One out of every two adults over age 65 is at risk for diabetes. About half of them aren’t aware of it. Women can take an A1C test to assess their blood sugar levels, and use diet and exercise to prevent prediabetes from progressing to diabetes.
The link between everyday stress and heart disease may result from stress-related behaviors-such as eating an unhealthy diet, smoking, and excess drinking. Meditation and other stress-relieving techniques can help.
Almost half of postmenopausal women experience dryness and thinning of the vagina and vulva. The North American Menopause Society recommends vaginal lubricants and moisturizers, as well as vaginal or oral estrogen to treat symptoms.
No supplement or pill has been proven to protect against dementia. However, there is growing evidence that physical activity can slow cognitive decline.
Women who experience urinary stress incontinence may want to consider midurethral sling surgery, a minimally invasive procedure in which a mesh support is inserted to relieve pressure on the urethra.
Overindulging during the holidays can lead to uncomfortable heartburn. One way to avoid the burn is to eat sensibly and avoid foods that can trigger heartburn, such as citrus fruits, garlic, tomatoes, and fried foods.
Many doctors overtreat their back pain patients. Instead of following current guidelines and recommending NSAIDs and physical therapy, they are prescribing narcotics and sending patients for imaging scans and more aggressive treatment.
Bisphosphonate drugs are a good option for treating osteoporosis, but women should still be sure to do weight-bearing exercises and take calcium and vitamin D.
There is evidence that surfing the Internet and playing games on the computer might slow cognitive decline and improve memory. Interacting with others online can also help older adults stay connected and reduce loneliness.
Taking calcium-channel blockers long-term to control high blood pressure may increase the risk of breast cancer. Other types of blood pressure drugs don’t seem to have the same effect.