Since the 1960s, many people with failing kidneys have had their blood cleaned by machine three times a week. The schedule was meant to give patients a weekend break from dialysis sessions, which can last several hours. Now, an analysis of medical records from 32,000 patients has found that the two-day break may lead to more heart attacks and deaths, presumably from the build-up of toxins in the blood. On the day after a long break, hospital admissions for stroke and heart-related problems occurred in 44 of every 100 patients, compared with 20 of every 100 patients on other days of the week. But increasing the frequency of dialysis sessions could cost billions. The study was published September 22 in the New England Journal of Medicine. The Associated Press wrote about it the same day.
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My daughter went swimming and 4 days later her ear is still clogged. How can I help her relieve this? How can she prevent this from happening in the future?
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A drug that helps to block scar formation appears promising for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF. In this disease, the lungs build up scar tissue. There is no apparent cause, and no effective treatment. About 50,000 people are affected by IPF. The study involved 423 people. Half took a new drug called BIBF 1120. The other half took a placebo. People taking the drug had better lung function and better quality of life. The study was published September 22 in the New England Journal of Medicine. HealthDay News wrote about it September 21.
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Low-intensity vibration therapy attempts to strengthen muscle and bone through gentle stimulation, which could help postmenopausal women at risk for osteoporosis.
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I am a 64-year-old man with diabetes. I’ve been having trouble with erections, and my doctor just gave me a prescription for Viagra. He also told me to be careful about using other drugs with Viagra but didn’t give me a list. Can you please fill me in?
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Research findings that the same enzymes responsible for inflammation, fever, and pain are active in some cancer cells suggests that aspiring may be of use in treating certain types of cancer.
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Vascular disease increases the risk of age-related cognitive decline, but women who already have vascular problems can still gain cognitive benefits from daily exercise.
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My doctor started me on Zocor. I have had just one side effect, forgetfulness. I often forget to take my pill in the evening. So I’d like to know if it would be okay to take Zocor in the morning with my other pills, which I never forget.
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Women with dense breast tissue may be at higher risk for more aggressive types of breast cancer.
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I’m 75 years old and healthy. My doctor is still recommending annual Pap tests for me. I have no history of any problems in this area and have had normal Pap tests for years. Is this necessary at my age?
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