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Menopause and memory: Know the facts

The number of people in the US with Alzheimer's disease is expected to climb drastically over the coming decades, and two-thirds of those people will be women. Understanding factors that happen earlier in life, and how they impact the brain later, is critical for developing strategies to prevent this public health crisis. Studies are examining the ways menopause affects the brain and how to maintain memory.

Less may be more when treating urinary tract infections

Researchers found that treating urinary tract infections with antibiotics for seven days was just as effective as treatment lasting 14 days. The shorter duration also can reduce the risk of medication side effects like diarrhea and nausea.

If it’s not breast cancer, should you worry?

Most breast lumps are not cancerous. Some 80% of biopsies are negative. But some women develop noncancerous breast conditions that may raise their risk of a future cancer. For women with these conditions, doctors may recommend additional monitoring. This might include additional screenings, or screenings using other technology, such as MRI or breast ultrasound.

Breathing your way to better health

Taking time out of a stressful day to perform simple breathing exercises can reduce chronic stress and prevent the harm it can inflict on the body. Even a few short breathing sessions can make a big difference for many people. Chronic stress, when it goes unchecked, can lead to a host of health problems, including high blood pressure, obesity, anxiety, depression, and reduced immune response.

Managing prostate cancer while you wait-and-see

Men who follow either active surveillance or watchful waiting for their low-risk prostate cancer diagnosis still need to be engaged with their health while monitoring their cancer for changes. Examples include getting more exercise, losing excess weight, following a healthier diet, and managing stress. These changes may not only improve their long-term cancer outcome, but also help reduce other potentially serious health issues like heart attacks and strokes.

What happened to trusting medical experts?

In all aspects of our lives, we rely on the knowledge and advice of experts. So why are hundreds of thousands of people in the US rejecting advice on COVID-19 from well-respected health authorities, and embracing advice from those with dubious expertise –– and unproven and potentially dangerous remedies?

Study: No effect on cognitive functioning from treatments for advanced prostate cancer

Some people being treated for cancer experience problems with memory and thinking, but most of the evidence for these effects comes from women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. A recent study looked at whether men being treated for prostate cancer experienced similar effects.

When is it safe to have sex after a heart attack?

Most men can resume regular sexual activity after a heart attack once they can engage in mild-to-moderate physical activity without issues, such as 10 to 20 minutes of brisk walking or climbing one or two flights of stairs. That means no chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or extreme fatigue with exertion.

Laser therapy can counter vaginal symptoms of menopause

The results of a small trial published online in July 2021 by the journal Menopause found that both vaginal estrogen and fractional CO2 laser therapy are effective for postmenopausal symptoms related to skin problems of the vulva and vagina.

Reduce the health risks from "forever chemicals"

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of thousands of manmade chemicals that are widely used in products such as nonstick pans, stain repellants for furniture and carpets, cosmetics, and industrial products. These compounds are dangerous to human health and may lead to immune system problems and increased risk of certain cancers. Avoiding exposure by filtering water and choosing PFAS-free products can help to reduce those risks.

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