Even a little exercise linked with lower stroke risk in people with afib
Testosterone therapy without evidence of deficiency may boost heart risk
Weight-loss drug may lower risk of heart attacks and infections
What to eat on the DASH diet
Migraine: How it's diagnosed and what that means
Tricep workouts you can do at home
Mindfulness practices to reduce stress and improve focus
Antihistamines may not offer meaningful relief from eczema symptoms
Overweight and taking blood pressure medications: Study finds it's a trend that's working
FDA approves first mRNA-based flu vaccine
Women's Health Archive
Articles
Endometriosis linked to increased risk of heart disease
Women who have a history of endometriosis—a risk factor for cardiovascular disease—should take measures to reduce their other cardiovascular risk factors.
Prompt attention to “ministrokes” may reduce risk of subsequent stroke
Getting immediate attention for symptoms of a transient ischemic attack can minimize the risk of a subsequent stroke.
Dense-breast notification letters are confusing, study shows
Letters notifying women that they have dense breasts are difficult to understand. Women receiving them should contact their doctors.
Let’s dance! How rhythmic motion can improve your health
Both music and exercise help prevent and alleviate disease. Fusing the two may have even greater benefits than either alone.
Image: iStock
Dancing is a universal human experience. We dance to express joy, celebrate life events, and enact religious and cultural rituals. Dance also has physical and cognitive benefits that may exceed those of other forms of exercise.
What dance does for your health
How to get started
If you've ever danced you know how much fun it can be. Even if your rumba is a little rusty or your back step has slowed, it may be easier than you think to get back in the swing. If you're not ready to jump on the dance floor at the next wedding or class reunion—maybe you're a little shy or feel you have two left feet—there still are ways you can enjoy dancing.
Take a class. Many Y's and senior centers offer some type of group instruction for people at all levels of expertise. You're most likely to find lessons in tai chi (a meditative exercise that is often performed to relaxing music) and Zumba (an aerobic workout that combines steps and moves from a variety of traditional dances, often to Latin music). Learning new types of ballroom dance can also be fun and challenging. If you don't have a partner, there is a world of folk and line dances that don't require a pairing with another person. Many dance studios and square-dance and contra-dance groups create a friendly environment for people by promoting partner rotation, where you switch partners and dance with someone new each time. You might also consider taking up (or resuming) tap, which can build bones, or ballet to strengthen core muscles and improve balance.
Dance at home. If you want to practice in private, the Internet has a wide variety of dance instruction videos, such as the popular "Dance for Dummies," that demonstrate the steps in slow motion and allow you to proceed at your own pace. Your public library may also stock instructional dance videos that are available to check out. All you need is comfortable clothing, a pair of supportive shoes, and enough space to move freely.
"In any instance you're getting the benefit of connecting to the music, so you're involving a part of the brain that isn't necessarily being tapped when you're doing something like walking that is more rote," Dr. Elson says.
Shopping for sunglasses
Wearing lenses that screen out harmful ultraviolet radiation is essential for keeping your eyes healthy.
Large wraparound lenses offer the best protection.
Image: Wavebreakmedia/Thinkstock
When you buy sunglasses, your primary aim might be to find a style that looks good on you and is comfortable. If so, like almost half of people selecting sunglasses from the racks, you've failed to consider the most important detail—the amount of harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation the lenses screen out.
Concern about recurring hiccups
Hiccups are often caused by many everyday situations, including distention of the stomach (which can be the result of overeating), swallowing air, or drinking carbonated beverages. They usually go away on their own, but episodes that last longer than 48 hours could be a sign of certain medical problems.
Why isn’t my doctor seeing me for routine visits any more?
Ask the Doctor
Q. I've found lately that when I make a routine appointment with my doctor's office, I may be seen by a physician assistant or nurse practitioner instead of my doctor. I really don't have any complaints, but I'm wondering why they seem to be taking on things that my doctor used to handle. Is this a new trend?
A. In my practice, many patients see a nurse practitioner instead of me. The appointment might be for an initial visit to get established in the practice, for routine prenatal care, for an urgent issue such as a miscarriage, or for bothersome symptoms such as those from a persistent yeast infection. If a woman has complex medical issues, the nurse practitioner immediately consults me, and together we decide the best next steps.
Should my daughter have her labor induced?
Ask the doctors
Image: Thinglass/Thinkstock
Q. My daughter is 38 years old and pregnant with her first child. Her due date is in two weeks, and her doctor has recommended that she have labor induced a week early. Why can't she just allow nature to take its course?
A. Having a baby when you're "older" can have some advantages—women may feel more secure with them-selves, their relationships, or their careers. However, expectant moms 35 or older—and their babies—have some increased pregnancy-related risks.
Even a little exercise linked with lower stroke risk in people with afib
Testosterone therapy without evidence of deficiency may boost heart risk
Weight-loss drug may lower risk of heart attacks and infections
What to eat on the DASH diet
Migraine: How it's diagnosed and what that means
Tricep workouts you can do at home
Mindfulness practices to reduce stress and improve focus
Antihistamines may not offer meaningful relief from eczema symptoms
Overweight and taking blood pressure medications: Study finds it's a trend that's working
FDA approves first mRNA-based flu vaccine
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