Aviva Patz

New York

Senior Health Editor at U.S. News & World Report

Deputy Editor at https://t.co/2WDidIJ1i4, singer in NYC alt-rock band The Hey Honeys, mom to two wild gals, veggie lover, beauty junkie. Tweets are mine.

Articles

How Adults Can Get Free or Low-Cost Vaccines

1 week ago | health.usnews.com | Elaine K. Howley |Aviva Patz

Key Takeaways Vaccines can prevent serious complications and even death from a variety of infectious diseases, such as the flu, pneumonia, shingles and COVID-19. About a third of American adults are uninsured or underinsured, and many avoid seeking routine health care because of concerns about costs. Free or reduced-cost vaccines are available from state and local health departments, community-based health clinics and initiatives, pharmaceutical manufacturers and national and local pharmacies.
Can White Noise Help You Sleep Better?

1 week ago | health.usnews.com | Elaine Howley |Aviva Patz

Key Takeaways About one-third of American adults are chronically sleep deprived, and many have turned to white noise to improve their sleep quality. White noise is a static-like sound that helps with sleep by creating a steady auditory environment that masks disruptive background noise. Some people prefer pink, brown or another color of ambient noise to promote sleep.
Fear of Falls in Older Adults

1 week ago | health.usnews.com | Elaine K. Howley |Aviva Patz

Key Takeaways Falls are the No. 1 cause of injury in people age 65 and older. Fear of falling actually increases the likelihood of falls. Factors that increase falling risk include health conditions, medication side effects, nutritional deficits and dehydration. Reducing risk of falls involves addressing fears of falling and developing a personalized plan that includes stability and balance exercises plus confidence-building movement. For many people, aging brings significant mobility challenges.
7 Natural Ways to Keep Ants Away From Your Hummingbird Feeder, According to Pest Experts

2 weeks ago | marthastewart.com | Aviva Patz

Credit: FiledIMAGE / Getty Images If hummingbirds are flocking to the nectar in your feeder, then you can bet you’re attracting other visitors as well—ants. “Carbohydrates are ants' primary food source, and since nectar is high in them, [they're] naturally attracted to it,” says Nicole Carpenter, president of Black Pest Prevention.
Music Therapy and Dementia

3 weeks ago | health.usnews.com | Elaine Howley |Aviva Patz

Key Takeaways Several areas of the brain are involved in listening to and processing music, and for people with dementia, some of these areas may still be intact even after the disease has taken other memories and abilities. Music therapy has been shown to reduce agitation and improve mood, memory, communication, social connection and quality of life. Many assisted living communities, memory care centers and nursing homes provide music therapy as part of their support services for older adults.
How to Make the Transition to an Assisted Living Community Easier

3 weeks ago | health.usnews.com | Elaine K. Howley |Aviva Patz |Michael Tehrani

Key Takeaways Assisted living can help older adults live longer and healthier lives by offering support for activities for daily living and opportunities for social engagement. Moving is often stressful, but planning ahead can help ease some of that tension. Start packing early, bring only what will fit in the new space and aim to make it as familiar as possible so it feels homey.
Best Anti Stress Supplements for 2025

3 weeks ago | health.usnews.com | Lisa Jones |Aviva Patz

Why Trust U.S. NewsHow we rate OTC Medicines and Health Products1100+brands evaluated357pharmacists surveyed134dermatologists surveyedSee our full methodologySee our full methodologyKey Takeaways Anti-stress supplements support the nervous system and promote calm without causing sedation. Common ingredients include adaptogens such as ashwagandha, amino acids like L-theanine and minerals like magnesium.
Best Cough Drops

3 weeks ago | health.usnews.com | Patricia Weiser |Aviva Patz

Why Trust U.S. NewsHow we rate OTC Medicines and Health Products1100+products evaluated357pharmacists surveyed134dermatologists surveyedSee our full methodologySee our full methodologyKey Takeaways Over-the-counter cough drops and lozenges can help suppress coughing and soothe sore throats. Common active ingredients in these products include dextromethorphan, benzocaine, menthol and pectin. The best cough drop depends on your symptoms as well as safety considerations.
6 Best Retinol Serums of 2025: Dermatologists Ranked Brands for 2025

3 weeks ago | health.usnews.com | Elaine K. Howley |Aviva Patz

Why Trust U.S. NewsHow we rate OTC Medicines and Health Products1100+products evaluated357pharmacists surveyed134dermatologists surveyedSee our full methodologySee our full methodologyKey Takeaways Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that can reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin firmness. Retinol is available as both a cream and a serum, but retinol creams may be better for sensitive skin. When using a retinol product, start slowly, as it can cause irritation, redness and flaking.
Best Hand Creams

3 weeks ago | health.usnews.com | Nicola Bridges |Aviva Patz

Why Trust U.S. NewsHow we rate OTC Medicines and Health Products1100+products evaluated357pharmacists surveyed134dermatologists surveyedSee our full methodologySee our full methodologyKey Takeaways Hand creams containing emollients, humectants and occlusives provide comprehensive hydration and protection for dry skin. If you have moderately dry, irritated or cracked skin, hand cream can help. For severe skin dryness, see your doctor or dermatologist.