health-letter
Compression stockings can help move blood up the legs to improve flow and prevent clotting and swelling. The stockings come in varying pressures-from strong to light-and in varying lengths-from knee-high to hip-high.
Be proactive when diagnosed with heart failure. That means taking medicines as directed, getting regular exercise, watching sodium and fluid intake, eating a healthy diet, tracking weight and any new symptoms daily, and not fixating on ejection fraction.
Simple steps can help limit the impact of mild cognitive impairment. It’s important to stay consistent with routines and habits, simplify choices, use a GPS in the car, and maintain social connections.
Common foot problems include fallen arches, Achilles tendinitis, pinched nerves in the foot, ingrown toenails, and plantar fasciitis. When these conditions occur, it is best to get to a doctor as soon as possible.
Wedge insoles are placed in the shoe to prop up the outside of your foot. They are meant to reduce the load on the inner knee joint. However, there is evidence the insoles do little to relieve knee arthritis pain.
Researchers may be able to screen for early dementia by asking people to put names to the faces of iconic celebrities and historical figures.
Alzheimer’s runs in my family. Will it help to get gene testing for this disease?
Small electronic devices to monitor movement help people recognize how much exercise they need and may help motivate them to be more active.
Whole-body CT scans, routine ECG screening, coronary calcium scores, chest screenings, and tuberculosis skin tests are not recommended unless a person has symptoms or risk factors of disease.
It’s normal to feel sad sometimes, but symptoms of depression should not be ignored, especially if you suspect you are depressed. Waiting to see if symptoms pass can make depression worse.