Month: March 2014
A new way to get heart-healthy
New guidelines from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology focus on heart disease risk rather than cholesterol numbers.
In the journals: Brain training gives you a lasting boost
A study found that the benefits of rigorous mental training to sharpen memory, reasoning, and quickness in solving problems persists for up to 10 years.
Should you be tested for dementia?
Routine screening for dementia is currently not recommended for people without symptoms.
Research we’re watching: Feeling stressed or anxious? Try meditating
A review of 47 studies on meditation finds the practice can help with anxiety, depression, and pain, although it doesn’t have much of an effect on eating habits, sleep, weight, or attention.
On call: Does skin cancer come back?
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin is very treatable when completely removed. However, it does recur at some other spot on the body in about 40% of people.
Ask the doctor: Can strength training exercises help with COPD?
When women have COPD, strength training can make their muscles more efficient at releasing oxygen from your blood.
Insomnia or jittery nerves? Use tranquilizers with caution
The class of sedating drugs called benzodiazepines can be risky because they impair balance. They can be used for short periods for sleeplessness and anxiety.
The best solutions for your hearing problem
Nearly half of people over age 75 need extra help hearing, but only a quarter of them wear a hearing aid. Hearing aids take the work out of hearing by amplifying sound.
Anticlotting therapy for atrial fibrillation: Should you stay with the devil you know?
People with atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm condition, take blood thinners to prevent stroke.