Category: harvardhealth_news_UNDEFINED

People may notice they get less sleep on the nights leading up to a full moon.

Traumatic childhood experiences may harm heart health later in life. Research shows that adults who experienced multiple adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as neglect; physical, sexual or emotional abuse; or witnessing violence at home had double the risk of cardiovascular disease and double the risk of an early death compared with people who didn’t experience any ACEs at all. But while the risk of cardiovascular disease rises among people with ACEs, lifestyle changes can still prevent health problems down the line.

In rare cases, people who have had cosmetic dermal fillers experience swelling after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, but this shouldn’t stop people with fillers from being vaccinated.

A ringing sound in one or both ears is usually a form of an annoying condition called tinnitus. When tinnitus persists, treatment  such as cognitive behavioral therapy, tinnitus retraining therapy or biofeedback, can ease symptoms.

Chemical peels, which use a chemical solution to remove the top layers of the skin, are sometimes used to target skin changes that often occur with age. There are home versions as well as peels that are used in medical spas and dermatologists’ offices. They can be beneficial as long as one uses the right agent and the right technique. Used incorrectly, chemical peels can be harmful and even cause burns or pigment changes.

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the bowl-shaped structure of muscles and tissue that supports the pelvic organs weakens. This allows one or more organs in the pelvis, such as the bladder, uterus, small intestine, or rectum, to shift downward and bulge into the vagina. In some instances, the organs compress the urethra or shift the rectum, producing urinary problems or constipation. Women also commonly experience a sensation of a bulge in the vagina, in addition to pain or pressure, and sex may be painful. The three main treatment options for the condition are pelvic floor physical therapy, a device called a pessary to hold the organs in place, and surgery.

Vertigo is a distinct type of dizziness. An estimated 40% of adults suffer from it at least once in their lifetime, with the risk rising with age. Besides being particularly scary, vertigo can be dangerous because it increases a person’s chance of falling. While there is no cure for most causes of vertigo, there are ways to reduce symptoms during an attack and help avoid recurrent episodes. A doctor can usually identify the type of vertigo and the best course of action.

Men have many skin challenges as they age, including wrinkles, lines, spots, and discoloration. Older men also are at greater risk for skin cancers. Without adequate sun protection, these issues can become more frequent and severe. Therefore, men need to be even more diligent about sun protection to prevent further damage and shield them from skin cancer. That means following proper sunscreen protocol and wearing proper clothing and other protection when outside.

Bleeding gums may be a sign of insufficient vitamin C in a person’s diet. People can reach the recommended daily intake of 90 milligrams (mg) by eating more vitamin C–rich foods, such as kale, oranges, peppers, and kiwis, or by taking a 100-mg to 200-mg vitamin C supplement every day.

Older adults who took afternoon naps for less than 30 minutes no more than four days a week scored higher on cognitive tests than those who took longer and more frequent naps.