It appears that people who take statins to keep their cholesterol in check may also be at increased risk for developing cataracts. However, doctors do not advise stopping statin use because of the risk.
Caffeine is showing up in non-natural places such as snacks, energy bars, meal replacements, and other processed foods. It’s listed on food labels only when it is added to a food. If it occurs naturally in an ingredient, caffeine will not be listed.
Just 15 minutes of physical activity a day can increase your life span by as much as three years. The benefits increase with each added minute of activity.
Stress tests used to be part of routine check-ups for middle-aged and older people. But practice has changed.
It appears that people in the United States are enjoying about two more years of good health than Americans of 20 years ago. Experts chalk it up at least partly to healthier lifestyles, medical advances, better treatments, and new drugs.
Taking cholesterol-lowering statins can reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke in people with no history of heart disease, although it doesn’t seem to have an impact on their risk of death.
Medical alerting devices are effective tools for people who want to live independently and safely in their own homes. The wearable devices summon help immediately in a medical emergency, such as a bad fall, stroke, or heart attack.
It’s difficult to wean oneself off sleep medication. But gradual reduction of sleep medication, with a doctor’s supervision, can help. So can cognitive behavior therapy, relaxation techniques, and improving sleep hygiene.
High levels of trans fats in the diet raise blood levels of LDL cholesterol as much as saturated fat does. One swallow will not cause harm, but eating a lot of trans fats over time does endanger health.
Fruit juice is associated with increasing diabetes risk, possibly because the juicing processes lead to lower contents of beneficial phytochemicals and dietary fiber. Eating whole fruits is associated with a lower risk of developing diabetes.