The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns cold and allergy sufferers that the improper use of neti pots, a device for rinsing the nasal passages, can cause dangerous infections.
The CDC is urging all baby boomers (folks born between 1945 and 1965) to be tested for the hepatitis C virus. It can reside silently in the liver for decades, causing slow damage that may lead to liver failure or cancer.
More and more men are trying testosterone supplementation, but the tests used to diagnose “low T” are notoriously unreliable. By combining more than one kind of blood test, and by making sure to retest, your doctor can offer you a trustworthy diagnosis.
People with high levels of HDL (good) cholesterol are less likely to develop heart disease than those with low HDL. Taking drugs to boost HDL, though, may not provide the most heart-healthy bang for the buck.
Taking calcium in the form of dietary supplements can increase bone strength, but it’s not clear if this helps to prevent fractures in men, and calcium supplements carry potential risks. Calcium from food does have important health benefits.
A study observed that men with the largest waistlines suffer more frequent lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual dysfunction than men with smaller waists.
Dropping co-pays may increase the number of people who have a colonoscopy. The federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) forbids insurers from charging co-pays for certain preventive services.
Dry skin can be caused by dry indoor heating and overwashing. To relieve, use non-water based moisturizing creams and moisturizing soaps. If home remedies fail, see your doctor to rule out an underlying skin condition.
Taking a low-dose “baby” aspirin every day can prevent cardiovascular disease but carries a small but potentially dangerous bleeding risk. If you take low-dose aspirin, understand the nature and size of the bleeding risk and discuss it with your doctor.
The most widely used “keyhole” method for obtaining veins to perform coronary bypass is safe and is associated with fewer infections and other post-surgery complications.