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Do GLP-1 drugs reduce inflammation?

In a 2025 study of nearly a million people with diabetes, those who took GLP-1 drugs had a reduction of 10% to 20% in heart failure, cardiac arrest, lung failure and pneumonia, and dementia, compared with people who took other diabetes medications.

An emerging trend for cataract surgery

Same-day bilateral cataract surgery removes cataracts in both eyes in one surgical session, instead of two surgeries that are a few weeks apart. The approach has many benefits, such as convenience, but it has risks, too. Vision clarity might not be as good as it is when the procedures are done separately. Some doctors fear that vision loss (which is a low risk for any cataract surgery) could possibly occur in both eyes at the same time.

Surgery may have an edge over injections for carpal tunnel syndrome

A 2025 randomized trial of people with carpal tunnel syndrome found that 57% of those who had surgery as a first-line treatment recovered within 18 months, without additional treatments, compared with 13% of people who received steroid injections instead.

A look at nail problems

Toenail fungus, ingrown toenails, and brittle or cracked fingernails are common nail problems that affect older adults. They can make hands and feet unsightly and sometimes even painful. Treating these problems and preventing them from returning often takes a trial-and-error approach, diligence, and patience. Strategies include a combination of home remedies, over-the-counter medication, and good hygiene and grooming habits.

Too much sleep may harm cognitive performance

A 2025 study suggests that sleeping nine or more hours nightly is associated with worse cognitive performance, an effect that's stronger among people with symptoms of depression.

Stroke odds lower for women with higher brain health scores

A 2025 study suggests that women who score highly on a brain health measurement incorporating physical, lifestyle, social, and emotional factors face lower stroke odds.

Who's on your diabetes health care team?

Someone with a new diagnosis of diabetes might feel overwhelmed by the many strategies required to help control the disease. It helps to add several experts to the care team. Soon after a diagnosis, it's a good idea to schedule appointments with a dietitian, an eye doctor, an endocrinologist, and a certified diabetes educator. It's also helpful to add other experts as needed to the team, such as a physical therapist, a podiatrist, a social worker or an aging life care manager, and a certified health coach.

What to do if you get "tennis leg"

Tennis leg refers to a strained calf muscle, usually the gastrocnemius. A person can injure the muscle during activity when planting the foot down hard or suddenly changing direction. This might happen during sports, such as tennis, or even while walking or jogging. Mature athletes, who are prone to injury, are vulnerable to the injury. Treatment can involve resting, elevating, and icing the calf muscle; wearing a compression sock; taking painkillers; getting physical therapy; and having surgery.

Why does the flu cause body aches?

The flu virus triggers bodywide aches and pain by causing inflammation. People can ease flu aches by staying hydrated; taking warm showers; and using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve).

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