A recent article in The Conversation questioned whether we should all get flu vaccinations, given 99 people would have to go through vaccination for one case of flu to be prevented. Everyone has to be vaccinated for immunisation programs to work. But this position ignores the purpose of immunisation programs: whole populations of people need...
Category: <span>Patient Education</span>
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How A 30-Second Cracker Test Reveals How Much Carbs You Can Eat Per Day
It may not be fair that a person can eat a lot of carbs and not gain any weight, but it turns out that there might be a genetic reason behind this. The Cracker Test The cracker test is a way for people to measure how many carbohydrates to consume. Using saliva in the mouth, the test...
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Never ignore depression
(HealthDay)—Studies show that depression is underreported. People aren’t getting the help they need, sometimes because they don’t know the warning signs or where to turn, or are embarrassed because of the stigma that can still surround mental health issues. But the numbers are too great to ignore. Up to 26 percent of U.S. women and...
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These four foods are proven to lower your cholesterol
Plant-based foods are known to be good for the heart. Are there any foods in particular that lower cholesterol and keep this vital organ strong and healthy? Yes, suggests a new study. In fact, there are four main foods whose heart benefits have been proven by several controlled trials. Plant-based diets are great for cardiovascular...
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To get around pharmacy gag rules, ask about drug costs
“Do you have prescription insurance?” It’s one of the first questions consumers hear at the pharmacy counter, and many hands over their insurance cards in the hopes of getting a good price. But sometimes using insurance can actually cost more—and even prevent the pharmacist from saying so. In this Friday, July 8, 2016 file photo, a prescription...
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A typical communication pattern of people with Alzheimer’s disease
Dementia, in any form, is a heartbreaking disease that can take away one’s thinking and judgment abilities before they pass. To save face, people with dementia often pretend to know answers to questions, even if they really don’t. This often hides the severity of the disease and exasperates the fears and frustrations of the people...
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Lighting intervention improves sleep and mood for Alzheimer’s patients
A tailored lighting intervention in nursing homes can positively impact sleep, mood and behavior for patients with Alzheimer’s disease, according to preliminary findings from a new study. People with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias may experience sleep problems, wandering, and associated daytime irritability. This study tested whether a tailored daytime lighting intervention could improve sleep and behavior in Alzheimer’s patients living in...
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Avoiding GMO food might be tougher than you think
While there’s currently no evidence that genetically modified organisms harm human health, that isn’t to say there aren’t legitimate reasons to avoid them. Perhaps the most common is a simple preference for that which is natural and a general aversion to that which technology—especially technology developed by Big Ag—has meddled in. Others worry about long-term effects that...
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An entire generation said to be at risk of going deaf due to music on their phones
An entire generation is at risk of going DEAF because under 30s listen to loud music on their phones, expert warns An entire generation said to be at risk of going deaf due to music on their phones Smartphones and earphones responsible for increasing deafness, experts warn The music we listen to can be the...
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Yes, you can put too much chlorine in a pool
(HealthDay)—Before you take a dip in the pool this summer, be sure there’s not too much chlorine in the water. Over the past 10 years, more than 500 people in California have been exposed and sickened by too much chlorine while swimming, according to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR). More than half of those affected...