Total hip replacement and the older man: More options than you really need

Total hip replacements have become routine, but there are other options. One is hip resurfacing, which replaces damaged joint surfaces with new hardware but leaves more of the natural bone intact than in a total hip replacement. Surgeons can choose among different ways of implanting a new joint. One gaining popularity is anterior hip replacement, in which the surgeon installs the new joint through an incision in the front of the hip. These various options have advantages and disadvantages. For an older man who needs hip surgery, a standard joint implant surgery is reliable, has well-known risks, and could last for the rest of his life. (Locked) More »

On call: What stop smoking aid works best?

No stop-smoking tool is proven to be the best out of all the options, but they all work better than just going cold turkey. Combining different methods can be more effective than relying on only one. (Locked) More »

Urine testing no longer routine

Currently, most diseases that are detectable by urine tests can be diagnosed earlier with blood tests. Since blood testing is more common in doctors' offices now and urinalysis adds little new information, many doctors do not do it routinely. More »

Sugar: How much is too much?

Excessive added sugars, in sweetened beverages and other foods and drinks, contribute to an unhealthy diet. Using artificial sweeteners isn’t necessarily the answer, because these may heighten craving for sugary foods. For a healthier diet, gradually reduce added sweeteners. The brain can then learn not to crave them as much and to appreciate more the natural sweetness of healthy whole foods like fruit. (Locked) More »

Better health with new digital devices

Connected health is a new and growing trend in medicine. It means using wireless digital technology and the Internet to deliver health care where and when people need it. It includes automatically transmitting health information to doctors and nurses that is collected at home. Connected health programs now available in some health care systems help doctors and nurses to deliver better care to people with high blood pressure and other common conditions. (Locked) More »

Screening for lung cancer: Are you a candidate for this test?

In lung cancer screening, an otherwise healthy person gets a CT scan to check for small tumors that have not started to cause problems. Screening is recommended for current or former smokers who smoked the equivalent of a pack a day for 30 years and have quit less than 15 years ago. If a scan picks up an abnormality, follow-up scans will be required. Additional procedures, like biopsies, may also be required to confirm or rule out cancer. The risk of complications from the screening is relatively small. Abnormal findings from a scan can also cause fear or anxiety. It’s important to weigh the risks and benefits of screening and to have it done at a location with experience diagnosing and treating lung cancer. (Locked) More »