Many women report stronger body odor during perimenopause. It can result from a changed sense of smell; profuse sweating from hot flashes or night sweats; or greater prominence of testosterone, which attracts more bacteria to sweat.
Women should consider genetic testing for breast cancer if they have a personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer, especially diagnosed at age 50 or younger; family history of BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations; or Ashkenazi Jewish heritage.
People often need several medications to adequately control high blood pressure. Doctors factor in more than age, sex, and race when deciding which of the 200-plus available blood pressure drugs might work for a person. Doctors also consider diet, activity levels, reproductive history, and other chronic conditions and medications. Consistent blood pressure control can be challenging, and doctors can collaborate with patients to minimize side effects common to blood pressure medications, such as dizziness and lightheadedness.
Older adults can still lower their risk for dementia by taking medication to decrease their high blood pressure, according to a recent study.
Statins were more effective at lowering cholesterol levels compared with six dietary supplements touted for heart health benefits, including managing cholesterol.
Performing at least 15 minutes of vigorous exercises per week, which includes several short bouts lasting up to two minutes, may lower a person’s risk of heart disease, cancer, and early death.
Pheromones, the “love chemical,” are produced by many animals and insects to attract the opposite sex. It’s possible that humans also may make and process pheromones through vomeronasal organs in our noses.
Low back pain? Achy joints? Pulled muscle? One of the easiest remedies is to pop an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever. Most of the time, this does the trick. But which type of pain reliever should you take and how do you know when you have overused them?
The gut is home to trillions of microbes, collectively known as the gut microbiota, which help with digestion, manufacture certain nutrients, and release various substances that have wide-ranging health effects, including on cardiovascular health. As diet plays a significant role in the composition of the gut microbiota, people’s diet can indirectly affect heart health. Following a plant-based diet that emphasizes less red meat and more fiber can support the gut and its heart-healthy benefits.
Approximately one in three people ages 65 to 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing. Getting a hearing test is recommended to identify any hearing loss before it worsens and prescribe a hearing aid if needed. While hearing aids are traditionally expensive, new over-the-counter devices can make them more affordable for people with mild or moderate hearing loss.