New ways to beat osteoarthritis pain

Progress on new treatments for osteoarthritis has been slow, in part because the disease damages joints very gradually over time and is therefore hard to study. Researchers are starting to change the way they approach treatments, looking at the entire joint, instead of just the cartilage. Potential new therapies include the osteoporosis drug strontium ranelate and stem cell therapy. For now, pain relievers, joint injections of corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid, and joint resurfacing or replacement are the best treatment options. More »

Avoiding dangerous drug interactions

Many common drugs older adults take can have side effects or can interact with other medications. Women should tell their doctor about every drug they are taking and ask for instructions whenever they receive a new prescription. (Locked) More »

What you can do about incontinence

Incontinence is twice as common in women as it is in men, yet about half of women never seek treatment—in part out of embarrassment. Treatments include Kegel exercises, anticholinergic medicines, surgery, pessaries, and lifestyle measures such as bladder training and limiting fluids. The FDA’s recent approval of an expanded use for botulinum toxin A (Botox) and a new nonprescription incontinence medication offer other options for women. (Locked) More »

Why the Mediterranean diet is so good for your heart

The Mediterranean diet, which includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, nuts, and olive oil, is good for the heart. A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found the Mediterranean diet reduced the risk for heart disease, strokes, and deaths from heart disease 30% compared with a regular low-fat diet. (Locked) More »