Diseases & Conditions Archive

New research suggests that people who are hospitalized in an intensive care unit are far less likely to develop pneumonia if their teeth are brushed twice daily. They also need ventilators for less time, are able to leave the ICU more quickly, and are less likely to die in the ICU.

Until recently, many people with asthma used a medicine called Flovent. It has been discontinued by its manufacturer, leaving users with questions about what to substitute and which medicines their insurance will cover.

Three strategies can help keep the ankles strong, flexible, and healthy: strengthening the calf muscles with exercises such as calf raises; strengthening muscles that allow side movement of the ankle; and stretching the muscles in both the upper and lower part of the calves. It also helps to understand how the joint works and what factors can lead to a strain, such as an overstretched ligament on the side of the ankle.

Tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing, or other sound in the ears. Age-related hearing loss is the most common cause of tinnitus, which can also be triggered or worsened by exposure to loud noises, medications, ear infections, head injuries, high blood pressure, and declining estrogen.

A 2023 study found that compared with "casual" walking (at less than 2 mph), walking 2 mph to 3 mph (brisk walking) was associated with a 15% lower risk of diabetes, no matter how long people walked each day.

A 2023 study suggests that eating more red meat-about a one additional serving each day-is linked to a higher risk of developing diabetes than those who eat less.

Vision loss has many risk factors. Some risk factors are well known, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and older age. Other risk factors for vision loss are not as well known, such as inactivity, psoriasis, shingles, and smoking. People who have these risk factors might need eye exams more often than the standard recommendations for healthy adults (a comprehensive eye exam every two years from ages 40 to 65, and every year or two after age 65).