To fight insomnia, turn off electronic screens. Bright light in the late evening can delay the sleep period, making it harder to fall asleep at night and harder to get up early in the morning.
There is no guaranteed way to prevent colorectal cancer. However, some steps may help, such as screenings and aspirin therapy.
To reduce the risk of heart disease, a person may need to take aspirin but avoid other NSAIDs.
Strengthen your muscles to reduce diabetes risk
Mobile devices like smartphones and tablets go with us everywhere. Even when we’re dining out with family and friends. A new study in the journal Pediatrics looked at how adults used mobile devices when they were with their kids. Researchers focused on meal time. They conducted 55 anonymous observations in fast food restaurants, in Boston from July to August 2013. They took detailed notes about how and how much parents interacted with their mobile devices and their kids. Forty parents actually used their smartphone during the meal. Some were totally absorbed in their phones the entire time. Some shared photos or videos with their kids. Researchers also noted how parents dealt with kids acting up while they were on the phone. Some parents gave their kids a look or a nudge. Some provided a mobile device for their child to play on. The study was published in Pediatrics online.
I’m 60 years old. My blood pressure is around 130/80. In the past, I have always been told I have normal blood pressure. Now my doctor says I have “pre-hypertension.” What’s it mean? Do I need treatment?
People who lose their hearing are more likely than others to become depressed, a new study suggests. Researchers looked at data from a U.S. government health survey of 18,000 adults. Those who were 70 and older received hearing tests. The others were asked about their hearing and any problems with it. Everyone also filled out a questionnaire designed to show if they were depressed. About 5% of those with no hearing problems and 11% of those with some degree of hearing loss were depressed. Depression with hearing loss was most common among those under age 70. Women had higher rates of depression than men. Depression was also more likely as hearing loss grew worse. But those who were totally deaf were not more likely to be depressed. Researchers said they may have become used to coping with a lack of hearing.
More and more people who receive heart transplants can expect to live at least 20 years. Continuing improvements in immune-suppressing medications may help people who receive transplants live longer, healthier lives.
High blood sugar and other diabetes-related problems harm the heart in several major ways. There are now many ways to better control diabetes and reduce heart risk.
Men ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked should be tested for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. This potentially life-threatening condition is a ballooning in the wall of the aorta, the heart’s largest artery, in the abdomen.