Chronic heartburn is usually caused by a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Simple self-help steps can keep GERD in check. When they don’t, a proton pump inhibitor medications offers the most effective relief.
The widely prescribed ACE inhibitor drugs cause coughs in some people, but the cough may also help to prevent pneumonia.
Use of diagnostic imaging has risen sharply since the 1990s, exposing some people to high or very high doses of radiation. Imaging procedures are often essential for making a diagnosis, but it’s still wise to consider the need for each scan.
Injections of hyaluronic acid into the knee, a treatment known as viscosupplementation, offers little relief from painful knee osteoarthritis.
Memory lapses like forgetting someone’s name may spark anxiety but don’t necessarily mean something is wrong. Taking time, avoiding multitasking, rehearsing names, learn memorization tricks and other strategies can help improve memory.
Many people who exercise focus on aerobic activities that get the heart pumping and overlook strength-building exercise. They preserve the ability to perform most ordinary activities and therefore maintain an active and independent lifestyle.
The United States Preventive Services Task Force advises that everyone be checked for colon cancer from age 50 to age 75, and that testing should stop after age 85. It’s a more individual decision for those ages 76 to 85.