Harvard Women's Health Watch: April 2009

You wrote about weak, brittle fingernails with longitudinal ridges. I have strong nails with horizontal ridges. What causes this, and what can I do about it?

I'm 78. I had breast cancer nine years ago and have been taking Arimidex for six years. I have pain and some bleeding after intercourse, despite using Astroglide. My gynecologist prescribed vaginal estrogen cream. Is that safe for me?

Practicing mindfulness can help you learn to focus your attention and energy and reduce distractions, and can lead to reduced stress and improved health.

In primary hyperparathyroidism, one or more of the parathyroid glands produces too much of a hormone that regulates blood calcium levels. If the imbalance becomes serious enough, it can lead to bone or kidney disease and require removal of the gland. Read More »

Beyond the broader issues of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, many caregivers find daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating challenging. Keeping things simple and eliminating unnecessary choices may help prevent confusion.

The American Heart Association examined a number of studies involving omega-6 fatty acids and concluded that earlier concerns about their role in inflammation were unwarranted, and that omega-6s are beneficial in reducing the risk of heart disease.

A study of overweight women who committed to a six-month program of diet and exercise found that, in addition to weight loss, nearly half of them experienced a decrease in episodes of urinary incontinence. Read More »

A study found that middle-aged women who had more than two drinks per day had a slightly higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation.