Category: harvardhealth_news_UNDEFINED

Older, frail people with a history of heart problems may benefit from sessions with a physical therapy. Gentle, personalized exercise to improve strength and balance can help them avoid falls and preserve their independence. Falls are especially dangerous for people taking anti-clotting medications (which are prescribed for many heart problems) because these drugs increase the risk of bleeding. Physical therapists can check a person’s heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation at rest and then after a short period of exercise to make sure they’re exercising at an appropriate level.

Unpeeled apples are good sources of both fiber and compounds called polyphenols that benefit heart health. Eating apples often may help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation.

The eyes may provide clues to the presence of cardiovascular disease. Ocular (eye) strokes can foreshadow a more serious stroke, and early damage to tiny eye blood vessels can be a harbinger of heart problems. Diabetes and high blood pressure (both common risk factors for heart disease) can damage vessels that supply the retina. Some middle-aged and older adults develop soft, yellowish, cholesterol-filled bumps on or around their eyelids. Called xanthelasmas, they can be a sign of high levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, or other fats in the blood, which also raises heart disease risk.

Even small amounts of alcohol—a single drink per day—has been linked to a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation.

Research published online March 1, 2021, by the journal Circulation suggests that eating five servings of fruits and vegetables per day is associated with lower risks of many health conditions and even premature death, compared with eating two servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Researchers believe this could be because fruits and vegetables are major sources of nutrients linked to good health, including potassium, magnesium, fiber, and polyphenols. The most effective combination of fruits and vegetables appears to be two servings of fruits plus three servings of vegetables per day.

Taking short breaks between practice sessions may help someone master a new skill, according to a study published June 8, 2021, in Cell Reports.

Most mobile health apps aren’t doing enough to protect people’s private information, according to a study published online June 16, 2021, by The BMJ.

A study published online June 2, 2021, by the journal Brain found that a blood test may help to predict an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Scientists are testing potential vaccines that aim to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Until then, strategies that may help ward off UTIs include drinking lots of water each day, emptying the bladder after sexual intercourse, using vaginal estrogen creams (for women), wiping front to back after gong to the bathroom (for women), taking a daily long-term, low-dose antibiotic, taking a single dose of an antibiotic after sex (if recurrent UTIs often follow sexual intercourse), or taking cranberry supplements.

Many gadgets claim to promote better sleep. For example, white noise machines or noise-canceling earbuds may help someone fall asleep by masking unwanted sounds in the sleep environment. As another example, a sunrise alarm, which simulates the sun’s morning light, can be helpful for people with disorders of the sleep-wake cycle. Proven methods to improve sleep include cognitive behavioral therapy and good sleep hygiene, such as keeping the room dark and cool and avoiding electronic screens within two hours of bedtime.