Harvard Health Content API

A 2024 study suggested that walking regularly may help stave off repeat episodes of low back pain.

A 2024 study suggests that having an attitude of gratitude may help people live longer.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) affects up to 10% of Americans and twice as many women as men. Risk factors include age, genetics, iron-deficiency anemia, and pregnancy. A variety of therapies can alleviate symptoms, which are dominated by creepy-crawly, sometimes painful leg sensations that tend to strike around bedtime. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommended in March 2024 to stop using dopamine-boosting drugs as first-line therapy for RLS; it should be taken only by patients whose symptoms don’t respond to other treatments.

In addition to hallmark symptoms such as persistent sadness and apathy, depression can also trigger memory problems. People with depression may lack focus, leading to memory lapses. Depression may also alter brain chemicals that help people sustain attention. Memory problems in depression show up differently than in dementia, making people unable to retrieve long-term memories. Positive memories also fade first in depression because brain areas that process positive or rewarding experiences are disrupted.

The way people’s bodies absorb and process medications changes as they age. This, along with additional health problems, muscle loss, or frailty, can make seniors more vulnerable to drug side effects and interactions. Adults 65 and older use more over-the-counter drugs than any other age group in the United States. Nonprescription drugs to reconsider include aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, proton-pump inhibitors, and older types of antihistamines.

A subconjunctival hemorrhage is a broken blood vessel in the eye. It’s usually not serious and resolves on its own within two weeks. People who also experience eye pain or vision changes may have an eye infection and should see a doctor.

Drinking is linked to increased risks of high blood pressure. Alcohol elevates levels of the hormone renin, which narrows blood vessels and decreases urine output. The more often someone drinks, the more likely high blood pressure will result.

Many Americans aren’t getting preventive medical care. About 12% are unsure when they’ll schedule their next check-up, and about 20% don’t have a primary care doctor. But skipping regular medical care can increase the risks of serious health consequences, especially for people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity. To smooth the process of re-establishing primary care, people should take stock of their health goals and make a list of health-related occurrences or questions before their appointment.

A 2024 study found that people with erratic sleeping habits—going back and forth from sleeping less than seven hours to more than nine per night—had a 50% higher risk for diabetes than people who regularly slept the recommended seven to nine hours.

Older adults who consume ultra-processed foods as a substantial part of their diet have a higher risk of early death than those who eat less of these foods.