Category: harvardhealth_news_UNDEFINED

There are several ways to escape a meltdown—an overwhelming feeling of stress or anger. One strategy is to calm the body with slow breathing. Another strategy is to shift one’s thought patterns. This can be done by paying attention to one’s inner dialogue, trying not to believe one’s thoughts automatically, asking if the thoughts are fact or opinion, thinking about the big picture, and realizing that these emotions will fade. Someone who is experiencing frequent meltdowns should consider speaking to a doctor.

Too much sitting can lead to a sore backside. The pain may be the result of a bulging disc in the back, irritated hamstring or buttocks muscles, or a type of bursitis. Ways to relieve pain include standing up and moving for a few minutes every hour, stretching the muscles in the buttocks, strengthening the core and back muscles, and using pillows when sitting to cushion the bones in the buttocks and support the lower back.

Many COVID-19 symptoms — such as fever, cough, or muscle aches — overlap with the symptoms of other respiratory conditions, such as influenza, a common cold, or asthma. But there are differences among the conditions. For example, a bout of the flu or a cold will not cause shortness of breath the way COVID-19 will. And while asthma can cause shortness of breath, it won’t cause a fever or body aches the way COVID-19 will. A person who’s experiencing concerning symptoms of respiratory illness should report them to a doctor.

There are many ways to have prescription medications delivered right to one’s home, such as using a grocery delivery service or finding a drugstore that contracts with a courier service to make home deliveries. Online pharmacies provide medications by mail. While convenient, prescription delivery has drawbacks, too, such as delays in receiving medications, or missed packages if the recipient isn’t home at the time of a delivery. When ordering prescription refills, it’s best to order well in advance, such as day 21 for a 30-day prescription.

An observational study published online May 7, 2020, by Gastroenterology suggests a link between eating an inflammatory diet and increased risk for developing Crohn’s disease.

The FDA warned in late May and early June 2020 that some lots of extended-release metformin may contain unacceptable levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a possible cancer-causing chemical.

An observational study published online June 29, 2020, by Jama Network Open found a potential link between low-to-moderate alcohol drinking in middle age and better cognitive skills in older age.

Coffee drinking has been linked to a lower risk of dying of heart disease. Coffee contains potent anti-inflammatory substances called polyphenols that may improve blood sugar control and help blood vessels contract and relax. Although the caffeine in coffee may help people control their weight, it can trigger a short-term rise in blood pressure and heart rate. Filtered coffee, which removes substances that may raise LDL (bad) cholesterol, appears to be a better option than unfiltered coffee.

Obstructive sleep apnea, which causes loud snoring and periodic breathing pauses during the night, is closely linked to cardiovascular disease.

Playing tennis and other racquet sports can be a fun, effective way to improve fitness. Tennis engages muscles throughout your upper and lower body, which challenges the heart. The sport also features short bursts of high-intensity activity interspersed with less vigorous movements. This type of exercise, known as high-intensity interval training, seems to be a good way to boost cardiovascular fitness. Pickleball and badminton, which are less physically demanding than tennis, may be a good option for people who are older or less fit. Racquet sports have been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a longer life.