In the journals: Vision loss keeps older women at home
People with vision loss, particularly women, are more likely to restrict their social activities out of a fear of falling.
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Testosterone therapy: Is it for women?
Testosterone therapy is not currently FDA-approved to treat low libido in women. Experts say there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend this therapy for women.
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Tests to evaluate risk of heart attack
Diabetes increases the risk of developing heart disease. Among people with diabetes, a variety of imaging tests can be used to estimate the risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
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Building a better stent
Researchers continue to try new ways to prevent stents from clogging with cells from the artery wall or from attracting blood clots. Their goal is to develop a stent that can be used in any person to prevent a heart attack.
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On call: Shingles vaccination
The Zostavax vaccine is safe for use by healthy adults to prevent shingles, a painful condition caused by previous infection with the chicken pox virus. It also helps prevents persistent shingles pain, known as post-herpetic neuralgia.
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Ask the doctors: What can I do about varicose veins?
Varicose veins are not dangerous, but can cause legs to ache. Treatment options include compression stockings, lifestyle changes, surgical removal of the veins, and sealing them off from the circulation.
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In the journals: No generation gap found in diabetes education
Group and individual diabetes education is equally effective for both middle-aged and older people.
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In the journals: Are your whole grains wholly healthy?
Some whole-grain food products are high in healthy fiber but may contain added sugars and salt, which lower the food’s nutritional quality. Look for foods with a ratio of total to fiber carbohydrates of at least 10 to one.
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Digoxin useful … with restrictions
Although digoxin is commonly used in atrial fibrillation, it can increase the risk of death and should be used only in very low doses and as a second rate-control drug when a safer drug is not adequate.
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High blood pressure a silent danger in postmenopausal women
Nearly a third of American adults have high blood pressure, and in about half this condition is poorly controlled. Controlling blood pressure can help avert cardiovascular disease.
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