Preventive care Archive

Limiting meals to a certain window of time each day, an approach called time-restricted eating, didn't appear to help people lose any more weight compared with ordinary calorie restriction in a small randomized trial published in 2022.

In 2022, Pfizer voluntarily recalled some blood pressure medications, including Accuretic (quinapril hydrochloride plus hydrochlorothiazide), Accupril (quinapril hydrochloride), and two related generic formulations.

Many people get braces later in life. This helps ward off problems caused by crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, such as malnutrition, increased risks for cavities and gum disease, and some chronic illnesses. Getting braces can also create space for implants to replace missing teeth. There are two main types of braces. One consists of a row of tiny brackets glued onto the teeth, and a wire that runs through the brackets. The other type of braces consists of a series of aligners—thin, clear plastic molds that are worn on top of the teeth 22 hours per day.

Strength training triggers many body reactions that protect people against chronic disease. For example, strengthening muscles helps reduce blood sugar, lower blood pressure, burn calories, and discourage chronic inflammation. Evidence suggests that getting 30 to 60 minutes of weekly strength training leads to the highest amount of health benefits. That's in line with the recommendation from the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. But doctors say any amount of strength training can help health.

Some studies have found that drinking any amount of alcohol is unhealthy. But more than 100 large studies have found that people who have one drink per day have lower risks of cardiovascular disease. How can both be true? It depends on a person's current state of health, lifestyle habits (such as diet, exercise, and smoking), family history of disease, and the quantity of alcohol consumed. People who don't usually drink have no need to start: there are better ways to achieve a healthy heart.

Healthier alternatives to standard white pasta include spiralized vegetable "zoodles" (made from zucchini or yellow squash) as well as pasta made from whole-wheat flour, buckwheat flour, edamame (soybeans), chickpeas, or red lentils.

A 2022 study found that egg consumption equal to about one per day and greater dietary cholesterol intake were linked to a slightly higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

Unsweetened cocoa powder has variable amounts of health-promoting flavanols, depending on how it is processed. Fruits and vegetables are better sources of these compounds, which may improve blood pressure and blood sugar.

With home monitors, smart watches, and other wearable tech, patients are increasingly bringing their own data to physical exams. Learn the benefits and drawbacks of all of this data—and when/if it can help with health recommendations.

A troubling aspect of COVID infection is long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, or PASC. PASC is marked by persistent symptoms 30 days or more after a person tests positive for COVID. Also, symptoms suggestive of PASC may emerge many weeks after recovery from the initial infection. Scientists are still learning about PASC, but they have discovered much so far, such as who may be at higher risk, what symptoms are common, how long it may last, and what people can do to protect themselves.