Can’t sleep? Research reports cherry juice may help insomnia
Q: Tart cherry juice didn’t help my arthritis, but it did help me get the first and subsequent best night’s sleep I’ve had in a long time. Cherries contain melatonin and tryptophan, and they may be given the credit. I drink a 3 -ounce glass of juice both morning and night made from concentrate (with no added sugar). This works for me.
A: Thank you for sharing your experience. Most people are not aware that there is research to support cherry juice for insomnia. One small, randomized, controlled trial tested tart cherry juice for its ability to affect sleep (Nutrients, August 2020). The authors report that volunteers fell asleep faster and slept better after consuming cherry juice.
In another study, researchers also concluded that cherry juice was helpful against insomnia, even though the amount of melatonin it contained was low (American Journal of Therapeutics, March-April 2018). Earlier research showed that people who drank tart cherry juice before bed slept better and had higher urinary melatonin levels (European Journal of Nutrition, December 2012).
Q: I am so confused. My husband takes Humira for his arthritis. He is 6 8 and on my health insurance. I am 6 7 and still working. He is retired. I am looking at retirement, but it doesn’t look like Medicare covers Humira. What do people do? It’s so incredibly expensive! Do I have to keep working just to pay for his drugs?
A: Welcome to the Alice-in-Wonderland world of prescription drug insurance.
According to GoodRx, a month’s supply of selfinjectable Humira could cost over $9,000 without insurance. Even with a coupon, the cost could be over $6,000. Before you retire, you and your husband will need to sign up with Medicare, including a Part D plan that pays for your prescription drugs.
There are many different providers offering Part D plans and each covers a different list of drugs on its formulary. Comparison shopping is essential to make sure that the plan you select covers the medicines you take.
There should be a program that will cover “biologics” such as Humira. There are several options, including Actemra, Cimzia, Enbrel, Orencia, Remicade or Simponi. Your husband’s doctor will need to determine if any of these would be a suitable substitute in the event that he cannot find a plan that covers Humira.
Q: You criticized certified
medical assistants for inaccurate blood pressure recordings. It is offensive to single us out. All medical personnel, including doctors, are guilty of hurrying through this measurement and not positioning the patient properly. Using an outdated or uncalibrated sphygmomanometer is not the CMA’s fault. Patients would be wise to purchase their own home blood pressure devices or go to their pharmacies for weekly or monthly readings. Most doctors respect a person who can produce a written record of readings. This might make a difference in their treatment protocol. A:
We apologize for criticizing CMAs for improper blood pressure measurement technique. As you have correctly pointed out, many health care professionals may fail to follow the appropriate procedures. There are many personal blood pressure monitors available ranging from about $25 to $150.