health and wellness Archives - Komando.com The Kim Komando Show: America's top weekend talk radio program about all things digital! Free tips, downloads, software, newsletters, advice and more about the home electronics, digital cameras, photography, TVs, online security, gadgets and more. Tue, 06 Feb 2024 23:12:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.komando.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cropped-favicon512x512-32x32.png health and wellness Archives - Komando.com 32 32 166923932 Phones that emit the most (and least) radiation https://www.komando.com/gadgets/phones-emit-radiation/900717/ Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

“Kim, I’m concerned that my phone is going to give me cancer. My wife tells me I’m paranoid. What do you think? Thank you for your newsletters and shows. It helps me keep up with our two teens.” — Robert in San Antonio, Texas

I understand your concerns, Robert. The FCC says the radiation coming from your cellphone is no big deal. A cancer surgeon friend told me he begs to differ. I play it safe and keep my phone away from my body and head as much as possible. (Yes, I’m that person taking calls on my AirPods or speakerphone.)

Click here to read full story.

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Tech millionaire trying to live forever spends $2 million https://www.komando.com/lifestyle/tech-to-live-forever/900628/ Mon, 05 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=900628

Don’t die. That’s 46-year-old Bryan Johnson’s main goal in life.

Bryan made $400 million when he sold his credit card processing company to eBay. Today, he lives in Los Angeles as a self-proclaimed “rejuvenation athlete” — and spends his time and money trying to turn back the clock.

Click here to read full story.

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Sorry, your smartwatch isn’t as accurate as you think https://www.komando.com/gadgets/bad-smartwatch-medical-advice/894029/ Sun, 04 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/gadgets/bad-smartwatch-medical-advice/894029/

Sensors in today’s smartwatches can detect your heartbeat, track how you sleep and even monitor blood oxygen levels. If Apple gets its way, your watch will be able to track your blood sugar (and possibly send reports about it to your doctor).

If you’ve ever wondered, “Just how accurate are these smartwatch readings?” You’re far from alone, so I took a look. Smartwatches and fitness watches have some serious flaws you should know about.

Click here to read full story.

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Tragic loss of life tied to supplements sold online https://www.komando.com/lifestyle/weight-loss-scams-2024/900070/ Mon, 22 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=900070

I ran into an acquaintance I hadn’t seen for a few years, and she’d lost a ton of weight. I asked her, “Did you start an exercise program?” Nope. She’s taking supplements she heard about on TikTok. That bothered the heck out of me, so I did some research.

What I found was frightening

Lewis Brown took health supplements containing a drug called DNP, which led to his internal body temperature skyrocketing to 103.64 degrees Fahrenheit. Although he survived, Brown had a leg muscle surgically removed.

Click here to read full story.

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Kim’s Christmas dinner: Healthy chicken pot pie https://www.komando.com/how-tos/healthy-chicken-pot-pie/899121/ Sun, 24 Dec 2023 19:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=899121

Hello, from my kitchen to yours! I’m making this for Christmas dinner because it’s always a hit. Everyone loves a hearty, cozy slice. It’s like a hug in a bowl. And they don’t know it’s pretty darn good for them!

Grab your Instant Pot and let’s get cookin’.

Click here to read full story.

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Organize all your health records with this built-in smartphone feature https://www.komando.com/lifestyle-reviews/apple-health-app-tips/869512/ Sat, 23 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Health apps track your steps, heart rate, sleep patterns and more. But they’re capable of so much more. You can add your health information to certain apps to keep all your records in one place and share them with your doctors. You can even track your medication.

These health apps are quite helpful if you have someone in your life with medical problems or an elderly family member who needs assistance keeping up with their medications and doctor appointments. Here’s how it works.

Click here to read full story.

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Unlock the secrets of your slumber: Best sleep-tracking tech https://www.komando.com/technology/best-sleep-tracking-tech/896093/ Sat, 25 Nov 2023 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=896093

Ah, sleep — the one thing we all love but never seem to get enough of. You’re tossing and turning, counting sheep, or maybe out like a light but still wake up feeling like you’ve pulled an all-nighter. How can you crack the code of quality slumber? 

