In Brief

In Brief

Warfarin and urinary tract infection. Infections of the urinary tract are the second most common infection among older people. The antibiotic of choice for treating these infections is cotrimoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, Sulfatrim). Canadian researchers have sounded a warning that it may interact with warfarin (Coumadin, generic). Among people taking warfarin, the use of cotrimoxazole for a urinary tract infection was four times more likely to cause serious bleeding than the use of other antibiotics (Archives of Internal Medicine, April 12, 2010). If you take warfarin and develop a urinary tract infection, then amoxicillin, ampicillin, or norfloxacin may be a better antibiotic option than cotrimoxazole. If your doctor thinks cotrimoxazole is the best choice, you should monitor your blood clotting time more carefully and may need to temporarily reduce your dose of warfarin.

Green exercise. Exercise is unquestionably good for the body. It's also good for the brain and mind. To maximize the effect of exercise on mental health, try walking in the woods, in a park, along a body of water, or in some other natural setting. The effect is almost instantaneous — just five minutes of outdoor exercise in a pleasing environment can be enough to improve mood, self-esteem, and other indicators of mental health (Environmental Science and Technology, March 15, 2010). Stretch out your walk in the woods to 30 minutes or so and you will be doing your heart and arteries a huge favor, too.

To continue reading this article, you must log in.

Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.

  • Research health conditions
  • Check your symptoms
  • Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
  • Find the best treatments and procedures for you
  • Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
Learn more about the many benefits and features of joining Harvard Health Online »

I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.

Sign Me Up

Already a member? Login ».

Disclaimer:

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Free Healthbeat Signup

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Sign Up
Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift.

The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health, plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise, pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss...from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts.

BONUS! Sign up now and
get a FREE copy of the
Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.