Extra-virgin olive oil may contain substances that confer extra health benefits than those in regular olive oil, but the scientific evidence is still preliminary.
Home blood pressure monitoring can bring about better control of high blood pressure within six months.
Heavy coffee drinkers younger than 55 may be at heightened risk of premature death.
A panel of experts recommends that smokers ages 55 to 80 who have a history of smoking a pack a day for 30 years or more, or who have quit within the past 15 years, should have a CT scan for hidden lung cancer.
Software training programs may help maintain cognitive fitness with aging, but only if they are engaging and continually challenging-and not intimidating. The programs raise scores on standard tests, but it is unclear how this helps in daily life.
Diverticulosis, the development of pouchlike structures in the colon wall, is usually harmless. Trouble comes when the pouches get inflamed, infected, or bleed (diverticulitis). Getting adequate dietary fiber helps prevent flare-ups of diverticulitis.
A heart attack, heart disease, or high blood pressure increase the risk of heart failure. Healthy lifestyle and medication can prevent heart failure or slow its progression. Exercise, diet, not smoking, and moderating alcohol are all key steps.
Heat or cold can both relieve discomfort from lower back pain. Most experts recommend cold to relieve swelling and heat for spasm or stiffness.
In a study from England, the proportion of people who developed dementia fell over the past 20 years.
Eating too much processed and cured red meat is unhealthy. When eating deli meats, choose less processed versions with lower sodium content per slice. Also limit the number of slices of meat or cheese. Try types of sandwiches without deli meats.