Exposure to ionizing radiation through medical testing is generally safe, but there are risks that patients and caregivers need to be aware of. Cumulative exposure should be tracked if possible, and unnecessary tests should be avoided.
Should I have my magnesium level checked regularly to make sure I’m getting enough for my bones?
People with osteoporosis may be reluctant to exercise, but it’s important to prevent bones from weakening further. Consult a health-care provider to find the right exercises for your condition.
The health risks of women whose mothers were given the drug DES have been documented in a follow-up study.
Do vaginal estrogens that are used for vaginal dryness have the same risks as estrogens taken orally or by skin patch?
Postmenopausal women with overactive bladder may benefit from a low-dose vaginal estrogen ring.
A form of home blood pressure monitoring may show which older adults are most at risk for a form of dementia, a new study suggests. The study included 72 people. Their average age was 82. Doctors gave them 2 tests. Each person wore a monitor for 24 hours. It measured their blood pressure at regular intervals, day and night. People also got magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the brain. They got the same tests again 2 years later. In the MRI, researchers looked for white spots known as white matter hyperintensities. These spots are signs of damage to small blood vessels. They have been linked with a reduction in memory and thinking skills. Some people’s home-measured blood pressure got worse during the 2-year study. They tended to have more white spots in the brain than people with lower blood pressure. They also did worse on tests of mental function.
An increase in the number of infections in people receiving implanted heart devices means caregivers need to make prevention of infection their priority.
A specifically tailored exercise program may help people with heart failure regain strength without overworking the heart.
There is growing evidence of a link between depression and increased risk of heart disease and stroke.