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About one in seven adults in the United States has chronic kidney disease. Simple screening tests can detect the problem, which can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
Online patient portals enable people to see their medical records, communicate with their doctors, and more. This improved access has advantages along some with potential pitfalls, which can be avoided.
Two drugs—minoxidil (Rogaine, sold over the counter as a foam or liquid to be applied to the scalp) and finasteride (Propecia, a prescription pill)—are approved for treating male-pattern baldness. Several promising new drug options are in the pipeline.
To reap the cardiovascular benefits of strength training, people should challenge themselves by gradually increasing the amount of weight they lift and the number of repetitions they do.
Virtual cardiac rehabilitation offers heart-related education and supervised exercise classes that people can access at home using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. This growing trend may help make cardiac rehab more convenient and accessible.
In middle and older age, dry eyes and poor close-up vision can make it harder to wear contact lenses. Multifocal or monovision lenses, eye drops, and certain lens materials can help keep contacts comfortable and reduce the need for reading glasses.
When medications and lifestyle changes no longer control symptoms of an enlarged prostate, a range of surgical and minimally invasive procedures can restore urine flow. Each option offers different trade-offs in side effects, recovery, and duration of relief.
For many eye emergencies, it’s best to call an ophthalmologist for an initial assessment and instructions about next steps. It is better to go to an emergency department for significant eye injuries or sudden vision loss.
A Harvard study of over 159,000 people found that following any of six healthy diets—especially the DASH diet—was linked to significantly better cognitive function in later life, with the strongest benefits seen in those who were following a healthy diet in middle age.
A 2026 review of six studies found that people with diabetes or obesity taking GLP-1 medications were prone to developing a number of nutrient deficiencies, particularly in vitamin D, iron, and B vitamins.