Skip to main content

Alzheimer's Disease Archive

Articles

Easing summer swelling

Lower leg and foot swelling is most often the result of an abnormal buildup of fluid, which doctors refer to as edema. Fluid tends to flow downhill, making it more likely to pool in the lower parts of the body. Excess fluid retention can be triggered by many things, including eating too much salt, heat, drinking alcohol, or standing for a long period of time. To reduce it, reduce dietary sodium, elevate the feet at the end of the day and wear support stockings.

Fostering healthy relationships

While positive interpersonal relationships can boost health, the opposite is often true when it comes to problematic relationships. Chronic emotional stress may put a person at higher risk for a number of health problems, including cardiovascular disease and even bone-related problems. If a relationship is unhealthy, strategies such as setting boundaries, communicating clearly, and limiting interactions with the person can help.

How can you manage anxiety during pregnancy?

During pregnancy it's completely normal to experience a certain amount of anxiety about the baby, giving birth, and becoming a new parent. But for some women this worry takes over their thoughts and becomes debilitating. There are treatments available that may or may not involve medication, depending on the individual situation.

Not yet ready for cataract surgery? Try these tips

Cataracts often affect vision as people get older. The surgery is quick and effective, but most cataracts progress slowly, so in the early stages you may want to make some adjustments to your home and daily behavior to make living with cataracts easier.

Tendon trouble in the hands: de Quervain's tenosynovitis and trigger finger

Painful conditions like de Quervain's tenosynovitis, inflammation of the tendons that move the thumb, and stenosing tenosynovitis, or trigger finger, when a digit becomes locked, can develop due to overuse or repetitive movement.

Back to the future: Psychedelic drugs in psychiatry

There is a renewed interest in the potential for psychedelic drugs to be used for medical purposes in the treatment of a variety of psychiatric conditions. Broadly, these drugs are able to induce altered thoughts and sensory perceptions, and research has found them to be beneficial in treating depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, and they can also be helpful for some people in end-of-life situations.

By the way, doctor: Is it okay to take a stool softener long-term?

I have been taking a stool softener daily for two months. It's helped with my constipation. Are there any risks to taking a stool softener on a long-term basis?

By the way, doctor: Should I be worried about a kidney cyst?

Recently, I had a pelvic ultrasound to evaluate uterine fibroids. During the procedure, the radiologist found a cyst in one of my kidneys. Should I be concerned about kidney cancer?

Genital herpes: Common but misunderstood

Studies report that at least a quarter of all adults are infected with the sexually transmitted herpes virus. A guide to managing its sympoms and protecting yourself from this highly infectious disease.

Free Healthbeat Signup

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Sign Up
Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE 38-page gift.

PLUS, don’t miss out on your 25% off promo code.

Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle—You’ll discover powerful, research- backed strategies for health longevity drawn from Harvard Medical School experts—ways to eat for a longer life, build strength and flexibility to stay independent, protect your bones, heart, and brain as you age, and even cultivate the habits linked with “super-agers” who stay sharp and active well into their 80s and 90s—all delivered to your email box FREE.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of HEALTHBEAT ESSENTIALS: 10 Keys to Living Well at Any Age!.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of HEALTHBEAT ESSENTIALS: 10 Keys to Living Well at Any Age.