Preventive care Archive

The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans are a mixed bag. While their advice to choose whole foods, avoid highly processed foods, and limit added sugars is sound, their promotion of animal-based foods like meat and full-fat dairy products is less supported by rigorous scientific research.

Stress eating involves using food as a coping mechanism when life is difficult. Persistently high levels of cortisol can increase appetite, and past experiences can lead people to associate eating with stressful situations. The foods people crave may depend on their form of turmoil.

Dietary changes can make a big difference for people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Foods to limit or avoid include chocolate, onions, and tomato sauce. Adjusting eating habits-by eating smaller portions, for example-might also help people avoid heartburn and other symptoms.

Cutting back on ultra-processed foods that have little nutritional value can help protect your health, but you don't have to make everything from scratch either. Seek out less-processed versions of your favorite foods at your supermarket to turn into healthy meals with minimal effort.

A variety of everyday habits can stealthily reduce bone health. These include consuming too little calcium, excessive caffeine or soda, inadequate protein, and large amounts of alcohol, as well as smoking, being sedentary, dieting frequently, or taking certain medications.

A 2025 study found that people ages 50 to 90 who received treatment within one week after a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury had a 41% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease over the following three years, suggesting that early treatment may be important.

People can evaluate their balance and fall risk at home by taking the four-stage balance test. More advanced tests like single-leg standing, heel-to-toe-walking, and timed up and go can also aid in assessing balance and coordination.

A 2025 study found that adults ages 70 and older who listened to music most days or played a musical instrument at least weekly may have a lower risk of developing dementia than those who did neither.