harvardhealth_news_UNDEFINED
Knuckle cracking doesn’t “crack” a joint. The sound comes from gas bubbles bursting in the fluid inside the joint. While knuckle cracking is mostly harmless, other types of noises or the presence of pain can indicate a more serious joint problem.
A new study suggests a high-fiber diet may protect against dementia. In a group of about 3,700 older adults, those who consumed the most fiber (about 20 grams daily) had the lowest rates of dementia, and those who ate the least fiber (8 grams daily) had the highest rates.
In January 2022, the CDC published updated recommendations for vaccinating adults against pneumococcal disease and approved two new pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs).
Doctors advise that the best ways to lower risk for heart disease is to exercise, eat right, and adopt healthy lifestyle habits, like stress management, social engagement, and adequate sleep. But what do cardiology doctors do to practice what they preach? Three Harvard cardiologists share their heart-healthy habits and how they’ve overcome the same challenges their patients face.
Premature ejaculation is common in older men, especially in a new sexual relationship. Partners can help the issue by trying the “stop-start” and “stop-squeeze” methods. Men also can ask their doctor about using an antidepressant that has delayed orgasm as a side effect.
Everyone feels bloated at times after eating. Bloating is a feeling of tightness, fullness, or pressure in the belly that comes along with abdominal swelling and mild to intense pain. Excessive gas buildup from a sluggish digestive system and problems digesting certain foods are the leading causes. While most bloating goes away after a while, for regular occurrences, people should examine their diet for trigger foods and use over-the-counter anti-gas remedies as needed. In cases of frequent or extended bloating, a doctor should see if other problems are present.
While there is no cure for tinnitus—the mysterious condition that causes a sound in the head with no external source—many people can manage symptoms and control their reaction by practicing sound therapy, masking, counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy. Sound therapy helps to change your brain’s perception of tinnitus so it learns to ignore the noise, while masking works to cover up the sounds with background noise like white noise, ambient sounds, and nature music.
People who struggle to remember names, details, or words during conversation are dealing with a phenomenon called “blocking,” which is related to diminished memory recall. Addressing issues like stress, depression, an unhealthy diet, insomnia, lack of exercise, and prolonged isolation can improve recall. Otherwise, when blocking situations arise, people can try to incorporate cueing, a method that uses “hints” to help the brain better retrieve information.
Tacos filled with white fish or black beans, topped with vegetables and salsa, is an easy-to-prepare Mexican-inspired meal.
A traditional Nordic diet featuring whole grains, berries, canola oil, fish, and low-fat dairy may improve heart-related risk factors, even if people following the diet don’t lose weight.