In the journals: Popular cardiac drug may prevent pneumonia
The widely prescribed ACE inhibitor drugs cause coughs in some people, but the cough may also help to prevent pneumonia.
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Stomach-soothing steps for heartburn
Chronic heartburn is usually caused by a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Simple self-help steps can keep GERD in check. When they don’t, a proton pump inhibitor medications offers the most effective relief.
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In the journals: Hormone therapy: A new consensus
A joint statement by 15 medical organizations concluded that hormone therapy is safe as a treatment for hot flashes as long as women take it early in menopause and use it for the shortest time possible.
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Carotid stenosis treatments compared
The surgical procedures known as endarterectomy and noninvasive stenting are equally safe and effective treatments for preventing stroke in people with blocked or narrowed carotid arteries.
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Treatments for heart failure
Medications and devices can help many people with heart failure with low ventricular ejection fraction live longer with a better quality of life. But not all therapies are right for everyone, and treatment must be individualized.
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Ask the doctor: Can bladder training help with incontinence?
Bladder training can help women deal with incontinence. it involves learning to urinate on a schedule and doing pelvic muscle exercises.
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Heart advances from Harvard: Impact of inactivity assessed
Physical inactivity is responsible for 6% of coronary artery disease, 7% of diabetes, 10% of breast and colon cancers, and 9% of premature deaths worldwide. Increasing activity by 10% to 25% could prevent up to 1.3 million deaths per year.
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Should you skip your PSA test?
An expert panel has recommended that men not routinely undergo PSA testing for prostate cancer risk. Men should learn as much as they can about the risks and benefits of PSA testing and make a deeply informed decision.
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In the journals: “Keyhole” vein removal for bypass is safe
The most widely used “keyhole” method for obtaining veins to perform coronary bypass is safe and is associated with fewer infections and other post-surgery complications.
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In the journals: Women need reading glasses for different reasons than men
One reason women need reading glasses sooner than men could have more to do with their preferred reading distance or arm length than with their focusing power.
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