health-letter
The main reason to take a magnesium supplement is a documented low body magnesium, usually identified by a low blood level. A normal blood level range is 1.7 to 2.2 milligrams per deciliter. For most healthy people, it’s best to get magnesium from food.
Arthroscopy is a popular technique for shoulder surgery. It’s recommended to repair torn rotator cuff tendons (which keep the arm bone in the shoulder socket), dislocated shoulders, and torn ligaments, as well as to remove bone spurs and cartilage.
People who have shingles can take famciclovir and valacyclovir to kill the virus and alleviate pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen may also be added. The use of glucocorticoid medicines for pain is debated.
Sugar-sweetened beverages, whether caffeinated or decaffeinated, appear to be associated with higher risks of developing type 2 diabetes in both men and women. Coffee and tea appear to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Suspected triggers for migraine with aura may not be as strong as some people think. Research suggests that a person who experiences migraines with aura can cross a trigger off the list if exposure to it for three months doesn’t cause a problem.
Allergy seasons are worsening, possibly because of climate change. Fighting back against allergy symptoms involves medications and other strategies, such as starting a nasal steroid spray weeks before the spring and wearing a mask for outdoor yard duties.
When buying a hearing aid, it’s easy to be distracted by price and technology. The help and advice of a qualified audiologist can ensure the proper fit and function.
Regular aspirin use may slightly increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which causes vision loss in the macula, the part of the eye that controls central vision. But that should not stop the use of aspirin for heart disease.
For stable coronary artery disease, standard drug therapy plus angioplasty and stent placement reduces the need for emergency interventions later.
High-tech machines in specialty shoe stores can provide information that leads to buying a better-fitting shoe. Foot scanners help determine a person’s arch type. Gait analyzers record the characteristics and support needs of feet in motion.