health-letter
Mapping out strategies before the holidays helps to avoid health risks such as loneliness and depression, overeating, weight gain, falls in icy weather, foodborne illness, and heart problems brought on by eating and drinking too much.
Early results of the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial suggest that aiming for a systolic (top) blood pressure reading of less than 120 mm Hg may significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.
It appears that hearing impairment is associated with a 21% increased risk of death, and moderate-to-severe hearing impairment is associated with a 39% increased risk of death, compared with people who don’t have hearing loss.
Are there any benefits to taking vitamin E supplements? Or any risks?
Adapting to life in an assisted living facility takes time. Suggestions to ease the transition include seeking emotional help, bringing familiar belongings, and taking part in social activities.
It appears that people who eat spicy foods almost every day have a lower risk of death than people who eat spicy foods once a week.
Drinking coffee may be associated with a reduced recurrence of colon cancer, and even a reduced risk of death.
Managing fluid and fiber intake and treating underlying conditions can help people stay regular.
Some medications, such as benzodiazepines, corticosteroids, and beta blockers, may cause depression as a side effect.
When food sits out at room temperature for two hours or more, on a buffet table for example, conditions become right for harmful bacteria to multiply.