Category: harvardhealth_news_UNDEFINED

For people who have had shingles, the question of whether or not to get the vaccine to prevent a recurrence is not easily answered.

Women under 40 are at much greater risk of developing gallstones than men, due to the actions of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

The increase in obesity and type 2 diabetes among Americans has led to an increase in fatty liver disease. Weight loss and exercise are the mainstays of treatment.

The benefit of taking a daily aspirin to protect against a heart attack is well established, but this protection comes with some increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Strong connections and regular social interaction with friends and family members helps alleviate stress and enhance longevity.

Frozen shoulder is caused by an injury or inflammation, which limits movement and causes the tissue around the joint to thicken and contract. Physical therapy will aim to restore flexibility to the joint capsule, then to strengthen it.

People who have been taking antidepressants for some time may wish to stop taking them due to unpleasant side effects. This can be accomplished, but it is best to taper the dosage slowly and be aware of the potential for discontinuation symptoms.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also called broken-heart syndrome, is a weakening of the left ventricle that is usually the result of severe stress. Its symptoms resemble those of a heart attack, and treatment is usually the same as that for heart failure.

As the immune system weakens with age, the risk of shingles increases. Many doctors recommend that people over 60 get the shingles vaccine.

Given the huge increase in the use of CT scans, concern about radiation exposure is warranted. Patients should try to keep track of their cumulative radiation exposure, and only have tests when necessary.