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A 2025 study identified poor sleep along with high blood pressure, nicotine use, and high blood sugar levels as particularly important factors increasing the long-term risk of heart problems for women in midlife.
Dermaplaning is a technique that removes hair and dead skin cells from the face. Dermaplaning uses a type of razor or scalpel. When performed properly, the technique is safe, though it can nick facial skin.
A 2025 study suggested that following a green-Mediterranean diet — which includes walnuts, green tea, and the aquatic plant Mankai — may be linked with slower brain aging.
An endometrial biopsy is the only way to rule out endometrial (or uterine) cancer. Any vaginal bleeding a year or more after a woman’s final period raises the possibility of uterine cancer. The biopsy involves using a suction tube to gather cells from the uterine lining.
Simple strategies can help someone fight age-related memory slips. Tips include repeating new information by saying it out loud or writing it down a few times; associating an image with someone’s name, such as thinking of a bouquet of roses after meeting a person named Rosie; grouping information in chunks, similar to grouping digits in a phone number; and writing information out by hand (as opposed to typing), which forces the brain to process and absorb data.
Several tools can help people with incontinence stay dry and comfortable. Tools can include medications; basic supplies, such as protection pads, leakproof underwear, adaptive clothing, and portable urinals; bedwetting alarms; and bathroom locator apps. Some of the most important tools aren’t pills or gadgets, but strategies—such as controlling underlying conditions that can lead to incontinence (such as diabetes), weight loss, lifestyle or behavioral changes, and pelvic floor training.
Simple mistakes can undermine an exercise regimen. Some errors can lead to muscle injury, such as skipping a warm-up before a workout, slouching while exercising, cramming too much into a single exercise session, lifting too much weight, and working the same muscle groups every day without allowing them to rest properly. Another big mistake is not staying properly hydrated, which can be tough on the heart and muscles. To avoid mistakes, it might help to work with a physical therapist or personal trainer.
Science has made astonishing progress in the past 60 years in many areas. Examples include the ability to repair certain defective genes, use stem cells to treat certain diseases, detect and fight many cancers, fight viruses with medications, make organ transplants work, and prevent disease with vaccines and lifestyle changes. Thanks to technological advances, doctors can also see clearly inside the body and use artificial intelligence to speed the development of new medications.
Prescription eye drops, such as pilocarpine hydrochloride (Vuity, Qlosi) and aceclidine (VIZZ), can ease blurry close-up vision that occurs in middle and older age. The eye drops temporarily shrink the eye’s pupil, which focuses light and makes near vision sharper. The eye drops are considered generally safe to use daily or occasionally, depending on preference. However, they can have side effects, such as dim vision and headaches. In rare cases, they might cause retinal problems.
Red wine headaches are a common phenomenon. Scientists believe they’re due to a flavonoid called quercetin, which may block a key enzyme that breaks down alcohol in the liver and allows the buildup of a chemical called acetaldehyde that can trigger headaches.