SOCIAL ANXIETY

Q: I’m less interested in going out or travel­ing these days. My kids think it’s anxiety. I think I’m just happier at home. Are they right? A: They may have reason for concern if less social interaction or if not getting a  “change of scenery” very often seems to be … Read More

WHITE COAT SYNDROME

Q: I’ve been told I have white coat hypertension. Will this be a problem in the years ahead? A: White coat hypertension describes the phenomenon (often called white coat syndrome) in which some individuals have a much higher blood pressure reading in their doctor’s office than they normally do at … Read More

Keep Walking to Lower Your Depression Risk

In an analysis of 33 observational studies involving more than 96,000 adults, researchers found that higher daily step counts were associated with fewer depressive symptoms. The research, published online recently in JAMA Network Open, suggests that logging at least 5,000 steps daily is associated with reduced depression symptoms compared with … Read More

Ask the EN Experts March 2025

Did you know? Reducing the number of processed foods in your diet is one of the most straightforward ways to support overall health and well-being. Start by cooking more meals at home. Preparing meals from scratch allows you to control ingredients and avoid added sugars, unhealthy fats, and preservatives. Stock … Read More

Ovarian Cancer Blood Test

Q: Given there is a blood test for ovarian cancer, why is the disease so hard to diagnose? A: Ovarian cancer is difficult to diagnose early because the symptoms (which include chronic abdominal bloating, constipation, urinary urgency, and low back pain) are nonspecific enough for many women to either ignore … Read More

Safety of Silicone Bakeware?

Q:  Is Silicone Bakeware Safe to Use? A: Silicone bakeware, made from a synthetic polymer composed of silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen, has become a popular kitchen tool due to its nonstick properties, flexibility, and heat resistance. It can typically withstand temperatures from -40°F to 450°F (-40°C to 232°C), making … Read More

Protein Needs as We Age

Experts agree that protein intake is important for maintaining health and mobility with age, and in fact, research suggests that older adults may need even more protein than younger people. While there are reasons for older adults to not consume too much protein, not getting enough is a more common … Read More

Learning Sign Language

Q: My daughter and son-in-law are teaching their baby American Sign Language. No one in the family has hearing impairment. I applaud them for doing this, but could this interfere with my grandson’s learning to speak? A: On the contrary, there is plenty of research to suggest that babies who … Read More