Women’s waistlines are still increasing, study shows
Although the level of obesity has plateaued recently at around 35% of the population, waistlines are continuing to increase.
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Month: November 2014
What blood tests require fasting?
Very few blood tests require a period of fasting before the test. They include tests for blood glucose and triglycerides. It is permitted to drink water, coffee, or black tea before the tests.
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Ask the doctor: Why did the doctor ask about my marital relationship?
Medical professionals are required to report signs of elder abuse, so doctors may question you about your relationships if you’ve been injured.
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Back pain: What you can expect from steroid injections
After trying and failing to control back pain with conservative measures, injections of anti-inflammatory steroid medication are an option. The benefit may be small and short term, and the therapy has risks such as infection.
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Eating fish linked to fewer heart attacks
Salmon, tuna, and other fatty fish contain omega-3 fatty acids, which may help prevent blood clots, stabilize dangerous heart rhythms, and lower blood pressure.
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Ask the doctor: Acupuncture for knee pain
Acupuncture has been promoted for many conditions, but clinical studies to confirm the benefit for knee arthritis have been mixed. The risks are minimal, but most insurance providers do not reimburse for acupuncture.
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What you can do for dry eyes
Dry eye increases with age. Avoid eyestrain, irritants, bright light, and fixed staring. Eyedrops, glasses, and blinking can help.
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Better outcomes with generic statins
People prescribed a generic statin may be more likely to take their pills and have better outcomes than people prescribed a brand-name statin.
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Seasonal blues: Should you worry?
Depression can follow a seasonal pattern. It’s called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and can be treated with morning exposure to a special daylight lamp. Depression of any kind that causes concern should be evaluated by a doctor.
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Plant-based diet: Nuts, seeds, and legumes can help get you there
Eating nuts, seeds, and legumes support the plant-based diet thought to be healthy in a variety of ways. Nuts and seeds are dense with calories so portion control is important. It helps to add these to foods that one already likes to eat.
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