Doctor-patient relations are not always ideal. Sometimes the reason is that people do not adequately express their preferences and priorities to the doctor. It helps to ask specific questions about risks and benefits.
Floaters in the eye are usually harmless, caused by normal aging and shrinking of the vitreous-the fluid that fills the eyeball. Floaters that appear suddenly can lead to retinal detachment and may need to be treated.
Taking an erectile dysfunction drug daily to treat erectile problems as well as urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate is not the best first choice for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Use standard medications and take ED drugs as needed.
Believing outdated ideas about heart disease and its risk factors can be dangerous. Myth busting can help you plan the best path to a healthy heart.
Chest pain caused by a heart attack is often described as a squeezing type of pressure that emerges slowly, rather than a sharp, quick pain. A heart attack may cause shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness.
Osteopathic manual treatment (OMT) is a safe, effective way to relieve low back pain. In a study of 455 people, the treatment relieved pain better than sham (fake) OMT or ultrasound therapy.
Increasing time pressures have forced many doctors to resort to a practice of “cookbook medicine.” In their new book, When Doctors Don’t Listen, Drs. Leana Wen and Joshua Kosowsky teach patients how to be better advocates for their own health.
Faithfully taking blood pressure, cholesterol, and other heart medications as prescribed can reduce the risk of developing heart disease or its consequences. Taking these medications sporadically can increase the risk of heart attack or death.
Blood pressure can rise when activity levels drop. If your blood pressure was controlled until your activity level changed, increasing your activity may prevent the need for additional medication.
Fear of falling can be positive if it leads to taking steps to improve balance and bone strength. Stronger legs, in particular, have a steadying effect. Changes in the home environment can reduce fall risk too.