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What does a birth doula do?

Childbirth — painful, messy, unpredictable — has been part of humankind for time immemorial. And in the US, which has surprisingly high rates of avoidable complications and maternal deaths, more people seem to be seeking out doulas for additional care during pregnancy and birth, says Natalia Richey, interim chief midwife in the Department of Obstetrics […]

Want to reduce your risk of dementia? Get your hearing checked today

Are you having a little trouble hearing conversations? If so, you’re not alone. An estimated 23% of Americans ages 12 and older have hearing loss. Although most of those people have mild hearing loss, for people ages 80 years and older, it’s more common for hearing loss to be moderate to severe than mild. But […]

Does running cause arthritis?

When I took up running in college, a friend of mine scoffed at the idea. He hated running and was convinced runners were “wearing out” their joints. He liked to say he was saving his knees for his old age. So, was he onto something? Does running really ruin your joints, as many people believe? […]

Do children get migraine headaches? What parents need to know

Headaches are very common in children and teens. In fact, more than half will suffer from headaches at some point, and by 18 years the majority of adolescents have had them. And while most headaches are part of a viral illness, some are migraines. In fact, recurring migraines affect as many as one in 10 […]

When should you hire in-home help or health aides?

Most people want to age in place and live at home for as long as possible: according to an AARP survey, three-quarters of people 50 and older are hoping to do so. But managing this successfully may mean hiring outside help, such as health aides who can assist you with daily activities that have become […]

A tough question: When should an older driver stop driving?

Part 1 of a two-part series on making decisions about driving as we age. Read Part 2 here. When my grandmother repeatedly clipped the mailbox backing out of her driveway, she always had a ready explanation: "the sun was in my eyes" or "your grandfather distracted me." Our family knew we needed to take action. […]

3 ways to create community and counter loneliness

Loneliness is complicated. You can feel lonely when you lack friends and miss companionship, or when you’re surrounded by people — even friends and family. Either way, loneliness can have devastating health effects. It boosts risk for coronary artery disease, stroke, depression, high blood pressure, declining thinking skills, inability to perform daily living tasks, and […]

Veins are a key player in the body: Here’s why

Blood circulation is vital to our health. Our arteries deliver oxygen, energy-rich nutrients, hormones, immune cells, and other essentials throughout the body. When deliveries are cut off, organs and tissue can be irreversibly damaged within minutes. But a second part of blood circulation is also vitally important: the return trip. After our arteries deliver the […]

21 spices for healthy holiday foods

The holiday season is one of the hardest times of the year to resist salty, fatty, sugary foods. Who doesn’t want to enjoy the special dishes and treats that evoke memories and meaning — especially during the pandemic? Physical distancing and canceled gatherings may make you feel that indulging is a way to pull some […]

What to do when driving skills decline

Part 2 of a two-part series on making decisions about driving as we age. Read Part 1 here. It’s a simple but unfortunate fact: driving skills can wane over time. Eventually, driving can become unsafe for an older driver, their passengers, and others on the road. If you notice a decline in driving abilities in […]