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Read More about High blood pressure? Treat the risk, not the number
High blood pressure? Treat the risk, not the number

High blood pressure? Treat the risk, not the number
People with a high risk for heart attacks and strokes might benefit from taking blood pressure–lowering medications, even if their blood pressure is in the normal or "high normal" range and they have no clear signs of cardiovascular disease.
Read More about Chronic gut inflammation: Coping with inflammatory bowel disease
Chronic gut inflammation: Coping with inflammatory bowel disease

Chronic gut inflammation: Coping with inflammatory bowel disease
Chronic inflammation in the gut may be due to inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. It’s unclear what causes IBD. Doctors suspect it’s a combination of factors, such as eating an unhealthy diet or using certain medications; altered gut bacteria; having a leaky gut; or genetics. The goal of IBD treatment is remission: suppressed symptoms, lower blood levels of inflammatory markers, and normal-looking bowel and tissue biopsies. Approaches to achieve remission and prevent flare-ups include medication, a healthy lifestyle, and possibly surgery.
Read More about A vaccine that can prevent shingles
A vaccine that can prevent shingles

A vaccine that can prevent shingles
The best way to avoid shingles and long-lasting pain that may result from it is to get the shingles vaccine (Shingrix), given in two doses. The vaccine contains a protein from a dead varicella-zoster virus. The shot is 90% effective and is recommended for adults ages 50 or older, even those who have had shingles before, received an older shingles vaccine called Zostavax, or don’t recall having had chickenpox. People should avoid the vaccine if they currently have shingles, are allergic to components of the vaccine, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Read More about Reducing heart risks in the wake of breast cancer treatment
Reducing heart risks in the wake of breast cancer treatment

Reducing heart risks in the wake of breast cancer treatment
Hormone therapy is a highly successful breast cancer treatment for women, but it can elevate cardiovascular risk. Women can reduce those risks by being vigilant about their heart health and working closely with their doctors. Women who have taken or are taking these medications as part of breast cancer treatment should focus on adopting a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, and keeping close tabs on their blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels.
Read More about Battle of the bulges
Battle of the bulges

Battle of the bulges
A majority of people over 60 have diverticulosis, a condition in which tiny bulges (called diverticula) appear in weak areas of your colon’s inner wall. The bulges themselves don’t cause symptoms, but they can lead to bleeding or diverticulitis, which occurs when a diverticulum becomes inflamed or infected. People can reduce their risk by eating more fiber and staying physically active.
Read More about Help for erectile dysfunction
Help for erectile dysfunction

Help for erectile dysfunction
Taking erectile dysfunction pills is still the easiest way for most older men to manage their ED. The drugs are more affordable than in the past. But sometimes they don’t provide the help men need, and some men are bothered by side effects, such as headaches, flushing, upset stomach, or dizziness. These individuals may get extra assistance by exploring alternative therapies or devices to help them get and maintain erections.
Read More about Why people faint: From common to very rare causes
Why people faint: From common to very rare causes

Why people faint: From common to very rare causes
All episodes of fainting results from insufficient blood flow to the brain. But there are many underlying causes for that diminished blood flow, ranging from common, usually harmless issues to rare, potentially serious problems. Common causes include vasovagal syncope and orthostatic hypotension; rare causes include carotid sinus hypersensitivity and rotational vertebral artery syndrome.
Read More about Right-sizing opioid prescriptions after surgery
Right-sizing opioid prescriptions after surgery

Right-sizing opioid prescriptions after surgery

It's common for doctors to prescribe opioid pain medications for their patients after surgery; however, prescribing large numbers of pills increases the possibility of dependence and overdose. Writing prescriptions for smaller quantities of pills while still monitoring people's pain is one way to reduce the likelihood that a person develops a problem.

Read More about Nicotine addiction explained — and how medications can help
Nicotine addiction explained — and how medications can help

Nicotine addiction explained — and how medications can help

Addiction is now understood to be a neurological disorder that results from changes to the brain's reward center caused by addictive substances. Ideally, treatment for nicotine addiction combines medication to suppress cravings with counseling to help patients reprogram their behavior.

Read More about A new Alzheimer's drug has been approved. But should you take it?
A new Alzheimer's drug has been approved. But should you take it?

A new Alzheimer's drug has been approved. But should you take it?
The FDA has granted accelerated approval to the first new drug in nearly two decades for Alzheimer's disease. But there are potential side effects, and results of studies of this drug have been mixed. It is not yet known whether the drug truly works, or how effective it will be, so the approval is contingent on the drug's maker conducting further studies over the next several years.
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