Category: harvardhealth_news_UNDEFINED

Women who go through menopause before they turn 40 may be more likely to have a stroke than women who undergo the transition between 50 and 54, according to a study published in the August 2021 issue of the journal Stroke.

A study published online May 5, 2021, in the journal Menopause found that women with a vitamin D deficiency experienced a more painful recovery from knee surgery than women with normal levels of the vitamin.

Gender-affirming surgery brings psychological benefits for people who undergo these procedures.

Aging well is sometimes a matter of luck, but there are some strategies that increase the chances of living well for longer. These include protecting brain health by adopting healthy lifestyle habits, walking regularly, and regularly reviewing medications to ensure that you still need to be taking them, that you are taking the correct dose and to prevent dangerous side effects. Other strategies such as learning to use technology to increase connections with others and using assistive devices, such as walkers or canes, can help people remain independent for longer.

Regular exercise and stretching can reduce knee pain related to some common conditions. Exercises that strengthen muscle groups in the upper and lower legs, hips, and core can help them better support the knee and improve movement. Strength-building exercises should be done at least two days a week, and stretches should be performed daily.

Silent heart attacks often go unnoticed because they don’t produce any symptoms or only mild symptoms that are mistaken for something else, such as heartburn or muscle pain. They are thought to make up from 20% to 60% of heart attacks and can raise risk of a future heart attack or related problem. Both women and men are at substantial risk. Making lifestyle changes and being proactive about managing risk factors for heart disease can help prevent future heart-related problems.

On busy nights, a quick, healthy dinner can be pulled together from convenience items from the local grocery store.  Precooked protein, vegetarian foods from the freezer section, and quick-cooking seafood and grains are some options to try.  The best options are those without added sauces, and that are low in sodium and added sugar. Choose unseasoned options whenever possible, and season food at home to avoid unwanted additions.