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.
Rosacea is a skin condition characterized by flare-ups of reddened and sometimes bumpy facial skin. Treatments include topical medication, very low doses of antibiotics, laser therapy, and avoiding triggers, such as hot food.
New guidelines recommend low-dose CT screening for current and former smokers ages 55 to 74 who have smoked a total of 30 or more pack-years (one pack-year is equivalent to smoking 20 cigarettes a day for one year).
Some simple tricks to improve memory include avoiding multitasking and keeping focus, seeking clarification when something is confusing, repeating new information out loud after learning it, and writing things down.
While there’s good evidence that omega-3s in the diet offer protection against heart disease and stroke, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil supplements may not reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack among people with a high heart disease risk.
Many older adults fail to get the vaccines they need to protect themselves against diseases such as the flu, pneumonia, and shingles.
Urologists issued an update to its 2009 guideline to doctors on which men should be screened for prostate cancer with a PSA blood test. Men 55 to 69 should discuss risks and benefits before being screened. Men younger than 40 should not be screened.
Certain shoes can inflict damage on the feet, from bunions and corns to hammertoes. The healthiest shoe styles have a wide toe box and low heel to support and protect the feet and prevent falls.
Chronic pelvic pain not related to prostate infections is difficult to treat. After exhausting the standard options, consider alternative therapies if they ease the discomfort and pain and do no harm.
Warfarin (Coumadin) belongs to the class of drugs called anticoagulants, which slow blood clotting. Clopidogrel (Plavix) belongs to another class of drugs called antiplatelet agents, which slow blood clotting in a different way.