Type 2 diabetes damages blood vessels. People with “prediabetes” can lower the risk of progressing to diabetes by exercising 30 minutes a day, losing 5% of their weight, and changing the way they eat.
Generic medications meet the same standards for safety and effectiveness as brand name drugs.
Prescriptions for narcotic (opioid) pain relievers for osteoarthritis in older adults are rising. It may be causing more harmful falls and fractures.
Most hemorrhoids can be managed by increasing fiber and fluid intake and by using over-the-counter hemorrhoid products. Procedures to shrink or remove hemorrhoids are available if necessary.
Having a mammogram every two years is less likely than annual screening to produce a false-positive result in older women. Additional data suggest having a mammogram every two years rather than every year may be a reasonable strategy for women over 50.
Men can now obtain preventive health services at lower cost under healthcare reform. Medicare and most private insurance plans must waive co-pays and deductibles for certain preventive screening tests.
It isn’t necessary to provide mouth-to-mouth breathing when doing CPR for someone who suddenly collapses. Chest compression alone may be better.
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat that may also be fast. Medications can be used to control the heart rate, regulate the rhythm, stop uncomfortable symptoms, and prevent a blood clot that may cause a stroke.
Loss of bone strength in men happens at an older age than in women. Men can take steps to prevent bone loss and harmful fractures, such as taking enough calcium and vitamin D. Some men may benefit from bone strength testing.
Examination of 11 antidepressants found that three (citalopram, amitriptyline, and escitalopram) may increase the risk of a potentially dangerous heart rhythm disturbance. No one with a history of arrhythmias should take these medications.