“Bone-on-bone” is a common description for advanced osteoarthritis, when the cartilage in a joint wears away completely. Symptoms, including pain, stiffness, and limited motion, can be managed with physical therapy, weight loss, pain medications, injections, and possibly joint replacement.
A 2026 study found that low vitamin D levels may increase the risk of hospitalization for respiratory infections (such as colds, flu, pneumonia, and bronchitis) by as much as 33%. Sunlight, foods containing vitamin D, and supplements help maintain healthy vitamin D levels.
A large 2026 study estimated that adding just five minutes a day of moderate to vigorous activity might prevent up to 10% of deaths during an eight-year period. Sitting for 30 minutes or less might prevent up to 7% of deaths.
A 2025 study suggests that very low levels of lithium in the brain might be linked to Alzheimer’s disease. In mice, certain lithium supplements seemed to protect memory and the brain. But scientists don’t yet know if lithium pills are safe or helpful for people.
A 2026 study suggested that people who stop taking weight-loss medications rapidly regain weight and lose heart health benefits associated with the drugs.
A 2026 study suggested that losing a pet can trigger grief as intense and prolonged as that from losing a human loved one.
Cervical dystonia is a movement disorder that causes involuntary, sustained muscle contractions that make the head wobble or rest in abnormal positions. Symptoms can be disruptive, making it hard for people with the condition to drive, dress, or reach for objects.
The brain communicates with the gastrointestinal tract through a connection scientists call the gut-brain axis. Evidence suggests that when the gut is irritated by triggers such as infection, stress, food, allergies, alcohol, or heredity, the resulting inflammation could influence mood.
Vaginal infections are highly common and often involve symptoms such as vaginal itching, burning, irritation, discharge, and odor. The most prevalent vaginal infections include bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, trichomoniasis, herpes simplex virus 2, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
People sometimes have difficulty knowing if they should seek care at an emergency room or an urgent care center. Urgent care centers can treat health problems that don’t endanger lives, while emergency rooms can treat serious or life-threatening problems.