Women's Health Archive

Mind-bending puzzles aren't the only route to improving memory and reason. Activities that engage your emotions and senses may be even better.

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In the midst of promotions for commercial brain training programs to ward off age-related cognitive decline, a few studies are beginning to indicate that simple pleasures may be even more productive. You may find that doing one of the following is an easier and more rewarding way to boost your brain than doing computer-based exercises.

1. Care for a dog

3.Play with a child

Electroacupuncture may be an effective alternative to medication for relieving hot flashes causing sleep disturbances in postmenopausal women.

In a large United Kingdom study, regularly practicing racket sports, swimming, or aerobics significantly reduced the risk of dying over eight to 13 years. 

New, improved devices and apps may better guide you to exercise at the right intensity to help your heart.

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Perhaps the best-known problem with fitness trackers is that people often retire them to a junk drawer after a few months, once the novelty of using them wears off. But that's not the only shortcoming with these devices, which are typically worn around the wrist or clipped to clothing.

Sure, they'll count your steps, display your heart rate, and even estimate how many calories you've burned—although you'll probably need to sync your tracker with an app on your smartphone, tablet, or computer to see these data. However, very few of the popular free apps of this type are grounded in published evidence. And they don't necessarily follow well-established exercise guidelines. Even if you do meet recommended daily exercise goals—like 30 minutes of brisk walking or 10,000 steps—how do you know if you're really working your heart enough to keep it healthy? And what if you've been sedentary for years or have a chronic medical condition—can an app help you exercise safely?

If cancer runs in your family, there is much you can do to recognize your potential risk and catch the disease before it strikes.

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You may remember stories of your father's military service and your mother's hometown, but how much do you know about your family's medical history? In particular, do you know whether anyone on your mom or dad's side ever had cancer?

"Family history can be one of the first lines of defense in preventing cancer," says Dr. Huma Q. Rana, clinical director of the Center for Cancer Genetics and Prevention at Harvard-affiliated Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Salicylic acid, a prescription-strength medicine, and cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen are common treatments for plantar warts. However, if these do not work, consult with a dermatologist or podiatrist about other options like other injected and topical drugs or laser therapy.

Here's what to do when certain foods disagree with you.

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You probably remember an occasion when you ate something that did not agree with you. But if your stomach issues have become severe and frequent, you might have a food intolerance.

"Food intolerances puzzle many older men, since foods they long enjoyed suddenly give them problems," says Evagelia Georgakilas, a registered dietitian and nutritionist with Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. "They might tough it out and suffer in silence, but by identifying the problem foods, making adjustments in portion sizes, and switching out certain foods as needed, they can avoid painful and recurring digestive issues."

Some tests that are widely offered for screening aren't advised for generally healthy people and may lead to unnecessary procedures.

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You've probably had more than a few screening tests—blood pressure and cholesterol checks, mammograms, Pap smears, and colonoscopies. However, health fairs and clinics often promote screening tests you might not have had. If you've wondered whether they're a worthwhile investment in your health, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) can help you. The USPSTF is a panel of primary care physicians and epidemiologists appointed and funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its role is to develop clinical practice guidelines—recommendations for clinicians about the care of patients with specific conditions. Other health organizations also develop guidelines.

"We've known for some time that there is a wide variation in the way medicine is practiced across parts of the country," says Dr. Mark Aronson, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. "Guidelines are based upon the best available research evidence and practice experience and are meant to give guidance to doctors for best practices."

 Scientific evidence doesn’t support taking cranberry extract to prevent urinary tract infections.

There is no scientific evidence to support vaginal steaming, in which a woman sits over a bowl of steaming herb-infused water.