Category: harvardhealth_news_UNDEFINED

The 2025 blood pressure guidelines recommend starting drugs to treat hypertension if people don’t meet blood pressure goals after three to six months of lifestyle changes. The guidelines also recommend that everyone with high blood pressure be screened for primary aldosteronism, and suggest that people with resistant hypertension (stubbornly high blood pressure) consider renal denervation, a procedure that disrupts some of the nerves around the arteries supplying blood to the kidneys.

Venous insufficiency can cause swelling in the lower legs and feet, a sense of heaviness in the legs, and in some cases, skin discoloration. Treatments include elevating the legs, walking, and wearing compression stockings.

A 2025 study suggested that people can lose more weight by eating minimally processed foods rather than ultra-processed versions, even those typically considered healthy.

An October 2025 study found that at least 15 minutes of fast-walking each day was associated with longer life.

A 2025 study suggested that people with diabetes who exercise regularly or in a “weekend warrior” pattern are significantly less likely to die earlier than peers who are inactive.

Inflammaging is chronic, low-grade inflammation throughout the body that occurs with aging. It is believed to accelerate aging and contribute to more than half of all deaths worldwide by driving various age-related diseases such as arthritis, autoimmune conditions, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. People can combat inflammaging through healthy lifestyle measures such as exercising, eating healthfully, controlling weight, managing stress, prioritizing sleep, and limiting alcohol and smoking.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune digestive condition triggered by gluten, a sticky protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. Celiac disease is typically diagnosed later in life, and occurs more often in women. Symptoms include intestinal distress, weight loss, rashes, fatigue, and nutrient deficiencies. Celiac patients must adopt a strictly gluten-free diet, which can be challenging after decades of eating gluten. Helpful strategies include creating gluten-free kitchen areas, buying naturally gluten-free items, and examining food labels.

Itchiness of the breasts or nipples isn’t common, but can signal conditions both harmless and serious. Minor reasons for itchiness across the bra area include eczema, psoriasis, exposure to soaps or detergents, trapped moisture, and pregnancy and breastfeeding. More serious causes include infections, breast surgery, radiation treatment, and certain rare forms of breast cancer. Any skin changes on the breast that don’t improve over weeks should be evaluated by a doctor.

The BRAT diet — which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast — has long been recommended for people coping with diarrhea and vomiting. But adding oatmeal, cooked carrots, skinless chicken, and other bland foods is fine and provides nutrients needed to help people recover. People who have an upset stomach should avoid alcohol, caffeine, dairy products, sugary foods, and foods that are deep-fried, acidic, spicy, or high in fiber. They should also be sure to stay hydrated by drinking water, broth, diluted fruit juice, or weak, decaffeinated tea.

Shingles occurs when the dormant chickenpox virus reactivates, causing tingling, burning, and a painful, blistering rash. Shingles can affect anyone who has had chickenpox, with higher risk after age 50 and in people with weakened immunity. Diagnosis and treatment within three days of the rash appearing can shorten the illness and reduce severity. Most people recover completely from shingles, but there may be complications, such as post-herpetic neuralgia, which is pain that can be severe and long-lasting. Vaccination is the best way to prevent shingles and its complications.