Heart beat: Thick air, thick arteries
People who live in parts of a city with high air pollution are at higher risk of stroke than residents of the same city living in less polluted areas.
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Ask the doctor: The trouble with the body mass index
Body mass index (BMI) is easy to measure and is a good rough instrument for determining whether a person is overweight or obese. But it does not account for individual differences in body shape and muscularity.
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The pros and cons of statins
Statin drugs reduce bad cholesterol and lower the overall risk of heart attack and stroke substantially. Not all muscle side effects people experience while taking statins are because of the drug. Statin effects on memory are not proven.
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Better memory: Use these simple tricks to help you remember
Changes in memory occur with aging. Being more mindful of age-related changes and compensating for them can help a person perform daily memory tasks. It helps to pay attention and associate the new information with sounds, sights, and mental images.
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Research we’re watching: Two osteoporosis drugs better than one
A combination of two osteoporosis drugs-denosumab (Prolia) and teriparatide (Forteo)-increases bone mineral density in women at risk for fractures better than either drug alone.
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Ask the doctor: Can red yeast rice bring down cholesterol?
I am taking pravastatin for high cholesterol, but my numbers are still high. Should I try red yeast rice?
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In the journals: Sodium remains high in processed and restaurant foods
The amount of sodium in prepared foods hasn’t come down much since 2005 and has risen in restaurant meals.
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How to choose a healthy yogurt
Plain low-fat milk or soy yogurt provides lean protein and calcium without excessive amounts of fat and added sweeteners. Use plain yogurt as a foundation for a nutritious, filling breakfast. Yogurt can also be incorporated into other meals.
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News briefs: Avoid a potential trigger for Parkinson’s disease
A growing amount of research suggests that exposure to pesticides may increase the risk for Parkinson’s disease. If you use pesticides, wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves, and wash well afterward to minimize exposure, especially ingestion.
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News briefs: New findings about preserving physical function and mobility
Regular exercise can reduce the risk of falling and slow the deterioration of physical functioning in people with Alzheimer’s disease. To be effective, it takes one hour of supervised exercise twice a week, for at least one year.
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