Weather and certain foods may be triggering your migraines. An unconventional treatment could help ease your pain
That pounding in your head may be more than just a bad headache. We look at the common migraine triggers you may not know about and an unconventional treatment that could ease your pain.
More than 80% of women donโt know theyโre at greater risk for Alzheimerโs disease
Nearly two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimerโs disease are women, but according to a new Womenโs Alzheimerโs Movement at Cleveland Clinic survey, 82% of women arenโt even aware that theyโre at greater risk for developing the disease.
Why opening day may boost your mood
Despite the pandemic, baseball fans across the country are gearing up for opening day. According to Scott Bea, a psychologist with Cleveland Clinic, the first crack of the bat, along with the start of spring, can really lift our moods. That the weatherโs going to get better and maybe my team will make it to the World Series,โ Dr. Bea said. He added, people who struggle with seasonal depression typically donโt start to feel better until the weather actually gets warmer and the sun is out longer. But for those of us who may just have the winter โblahsโ โ the first signs of spring can provide a boost.
Tips for reducing your COVID-19 risk while traveling
Dr. Esper said driving is a safer alternative. But, it is best to not be around other people,โ said Dr. Esper. โThereโs no difference between travel restrictions for vaccinated and unvaccinated. We donโt know that yet,โ Dr. Esper said. Also, if youโre leaving the state, itโs a good idea to check pandemic travel restrictions, as they vary from state-to-state.
Travel not recommended for spring break this year
The Cleveland Clinic is advising Americans against traveling for spring break, saying the coast is not yet clear. Spring break is just around the corner and many families are longing for a warm, sunny destination. Even though COVID-19 case numbers are trending down, that doesnโt mean itโs time to hit the road, just yet. AdEven if youโre vaccinated, travel is not recommended at this time. Whether youโre vaccinated or not, we still need to keep wearing the masks, stay socially distant, avoid the crowds and, for right now, try to minimize your travel,โ Dr. Esper said.
Understanding how COVID-19 precautions ease after vaccination
Weโre finally starting to get some freedom from COVID-19, thanks to the vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced fewer restrictions for people who are fully vaccinated. Dr. Englund said the updated guidelines give people with a full vaccine series a break from some COVID-19 restrictions. Also, people who are vaccinated are now permitted to visit unvaccinated people from a single household indoors, without a mask. Dr. Englund added, itโs important to note post-vaccination guidelines are only for small gatherings with people you know.
Dealing with Daylight Saving Time-induced drowsiness
Now that weโve sprung forward, you may be feeling that lost hour of sleep. It may not seem like much, but losing even an hour, in an already sleep-deprived society, can have health implications. Also, when weโre not commuting to work in the morning, weโre exposed to less light and our bodies need daylight to help regulate our internal clock. Daylight saving time adds to the sleep deprivation weโre already experiencing. She explained, exercise increases your body temperature which helps wake you up and will allow you to function better.
These snacks can help you relieve stress
Weโre all feeling the stress of the pandemic and many of us head straight to the kitchen to cope. Studies have shown that citrus aroma is actually calming and soothing.โPumpkin seeds, which are packed with magnesium, are another stress-relieving snack. โStudies have shown that people who have low magnesium actually have higher anxiety levels.โAnd if you struggle with emotional eating, just two Brazil nuts each day may help, according to Albers. If stress is keeping you up at night โ Dr. Albers said tart cherries, or cherry juice, may help ease your mind. Finally, Dr. Albers noted that adding cinnamon to food can help regulate blood sugar, and its scent may make you feel less stressed too.
Why lymph nodes might swell after the COVID-19 vaccine
If youโve received a COVID-19 vaccine, you may have noticed some swollen lymph nodes. โWe know that lymph node swelling can be a common reaction, or side effect, to any vaccine -- especially the flu vaccine or the shingles vaccine that weโve had lots of experience with over the years,โ she said. โAnd that seems to be especially true following the COVID vaccine.โDean said a small number of patients have reported swollen lymph nodes under the arm two-to-four days after vaccination, on average. AdHowever, lymph node swelling is sometimes associated with cancer, causing some people to worry. If you happen to have a routine mammogram scheduled around the time of your COVID-19 vaccine, Dr. Dean encourages women to see it through and simply let your medical team know youโve recently been vaccinated.
Get back on track with colon cancer screening
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States and doctors fear delays in screening and diagnosis may lead to more advanced stage cancers and poor outcomes. Colorectal cancer is preventable when pre-cancerous polyps are found and removed, thatโs why screening is so important. AdDr. Steele said a colonoscopy is considered the โgold standardโ in colorectal screening, but at-home options are available too. The American Cancer Society recommends adults at average risk for colorectal cancer be screened at age 45. People at high risk, including those with a family history of polyps or colon cancer, may be due sooner.