Luckily, there’s an array of gadgets and apps designed to tell you if you’re sleeping like a baby or need to rethink your nighttime rituals. So, let’s dive in and find out what’s hot in the world of sleep tech.

Click here to read full story.

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Imagine stepping into an AI-powered doctor’s office – Now you can https://www.komando.com/technology/ai-powered-doctors-office/897403/ Sat, 25 Nov 2023 14:00:00 +0000

When I saw this news, I had to share it with you. In our latest episode of “Black Mirror” comes to life, new AI-powered health care tech just dropped. I did a ton of research, so you know what it is when it pops into your hometown. And this is def a talker around the dinner table.

Inside the so-called CarePod, you can get your blood drawn, a blood pressure reading and a strep throat test … without a real live doctor or nurse present. That’s right. Just you and AI in a room. Say it with me out loud, “Holy mother of robots!”

Click here to read full story.

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FDA warning: 27 over-the-counter eye drops pose serious health risks https://www.komando.com/lifestyle/eye-drops-recall/896169/ Sun, 05 Nov 2023 19:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=896169

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning, urging you not to buy and immediately discontinue the use of 27 over-the-counter eye drop products. It comes as a result of the potential risk of eye infections that could ultimately lead to partial vision loss or even blindness.

If you’ve used any of these products and are experiencing signs or symptoms of an eye infection, it’s important to consult your health care provider or seek immediate medical attention.

Click here to read full story.

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Ask a tech expert: How can I make it easier for my mom with dementia to find her shows? https://www.komando.com/tech-tips/simplifying-tv/894657/ Wed, 04 Oct 2023 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=894657

Our mother has dementia, and the TV patients use at their home is connected to a cable system. Is there a simpler solution than having them select an input and then finding a station they want to watch? I know we are not the only ones going through this. So frustrating.

Todd in Minnesota

What a pain, Todd. You’re a good son to try to make this easier for her. I found an excellent solution for you: the SofaBaton X1 universal remote control

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Your tech could interfere with medical implants — How to stay safe https://www.komando.com/tech-tips/medical-implant-tech-risks/893473/ Thu, 07 Sep 2023 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=893473

Most of us know someone with implanted pacemakers or defibrillators — and I’m willing to bet those people use tech in their everyday lives.

Here’s the scary news: Magnetic fields from everyday tech can cause life-saving devices to malfunction. Yes, iPhones are on the list, but so are iPads, Apple Watches, AirPods, Macs, HomePods and Beats. 

Click here to read full story.

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Why asking Siri, Google or Alexa for medical advice is a terrible idea https://www.komando.com/lifestyle/smart-assistant-medical-advice/893074/ Wed, 30 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=893074

You’re suddenly thrown into a situation where you must perform CPR to save a life. Oh no. You don’t remember anything from that course 15 years ago.

You might think a quick “Hey Siri” would pull up the instructions quickly and clearly, but that’s absolutely the worst thing to do. In a recent study, researchers asked voice assistants questions related to cardiac arrest emergencies. Yep. It was a complete disaster.

Click here to read full story.

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Don’t buy the hype — Blue-light glasses don’t work https://www.komando.com/technology/blue-light-glasses-study/892601/ Mon, 21 Aug 2023 08:00:00 +0000

You make yourself feel better about all the time you spend staring at your phone, computer, tablet and TV by popping on a cute pair of blue-light blocking glasses. Or perhaps you even ponied up the dough to add it to your prescription specs.

Sorry, pal, but it was a waste of money — at least according to a new review. Scientists conducted 17 trials and found that special lenses don’t make a difference in eye strain or sleep quality.

Click here to read full story.

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Realistic dolls with unreal price tags https://www.komando.com/lifestyle/reborn-dolls/892567/ Sun, 20 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=892567

When I first read about groups of people who get together online to exchange stories, videos and pictures of baby dolls that cost $20,000 or more, I was like, “That’s nuts.” I wanted to learn more about it, and now that I do, I understand this viral trend.

