Harvard Women's Health Watch: May 2009

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Articles in this issue:

By the way, doctor: Do I need CTX testing during a Fosamax "holiday"?

I'm 69 and have been taking Fosamax for 10 years. My doctor has approved a "drug holiday," provided we use a CTX test to monitor my bones. Can you explain?

Experts recommend low-dose aspirin to prevent stroke in women

A number of studies support the advice that women ages 55 to 79 should take a low-dose aspirin daily to reduce their risk of stroke. Aspirin does increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, so this should be factored into the decision.

Foot health: What to do about an ingrown toenail

Most people can treat an occasional ingrown toenail by soaking it in warm water and applying antibiotic ointment, but if the problem occurs frequently, part of the toenail may need to be removed.

In the journals: High resting heart rate predicts heart risk in women at midlife

A study based on data from the Women's Health Initiative suggests that a high resting heart rate is an indicator of risk of heart attack in middle-aged women.

In the journals: B vitamins may protect against macular degeneration

Taking a daily supplement of B vitamins could reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration.

In the journals: Exercise eases nighttime leg twitches

People who suffer from periodic leg movement disorder, which disrupts sleep, may find that intense exercise during the day results in fewer leg movements during sleep and improved sleep quality.

The health benefits of tai chi

Tai chi is gentle and not strenuous, but it has been shown to have a positive effect on muscle strength, flexibility, and balance, and it can be practiced by people in nearly any state of health or physical condition. Read More »