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UMass Memorial Health is debunking myths about osteoporosis. Unlike mammograms and colonoscopies, osteoporosis and bone density tests don’t get as much airtime or visibility. As a result, we’ve heard myths about the disease and screenings, and we want to set the record straight. 

Myth: I don’t have any risk factors, so I don’t need to be screened. 

You may think you don’t have any risk factors for osteoporosis, but in addition to the ones below, there are other diseases, medications and procedures that contribute to your bones weakening. 

Common risk factors:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Smoking
• Excessive...

A vegetarian option for pizza with red sauce, red onion and red pepper 

(Serves 1)

We know sleep is important to our well-being. But getting it can be challenging. Stress, caffeine and poor work/life balance can interfere a restful night. But sleep apnea — a serious, potentially life-threatening disorder — can also be the culprit. 

One of the chief causes of non-restful sleep is snoring – an issue in which its potential seriousness is underrated. Snoring occurs when the muscles in our airway relax and collapse, causing a narrowing in the throat and the rear of the mouth. As air flows past the relaxed tissue, it vibrates, causing a coarse or harsh sound. 

When that tissue...

These summertime smoothies are quick, easy and healthy. Replace any fruit with what's in season to add variety. 

Pineapple Smoothie - Just three ingredients make this smoothie delish: pineapple chunks, vanilla yogurt and ice. Quick and yummy! 

Blueberry Banana Smoothie - Past ripe bananas work perfectly in smoothies. Peel them, wrap them in plastic, and freeze them. 

Summer Breeze Smoothie - Try this healthy treat for summertime featuring strawberries, bananas and pineapple.

It'll take just 60 seconds of your time to watch our Health Watch video to learn about preventing UV light damage to your eyes. 

Ultraviolet (UV) light can cause damage to all parts of the eye, leading to eye issues including vision impairment, cataracts and retinal degeneration. Most of this dangerous UV light exposure comes from sunlight, but can also come from workplace exposure. Learn from Juan Ding, OD, optometrist at UMass Memorial Eye Center, how UV light hurts your eyes and what you can do to protect your eyes. 

Certain drugs cause sun sensitivity like rashes and an increased risk of sunburn. If you’re taking these medications, take extra precautions to protect yourself when outdoors. These drugs, known as photosensitizing drugs, increase the risk of developing a rash in response to sunlight. There are two different types of photosensitive drug reactions: phototoxic and photoallergic. 

Phototoxic drug reactions result in a burning rash similar to sunburn. They could cause a rash in any individual who has taken a high-enough dose of the drug and has been exposed to enough ultraviolet rays. Some of the...

Being a child or teen seems not nearly as fun as it used to be. Who’s posting what on social media, worries about getting good grades, relationships at school, home environment and peer pressure have today’s kids feeling the stress to perform, fit in and stand out. When it comes to stress and children, know how to identify signs and find solutions.

According to an article published in JAMA Pediatrics, youngsters in 2020 experienced considerably more stress and depression than in 2016. The report states that anxiety rose from 7.1% to 9.2% (a 29% increase), and that the rate of depression went...

The progression of Alzheimer's disease can be heartbreaking for sufferers and families. In the early stages, patients may experience minor memory loss and confusion – known as mild cognitive decline. Patients can stop recognizing their loved ones as the disease advances and become easily agitated. With an aging U.S. population, Alzheimer's disease is currently ranked as the seventh leading cause of death. Can Alzheimer's disease be prevented? 

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's. Treatment focuses on slowing progression and preserving the quality of life for both patient and caregiver...

Some of the most common environmental health risks can impact a child’s health and development. These household poisons include carbon monoxide poisoning, mercury poisoning, household chemicals and pesticides, polluted water and lead poisoning. Each of these dangers could be present in your home. You can improve safety by controlling the amount of household poisons that your child is exposed to by putting a few preventative measures in place.

Poison Safety Tips

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• Don’t leave cars or lawn equipment running in the garage.
• Never use gas ovens or burners for heating your home.
• I...