Category: harvardhealth_news_UNDEFINED

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.

New research found that while exercise offers health benefits for overweight people compared with not exercising, their excess weight still puts them at greater risk for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Walking can improve cardiovascular health, strengthen the immune system, and help manage weight. Yet it’s easy to make walks too passive. To provide the full benefits of walking, workouts need to pose a challenge and be tailored to meet specific fitness goals. The best way to do this is to adjust routines to focus more on intensity, strength, and endurance.

In general, men don’t really go through “menopause” because testosterone levels slowly decline over many decades. Symptoms such as low energy and decreased sex drive can sometimes be related to low testosterone levels that may improve with replacement therapy.

The brain has the capacity to “grow” as a person ages. Exposure to challenging experiences and tasks that require a person to learn and memorize information and skills stimulates the brain to form new neural connections, an ability called neuroplasticity. This  helps to maintain, and may even improve, memory and other brain functions.

Studies show that people who regularly adhere to the Mediterranean diet lower their risk of cardiovascular disease, many types of cancer, and cognitive decline with age. But it’s possible that this healthy diet can be made even healthier. New research suggests that making the diet “greener” by boosting amounts of dark green vegetables, green tea, and plant proteins high in the micronutrients known as polyphenols offers even greater benefits.