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Charcoal toothpastes, marketed as tooth whiteners, contain activated charcoal, an abrasive substance that can help remove surface stains. While safe in small doses, charcoal toothpaste shouldn’t be used daily, since it may damage tooth enamel.
Cuticles hinder germs from entering the nail bed. Dry, cracked, or damaged cuticles may become infected, leading to a red, swollen, painful area around the nail. Mild nail infections can be treated at home, but people should see their doctor if the infection doesn’t resolve.
Annually, about 790,000 Americans (about 60% women) undergo knee replacement surgery. Women are more likely to have arthritis, the main culprit leading to most knee replacements. Before surgery becomes an option, people first need to try conservative treatments such as pain relievers, injectable medications, and physical therapy. Signs a knee replacement may be necessary include pain that hinders people from doing basic activities, unstable walking, and needing multiple medications to function.
A 2024 study found that low-dose aspirin therapy was more effective than taking anticoagulants for reducing the risk of blood clots following a total knee replacement surgery. Aspirin therapy also caused fewer bleeding complications.
Certain food pairings work synergistically, enabling the body to absorb nutrients more efficiently than if either food were eaten alone. Other combinations keep people full longer. Examples of synergistic combinations include beans and brown rice, spinach and citrus, cereal and milk, tomatoes and olive oil, apples and peanut butter, and turmeric and black pepper. But people absorb nutrients differently, meaning there’s no guarantee someone will extract as many nutrients from a certain combination of foods as another person does.
In a 2024 study of 900 dementia-free older adults, those who developed mild cognitive impairment had lower levels of life purpose and personal growth years before a diagnosis, compared with those whose thinking skills remained sharp.
Eating a plant-based diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables has been shown to help lower high blood pressure. A 2024 study has found that these foods may also protect against worsening of chronic kidney disease in people with high blood pressure.
Updated guidelines say adults don’t need routine testing of vitamin D levels. However, they should aim for daily vitamin D intake of 600 international units (IU) until age 70, and 800 IU after that either through vitamin D–fortified foods or a supplement of up to 1,000 IU.
A 2024 study involving more than 149,000 people, middle-aged and older, found that those who had shingles were 20% more likely to notice signs of cognitive decline years later, compared with those who didn’t have shingles.
In 2024, the FDA approved a blood test called Shield as a screening method for colorectal cancer. The test detects 83% of colorectal cancers, but only 13% of precancerous polyps. The FDA approval means that now many insurance plans will pay for the test.