Category: Women’s Health

Aspirin, long used to treat pain, and more recently to prevent heart attack, may have a new job: preventing cancer.

Some topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve osteoarthritis pain as well as oral medicines, with less risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. The best evidence is for diclofenac solution or gel.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has reaffirmed its 2004 recommendation that women at low risk not be routinely screened for ovarian cancer, because routine screening does not reduce ovarian cancer deaths.

Researchers have identified several effective fall prevention strategies, including home safety modifications, home-based exercise programs, tai chi, cataract surgery, changes to medication doses, and anti-slip shoes.

Breast calcifications are common, affecting about 50% of women over age 50. Most calcifications are noncancerous and do not need treatment. If they are clustered in one breast, they may require a biopsy.

Extra pounds are hard on the heart, but the fat located in the abdomen-called visceral fat-is particularly risky to heart health. Cutting portion sizes, eating less sugar and fat, and exercising are three of several effective ways to banish belly fat.

Meditation may be an effective method for combatting loneliness, and at the same time reduce markers of inflammation, which might benefit the immune system.

Robot-assisted surgery can provide greater magnification and improved dexterity for a surgeon, but outcomes may not be better than with traditional laparoscopic procedures, and costs for robotic surgery can be higher.

Nearly 40% of older women live alone. This can foster a sense of independence but it can also raise health and safety risks. It’s important for women who live alone to stay socially active and make home modifications to ensure their safety.

Postmenopausal women who eat fewer desserts and fried foods, drink fewer sugary beverages, eat more fish, and eat at restaurants less often are better able to lose weight and keep it off.