The stock market crash of 1929 wasn't unpredictable to some observers of economic trends and risks, but it took most of the country by surprise when the market lost 25% of its value over Oct. 19 an...

The stock market crash of 1929 wasn't unpredictable to some observers of economic trends and risks, but it took most of the country by surprise when the market lost 25% of its value over Oct. 19 and 20, 1929, and another 25% over the next several weeks. Seems it's an unfortunate part of human nature to avoid alarming alerts.

These days, it appears 85% of electronic health record alerts to providers and 95% of alerts to medical assistants that tell them a patient is prescribed a high-risk anticholinergic medication and suggest alternatives go unread and unheeded. That's what researchers found when they investigated whether or not anyone was paying attention to notifications that older patients were being prescribed specific medications that block acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that influences memory, alertness and planning skills and could lead to dementia.

Every year, one in four older adults gets a prescription for these medications to ease depression, urinary incontinence, irritable bowel syndrome, allergies, sleep issues, GERD and Parkinson's disease. In some cases, they should be de-prescribed (you don't want to stop abruptly - that may trigger its own health hazards) and alternatives found.

Since alerts are ignored, once again the burden falls on the shoulder of older patients and caregivers to ask each doctor if any prescribed medication - or any over-the-counter ones being used - are anticholinergic and if alternatives are available. You can look for a list of anticholinergics medications or medications affecting dementia risk on Google or search for anticholinergics at health.clevelandclinic.org.

©2021 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Over the years, home-remodeling shows from "This Old House" to the "Property Brothers" have inspired millions of fans to redo their house - even gut it and rebuild from the base...

Over the years, home-remodeling shows from "This Old House" to the "Property Brothers" have inspired millions of fans to redo their house - even gut it and rebuild from the basement to the roof.

Well, a new study published in the journal Cell shows you how to do a gut renovation in just 10 weeks in order to rebuild your immune system, damp down inflammation and ease damage done by chronic diseases such as diabetes.

The researchers found that eating yogurt, kefir and fermented cottage cheese (we recommend nondairy versions - and no sugar added), as well as kimchi and other fermented vegetables, vegetable brine drinks and kombucha tea increased overall microbial diversity and decreased inflammatory provocateurs - and the more fermented foods you eat, the stronger the remodeling effect.

Specifically, the researchers found that eating fermented foods decreased levels of certain overstimulated immune cells and 19 inflammatory proteins. How does that help? Well, one of those proteins, interleukin 6, has been linked to conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Type 2 diabetes and chronic stress - and the immune cells and other proteins add fuel to the fire as well.

An inflamed immune system, which gets hyper-revved from a lack of physical exercise, stress and a diet loaded with ultraprocessed foods, sugars, egg yolks, and red and processed meats, can be tamed. So if you battle chronic health problems, here's your chance to remodel your gut biome. Check out "Fermented Foods Grocery List" on DoctorOz.com, and Dr. Mike's "What to Eat When Cookbook" for great recipes using these foods.

©2021 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Michael Corleone in "The Godfather" says, "My father taught me many things ... he taught me keep your friends close, but your enemies closer." Not the formula for a relaxed and ...

Michael Corleone in "The Godfather" says, "My father taught me many things ... he taught me keep your friends close, but your enemies closer." Not the formula for a relaxed and happy life. Keep your friends close and your cortisol levels low - now that's a much better recommendation for a long and healthy future.

A new study in the Journal of Women and Aging looked at friendships and conversation quality in young and older women. The researchers found that in times of stress, women can kick in a tend-and-befriend response instead of fight-or-flight, and that impulse helps lower their level of stress hormones - cortisol in particular.

That, in turn, reduces the harm that chronically-elevated levels of cortisol can do to the body by pumping up blood glucose, causing body-wide inflammation, reducing immune system function and increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease.

Other studies have shown similar health benefits of social relationships.

- One American-U.K. study from the mid-20th century found that six friend contacts a month were the best way to ease the adverse health effects of stressful life events.

- A 2010 review of research found that having strong social ties increased longevity as much as quitting smoking.

- A three-year Swedish study of more than 13,600 men and women found that having few or no close friends increased the risk of having a first-time heart attack by about 50%.

Especially now, as the world opens up (if you are vaccinated), we hope you take advantage of opportunities to improve your well-being by enjoying the company of others.

©2021 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.