Prevention August 2017

I’VE BEEN WORKING on a succinct, meaningful way to say what Prevention is at heart, and I think I’ve got it. PREVENTION. STRONGER. Everyone wants to be stronger: to be a stronger person, to work toward a stronger body and mind. Prevention wants to meet you where you are—we all start from different places—and motivate you on your way to wellness. We intend for our health information, personal stories, and expert advice to inspire you to be a stronger advocate for your own well-being. Stronger means thinking independently. In this issue’s “Outsmart the Supermarket” (p. 60), we show you how you’re enticed to buy things you don’t need at the grocery store and give you sound ways to become a well-informed consumer. “Playing Doctor” (p. 48) lays out choices for…

DOCTORS SAY THE DARNEDEST THINGS During my annual pelvic exam, as I was lying back looking at the ceiling, I heard my doctor say, “I see you have a cat!” I almost sat up! he must have seen the look on my face, because he stammered that he’d noticed the scratches on my hands! Debra Mellor / eau Claire, WI When I told my doctor that my goal is to live to be 100 or more, he said, “Don’t count on it.” I’m healthy and active and had two relatives who lived to be 106, so his comment shocked me. he is younger than I am, and my new goal is to outlive him. Marilyn Naito / tallahassee, FL When I was undergoing fertility treatments, I was told by everyone…

Mind Refresher with its high and low frequencies, a waterfall creates soothing pink noise. IMPROVE YOUR MEMORY WHILE YOU SLEEP The power of white noise— a steady background sound, such as static—to lull you to sleep is well known. Now “pink” noise is getting extra points: Researchers have discovered that this relaxing sound, with its rhythmic variation— rain falling on a sidewalk, for instance—can boost memory during deep sleep. In a study at Northwestern University, pulses of pink noise were delivered to participants over age 60 during the stage of sleep when the brain stores the day’s learning in longterm memory. Upon waking, the participants who had been exposed to pink noise performed better on memory tests than those who hadn’t been exposed. Good news: Most sound machines (and apps)…

50 Percentage of Americans who have tried some form of alternative medicine, such as herbal remedies, acupuncture, chiropractic medicine, or energy therapies These Tips can increase your chances of having a successful operation. • Ask about nonsurgical alternatives. And be especially cautious if your doctor recommends spinal surgery, a cardiac procedure, knee surgery, or a hysterectomy, as these procedures are most frequently cited as overused. • Get a second opinion even if you trust your doctor. Studies show there’s a 1-in-3 chance you’ll get a different take from a different physician. • Check your surgeon’s expertise in your specific operation. Ask your primary care doctor which local surgeon has the most experience in the procedure you’re planning to have. • Check up on your hospital, too. Compare infection and complication…

MOSQUITOES Disease West Nile virus Where Cases have occurred in all states except alaska, Hawaii, and maine. Symptoms often none, but about 20% of people develop fever, headache, body aches, nausea, swollen lymph glands, or rash. rare, severe reactions include stiff neck, vision loss, muscle weakness, and paralysis. Disease Encephalitis virus Where Different forms of the disease are transmitted throughout the Us. Symptoms often none but can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue. rare, severe cases cause brain inflammation or death. Disease Zika virus Where Cases have been reported in florida and texas. the majority of Zika cases in the Us occur in travelers who were bitten abroad. Symptoms often none but can include fever, rash, headache, joint and muscle pain. Can also cause birth defects or miscarriages. TICKS Disease…

NOW ASPIRIN AGAINST BREAST CANCER… New research suggests that taking a lowdose aspirin (81 mg) three times a week may lower the risk of breast cancer by up to 20%. aspirin’s anti-inflammatory property may be one reason for the protection, and its effect on the level of a blood enzyme that synthesizes estrogen may be another. Yoga for Men…a University of pennsylvania study found that men receiving radiation for prostate cancer who took twice-weekly yoga classes were less tired and had fewer sexual and urinary side effects from their treatment than those who didn’t take the classes. senior study author Neha Vapiwala says that the men who practiced yoga also improved their quality of life because, beyond the classes’ physical benefits, the social component helped boost general well-being. Iron for ears…Researchers…