Some people who are losing weight judge the success of their efforts solely by the number on the scale. But an array of “non-scale victories” include having more energy, less joint pain, lower cancer risks, improved cholesterol and triglyceride levels, lower blood pressure, and better sleep.
While starting hormone therapy to curb menopause symptoms is considered safest before age 60 and within 10 years of menopause, there’s no defined age at which women need to stop using it. Various factors should be considered when deciding whether to continue, including age, overall health, and medical history.
Women are less likely than men to experience loud snoring or pauses in breathing witnessed by a bed partner, two classic symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that occurs when throat muscles relax during sleep, partially or completely blocking the airway.
Walking pneumonia is a mild form of pneumonia that typically doesn’t stop people from undertaking normal daily activities. Early symptoms can include sore throat, fatigue, mild fever or chills, headache, and a runny or stuffy nose. As it progresses, people may develop a persistent dry cough, chest discomfort, and shortness of breath with exertion.
Excessive sweating is often harmless, but it can also signal an underlying health condition or medication side effect. Men typically sweat far more than women do because of much higher testosterone levels, larger body size, and higher muscle mass.
Multitasking involves coupling one unconscious activity, such as walking on a treadmill, with a conscious one, such as reading a book. Task-switching involves attempting two conscious tasks at the same time. Constant task-switching can undermine focus, concentration, and working memory.
Sacroiliac joint pain is felt in the lower back and buttocks, usually on one side of the body. The cause is often not known. Common treatments include physical therapy, bracing, steroid injections, and radiofrequency ablation.
Knee pain has many possible causes, including osteoarthritis, meniscus tears, tendon problems, and ligament injuries. Doctors make a diagnosis with targeted questions, a physical examination, and possibly imaging studies. Treatment depends on the diagnosis but often includes medication, physical therapy, and exercise.