Caregiving Archive

In the summertime, one of the chief contributors to symptom flares of lung problems is hot air, especially if it's also humid, stagnant, or very dry. Such weather might narrow the airways, making it much harder to breathe normally. This might occur because hot air irritates the nerves, widens blood vessels near the lungs, or causes people to breathe faster. To avoid breathing difficulty, doctors advise people with lung disease to follow strategies such as keeping their inhalers handy and staying in air-conditioned spaces.

Wooziness is often just a passing episode of lightheadedness. But it might signal something very serious, such as a stroke or heart attack. When wooziness occurs, one should sit or lie down for a few minutes, rest, and have a drink of water or juice. If wooziness eases, it's best to report the episode to your doctor. If lightheadedness hasn't improved or if it's accompanied by other symptoms, such as chest pain, trouble speaking, or weakness or numbness on one side of the body, call 911 immediately.

A 2025 study found that chronic stress is associated with higher stroke risks among women under 50, but not in men.

Wildfire smoke contributes greatly to poor air quality, and as wildfires become more frequent due to climate change and drier conditions, more of us and more of our communities are at risk for health harms. Here are ways to cope.

A 2025 review of 10 randomized controlled trials (involving about 300 people) found that those who took part in two or three one-hour water aerobics classes weekly for at least 10 weeks lost up to 6 pounds and trimmed their waists by about an inch.

When blood pressure remains high despite treatment, making certain lifestyle changes can help. Examples include reducing dietary sodium and increasing dietary potassium, losing weight, limiting alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day, exercising (doing aerobics and strength training), using tools that improve medication adherence (such as an automatic pill dispenser, a medication diary, a smartphone alarm, or a reminder app), quitting smoking, getting more sleep, managing stress, and reducing caffeine intake.

If possible, everyone should prepare for the possibility of needing support services or long-term care in older age, even if it's not yet needed. Ways to prepare include designating a health care proxy and power of attorney; writing advance directives for health care preferences; investigating potential housing options (such as assisted living facilities) and support services (such as a health aide) well in advance; downsizing belongings, including one's home; and meeting with a financial planner to figure out how to tackle caregiving expenses.

In the last few years, the prescribing rate for zolpidem, a popular sleeping pill, has been declining in favor of the "off-label" use of an antidepressant called trazodone, which is known for its ability to make people drowsy. But doctors are concerned that trazodone hasn't been well studied for insomnia, it is not FDA-approved to treat the condition, and there are sparse data showing that it is safe or that it works for patients with insomnia. Experts advise choosing medications based on a patient's specific needs, not a trend.

In a 2025 study of more than 221,000 people followed for more than 30 years, scientists calculated that swapping about a tablespoon of butter per day for about two teaspoons of olive, soybean, or canola oil was tied to a 17% reduction in premature death.