Continue COVID-19 precautions after getting the vaccine
If youโve gotten a COVID-19 vaccine, you may be wondering if pandemic precautions are still necessary. About two weeks after the second vaccine, recipients are 95% protected from COVID-19. Doctors are still trying to determine if someone whoโs been vaccinated can carry and pass the virus to somebody whoโs unvaccinated โ so, precautions are still necessary. AdVirus variants are another reason to continue COVID safety measures, just in case a variant emerges that isnโt covered by the vaccine. If youโre spending time with people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, Dr. Englund said safety rules still apply.
Choosing a diet to shed pandemic weight gain
Nearly half of Americans say theyโve gained weight during the pandemic, according to a recent survey. AdThen, thereโs the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, or DASH, diet โ which focuses on foods to help lower blood pressure. And thereโs also a newer combination of the two called the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, or MIND diet. โThat diet has been shown, with rigorous adherence, to reduce the risk of Alzheimerโs and dementia by about 53%, so this is really a brain boosting diet,โ said Kirkpatrick. If youโre having trouble deciding what diet is right for you, talk to your healthcare provider or enlist the help of a dietician.
COVID stress: Tips for managing pandemic headaches
Dr. Emad Estemalik, a headache specialist with Cleveland Clinic, said the daily stress weโre feeling over COVID-19 can cause our heads to pound. So, how can we reduce stress, and our risk for headaches? He also advises a walk outdoors, meditation or yoga to relieve stress. Poor sleep quality can lead to headaches too, so itโs best to turn off electronics in the evening to help calm your mind. He adds that exercise is another good way to relieve stress, and therefore ward off tension-related headaches.
Many skip heart care and medication over COVID-19 concerns
According to a recent survey, many Americans are putting their heart health on the back burner due to fear of contracting COVID-19. But, according to a recent survey many Americans are putting their heart health on the back burner due to fear of contracting COVID-19. โThis is not a good idea because blood pressure, cholesterol can go up,โ said Dr. Kapadia. โAnd if you ever contract COVID, these kinds of situations can make the outcomes even worse, so filling medications, taking medications regularly, having proper levels to check if the medications are working or not. So, the weight gain, in all terms, cardiovascular health, or general health, is not a good outcome,โ said Dr. Kapadia.
Quarantine brings some couples closer together
A recent survey shows some couples feel the quarantine has actually brought them closer together. There were many predictions that quarantine was going to have a negative impact on relationships and lead to more break ups and divorces. But, a recent survey shows some couples feel it actually brought them closer together. โIn a review of over 43 different studies and 11,000 couples interviewed, the number one factor in keeping couples together, and close, is expressing appreciation of your significant other,โ said Dr. Albers. It can be small or something that is really significant to who they are.โIf you find yourself having relationship troubles, Dr. Albers encourages reaching out to a couples counselor.
Ablation more effective than medication for intermittent A-Fib, study says
Atrial Fibrillation, or AFib, is an irregular heartbeat that can cause poor blood flow. Atrial Fibrillation, or AFib, is an irregular heartbeat that can cause poor blood flow. Patients received the standard medication, or a cryo balloon ablation. After a year, 75% of the patients who received an ablation were still free from AFib. AdIn comparison, only 45% of the patients who received medication were still AFib-free.
A healthy diet helps keep your immune system strong
We all want a healthy immune system to help fight off infection, especially during a pandemic. Vitamin D also supports immune health, but the body doesnโt absorb it well from food, so youโll want to consider a supplemental form, like D3. AdโItโs also important to talk about things that make the immune system less likely to perform well, so that is highly processed foods, fast foods, added sugars, those all negatively impact gut health and negatively impact the immune system as well,โ Kirkpatrick said. She also recommends switching to a whole foods diet, which is primarily plant based, to keep your immune system strong. Regular exercise and good sleep habits will also help immune health.
Survey shows some donโt realize COVID-19 can harm heart
A Cleveland Clinic survey shows some Americans donโt realize the impact coronavirus can have on heart health. A Cleveland Clinic survey shows some Americans donโt realize the impact coronavirus can have on heart health. He added, those with heart disease are at particularly high risk for severe COVID-19 infection and complications, but the survey shows more than 60% are unaware. AdAnd nearly 70% donโt realize hypertension increases risk for a severe case of coronavirus. So, donโt delay care for concerning symptoms, or for check-ups to help manage chronic heart and medical conditions.