Holiday arguments brewing? Here’s how to defuse them
Ways to turn tempers down a notch at gatherings. The holidays, as painted by idealists, are hardly the time for disagreements. They’re supposed to be filled with love, laughter, good cheer, and those tiny sparkly lights that make the mood feel festive. Unfortunately, joyous celebration often deteriorates into epic discord when family and friends gather […]
Struggling with migraine hangovers? Read this
When the trademark throbbing from a migraine finally lifts, the relief is profound. But for many people regularly stricken with these potentially debilitating headaches, their distress isn’t over just because the pain ends. Instead, a distinct phase of migraine called the postdrome leaves them feeling achy, weary, dazed, and confused — symptoms eerily similar to […]
Time for a diabetes tune-up
5 takeaways from the 2023 diabetes guidelines. At nearly 300 pages long, the recently released 2023 American Diabetes Association Standards of Medical Care are quite comprehensive. And given the strong link between obesity and diabetes, one major theme is weight loss. For the estimated 37 million Americans currently living with diabetes, what other changes are […]
Prostate cancer: How long should hormonal therapy last?
Men with high-risk tumors obtain the greatest benefit from long-term treatment. Hormonal therapy is a cornerstone of prostate cancer treatment, but it has burdensome side effects. Men who take these testosterone-blocking drugs experience fatigue, loss of muscle mass, and a heightened risk of cardiovascular diseases. Doctors and patients alike are therefore highly motivated to use […]
Genes protective during the Black Death may now be increasing autoimmune disorders
Will the COVID-19 pandemic change the genes — and health — of future generations? Most people alive today have witnessed only one pandemic: COVID-19. But pandemics are nothing new; medical historians have documented nearly 20 major pandemics in the last 1,500 years. And while the last several years have been tough, they pale by comparison […]
Ready to learn CPR?
Recent events underscore the importance of knowing how to do lifesaving CPR. The collapse on the football field of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin following a hard hit to his chest brought emergency responders running to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to help restart his heart, which had stopped beating. When a heart stops beating (cardiac […]
Who needs treatment for ocular hypertension?
A long-term study explores risk factors for glaucoma and treatment options for people with high eye pressure. Often described as the silent thief of sight, glaucoma is the most common cause of irreversible blindness in the world. High pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve, first stealing peripheral vision (what you see at the […]
Winter hiking: Magical or miserable?
How to safely explore the joys of winter hiking. By midwinter, our urge to hibernate can start to feel constricting instead of cozy. What better antidote to being cooped up indoors than a bracing hike in the crisp air outdoors? Winter backdrops are stark, serene, and often stunning. With fewer people on the trail, you […]
Don’t want to go to bed? Dealing with bedtime procrastination
Restful sleep is key for good health, and reluctance to sleep can have consequences. A few years ago, the official Twitter account for Netflix sent out the following message: “Sleep is my greatest enemy.” This perfectly sums up the battle you might experience when you know that you should be in bed but avoid going. […]
Aspirin and bone health: Is there a connection?
Results of a new study looking at falls and fractures among aspirin users are disappointing. For decades, aspirin has been called a wonder drug. It’s easy to see why; It’s a pain reliever. It can bring down a fever. It can reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack in people at high risk for […]