Category: harvardhealth_news_UNDEFINED

Vaccines are the best protection people have when it comes to certain illnesses. Older adults should get a flu shot every year.

While the cause of fainting often is something minor, fainting also can be a sign of a serious underlying medical problem.

Black and green tea contain flavonoids-beneficial plant chemicals that may lower heart disease risk. Drinking tea may lead to modest drops in cholesterol, blood pressure, and other factors linked to heart problems.

Anxiety disorders promote the stress response, which influences the same brain systems that affect cardiovascular functions.

Findings from a major clinical trial show that a new type of vaccine for shingles is much more effective than the existing vaccine in older people, although the new shot comes with more side effects.

Toenail fungus is difficult to cure without resorting to oral treatments that can affect liver function. Topical treatment can improve nails’ appearance.

An article in your April issue, ?Common drugs linked to dementia,? states that anticholinergics are used to treat depression. I wasn?t aware of this. Which types of anticholinergics are used for depression?

I had shingles in 2005 and haven?t had a shingles shot. I haven?t been able to find any studies that indicate whether a shot is feasible for people who have already had shingles. What do you recommend?

Probiotics can be helpful in some cases, but it’s unclear whether they are safe for all older adults.

Colonoscopy saves lives, and adequate prep is essential for a successful colonoscopy. New laxative preps are making the process easier to tolerate.