Leaking a little urine: It’s not just a female problem

Men often have a hard time coping with incontinence (urine leakage). It can leave them feeling depressed or socially isolated. Types of leakage problems in men include urge, stress, and overflow incontinence. Treatment depends on the type of incontinence a man is experiencing. For example, overflow incontinence may get better with a procedure to reduce the size of the prostate; medications, injections in the bladder muscle, and pelvic floor exercises can help with urge incontinence.

Beyond hot flashes

Around menopause, a decline in estrogen can trigger low-grade inflammation that leads to unexpected symptoms from head to toe. Symptoms can affect the digestive tract, skin, joints, eyes, ears, and heart, among other areas. A 2022 study found that estrogen loss can even fuel the jaw pain known as temporomandibular disorder. A year or longer can pass before many women connect symptoms with menopause. Women can take lifestyle measures to lower inflammation, such as eating more fruits and vegetables, avoiding processed foods, and exercising.

The mental powers of super-agers

Older adults known as super-agers have cognitive function similar to that of young people. Experts believe this is because their brains shrink at a much slower rate, which may be the result of genetics or lifestyle habits or both. While people can’t alter their genes, it could be possible to slow their natural brain decline by adopting some super-ager habits, like being physically active, pursuing mentally challenging hobbies, eating a diet rich in inflammation-fighting foods, and engaging with social groups.