COVID-19: If you’re older and have chronic health problems, read this
Older people who have a chronic medical condition are at increased risk for severe disease and death if they contract COVID-19. Just how old is “older,” what constitutes chronic disease, and how can you lower risks?
Older adults and medical marijuana: Reduced stigma and increased use
Cannabis use among older adults has been steadily increasing, due to lessening stigma and increased interest in using medical marijuana. But there are specific concerns for older people, so anyone considering this option should have a conversation with their doctor weighing the benefits and risks.
Doctors’ pain pill prescribing habits at odds with current guidelines
Doctors had been overprescribing opioids for chronic musculoskeletal pain, according to a December 2019 study in TheJournal of Pain.
Alcohol-related deaths on the rise
The number of alcohol-related deaths in the United States doubled between 1999 and 2017, a change that included an 85% increase in alcohol-related medical emergencies and deaths especially among women.
Practicing healthy habits may help people live disease-free longer
Sticking to four or five healthy lifestyle habits could add disease-free years to your life, according to a Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study.
Oh, my aching jaw
There are different underlying reasons for the types of orofacial pain commonly called temporomandibular joint problems, or TMJ. Not all of them are caused by problems with the joint itself, and specialists are getting better at diagnosing them. Orofacial pain may result from a joint problem, a muscle-based problem, a headache syndrome, or a pain processing problem.
Toxic beauty
Personal care products contain numerous chemicals that are, in many cases, untested and not confirmed to be safe. Recent studies have linked hair dyes and straighteners to a higher risk of breast cancer. Experts say women should take more time to consider what’s in the products they are using.
How much water should you be drinking each day?
For most healthy people, listening to their body’s signals can help ensure that they are drinking enough water to meet their needs. Older adults with memory problems may need assistance in making sure that they are drinking enough, particularly in hot weather or when drinking other liquids that may have a diuretic effect.
Can alternative treatments help with painful fibroids?
Relief from chronic pain like that caused by uterine fibroids can often be accomplished with alternative treatments such as acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, and massage.