Given the huge increase in the use of CT scans, concern about radiation exposure is warranted. Patients should try to keep track of their cumulative radiation exposure, and only have tests when necessary.
As the immune system weakens with age, the risk of shingles increases. Many doctors recommend that people over 60 get the shingles vaccine.
A procedure used to control an abnormal heartbeat works just as well in younger adults as in older ones, a study has found. And the younger adults had fewer serious side effects. The procedure is called catheter ablation. It uses heat to destroy sections of heart muscle that are causing the rhythm problem. The study included 1,548 people. All had frequent atrial fibrillation. This is an abnormal heart rhythm. The top chambers of the heart quiver instead of beat normally. The patients had tried medicine, but it didn’t control the problem. After catheter ablation, the problem stopped or seldom occurred in 82% to 88% of patients. Age made little difference in the success rate. People under age 45 also did not have any strokes or other major problems after the procedure. But 2% to 3% of older groups had these problems.
Parents, educators, and mental health professionals share concern about the potential effects of violent video games on children. Researchers are divided on the issue, but agree that parental oversight is key.
My husband has a severe leakage in one of his heart valves. He will undergo a test where a tube will be placed down his throat to find out what type of surgery will be needed. Could you tell us what to expect?
Some women may be better off delaying breast reconstruction after mastectomy, a study suggests. Researchers looked at 302 breast cancer cases. All of the women had mastectomies. Of these, 152 had reconstruction. This includes 131 who had it right away. In all, 100 women had radiation treatment. Further problems (complications) occurred in 44% of the women who had radiation after reconstruction. About 31% of them had to have their implants removed. But complications occurred in only 7% of women who had radiation but did not have immediate reconstruction. About 6% had their implants removed. One study author told HealthDay News that he has changed patient care because of this research. He now recommends a biopsy of the lymph node closest to the cancer before women decide about reconstruction. If this lymph node is cancer-free, a woman probably won’t need radiation.
Studies of breast cancer survivors have provided information that may lead to changes in the practice of lymph node removal and the use of radiation.
Data from studies shows that cutting sodium intake will lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Cognitive enhancement therapy, an approach that combines cognitive techniques with skills training, may help people with schizophrenia gain more control over their thinking and social skills.
Researchers interviewed people with bipolar disorder to learn what strategies they used to manage their symptoms and avoid relapse.