Category: harvardhealth_news_UNDEFINED

An estimated 3.2% of adults ages 50 or older have very low B₁₂ levels, and up to 20% may have borderline deficiency. Aging is often the cause. Other causes include taking heartburn medications; eating a diet that does not include animal products; weight loss surgery; or autoimmune diseases that attack the stomach lining or gastrointestinal tract. It’s a good idea for older adults to take a B₁₂ supplement of 2.8 micrograms daily to ward off B₁₂ deficiency. People who have very low levels of B₁₂ may need to take a much higher dose or get B₁₂ injections.

Headaches can have many triggers from allergies to stress, or even hunger. Understanding headache triggers can help you avoid one in the future. Here’s a look at the most common triggers for each kind of headache.

However, there isn’t solid evidence about the benefits or how fasting might affect older adults. Fasting risks could include too much weight loss or interference with medication regimens. Anyone thinking of trying intermittent fasting should talk to a doctor about it first, especially if the person already has health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.

Stretching before one gets out of bed has many benefits. It can release the body’s "feel good" chemicals, lubricate the joints, and help people maintain their range of motion. Before stretching, one should move the muscles a little by flexing the joints. This will help get blood flowing to the muscles and make them more amenable to stretching. Any stretch done in bed should be hold for 30 to 60 seconds if possible, without bouncing.

An observational study published online Jan. 8, 2020, by The BMJ suggests that people who follow four or five healthy habits have an additional decade of disease-free living, compared with people who don’t follow any healthy lifestyle habits.

Home hospital care is not for everyone. However, it may make sense for people who have an illness that needs constant monitoring and treatment but doesn’t require advanced procedures or intensive nursing care.

Anyone with known heart disease or a high risk for a heart attack or stroke should avoid smoking any form of marijuana, Harvard researchers advise.

Older adults who want to continue to live independently need to focus on five areas of their health that can ensure their continued well-being and, ultimately, the preservation of their lifestyle. These five areas are staying mentally engaged, being active, sleeping well, eating right, and being current with health exams.

People may consume artificial sweeteners to help with weight loss or to avoid weight gain. Yet research has found that these sugar substitutes could have the opposite effect and promote weight gain.

Men do not have to worry about getting bladder infections from their female partners. Women can get urinary tract infections after sex, but this is a result of irritation at the opening of the urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter.