Category: harvardhealth_news_UNDEFINED

Medical marijuana use among older adults is increasing, especially to treat insomnia or pain. The term “medical marijuana” refers to either the dried flowers of the unprocessed marijuana plant, which contains hundreds of chemicals; or two specific chemicals of marijuana that are known to have medicinal properties: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) produces a high; cannabidiol (CBD) does not produce any sort of high or cognitive impairment.

Telemedicine has become an important means of seeing a doctor. A number of steps will help individuals prepare for a virtual visit, such as making a list of questions to ask the doctor; having a family member present to take notes or listen to instructions; and making sure that the home computer, laptop, or smartphone that will be used in the visit is charged and the microphone and camera are working. During a virtual visit, a patient should speak loud enough to be understood by the doctor, and describe symptoms or concerns with as much detail as possible.

There are many ways one can try to avoid constipation. For example, lifestyle remedies may help—such as increasing dietary fiber, getting regular exercise, and drinking three to six cups of water per day. If those approaches don’t work, doctors recommend using fiber supplements, such as psyllium husk (Metamucil), methylcellulose (Citrucel), or wheat dextrin (Benefiber). Another supplement that might help is magnesium. When all strategies fail, it may be time to try over-the-counter medication. One option is an osmotic laxative such as polyethylene glycol (Miralax).

Evidence suggests that people who report the highest flavonoid intake (from foods such as berries, apples, and tea) are less likely to develop dementia, compared with people who report the lowest intake.

Getting even small amounts of physical activity is associated with a reduced risk for hospitalization.

Evidence suggests that attending a religious service at least once per week is associated with a much lower risk of “death from despair” (suicide, drug overdose, or alcohol poisoning), compared with never attending religious services.

People with elevated LDL cholesterol values may be able to reduce their LDL levels by eating more foods that are rich in fiber and lower in saturated fats. High-fiber foods include whole grains, beans, nuts, vegetables, and fruits. Saturated fats are found mainly in meat, cheese, and other high-fat dairy products such as butter, half and half, and ice cream.

A bundle branch block refers to a small glitch in the heart’s electrical conduction system, which can occur on the right or left side of the heart. Possible symptoms include shortness of breath, lagging energy, and fainting.

Exergaming, or active-play video games, may encourage adults (including those with heart disease) to be more active. They can offer a convenient, light- to moderate-intensity workout and feature an array of different simulated sports and recreational activities, including bowling, golf, tennis, dancing, and martial arts. But they shouldn’t replace traditional outdoor exercise or recreational activity.

Among people who have heart disease, those who also have diabetes may need more aggressive treatment than people who don’t have diabetes. This may include newer drugs that lower blood sugar levels and help people live longer. High blood sugar—the hallmark of diabetes—can injure the inner walls of arteries throughout the body, leaving them more prone to a buildup of fatty, artery-clogging plaque. Elevated blood sugar also stiffens the arteries so they don’t expand as well, and it makes blood platelets stickier and more likely to form blood clots.