Compression stockings can help move blood up the legs to improve flow and prevent clotting and swelling. The stockings come in varying pressures-from strong to light-and in varying lengths-from knee-high to hip-high.
It appears that older men can lower their risk of sudden fatal heart attack in high altitudes by sleeping the night before at an elevation similar to the one where they’re going to get vigorous exercise.
Falls are a leading cause of injury death among older Americans. Reducing the amount of trip hazards in the home can help prevent falls.
A friend told me she takes magnesium pills every day. Does this improve your health?
Imbalance occurs when the system that provides balance information to your brain breaks down. Input comes from balance organs in each ear as well as vision, muscles, and joints.
Cooler weather outside may make people yearn for heartier fare at mealtime, but it’s important not to skimp on fruits and vegetables. Use produce that’s available in the autumn months such as apples, cranberries, carrots, cabbage, and butternut squash.
Doctors should devote as much attention to people’s unhealthy habits as they do to treating the consequences, such as high blood pressure, a new report says. The new policy statement comes from the American Heart Association (AHA). It urges doctors to follow the “five A’s” in caring for patients. The first “A” would be to assess people’s behaviors that increase their risk of heart disease. Examples might include poor diet, smoking or lack of exercise. Then doctors would advise them to change, such as quitting smoking. Doctor and patient would agree on an action plan. Finally, doctors would assist with treatment and arrange for follow-up care. Part of the plan would be to refer patients to specialists who could help with behavior change. These might include a dietician, a psychologist or a health educator.
There’s not enough evidence to say whether testing and treating children for high blood pressure is a good idea, a panel of experts says. The new report comes from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. This is a government-appointed panel that provides advice on preventive care. The task force looked at research on kids and blood pressure published in the last 10 years. The group said it’s hard to predict which children will have high blood pressure as adults. There’s also not enough research on whether treating kids with high blood pressure will improve their heart health as adults. And there’s been little research on whether blood pressure medicines are safe and effective for long-term use by children. The task force said more research is needed. Meanwhile, we do know some things that kids can do to stay healthy, the task force said.