Healthy aging and longevity Archive

A persistent cough that remains after an infection has been treated can last for a month or two. There are several treatments that may offer relief, such as antihistamines or a bronchodilator inhaler. 

Splitting a pill into two equal halves is sometimes necessary when needing to adjust dosage, or as a means to save money buy purchasing higher-dose pills. However, splitting is not safe for all pills, so a person should always consult a pharmacist or doctor.

There are many opportunities to join a clinical trial, and you may be surprised at what you can learn about your health.

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You no doubt have seen advertisements asking people to join a clinical trial and thought they don't apply to you. But perhaps you should reconsider.

"People have a vested interest in the outcome of research trials, since these studies address many issues they want to avoid or better manage, such as cancer, diabetes, blood pressure, and dementia," says Dr. Howard Sesso, an epidemiologist with the division of preventive medicine at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Stopping exercise for 10 days can reduce brain blood flow by 20% to 30% in eight brain regions, including the hippocampus, which is responsible for learning and memory and is one of the first brain regions to shrink in Alzheimer’s disease.

These tiny devices can improve your communication, your relationships, and even your brain function, but only if you use them. 

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Age-related hearing loss affects about a quarter of people ages 65 to 74 and half of those ages 75 and older, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Over all, though, it tends to be more male-oriented.

“By middle age, many men also have hearing nerve damage from long exposure to noises like power tools, music, and guns,” says Dr. Steven Rauch, an otologist with Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts Eye and Ear. Some career choices—like construction, manufacturing, or military service—also contribute.