Staying Healthy Archive

Here's what Harvard physicians advise you to do at your next appointment.

You know the routine: you're waiting in the exam room, and your doctor comes in for what seems like a very quick visit before leaving to see the next person. You're left feeling that you didn't ask all of your questions or get a good understanding of your treatment plan. What happened?

"We're under incredible pressure, and we're scrutinized to be sure we're seeing enough patients," explains geriatrician Dr. Suzanne Salamon, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. "We don't have many minutes, and yet we have to go over each person's medical issues, medications, and even end-of-life issues. That doesn't leave a lot of time to talk."

Ask the doctor

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Q. I keep hearing that concussions can cause problems later in life. Should I be concerned about my grandkids playing sports, particularly football?

A. Sports teach kids many important life lessons, like the value of teamwork and hard work, and the importance of tenacity and resilience. The most popular sport in the United States is football. Yet evidence has emerged that repeated head injuries (common in football) may lead to a brain disease called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This disease, which currently can be diagnosed only at an autopsy, causes difficulty thinking, severe mood swings, anger, violence — and death.

You may not be aware of physical changes that can make your old workout risky. Try these tips to ease into exercise.

Blame it on a job change, a chronic health issue, or simply a loss of motivation: whatever took you away from your regular exercise routine has led to a sedentary lifestyle. But don't assume you can jump back into the same exercise regimen you followed when you were younger. "Your body has aged, and things have changed," says Dr. Clare Safran-Norton, clinical supervisor of rehabilitation services at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital.

What's different

Age-related physical changes aren't always obvious. "We lose muscle mass and strength as we get older, and the muscles become less flexible and less hydrated," says Dr. Safran-Norton. Arthritis weakens joints. And vision changes, neurological disease, joint pain, or problems inside the ear can throw off your balance.

News briefs

Spring is on the way, which means allergy season is around the corner. But it's not just springtime pollen that can trigger a runny nose and itchy, watery eyes. Indoor allergens — such as mold, pet dander, and dust mites — can lead to allergy symptoms in some people or make allergy and asthma symptoms worse. And a study published Nov. 30, 2017, in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that 90% of homes have three or more allergens, with at least one allergen at high levels in 73% of homes. Researchers combed through information collected in a large national survey that also assessed allergen levels in bedroom dust collected from nearly 7,000 U.S. households. The presence of pets and pests (cockroaches, rodents) were the major contributors to high levels of indoor allergens in participating homes. Study authors recommend reducing indoor allergens by sealing entry points for pests, keeping pets out of the bedroom, and making sure each week to wash bedding in hot water and vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture.

News briefs

Here's some encouraging news about how many sugary drinks we're guzzling in the United States: an observational study led by Harvard researchers, published online Nov. 14, 2017, by Obesity, suggests that consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages fell significantly between 2004 and 2014. Researchers looked at data collected from more than 18,000 children and teens and more than 27,000 adults ages 20 or older. Every two years, people were asked about the kinds of drinks they'd had in the previous 24 hours, such as soda or juice. About 60% of kids and 50% of adults reported drinking a sugary beverage on any given day in 2014, down from 80% of kids and about 62% of adults in 2004. The percentage of adults ages 60 or older who reported drinking a sugary beverage on any given day dropped from 46% in 2004 to 39% in 2014. While the declines are a step in the right direction, consumption of these drinks was still highest among those at higher risk for obesity, such as African American and Hispanic participants (across all age groups). Remember: the average can of soda has about 40 grams of added sugar, far more than the American Heart Association's recommended limit of 24 grams of added sugar per day for women, and 36 grams per day for men. Consuming too much added sugar is associated with weight gain and an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes and a heart attack.

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Despite their striking colors — ruby red, golden yellow, and even candy-striped — beets aren't exactly the most popular vegetable on the block. But what if you make them sound more enticing? It turns out that people may eat more "dynamite chili and tangy lime-seasoned beets" than plain old "beets."

In a study done at a Stanford University cafeteria, researchers found that people ate about 25% more vegetables if the selections were described in indulgent terms rather than basic or healthy terms (such as "lighter-choice beets with no added sugar") even though all the dishes were prepared exactly the same way. Other examples of indulgently named veggie dishes included "zesty ginger-turmeric sweet potatoes" and "sweet sizzlin' green beans and crispy shallots." So if you're hoping to entice friends or family to try beets (or other vegetables), add some appealing adjectives to the description.

On call

Q. I have tried to quit smoking many times without success. Are electronic cigarettes a good way to help break the habit?

A. Electronic cigarettes (or e-cigarettes) have gained popularity over the past few years, but their effectiveness in helping smokers quit and their long-term safety remain uncertain. E-cigarettes use a battery-powered heating element to vaporize a nicotine liquid, which is then inhaled like cigarette smoke. E-cigarettes are now available in a variety of styles with added flavors in the liquid.

You may no longer play the role of breadwinner and family man, but there are still ways to stay engaged with life.

 Image: © Ildo Frazao/Thinkstock

For most of their adult lives, men are defined by what they do and how they do it, from their chosen career to their role in the family. However, as you age, you can lose your once-defined sense of purpose — the desire to pursue goals, feel life is worth living, and have a general enthusiasm for living.

You retire, the nest empties out, and you may have accomplished most of your personal and professional goals. "What do I do for the rest of my life?" becomes a nagging question.