As we age, we face an increasing possibility of having surgery.
More than half of all surgeries (53%) are performed on people over 65.i
Heart disease, cancer, fractured bones, and any number of other medical conditions might force us under a surgeon’s knife.
There is one surgical complication that seniors need to worry about more than any other. And it’s something that doctors rarely mention to patients.… Read More
For tobacco smokers, e-cigarettes can seem like a win-win.
E-cig vapor does not contain the carcinogenic tars in tobacco smoke. So the risk of cancer is likely lower.
Vaping also doesn’t produce secondhand smoke that can poison people around you.
And e-cigs save money. They are 40% cheaper per puff than regular tobacco cigarettes.i
But a major study has found that vaping carries an unexpected—and potentially deadly–health risk.… Read More
By the time men reach their 50s, half have an enlarged prostate.
This condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. It can make a man miserable.
Men with the condition often have a hard time emptying their bladder completely. They may have to urinate so often that it interferes with their sleep. This can lead to fatigue and other health problems.… Read More
News that Merck’s antiviral drug molnupiravir had successfully treated coronavirus patients in clinical trials set off celebrations around the world.
Headlines trumpeted claims that we might finally have a truly effective pill that prevents severe COVID in people who get infected. Shares of Merck stock jumped. One German doctor called molnupiravir “a game changer.”i
A trial involving about 700 people with mild to moderate cases of COVID-19 showed that the medication cut in half the risk of hospitalization.… Read More
You probably think you know the best ways to live longer.
The usual strategies are to not smoke, maintain a healthy weight, exercise, and eat right. And of course, it helps to have good genes.
But a major study shows there is an underrated aspect of health that is just as crucial for longevity as better-known lifespan boosters.
University of Michigan researchers have found that physical strength is a key indicator of how long you’ll live.… Read More
Some of us like to work in a dimly lit room so we can concentrate. We might even close our eyes to focus ourselves mentally.
A darkened environment seems to lend itself to blocking out distractions.
But surprising research finds that doing this is not only unhelpful, it actually damages your ability to absorb and remember new information.i
In a study funded by the National Institutes of Health, neuroscientists at Michigan State University trained Nile grass rats to perform a simple task.… Read More