Month: January 2020

Hot flashes and heart health

Results of a recent study suggest a link between frequent and persistent hot flashes and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. However, even among women who had more hot flashes, the overall odds of having a heart-related event was still low. Since most women experience hot flashes around the time of menopause, more research is needed to better define the frequency and severity of hot flashes that would warrant extra attention to cardiovascular risk.

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The difference a healthy diet can make

Eating a plant-based diet may help prevent heart disease. For most people, this means focusing more on adding more whole grains, nuts, legumes (beans, peas, and lentils) vegetables, and fruits to their daily fare. The fiber and other nutrients in these foods help people lose weight, lower their cholesterol and blood pressure, and perhaps even reverse their diabetes. Although avoiding meat, eggs, and other animal-based foods may help, not everyone is willing to give up those foods completely. But even small dietary shifts can help.

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Helpful or harmful? Weighing last resorts before knee surgery

When trying to avoid surgery for knee osteoarthritis, one must be wary of certain treatments to relieve pain. Some treatments are ineffective or potentially dangerous, such as prolotherapy or ozone injections, stem cell treatments, and implanted shock absorbers. Other treatments—such as acupuncture or platelet-rich plasma injections—might work, but the evidence is mixed. Steroid or hyaluronic injections can provide pain relief. But the safest and most proven approaches for treating knee osteoarthritis are weight loss and muscle strengthening.

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Mushrooms may protect against prostate cancer

Researchers found that men who consumed mushrooms at least once a week had lower risk of prostate cancer compared with those who ate no mushrooms. Scientists speculate that mushrooms’ high levels of ergothioneine, a potential cancer preventive, may explain the connection.

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