Harvard Health Content API

To reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease you want to concentrate on lowering levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides. Both can be reduced by eating a Mediterranean style diet and becoming more physically active. To lower LDL cholesterol, you want to limit saturated fats. A good goal is to consume a diet with less than 7% of calories from saturated fats. The main ways to lower triglycerides are calorie reduction and avoiding alcohol.

The most common type of arthritis in the spine is osteoarthritis. This is sometimes called degenerative joint disease and tends to affect the neck and lower spine in older adults.

 

Exercises that may be helpful include:

 

• Hip and lower back stretch – Lie flat on your back with legs extended. Keep your neck on the floor but look down toward your chest. Bend both knees and clasp them with your hands, pulling your knees toward your shoulders as far as they will comfortably

go. Breathe in deeply and exhale, bringing the knees closer as you breathe out. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds while breathing normally. Repeat at least twice more.

 

• Lower body rotation – Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Keeping your shoulders on the floor, gently lower your knees to one side and turn your head to the opposite side. Hold for 15 seconds. Bring your knees back to the center and repeat on the other side. Continue alternating stretches to each side 3 times.

 

• Bridge – Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Place your palms flat on the floor next to your hips. Keep your back straight as you lift your buttocks as high as you can off the mat, using your hands for balance only. Hold for 5 seconds, then lower your buttocks not quite to the floor, then lift again. Repeat three times.

 

• Neck rotation – While sitting or standing, keep your chin level and turn your head to the left as far as you can comfortably go; hold it there for 15 seconds. Then turn to the right for 15 seconds. Repeat for a total of 3 times for each side.

 

• Neck flexion and extension – While standing or sitting, pull your shoulders back and gradually bend your neck forward toward your chest. Hold it there for 15 seconds. Repeat twice more. After a minute or so, raise your chin up slowly as far as you can comfortably. Hold it there for 15 seconds, then bring your chin back to level. Repeat twice more.

These can be repeated throughout the day. Discontinue any exercise that causes significant discomfort and talk to your doctor about seeing a physical therapist who can recommend an individualized exercise program for you.

Other types of spine arthritis include ankylosing spondylitis or axial spondylitis associated with psoriasis. For these, medications that alter immune function may be needed.

There are many ways to help reduce heartburn and acid reflux without medication, including:

• Elevate the head of your bed at least six inches.

• Limit foods that cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax during their digestion, such as coffee, chocolate, fatty foods, peppermint and spearmint.

• Limit acidic foods that make the irritation worse when they are regurgitated. These include citrus fruits and tomatoes.

• Avoid carbonated beverages. Burps of gas force the esophageal sphincter to open and can promote reflux.

• Do not lie down after eating.

• Use lozenges or gum to keep producing saliva.

People with akathisia are restless, have a compulsion to keep moving, and are unable to stay still.  They may fidget, cross and uncross their legs repetitively, or constantly walk around.  The movement disorder is associated with certain types of medications such as antipsychotics as well as some medical conditions, like Parkinson’s disease.  While there is no specific treatment for akathisia, if medication-induced, changing the medication or lowering the dose may relieve symptoms.  Beta-blockers and sedatives may also help.

A hallucination occurs when you perceive a sight, sound, smell, touch, or taste that is not actually present.  Hallucinations are often a symptom of psychosis-related mental disorders such as schizophrenia, but they can also occur with substance use and neurological conditions, like epilepsy.  The exact mechanism is still not completely understood but may involve chemical disruptions that interfere with the brain’s ability to interpret information from the outside world.

When to worry and seek medical evaluation of a cough depends on whether there are other symptoms and how long you have had the cough. Cough with high fever, shortness of breath or bloody sputum needs prompt medical evaluation. Even without other symptoms, a persistent cough for more than four to six weeks requires a medical appointment.

Anyone considering or engaging in self-harm needs to reach out to a trusated family member or friend or call the Hotline 988. Trying to stop yourself is admirable. But even if you don’t think you would actually harm yourself, it does mean there are issues you want to address.

Surgery for craniosynostosis is usually done in the first year or so of life. Surgery can be done later, but it is more difficult and carries more risk. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits with a surgeon who has significant experience in surgery for this problem.

Vaginal itch is most commonly caused by a yeast infection or irritation and inflammation of the skin. Other possible causes include trichomoniasis, a parasitic infection that is often sexually transmitted, bacterial vaginosis, and vaginal dryness due to reduced estrogen levels after menopause. Treatment depends on the cause and can include antifungal, antifungal, corticosteroid, and estrogen creams. Some of these remedies are sold over-the-counter, but if you are not sure what is causing your vaginal itch, see your doctor so you can get a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

During a menstrual period, the body releases chemicals called prostaglandins which stimulate muscles in the uterus to tighten and contract, causing pain in the lower abdomen, back, and thighs. While the pain is usually milder than the contractions felt during childbirth, for some women, menstrual cramps can be severe. Over-the-counter pain relievers and oral contraceptives can help reduce the pain associated with menstrual periods.