health-letter
High levels of trans fats in the diet raise blood levels of LDL cholesterol as much as saturated fat does. One swallow will not cause harm, but eating a lot of trans fats over time does endanger health.
It’s difficult to wean oneself off sleep medication. But gradual reduction of sleep medication, with a doctor’s supervision, can help. So can cognitive behavior therapy, relaxation techniques, and improving sleep hygiene.
Medical alerting devices are effective tools for people who want to live independently and safely in their own homes. The wearable devices summon help immediately in a medical emergency, such as a bad fall, stroke, or heart attack.
It appears that people in the United States are enjoying about two more years of good health than Americans of 20 years ago. Experts chalk it up at least partly to healthier lifestyles, medical advances, better treatments, and new drugs.
Caffeine is showing up in non-natural places such as snacks, energy bars, meal replacements, and other processed foods. It’s listed on food labels only when it is added to a food. If it occurs naturally in an ingredient, caffeine will not be listed.
It appears that people who take statins to keep their cholesterol in check may also be at increased risk for developing cataracts. However, doctors do not advise stopping statin use because of the risk.
The most common types of headaches in older adults include tension, migraine, and sinus headaches. Knowing which type of headache one has will indicate which medications to use first.
Most users of opioids for pain don’t have a problem with them. However, using opioids longer than 30 days brings the risk of dependence. People at risk of becoming addicted to opioids are those who are likely to become addicted to another substance.
Shingles occurs in nerves, and the blisters arise near the affected nerves, making the skin especially sensitive. To combat pain, doctors may prescribe a medicine to kill the virus, as well as painkillers.
Cooler weather outside may make people yearn for heartier fare at mealtime, but it’s important not to skimp on fruits and vegetables. Use produce that’s available in the autumn months such as apples, cranberries, carrots, cabbage, and butternut squash.