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

The Best Time to Harvest Carrots for Peak Flavor and the Perfect Crunch, Say Experts

1 week ago | marthastewart.com | Aviva Patz

Credit: Getty / Avalon_studio Key PointsCarrots are ready for harvest when the top of their root pokes through the ground. Yellow foliage that's flopping over is another sign that your carrot is ready to harvest. Always check the days to maturity estimate before harvesting your carrot variety—most are ready to harvest 60 to 75 days after germination. Sweet, crunchy carrots are not only nutritious and delicious—they’re also a delight to harvest.
The Delicious Herb You Should Never Plant in Your Garden, According to Experts

2 weeks ago | marthastewart.com | Aviva Patz

Credit: Leonsbox / Getty Images If you love the cool, crisp, refreshing taste of mint in your lemonade or atop a summer salad, then you may be tempted to plant it in your garden. After all, this hardy perennial is easy to grow, and has a number of benefits, from attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to deterring pests like ants, mosquitoes and flies. However, growing mint can be a very bad idea.
Understanding the Medicare Part B Giveback Benefit

3 weeks ago | health.usnews.com | Paul Wynn |Aviva Patz

Key Takeaways Some Medicare Advantage plans offer a giveback benefit, which means the insurer will help pay a portion or the entirety of your Medicare Part B monthly premium. The giveback is typically a rebate applied to your Social Security check or quarterly premium bill. Approximately 32% of Medicare Advantage plans in 2025 offer some Part B premium reduction.
How Adults Can Get Free or Low-Cost Vaccines

4 weeks 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 month 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 month 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

1 month 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

1 month 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

1 month 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

1 month 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.