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Last fall, 80-year-old Joyce had her cholesterol levels checked. When her lab results came back, there was good news mixed with some bad. Her “good” cholesterol (HDL) was excellent, but her “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and her total cholesterol were both too high. Her family physician recommended she...
2022 has not been good for Joyce, a dear friend of mine. She turned 80 years old and two weeks later was informed that her breast cancer had returned and spread to her bones. Luckily, she has responded very well to the medications they are giving her to suppress it. The only issue is her "bad"...
Sally, a 75-year-old, asked me this question last week.
Good question. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that works as a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants can protect cells from dangerous compounds called free radicals. We produce free radicals in our bodies during specific cell processes. Free...
Super easy autumn casserole
With the time change upon us, the holidays are nearly here. I want to share with you one of my very favorite recipes. I started making it over 25 years ago and have never seen this particular combination of flavors in any cookbook.
It’s super easy to make, with only 5...
Two weeks ago, 86-year-old Jim tumbled down his front porch steps. He caught himself before he hit his head but scraped a 3-inch gouge out of his left forearm. When I asked how he was doing, he showed me his left arm, which two weeks later was still open, and oozing a clear fluid.
“I clean it with...
Q: I’m starting radiation treatments soon for breast cancer. How can I keep my skin from being burned?
During radiation treatments for cancer, nearly 8 out of 10 people will develop some form of skin irritation called “radiation dermatitis." Radiation can cause redness and warmth, much like having...
Since menopause, I've noticed dryness and itching “down there.” Is there anything besides hormone pills that can help?
Vaginal dryness and discomfort affect over 75% of post-menopausal women. These symptoms also commonly affect women taking anti-estrogen medicines for breast cancer.
Without...
Years ago, while speaking to 120 pharmacy students in an auditorium in Pullman, Washington, I had my first hot flash. I noticed my scalp suddenly feeling hot and prickly. Two heartbeats later, a shower of sweat gushed down my neck and back. In less than 5 seconds, I was soaking wet!
Can...
Last month, I needed to make a dessert for a potluck. I had recently purchased an entire box of locally grown peaches from a lady who goes to our church. The fresh fruit was marvelous, but I needed to use the rest of them quickly. One peachy possibility for the potluck was a peach pie. However, I...
Q: Which ear drops remove ear wax best?
Some people (like yours truly) are enthusiastic earwax producers and ask themselves this question frequently.
The medical name for earwax is cerumen, which comes from the Latin word "cera," which means wax. But cerumen isn’t really a “wax” at all. It’s a...
Ward Media Newspapers
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