Category: harvardhealth_news_UNDEFINED

The COVID-19 outbreak in the late winter and spring of 2020 had a big effect on the medical industry. Hospitals became like armed forces hospitals during wartime: doctors, nurses, therapists, laboratory technicians (and everyone helping them, from secretaries to janitors) cared for extremely sick patients—while putting their own health at risk. Many doctors and scientists who were busy studying other illnesses had to redirect their efforts to study COVID-19. And many people with illnesses other than COVID-19 chose to stay away from hospitals to avoid getting the virus.

Taking an antidepressant is not something to jump into in order to cope with a difficult time. The medications may take up to six weeks to start working, and it can be tricky to get the dose just right. In addition, antidepressants may have side effects such as nausea, sexual dysfunction, weight gain, or sleep problems. And it can be very difficult to wean off antidepressants. For all of those reasons, antidepressants are typically not prescribed unless someone has a moderate-to-severe case of depression.

There are many ways to learn something new while at home. Tools include smartphone apps, books, online classes, project kits, podcasts, and even YouTube videos. Learning something new brings invaluable health benefits, such as sharper thinking and maybe even better brain health. The reason behind better thinking skills that result from learning could be new brain cell connections, which may lead to more paths for information to get where it needs to go.

There are many ways to exercise when stuck indoors. Just stepping in place is a simple and effective aerobic workout: one should lift the knees high and raise and lower the arms to get to get the heart and lungs pumping harder. For a home strength training workout, one can lift household objects such as soup cans, or do body weight exercises such as standing planks and bridges. To stretch while at home, one can practice yoga or tai chi, or follow a list of stretches.

A study published online April 22, 2020, by the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that drinking filtered coffee was better for health than drinking unfiltered coffee, particularly for older people.

People who use apps to support them in taking medications say they are twice as likely to stick to a medication regimen as people who don’t use apps in this way.

A significant proportion of motor vehicle deaths involve people who’ve consumed alcohol but whose blood alcohol levels do not exceed legal limits, according to a study published online March 3, 2020, by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Some research says taking a daily fish oil supplement can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, while other studies say the evidence remains thin. While fish oil is the best source of omega-3 fatty acids (essential nutrients that the body cannot make on its own),  taking an over-the-counter fish oil supplement probably provides no extra heart benefit beyond a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of omega-3-rich fatty fish, nuts, and seeds.

Although nocturnal leg cramps can strike people at any time of life, they become more frequent with age. Performing foot stretches and applying ice and heat can treat flare-ups. Leg stretches, staying hydrated, and wearing proper footwear can reduce their frequency.

Struggling with making decisions is more likely as people age and experience natural cognitive decline. This can make it harder to choose the right course of action, especially if there are multiple options. There are steps people can take to improve decision making, such as narrowing down choices, gathering only basic information, and consulting with friends and family.