health-letter
After age 65, many people lose some of their sense of smell, and we don’t know exactly why. But if loss of smell lasts longer than a few weeks, it may indicate an underlying problem, and sometimes a serious neurological condition.
Frequent and long-term use of pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), may be a risk factor for hearing loss. Researchers say the drugs may damage the cochlea, the snail-shaped hearing mechanism in the inner ear.
Vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, zinc, and copper appear to discourage the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Vitamin B supplements might reduce the risk of developing AMD. It’s best to get the vitamins and antioxidants from food.
In November 2012 the FDA approved a new treatment for people with rheumatoid arthritis called tofacitinib (Xeljanz). Unlike previous biologic treatments, the new drug is a pill, not an injection, and it targets another type of inflammatory molecule.
For people with diabetes and several blocked heart arteries, rerouting blood flow around clogged arteries with bypass surgery may result in fewer heart attacks and deaths than opening the arteries by inserting stent through the blockages.
Older adults with hearing loss may be at risk for cognitive problems. Research shows that people with hearing loss have a 24% greater risk for cognitive impairment than do people with normal hearing.
Peripheral artery disease has four main risk factors: smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. The more risk factors one accumulates, the higher the risk, and the severity of risk factors increases risk.
Stay away from foods with high sodium content, including canned soup, breads and rolls, cold cuts and cured meats, pizza, poultry, and sandwiches. To cut out sodium, read food labels and eat less restaurant and packaged foods. Stick to fresh foods.
Physical activity and mental stimulation are both vital for protecting mental skills. A modest amount of aerobic exercise is sufficient to produce positive cognitive results. For mental activity, doctors recommend activities requiring active engagement.
Phone applications that monitor suspicious moles for the deadly skin cancer melanoma may not be reliable. In a study, three out of four applications incorrectly classified 30% or more melanomas as unconcerning.