Harvard Health Content API

Not having a bowel movement every day doesn’t always indicate a problem. It is more important that bowel movements be free of pain or strain. To reverse constipation, get adequate dietary fiber, drink enough water, and check for constipating medications.

Real reductions in stroke risk are linked to improvements on the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Simple 7” health tool.

Regular exercise is vital for health and longevity, but it often comes with muscle strains and sprains. For simple soreness, try some RICE: rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

Many Americans eat too much sugar, which contributes to obesity, heart disease, and an increased risk for death.

Joint pain isn’t always caused by arthritis. Sometimes the culprit is bursitis. It occurs when fluid-filled sacs near the joints called bursae become inflamed, most commonly at the shoulders, hips, knees, elbows, or even the buttocks.

Nutritional deficiencies become more common as women get older. Vitamins B12 and D, iron, and calcium are among the most common deficiencies with age. It’s important for women to be checked for deficiencies and to take a supplement if needed.

Poor sleep is linked to poor heart health. That goes double for people with sleep apnea, who stop breathing many times during the night.