Contrary to previous beliefs, a January 2022 policy brief from the World Heart Federation (WHF) dispels the notion that red wine, even in moderation, is beneficial for heart health. According to Dr. JoAnn Manson, the Michael and Lee Bell Professor of Women’s Health at Harvard Medical School, alcohol, including wine, has adverse effects on various […]
Monthly Archives: December 2023
Upon rising from bed this morning, you experienced a brief episode of lightheadedness and unsteadiness. Although the sensation quickly subsided, concerns about its potential link to a severe health issue linger. Such occurrences, commonly referred to as dizziness, encompass a spectrum of sensations, including feeling floaty, unsteady, or lightheaded. In some cases, individuals may experience […]
The pandemic has given rise to pervasive feelings of grief and mourning for many individuals, leading to the inclusion of prolonged grief disorder as an official mental health disorder by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). This disorder can manifest when someone close has passed away within the last 12 months, causing intense longing and preoccupation […]
In the absence of contrary information from the individual, it is advisable to assume that someone with a back injury may also have a neck injury. Begin by positioning a board, such as a door or table leaf, adjacent to the person. Ideally, the board should extend beneath the buttocks to the feet and above […]
Decades of research, including recent studies involving descendants of participants in the Framingham Heart Study, consistently emphasize the positive impact of physical activity on heart health. Dr. Hicham Skali, a cardiologist at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital, highlights the crucial role of exercise in promoting a healthier and longer life. The Framingham Heart Study, initiated […]
With the onset of cold, cough, and flu season, it’s crucial to be aware of the risks associated with acetaminophen—the pain and fever reliever present in Tylenol and various other over-the-counter medications. While billions of acetaminophen doses are safely consumed annually, accidental overdoses still lead to fatalities, and many individuals find themselves in emergency rooms. […]
The study you’re referring to, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, supports the idea that yoga can be beneficial for individuals experiencing low back pain. In this 12-week study, researchers compared the effectiveness of a yoga program with the usual care provided by the National Health Service in the UK. The results indicated that […]
When addressing blood pressure management, healthcare professionals often prioritize lowering the top (systolic) number, which is well-founded. Aggressively treating high systolic pressure has been established as an effective strategy for reducing the risk of heart attacks or strokes, according to Dr. Stephen Juraschek, a blood pressure specialist at the Hypertension Center of Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel […]
The standard treatment for what doctors commonly term as “routine” back pain, surprisingly, involves conservative measures such as over-the-counter pain relievers, ice and heat application, and gentle exercise. Despite this, a significant number of unnecessary tests, prescriptions for narcotics, and referrals for surgery have been prevalent in medical practices. Dr. Bruce E. Landon, a professor […]
Bed rest can be beneficial for back pain, especially if the pain is severe while sitting or standing. However, it’s essential to limit bed rest during the day to a few hours at a time and for no more than a couple of days. Prolonged bed rest can have negative consequences. If you need to […]