Category: health-letter

The American Academy of Family Physicians has published a summary of some of the potential risks of interaction between certain herbal supplements and mainstream medications.

Research has found links between incidences of concussions among professional football players and depression. Players who experienced more than one concussion had a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with depression.

It’s easy to find reasons not to exercise, but it’s also relatively easy to meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity. Here are 27 suggestions for ways to be more physically active.

As tattoos become more common, the desire to have them removed has also increased. Lasers are generally safe and can be effective, but often cannot remove the entire tattoo.

It is often easier to treat a condition with medication rather than making lifestyle changes, and some people cannot or do not want to take drugs. But there are ways to manage certain conditions without drugs.

While some believe smokeless tobacco is a safer alternative to cigarettes, research found that smokeless users had higher levels than smokers of a cancer-causing substance found in tobacco.

No-flush niacin may eliminate the flushing that is a typical side effect of the drug, but at the expense of its ability to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, thereby making it ineffective.

Researchers have compiled data regarding patterns and variations of medical care throughout the US. They found that differences in standards of care tend to be due to doctors’ personal preferences more than any other reason.

Some studies have suggested that a little extra weight may be beneficial to older people, but increasing weight and fat around the waist in older age still mean a greater risk of a number of diseases.

I read in the newspapers about a study that said older women taking calcium supplements are at increased risk for experiencing a heart attack, stroke, or sudden death. Should I be concerned?