing speed than those who do not. The aging process can lead to diminished cognitive functioning for older adults. In addition, about 10% of...
Post
Video: Understanding whooping cough
Credit: Mayo Clinic Cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, continue to rise in the U.S. New numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show nearly 18,000 cases through Oct. 5. While that is somewhat in line with pre-pandemic numbers, it’s a large increase from the same period last year when...
Post
What Medications Can Cause Vivid Dreams and Nightmares?
Motortion/iStock via Getty Images Plus Certain medications can affect your dreams — and not always in a good way. Vivid dreams and nightmares can be an unexpected side effect of several medications and supplements, such as melatonin, beta blockers, and antidepressants. And while they don’t happen to everyone, it’s helpful to be aware of some of the...
Post
What to know about pseudodementia
Pseudodementia is a set of symptoms that mimic those of dementia, such as problems with speech, memory, or attention. However, it typically has other underlying causes, such as depression. Pseudodementia appears similar to dementia but does not occur due to neurological degeneration. Some people call the condition depressive pseudodementia, as the symptoms often stem from...
Post
Worst U.S. whooping cough outbreak in a decade has infected thousands
Whooping cough is spreading nationwide at the highest levels since 2014. There have been more than 16,000 cases this year — more than four times as many compared to the same time last year — and two confirmed deaths. And experts are concerned that the outbreak could worsen in the fall and winter months. “More children are...
Post
WHY WE GET HANGOVERS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM
Waking up with a pounding headache and a queasy stomach from a hangover can leave anyone desperate for a quick cure. The best way to avoid hangovers is, of course, to avoid drinking too much. But if you need a cure, a recent trend is using hangover IV drips to feel better after a long...
Post
Medicare open enrollment starts Oct. 15: Here’s what to know
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Medicare’s fall open enrollment, which runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, is an opportunity to review your benefits and make changes for 2025. Signing up for Medicare or changing plans can seem daunting, but it’s important to make sure you’re enrolled in the best plan for your medical needs. To help...