Revised guidelines for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis recommend low-impact aerobic exercise and weight loss, as well as NSAIDs and acetaminophen for pain relief. Hyaluronic acid injections are no longer recommended.
Real reductions in stroke risk are linked to improvements on the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Simple 7” health tool.
Family history of heart disease is one of the most powerful tools for guiding personal health decisions and motivating lifestyle change.
Hospitals not equipped for heart surgery can perform diagnostic cardiac catheterization and balloon angioplasty as safely as hospitals that have heart surgeons standing by.
Low-fat diets are not necessarily healthier. It is unproven that reducing total fat intake prevents heart disease. Fats in fish and plants have healthy properties. Focus on eating healthy foods instead of avoiding all dietary fat. Avoid processed meat.
The irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation is linked to faster mental decline, even in people who have not had a stroke.
Using a pedometer to count steps as part of a daily walking program is associated with better health and higher overall quality of life.
Complications from prostate biopsies are common but usually not severe enough to trigger hospitalization or an emergency room visit.
Changes related to aging can affect the voice, making it sound breathier and weaker. Drinking plenty of water and staying physically fit can help lessen the changes. Voice therapy can retrain and strengthen the voice, too.
New prescriptions for novel anticoagulants now outnumber new prescriptions for warfarin. The new drugs are safer and at least as effective. They may be the best initial therapy for atrial fibrillation, but those now doing well on warfarin need not switch.