Category: harvardhealth_news_UNDEFINED

A newer class of medications used to treat type 2 diabetes called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists has gained attention because of their impressive weight-loss results—in many cases, 10% to 20% of a person’s body weight. Versions of two of these GLP-1 receptor agonists, liraglutide (Saxenda) and semaglutide (Wegovy), are FDA-approved for weight loss, even for people without diabetes. However, there isn’t enough evidence to know whether these drugs might be beneficial or dangerous for people who are not diagnosed with diabetes or obesity.

Older couples who have fallen into a sexual rut can try to spice things up—and perhaps strengthen your relationship in the process—by reading erotica that caters specifically to older adults. Reading and listening to erotic stories as a couple lets both parties explore fantasies in a safe environment and create an exciting atmosphere by encouraging couples to venture outside their comfort zone. Besides reading aloud to each other, couples can read on their own and share the experience or listen to erotic audiobooks and podcasts together.

A strong core serves as the foundation for upper- and lower-body movements. It helps maintain a healthy posture and prevents back injuries and falls. Like all muscles, the core muscles weaken as people age, so it’s important for people to do core exercises on a regular basis. The best core exercises are movements that activate as many of the core muscles as possible at one time. Some examples include planks, diagonal chops, and deadbugs.

Many tests and data can help people gauge their overall health, but when it comes to heart health, the most important are the “Big 3”: blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. They can help predict cardiovascular disease risks, including heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. While standard guidelines from health organizations recommend what are considered healthy numbers for the Big 3, ideal numbers may differ depending on a person’s health and other risk factors, and individuals should work with their doctor about which numbers to aim for.

Medical recommendations and guidelines, such as colon cancer screening, seem to change often. These contradictions in large part reflect different expert opinions based on the changing scientific information. Rely on your doctor to help determine how these changes may apply to you.

People should do a full-body skin check-up every three to six months to identify abnormalities that may be early signs of skin cancer or other skin problems. Write down the date of the self-exams, record any issues like new or questionable moles, sores, painful or itchy spots, raised or firm bumps, dark flaky patches, and unusual freckles. Include the exact locations of these skin issues and take photos for reference. After six to eight weeks, see a dermatologist if they have not improved, have changed color or size, have become painful, or easily bleed.

A 2023 study suggests that alcohol-related deaths among American women are rising faster than among men. These deaths stem from alcohol poisoning, liver disease, and heart problems, among others.

A 2023 study suggests that regular cannabis users have higher risks before, during, and after surgery, including the risk of heart attack, stroke, acute kidney injury, breathing difficulties, and blood clots.

Many common wellness myths contain a grain of truth but are misleading over all. One wellness myth holds that being thin equates to being healthy, but people who are think can still be unhealthy. Another myth posits that detoxes and cleanses can help people be healthier, but these products don’t help and can even be dangerous for some people. Another myth is that eating before bedtime leads to weight gain, but food choice matters more than timing.

Vasomotor symptoms, consisting of hot flashes and night sweats, affect 80% of women during the menopause transition and beyond. In May 2023, the FDA approved fezolinetant (Veozah) as the first nonhormonal medication designed specifically for vasomotor symptoms. Other medications deemed effective for hot flashes are prescribed off-label. They include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, oxybutynin, and gabapentin. But these drugs may lead to troublesome side effects. Women interested in hot flash relief should ask their clinicians for options that take into account their other symptoms.