Harvard Health Content API

People with asthma should be aware of seemingly harmless substances, such as wood smoke and candle scents that could worsen symptoms such as coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of breath. They should also get vaccinated against viral infections, see a specialist if necessary, keep watch for signs of a flare, and create a plan with their doctor to address flare-ups, which send millions of Americans to hospital emergency departments every year.

Osteopenia and osteoporosis both involve a decline in bone density. Osteoporosis is more severe, significantly increasing the risk of fractures. Both conditions can be diagnosed with DEXA scanning, which measures calcium and other minerals in bone.

Over-the-counter menopause test kits detect levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in a urine sample. But FSH levels can be high just before ovulation as well as when menopause is approaching, making test results ambiguous.

Lipedema is characterized by an abnormal and uneven buildup of fibrous, fatty tissue, typically in the buttocks and legs. The condition’s prevalence is not precisely known, since lipedema is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. In addition to cosmetic concerns, lipedema can lead to myriad physical effects, including pain, loose joints, easy bruising, and trouble walking. Treatments include compression stockings, use of pneumatic devices, a special type of massage, medications, liposuction, and exercise.

Older adults with greater joint flexibility had a lower risk of death than those with less flexibility. Increased flexibility can improve mobility and reduce pain, which may keep people active and help them stay healthier.

According to a 2024 study, the rapid, irregular heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation is three times more prevalent than previously thought, and now affects an estimated 10.5 million Americans.

Some people might benefit from having an additional expert on their health care team. Examples include an occupational therapist, a physical therapist, a certified personal trainer, a dietitian, a personal chef, or a certified driving rehabilitation specialist. A person’s doctor can advise on which types of experts would help round out the health care team. Before seeking additional experts, it’s important to consider how much their services will cost. They might or might not be covered by insurance.

A 2024 study found that the accuracy of a blood pressure reading is compromised if a person’s arm isn’t in a certain position. For the most effective measurement, the person should be seated, feet flat on the floor, with the arm supported so the elbow is at heart level.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps redirect negative thoughts and emotions. It’s often prescribed to help people cope with tinnitus (a phantom ringing in the ears). A 2024 study found that CBT is most likely to be beneficial when tinnitus symptoms are severe.

A study of more than 121,000 people without dementia (ages 40 to 70) found that those who ate the most flavonoid-rich foods—six servings per day—had a 28% lower risk of developing dementia over the following nine years, compared to those who ate the least.