Health
Health and wellness news, articles, discussions and more in The Villages, Florida. Medical doctors, physical therapists, and other professionals offering tips/information on improving health and wellness for Villagers, The Villages, and surrounding communities. Submit your health and wellness-related articles for consideration!
Suspected carcinogens in some sunscreens
A recent study found that 75 percent of more than 1,850 sunscreen products evaluated either offered poor skin protection from the sun or contain ingredients that may harm your health.
What causes long COVID?
The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 13.3 percent of patients who develop COVID-19 will suffer from Long COVID syndrome. Dr. Gabe Mirkin breaks down what you need to know.
First conventional COVID-19 vaccine approved for ages 18-up
The U.S. government has purchased 3.2 million doses of a new vaccine to combat COVID-19.
Avocados linked to reduced heart attack risk
Avocados are particularly healthful because they are full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and soluble fiber, and contain almost no saturated fat. Dr. Gabe Mirkin has details.
Monkeypox is spreading faster than expected
Dr. Gabe Mirkin writes that Monkeypox is spreading faster than medical experts originally predicted.
Older vegetarians at increased risk for muscle loss
A study has found that older vegetarians are at an increased risk for muscle loss. Dr. Gabe Mirkin offers some advice.
Eat and sleep to recover from intense exercise
Top endurance athletes use hydration, nutrition, and sleep to help them recover from intense exercise. Dr. Gabe Mirkin says it will work for you, too.
Elvis biopic sparks renewed interest in myth that constipation killed The King
The new Elvis biopic has prompted numerous Google searches inquiring as to what killed The King of Rock ’n Roll. Thousands of those searches in the past week have led to this 2021 column by Dr. Gabe Mirkin, published in Villages-News.com.
Lifestyle changes can lower blood pressure
Dr. Gabe Mirkin advises that correcting a faulty diet is the most important lifestyle change that can be made when combating conditions like high blood pressure.
Sumter County Health Department warns of higher-than-normal cases of the flu
Cases of influenza detected locally and across the state of Florida are higher than expected for this time of year.
Mickey Gilley and the world’s biggest honky-tonk
Country music legend Mickey Gilley was catapulted to mainstream fame thanks to the 1980 movie, “Urban Cowboy.” He has died at age 86 from complications of bone cancer.
Daily aspirin beneficial primarily for people at high risk for a heart attack
Dr. Gabe Mirkin writes that a daily aspirin regimin is beneficial primarily for people at high risk for a heart attack.
Inspirational Success Stories: How the TayCo External Ankle Brace Gave Me My Life Back. An Alternative to the Walking Boot Helps Patients Return to...
The TayCo External Ankle Brace, an alternative to a walking boot, has helped many patients return to their daily activities.
Wrestling superstar’s heavy drinking contributed to his early death
Wrestling superstar Scott Hall, better known as Razor Ramon, drank heavily and it contributed to his early death. Dr. Gabe Mirkin looks back on his life.
Cancer patients benefit from exercise
Exercise is recommended as part of the treatment for cancer. Dr. Gabe Mirkin breaks down the benefits.
High triglycerides a major risk factor for heart attacks and diabetes
Dr. Gabe Mirkin warns that Americans suffer from high triglyceride levels. He offers some advice.
Be sure your diet contains adequate protein and Vitamin B12
Dr. Gabe Mirkin warns that older people in particular can be harmed by vegan diets because these deficiencies may increase their chances of suffering from muscle weakness, osteoporosis, lack of coordination, falls and broken bones .
Marijuana and hemp may have harmful effects on the brain
The American Heart Association has reported that cannabinoid chemicals in marijuana and hemp may have harmful effects on the brain. Dr. Gabe Mirkin looks at the research.
Should you take melatonin to help you fall asleep?
Melatonin pills are widely advertised to help you fall asleep at night, but scientific studies showing its benefits are controversial. Dr. Gabe Mirkin offers his recommendation.
Exercise reduces risk for dementia
Studies show that exercise is effective at reducing the risk for dementia. Dr. Gabe Mirkin breaks down the research.
Booster dose reduces COVID-19 transmission and infection
Dr. Gabe Mirkin writes that the initial, second and booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccines have been remarkably effective in reducing the disease’s infections, hospitalizations, intensive care admissions, intubations and deaths.
Obesity increases risk for severe symptoms and death from COVID-19
Dr. Gabe Mirkin writes that research shows that obesity increases the risk for severe symptoms and death from COVID-19.
Heart attack claimed life of ‘Game of Thrones’ giant
Dr. Gabe Mirkin looks back at the life of a "Game of Thrones" giant who died at the young age of 36.