By the way, doctor: Should I get the shingles vaccine?
I’m 67 and had shingles four years ago. Am I immune to it now? If not, should I get the new shingles vaccine?
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Going after angiotensin
An angiotensin-receptor blocker controls blood pressure as well as an ACE inhibitor, but taken together they are more likely to cause unwanted side effects. ACE inhibitors are also available in generic form, which costs much less.
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Heart Beat: Migraine, heart disease linked
A study found that men who suffered migraines were more likely to have heart disease, but there is no evidence that migraines cause heart trouble, and no evidence as to what the connection, if any, may be.
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Ask the doctor: Is my blood pressure normal?
I’m a 75-year-old woman. The top number of my blood pressure is between 135 and 140, the bottom number around 75. My doctor says this is fine. Should I believe him?
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Eight for 2008: Eight things you should know about osteoporosis and fracture risk
All women need to be concerned about osteoporosis, protecting their bones and keeping them strong. Proper nutrition is the key to bone strength: the body needs calcium and vitamin D, and if diet does not provide enough, supplements should be taken.
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Treating prostate cancer, Part I: The big picture
A man who is diagnosed with prostate cancer has many treatment options, including doing nothing. The disease’s typically slow progresssion makes comparing treatments difficult, but it also gives men time to consider all options and seek additional advice.
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Heart beat: Study suggests limiting use of aspirin plus warfarin
The combination of aspirin and warfarin is prescribed to prevent clotting, but it does not have this effect in all heart disease patients, and can sometimes cause stomach bleeding.
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Wake-up call on stroke in women
More women than men are victims of stroke, and the consequences for survivors are more serious in women. Medication to dissolve blood clots is available, but must be administered within the first three hours after a stroke to be most effective.
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Flu update: This year, reducing your risk for the flu will require two kinds of shots
The emergence of the 2009 H1N1 flu virus means that many people will need two separate flu shots to be fully protected.
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In Brief: Hypnosis before breast cancer surgery eases pain, cuts costs
A study found that women who underwent hypnosis before a breast cancer biopsy or surgical procedure were more relaxed, felt less anxiety and pain, and required less anaesthesia.
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