Sleep Archive

A newer class of medications used to treat type 2 diabetes called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists has gained attention because of their impressive weight-loss results—in many cases, 10% to 20% of a person's body weight. Versions of two of these GLP-1 receptor agonists, liraglutide (Saxenda) and semaglutide (Wegovy), are FDA-approved for weight loss, even for people without diabetes. However, there isn't enough evidence to know whether these drugs might be beneficial or dangerous for people who are not diagnosed with diabetes or obesity.

People should do a full-body skin check-up every three to six months to identify abnormalities that may be early signs of skin cancer or other skin problems. Write down the date of the self-exams, record any issues like new or questionable moles, sores, painful or itchy spots, raised or firm bumps, dark flaky patches, and unusual freckles. Include the exact locations of these skin issues and take photos for reference. After six to eight weeks, see a dermatologist if they have not improved, have changed color or size, have become painful, or easily bleed.

Medical recommendations and guidelines, such as colon cancer screening, seem to change often. These contradictions in large part reflect different expert opinions based on the changing scientific information. Rely on your doctor to help determine how these changes may apply to you.

A 2023 study suggests that regular cannabis users have higher risks before, during, and after surgery, including the risk of heart attack, stroke, acute kidney injury, breathing difficulties, and blood clots.

"Regular" bowel movements can mean something different for each person. Some people have a bowel movement once or twice daily; for others, it's once or twice weekly. People should see a doctor if they notice a dramatic change in bowel habits or other symptoms, including fatigue, pain, unintended weight loss, bloody stool, or a change in stool consistency. People can promote digestion by maintaining a toileting schedule, heeding their body's signals, and using a toilet stool.

Just how many hours of sleep are enough for you? The answer varies and it might be better to track sleep quality than focus on the number of hours you log each night.

The human body has excess capacity — that is, our organs have more reserve than most of us will ever need. Why are we built with this natural redundancy? And which body parts can safely fail or be removed without impairing health?

Some older adults feel cold frequently. This may result from age-related physical changes or an underlying condition. Examples of underlying conditions that might make a person feel cold include anemia, an underactive thyroid, diabetic neuropathy, peripheral artery disease, or Raynaud's phenomenon. People who experience coldness that interferes with their daily activities or sleep should talk to a doctor about it.

Periodontal disease, the leading cause of adult tooth loss, may increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and dementia.