Category: harvardhealth_news_UNDEFINED

The Shingrix vaccine decreases the risk of developing shingles (herpes zoster), a painful and potentially serious condition. In some people, the reaction to Shingrix includes mild soreness, redness, swelling, or pain in the arm at the injection site. Some people also experience fatigue, headache, muscle achiness, stomach pain, nausea, fever, or chills and shivering for a day or two. Very rarely, people have an allergic reaction. There is no evidence that anything will prevent a reaction to Shingrix.

Traveling long or short distances can be tricky for people who have incontinence. Certain strategies can help: avoiding bladder irritants (such as caffeinated or carbonated drinks), practicing urge suppression techniques, speaking with a doctor about medications that can ease an overactive bladder, wearing clothes with easy-to-use fasteners, wearing “bladder leak” underwear, packing important supplies such as a change of clothes or a portable urinal, using bathroom locator apps, and scheduling bathroom breaks.

People with atrial fibrillation (afib) worry that drinking alcohol or caffeine might trigger a flare-up of the condition. Afib is characterized by erratic beating of the heart’s two upper chambers. The chambers quiver, causing blood to pool and sometimes form clots, which can cause a heart attack or stroke. Evidence strongly suggests that drinking alcohol can cause a flare-up of afib. Drinking caffeine in usual amounts does not increase that risk. However, doctors note that people who are especially sensitive to caffeine should avoid it.

Riding an electric bicycle (e-bike) has risks and benefits. On the plus side, an e-bike—which has a built-in electric motor—can assist a rider when pedaling is difficult. It puts less compression on the joints than a conventional bike, and makes riding easier for people with joint pain or diminished strength or endurance. But at higher speeds, an e-bike can be difficult to control for people not used to riding, which might lead to accidents.

Three strategies can help decrease the number of days one must devote to medical appointments. The first is eliminating unneeded care, such as screening tests for people at low risk for certain conditions. The second strategy is coordinating various doctor visits, tests, or imaging for the same day. The third strategy is using telemedicine in place of appointments that would normally happen in person, such as mental health care visits or routine appointments for diabetes or high blood pressure.

In 2024, the FDA advised against using smart watches or smart rings that claim to monitor blood sugar without piercing the skin. Using them, the FDA warned, could result in inaccurate blood sugar measurements, which is dangerous for people with diabetes.

A large 2024 review of evidence found that diets rich in ultra-processed foods were tied to increased risks for premature death, cardiovascular disease, mental health disorders, diabetes, obesity, sleep problems, and other health issues.

High-dose niacin (vitamin B₃) is no longer recommended to improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Different forms of niacin, such as niacinamide (nicotinamide), are sold as supplements; the potential benefits and risks remain unclear.

In addition to the Mediterranean diet, other European eating patterns—namely, the Nordic diet and the Atlantic diet—feature heart-healthy fare. All three diets feature seafood, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and nuts, with an emphasis on seasonal and local foods. Such foods also support environmental health and sustainability. People in the United States can follow this trend by shopping at a farmer’s market or joining a community-supported agriculture program.

Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia is caused by an electrical glitch in the heart’s upper chamber that causes the heart rate to suddenly soar for no apparent reason—sometimes as high as 200 beats per minute. The condition, which people describe as palpitations or a fluttering sensation in the chest, is usually not dangerous. But long-lasting bouts can lead to lightheadedness, breathlessness, and fainting.