Category: health-letter

Winter is tough on the skin. This is because people are indoors with forced, hot air, which decreases humidity and causes dry skin.

Some medications can impair thinking skills as a side effect, especially a group of drugs called anticholinergics. These block the effects of a neurotransmitter responsible for stimulation and activity in the brain.

The American College of Physicians has new guidelines for incontinence urging doctors to first prescribe pill-free treatments.

Diminished smell may be an early sign of neurodegenerative disease. People who experience a diminished smell sense for more than a few weeks should consult with a primary care doctor or an ear, nose, and throat specialist.

The American College of Physicians recommends that people who have had a kidney stone increase their fluid intake so that they pass at least 2 liters of urine per day.

Tai chi is an exercise that can help reduce the risk of falling and suffering an injury.

Women can cut their risk of stroke by more than 50% with healthy lifestyle practices, such as eating right, never smoking, drinking moderately, staying active, and keeping body mass index below 25.

Ask the doctor: How you burn calories matters when you’re trying to lose weight

Fiber helps fight constipation, obesity, and disease, and it curbs hunger. The Institute of Medicine recommends that women ages 50 and older get 21 grams a day; men ages 50 and older should get 30 grams per day.

Keeping the leg and hip muscles strong and coordinated helps prevent knee injuries and reduce pain.