Diseases & Conditions Archive

A 2023 analysis of nearly 300 randomized trials found that several types of exercise were effective in lowering resting blood pressure. Exercise types included aerobic exercise, high-intensity interval training, dynamic resistance training, isometric exercise training, and combined training (aerobic exercise plus one of the other types of exercise). People who are over age 50 and have not been exercising much should check with a doctor before beginning a regular exercise program, since some types of exercise may not be right for them.

Edema in the legs occurs when fluid backs up in the small vessels of the feet, ankles, or calves and pools in surrounding tissues. While most often not serious and easily managed, new or persistent edema requires medical evaluation.

The tongue's appearance gives doctors an idea about certain aspects of your health, and its color is an important clue. Some changes in the tongue's color or appearance are signs of health issues and should be seen by a doctor.

Fatigue is a relative term, meaning each of us evaluate our current energy level based upon how we feel most of the time. For example, people who are very energetic and go nonstop from early morning to late at night might say they have fatigue if they felt like most of us do every day.

Despite that variation, most people do have a sense when their level of fatigue feels like something more than just being tired. If that's case, even if it lasted only seven to 10 days, it's time to call your doctor's office. Signs that your fatigue might be related to an underlying illness or infection include low grade fever, night sweats, shortness of breath or loss of appetite. Other triggers for calling your doctor might be waking up exhausted despite a good night's sleep, not feeling motivated to begin the day, or struggling to do activities that are usually easy for you. 

Dyspepsia is a frequent or persistent upset stomach. Sometimes no underlying cause is found. It can help to avoid foods that trigger the dyspepsia, such as fatty foods, and to eat smaller but more frequent meals.