Teresa Graedon | The Seattle Times

July 21, 2021 at 6:00 am

Are statins a problem for gum disease?

A dental hygienist was intrigued to read about a connection between statin use and susceptibility to soft tissue infections. But is there a connection between...

July 7, 2021 at 6:00 am

A neighbor nixes sunscreen. Can a carotenoid supplement replace SPF 40?

Carotenoids like astaxanthin have been lauded for their ability to protect skin against sun damage. Don’t throw out all your sunscreen, though — use carotenoids...

June 30, 2021 at 9:00 am

A reader wonders if there’s a connection between turmeric and dementia prevention

People in India experience lower rates of mental diseases like Alzheimer’s. One reader asks: Is there a connection between the consumption of turmeric — a...

In sauna we all are equal. That is what we say in Finland.”

June 23, 2021 at 6:00 am

Not a hot take: Saunas offer real benefit for blood pressure

When a reader reports lower blood pressure after a steam, the People’s Pharmacy columnists explain: Research indicates that heat therapy helps lower blood pressure and...

June 16, 2021 at 6:00 am

Helpful summer health tip: How to protect kids from mosquito bites

DEET is the controversial ingredient in some bug sprays. The People’s Pharmacy addresses safety for children when using bug spray as well as questions about...

May 26, 2021 at 6:00 am

Here’s the reason tonic water prevents leg cramps

Half of a small bottle of tonic water is enough to clear up one reader’s persistent nighttime leg cramps. Quinine found in tonic is thought...

April 21, 2021 at 6:00 am

Chocolate for constipation is not a new idea

In this week’s People’s Pharmacy column, a reader who has used chocolate to treat constipation for decades admits they were surprised to find others did...

March 31, 2021 at 6:00 am

Psyllium works against both diarrhea and constipation

Psyllium fiber is a popular method for controlling constipation. But the home remedy also works to relieve diarrhea, as this People’s Pharmacy attests.

March 24, 2021 at 6:00 am

Testosterone restored missing libido for this reader

When one People’s Pharmacy reader was experiencing depleted libido, a testosterone prescription helped them reactivate their sex life. But the practice of testosterone replacement therapy...

February 24, 2021 at 6:00 am

A splash of Listerine for athlete’s foot

Pouring amber Listerine over fungal infections like athlete’s foot or jock itch is a popular, low-cost home remedy for such ailments.