Treat depression, help the heart
Depression is common in people with heart disease. It puts them at higher risk of death-yet it’s often unrecognized. People with heart disease, and their families, should be aware of depression warning signs and seek medical evaluation if they appear.
Get a heart monitor
People with heart disease who are otherwise fit may want to maximize the benefit they get from exercise. The best way to do this is to use a heart monitor to ensure workouts in the optimal heart rate zone.
Research we’re watching: Longer life after heart attack
Adopting a healthy diet improves survival after a heart attack. A Harvard study found that the one-fifth of heart attack survivors whose diets most improved had a 24% lower chance of all-cause death and a 26% lower chance of heart-related death.
Ask the doctor: Can supplements prevent dementia?
No supplement or pill has been proven to protect against dementia. However, there is growing evidence that physical activity can slow cognitive decline.
Research we’re watching: New guidelines for treating vaginal atrophy
Almost half of postmenopausal women experience dryness and thinning of the vagina and vulva. The North American Menopause Society recommends vaginal lubricants and moisturizers, as well as vaginal or oral estrogen to treat symptoms.
Stress and your heart
The link between everyday stress and heart disease may result from stress-related behaviors-such as eating an unhealthy diet, smoking, and excess drinking. Meditation and other stress-relieving techniques can help.
Could you have prediabetes?
One out of every two adults over age 65 is at risk for diabetes. About half of them aren’t aware of it. Women can take an A1C test to assess their blood sugar levels, and use diet and exercise to prevent prediabetes from progressing to diabetes.
Ask the doctor: Why do I always feel so cold?
Women tend to feel colder than men, because the blood vessels near the skin constrict faster to divert blood to necessary organs. Certain conditions-such as hypothyroidism or Raynaud’s disease-can also contribute.
Research we’re watching: Short bouts of exercise are enough to manage weight
Exercising in 10-minute bursts can help people control their body mass index (BMI). However, the exercises need to be of high intensity-such as a brisk walk or climbing stairs.