Women's unique heart risks are spurring changes in prevention and diagnosis.

Women and men share most risk factors for heart disease — including high cholesterol, inactivity, obesity, high blood pressure, and smoking — but there are some gender differences in its development, symptoms, and prognosis. Compared with men, women have a greater chance of dying from heart disease; they're twice as likely to have a second heart attack within six years of the first; and they don't fare as well after bypass surgery or angioplasty. On the other hand, women tend to develop heart disease about 10 years later ...

A small study found that cognitive behavioral therapy was a more effective treatment for seasonal affective disorder than light therapy.

Recovery takes time, patience, proper eye care, and maybe a medication.

Bell's palsy is a sudden paralysis involving the nerve that controls the muscles on one side of the face. It can cause startling changes on the affected side: a drooping mouth, a sagging eyebrow and lower eyelid, and an eye that won't fully close. Bell's palsy is not life-threatening, and its symptoms are usually temporary, but they can be very distressing, interfering not only with facial appearance but also with the ability to speak, eat, sleep, or enjoy food. Recovery can take weeks to months, during which many people ...

The eyes may be the windows to the soul, but the teeth may also be the first thing others notice.

Maybe it was your 35th high school reunion photograph — or perhaps an innocent remark by a grandchild — but now you're self-conscious about your dingy teeth, and you're thinking about whitening them. Dentists can perform or supervise various whitening procedures, and over-the-counter whitening products are available at drugstores and supermarkets. What's best for you depends on several things, including the type of discoloration and the amount of time and money you're willing to spend. There are two main ...

Q. I'm a healthy 62-year-old. In the past three months, I've developed a vaginal discharge and discomfort. Tests for vaginal infections have been negative. I've tried douching and sitz baths. I started using vaginal estrogen (Premarin) cream about two months ago. Nothing helps. I'd appreciate your thoughts on this problem, which my gynecologist calls "chronic leukorrhea."

A. Many women have problems with vaginal discharge or pain or irritation of the vulva and vagina. These difficulties can occur during the reproductive years, through the menopausal transition, and beyond. Diagnosing and treating these conditions can be challenging, for several reasons. Some clinicians ...

Q. On the basis of a blood test, my doctor wants me to take high doses of vitamin D for three months. I hear there are wide variations among laboratories performing these tests. Should I trust my first results, or take the test again? What are the risks of taking high doses of vitamin D?

A. Vitamin D is essential to bone metabolism; below-normal blood levels can increase your risk for osteoporosis, falls, and possibly fractures. There are three main forms of vitamin D. The active form found in our bodies is 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D; the body makes it from two ...

I've heard that club soda, seltzer water, and sparkling mineral waters rob the bones of calcium. Is this true?