Month: January 2016

Many Americans eat too much sugar, which contributes to obesity, heart disease, and an increased risk for death.

Joint pain isn’t always caused by arthritis. Sometimes the culprit is bursitis. It occurs when fluid-filled sacs near the joints called bursae become inflamed, most commonly at the shoulders, hips, knees, elbows, or even the buttocks.

Nutritional deficiencies become more common as women get older. Vitamins B12 and D, iron, and calcium are among the most common deficiencies with age. It’s important for women to be checked for deficiencies and to take a supplement if needed.

Poor sleep is linked to poor heart health. That goes double for people with sleep apnea, who stop breathing many times during the night.

Common foot problems include fallen arches, Achilles tendinitis, pinched nerves in the foot, ingrown toenails, and plantar fasciitis. When these conditions occur, it is best to get to a doctor as soon as possible.

Exercise to strengthen an arthritic knee reduces pain and improves daily functioning. It is important to match the right type and amount of exercise to the arthritis condition. Severe knee arthritis limits the amount of exercise possible.

Transient ischemic attacks are strokes that “clear up” within a few hours. They should be treated with the same urgency as a longer-lasting stroke. Delay can result in damage to the brain or a larger stroke.