health-letter
It appears that being overweight puts people at risk for heart attack and heart disease, regardless of whether they have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar.
Dry winter air can suck moisture out of the skin and cause itching. To combat this, one can stop scratching; wear protective clothing when outdoors; use a humidifier; and limit bathing to five minutes in lukewarm water.
Strengthening the core muscles can help improve one’s balance, posture, and athletic performance. It can also reduce back pain. The core muscles are located in the hips, back, and abdomen.
Statin use guidelines have changed for seemingly healthy adults. Statins are no longer recommended based on a person’s “bad” or LDL cholesterol level. Statins are now advised for people with a heart disease or stroke risk of 7.5% in the next 10 years.
Any increase in blood sugar levels is linked to an increased risk of developing dementia. Researchers speculate that this may be because high blood sugar levels are causing more vascular disease or because of insulin resistance.
Air purifiers can eliminate or reduce several airborne allergens and pollutants such as dust mite allergens, mold, pollens, and pet dander.
Shoulder pain doesn’t always lead to surgery. Physical therapy can help strengthen the shoulder and reduce pain in 90% of cases.
People who feel that everyone is mumbling and have a hard time carrying on a conversation in a noisy environment may have hearing loss.
It appears that women who adhere to a Mediterranean-type diet in midlife have greater physical and mental function in old age.
The benefits of moderate alcohol intake appear to apply not only to healthy people but also to people with coronary artery disease risk factors or coronary artery disease itself.