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The American College of Rheumatology recently released updated guidelines on how to best treat gout and prevent future flare-ups. They included first-line treatments like anti-inflammatory medications and ice therapy. A combination of diet and lifestyle changes and medications (including urate lowering therapy, or ULT) —is typically recommended if attacks recur or become chronic.
Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths, but the death rate has steadily dropped over the past several decades among older adults. Experts point to more colon cancer screening as the main reason. A colonoscopy continues to be the gold standard for effective screening, but there are other options for people who are not ready for a full colonoscopy, or who can’t have one because of certain health conditions.
Drinking no more than four or five 8-ounce cups of coffee per day—equal to about 400 milligrams of caffeine—helps people get the drink’s health benefits with a lower risk of caffeine side effects like anxiety and nervousness.
Switching from animal protein to plant protein in your diet may help you live longer, suggests a study of 400,000 people ages 50 and older.
A new blood test could help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease before cognitive issues and memory loss appear.
The holidays might look different this year, and the change may leave people feeling a range of emotions from guilt to loneliness, and sadness. But while life may be different this year, there are things that people can do to make this challenging time a little easier, such as planning ahead to make travel possible, working with family and friends to come up with mutually agreeable plans, and taking pleasure in different aspects of holidays and events.
There is some research that shows acupuncture may provide short-term relief from menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes.
This year, getting a flu shot is more important than ever, because it can not only protect people against the flu, but will also reduce the burden on health care systems.
A recent review found not only that coffee won’t harm cardiovascular health or raise the risk of cancer, but it may actually have some health benefits. These include a lower risk of diabetes, and certain cancers, such as liver, and endometrial cancer. Many of these benefits may come from plant chemicals found in coffee.
It may be difficult to leave the house to exercise this winter, but there are numerous exercises that can be done at home, including walking, stationary biking, strength training, yoga, tai chi, and balance training. Most of these options don’t require expensive equipment or a live instructor. Online classes are also a great option if a person can’t get to the gym.