Older people still need immunizations, including vaccines against pneumonia; influenza; tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (every 10 years); and possibly shingles.
The antibiotic azithromycin sometimes can trigger abnormal heart rhythms. Though uncommon, it is more likely to happen to people with heart failure, diabetes, or a previous heart attack.
New options for people with obstructive sleep apnea include sleep testing at home and new options for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines. For people who are overweight, losing weight can also improve breathing during sleep.
New research linking psoriasis, an irritating skin condition, with too little vitamin D suggests a possible new treatment: a skin cream or gel containing vitamin D.
Engaging in meaningful activities like volunteering, caring for others, or pursuing a hobby promotes helps preserve and promote memory and brain health in old age.
Effective treatments are available to prevent migraine headaches from happening. Yet the majority of people who could benefit from these medications don’t use them.
Combining over-the-counter (OTC) medications, especially those containing acetaminophen, with prescription drugs can be dangerous.
New breast cancer study confirms that women should limit alcohol to no more than one serving a day.
What can be done for a cracked or broken tailbone?
Kids who play multiple sports, and kids who walk or bike to school, are less likely to be obese, a new study finds. The study was based on a series of surveys of 1,700 teens and their parents. They were asked about sports and other physical activities, including how often they biked or walked to school. Researchers also asked about the teens’ height and weight. Those who played at least 3 sports were 27% less likely to be overweight than those who played no sports. They were 39% less likely to be obese. Teens who walked or biked to school 3.5 days a week were 33% less likely to be obese than those who were always driven to school. But the two groups were equally likely to be overweight. Physical education classes had no effect on obesity. Neither did active pastimes other than sports. Researchers said obesity would decrease by 26% if all teens played at least 2 sports.