Category: harvardhealth_news_UNDEFINED

A 2024 study suggested that walking regularly may help stave off repeat episodes of low back pain.

The way people’s bodies absorb and process medications changes as they age. This, along with additional health problems, muscle loss, or frailty, can make seniors more vulnerable to drug side effects and interactions. Adults 65 and older use more over-the-counter drugs than any other age group in the United States. Nonprescription drugs to reconsider include aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, proton-pump inhibitors, and older types of antihistamines.

In addition to hallmark symptoms such as persistent sadness and apathy, depression can also trigger memory problems. People with depression may lack focus, leading to memory lapses. Depression may also alter brain chemicals that help people sustain attention. Memory problems in depression show up differently than in dementia, making people unable to retrieve long-term memories. Positive memories also fade first in depression because brain areas that process positive or rewarding experiences are disrupted.

Drinking is linked to increased risks of high blood pressure. Alcohol elevates levels of the hormone renin, which narrows blood vessels and decreases urine output. The more often someone drinks, the more likely high blood pressure will result.

A subconjunctival hemorrhage is a broken blood vessel in the eye. It’s usually not serious and resolves on its own within two weeks. People who also experience eye pain or vision changes may have an eye infection and should see a doctor.

A 2024 study found that people with erratic sleeping habits—going back and forth from sleeping less than seven hours to more than nine per night—had a 50% higher risk for diabetes than people who regularly slept the recommended seven to nine hours.

Many Americans aren’t getting preventive medical care. About 12% are unsure when they’ll schedule their next check-up, and about 20% don’t have a primary care doctor. But skipping regular medical care can increase the risks of serious health consequences, especially for people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity. To smooth the process of re-establishing primary care, people should take stock of their health goals and make a list of health-related occurrences or questions before their appointment.

Older adults who consume ultra-processed foods as a substantial part of their diet have a higher risk of early death than those who eat less of these foods.

A recent study found that engaging in high-intensity interval training may be better for brain health than other less vigorous routines.

Bouts of dizziness can be unsettling sensations that may last only a few seconds or linger for several minutes or even longer. Episodes may be isolated or recurrent. Many people have a difficult time articulating what they experience when they say they feel dizzy, because the term encompasses a range of sensations like lightheadedness, wooziness, unsteadiness, or spinning. To help identify the cause, people should first consider whether they are experiencing primarily lightheadedness or vertigo.