These aren’t your run-of-the-mill dolls cranked out in some Chinese factory. These are hyper-realistic infant dolls. Usually made of vinyl or silicon and weighted appropriately, they’re hand painted with details like freckles, specific expressions and even birthmarks. Creating an upscale so-called “Reborn” doll is painstaking and, frankly, quite impressive. 

Click here to read full story.

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Expert tips for unlocking the secrets to a longer life https://www.komando.com/lifestyle/tips-to-live-longer/891987/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=891987

New research presented at the American Society for Nutrition’s annual meeting has led to ways to extend your life. 

They found men who practiced these eight healthy habits at age 40 lived up to 24 years longer. For women, tack on 21 extra years.

Click here to read full story.

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This herbal supplement sold online is killing people https://www.komando.com/lifestyle/kratom-drug-risks/891953/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=891953

Have you seen signs for kratom at your local gas station or smoke shop? It’s probably on the counter right next to the erectile dysfunction pills. It’s also for sale all over the internet and social media.

While some claim the herbal supplement changed their lives, handling pain management and promoting wellness, there’s a dark underbelly. People taking it are dying.

Click here to read full story.

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Tweet, tweet: The science behind bird song https://www.komando.com/lifestyle/science-behind-bird-song/891378/ Wed, 26 Jul 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Picture this. It’s a nice day, and you sit in a comfy chair to listen to the birds and enjoy your morning beverage. I bet you’re calmer just thinking about that.

And it’s not just you. Researchers say bird songs and calls are some of the most restorative sounds in nature, helping our brains and nervous systems get a nice reset. Those sounds can ease anxiety, too.

Click here to read full story.

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Brain food — 7 things neurologists avoid https://www.komando.com/lifestyle/better-brain-health/891225/ Mon, 24 Jul 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Brain health isn’t just about keeping sharp with puzzles and honing your memory. Diet matters, too. HuffPost recently talked to neurologists and neuroscientists (the folks who live and breathe brain health) about the foods and drinks they avoid.

7 foods and drinks to stay away from for better brain health

  • Protein powder: This surprised me! Most are loaded with artificial sweeteners that can mess with your gut microbiome — an essential factor in brain health because most neurotransmitters are produced in the gut.
  • Soda: No shocker here. All that sugar damages the blood vessels that supply the brain. 
  • Margarine: Most are full of gross ingredients and contain trans fat. Stick with olive oil or real butter, experts say.
  • Cannabis-infused foods: THC constricts arteries in the brain. That’s especially dangerous for folks who get migraines or lots of headaches.
  • Beer: Sorry, pals. Alcohol is a neurotoxin that can injure the nervous system.
  • Decaf coffee: The chemicals used to remove caffeine are toxic to humans — not something you should be ingesting.
  • French fries: I know you’re mad at me for this one. Fatty, fried foods can damage blood vessels in the brain, impacting learning and memory.

You may also like: Organize all your health records with this built-in smartphone feature

Click here to read full story.

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What’s up, doc? Surprise email fees are the new healthcare trend https://www.komando.com/money/surprise-email-healthcare-fees/890557/ Tue, 11 Jul 2023 01:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=890557

The doctor will see you now … anywhere, thanks to telehealth tech. But patients have found these visits are sneaking a hand into their wallets. Reports show that a growing number of hospital services across the country charge patients just to message their doctors. That’s leading to surprise fees as high as $50 for an email!

I know. It feels like we’re getting nickeled and dimed for everything from concert tickets to all the ongoing hidden cable fees. But charging patients to ask an online question seems pretty extreme. Doctors have their reasons. Patients are not happy. Let’s break it all down.

Click here to read full story.

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Emergency settings to check on your iPhone now before you need them https://www.komando.com/safety-security-reviews/emergency-settings-iphone/867188/ Mon, 10 Jul 2023 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=867188

Your phone is always with you and can be a lifeline in an emergency. By activating your iPhone’s Emergency SOS feature, you can call local emergency services and update your chosen contacts when needed.

With Apple’s latest iPhone models, you can connect with emergency services even when you don’t have a signal. Here’s how to set up and use the emergency features on your iPhone.

Click here to read full story.

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