Integrative therapies Archive

Light therapy uses light boxes that emit a bright, white light. Exposure to this light can control a person's circadian rhythm-the body's internal 24-hour sleep-wake clock-and help manage and prevent seasonal affective disorder.

In a 2025 study of nearly a million people with diabetes, those who took GLP-1 drugs had a reduction of 10% to 20% in heart failure, cardiac arrest, lung failure and pneumonia, and dementia, compared with people who took other diabetes medications.

Coronary artery disease, the most common form of heart disease, occurs when cholesterol-laden debris narrows the arteries that supply blood to the heart. It is treated with lifestyle changes and medications. However, sometimes people also need a procedure called angioplasty to open a blocked or narrowed artery to improve blood flow to the heart, along with insertion of a stent to hold it open. Most people need this if they experience a heart attack or unstable angina, when chest discomfort occurs repeatedly and unexpectedly, often at rest.

The vast majority of older adults would want to know if they're in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease and would want a blood test to learn for certain, according to a 2025 poll. Advances in testing and treatment may fuel this desire for knowledge. There are pros and cons to knowing this information. People with an early Alzheimer's diagnosis can plan ahead, seek support, and may feel motivated to maintain their health. But the diagnosis may jeopardize their job or insurance coverage, as well as trigger anxiety or depression.

Obesity is a common, chronic disease that can harm the heart. The powerful weight-loss medications known as GLP-1s, semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), are now recommended as first-line therapy for eligible people, according to the American College of Cardiology. People using these drugs should work with a dietitian or nutritionist who can help them create a personalized eating plan that ensures they're getting enough nutrients while minimizing common side effects.

A statement from a group of doctors and scientists raised concerns around taking acetaminophen during pregnancy, but research backing this is based on observational studies and animal studies, so that no firm conclusions can be drawn from it. Here's what to consider if you're pregnant.

Toenail fungus, ingrown toenails, and brittle or cracked fingernails are common nail problems that affect older adults. They can make hands and feet unsightly and sometimes even painful. Treating these problems and preventing them from returning often takes a trial-and-error approach, diligence, and patience. Strategies include a combination of home remedies, over-the-counter medication, and good hygiene and grooming habits.

A heart disease diagnosis may trigger a bout of depression. But having depression can also leave people more vulnerable to heart disease. Some of the overlap stems from shared lifestyle factors, such as inactivity and an unhealthy diet. In addition to addressing those issues, other safe and effective ways to ease depression include working with a therapist, using a light box, and taking medications.

As people get older, they may get clumsier because of multiple factors such as declining hearing and vision, loss of muscle, balance issues, and chronic health conditions. Addressing these issues can help people avoid injury from falls and other accidents.

A 2025 analysis found that tricyclic antidepressants, the anticonvulsants gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica), and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) were the most effective drug treatments for neuropathic pain.